Major and Champ have a new home: The White House!

Major and Champ are German shepherds. Both belong to U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. The presidential pups moved into the White House this January when President Biden took office. Champ is 12. He’s already used to the spotlight. President Biden served as Vice President to Barack Obama. Back then, he handed out stuffed toys that looked like Champ on tours. Major is 2. He came to the Bidens from an animal shelter. He’s the first shelter pup to become a “First Dog.”

No pets have lived in the White House for the past four years. The Trump family didn’t have any. (Though Vice President Pence’s family did. The Pences lived at One Observatory Circle. Their rabbit, cat, and hive of bees lived there too.)

Why have pets in the White House? For the same reasons anyone keeps pets. Presidential pets can give their owners companionship, comfort, and entertainment. It is very challenging to serve as the president of a country. Any president is sure to face many people who disagree with his or her policies and actions. President Harry Truman famously said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” White House pets can also help Americans feel a connection to the presidential family.

Life is changing big time for the Bidens. And it’s about to change for these pooches in another way too. The Bidens are also getting a cat.

Do you pray for your nation’s political leaders?

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2