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President Biden’s rescue dog Major gets the first “Indoguration” before moving to the White House

By The German Shepherd Dog Community
January 26th, 2021

President Joe Biden and his wife made big news when they adopted a shelter dog in 2018. The German Shepherd joined the couple’s purchased German Shepherd, Champ.

And on January 20th, animals returned to the White House!

To celebrate, the Deleware Humane Association, where the Biden’s adopted Major, held an “Indoguration” for the pup a few days prior to celebrate him being the first shelter dog to ever live in the White House (there have been other rescue animals, but never a shelter pup).

Putting pets back in the White House

While his predecessor claimed he just wasn’t a pet person, he did admit he liked dogs. However, people are excited to see them roaming around the people’s house once more.

And Major and Champ are exceptionally handsome First Dogs!

Major was surrendered to the shelter shortly after he was born when his litter was exposed to a toxic substance in their owner’s home. Unable to afford the expense, he was turned over to the Deleware Humane Association.

The Bidens fostered Major at first, but couldn’t let him go.

Now he’s around 3 years old and was at the center of a celebration on January 17th.

The big event

Major was not available to attend the Indoguration because “he and Champ are hard at work in preparation for their big move this week,” said NBC “Today” show’s Jill Martin, who also emceed the virtual ceremony.

But the online event was a huge success, with people logging in from around the country and raising over $100,000 for the Deleware Humane Association, which is a nonprofit no-kill animal center.

Those who attended could nominate their own pets for the position of Secretary of Rescue Dogs in Major’s “cabinet” (luckily, they don’t have to attend congressional hearings or be subject to a vote in the Senate!). They received over 7000 nominations and five dog finalists appeared decked out in bowties were introduced to the audience by teen entrepreneur Sir Darius Brown.

Brown announced the winner at the ceremony – Harper, a certified therapy dog. According to USA Today, she was “awarded the position for her work visiting nursing homes, overcoming heartworm disease and ‘becoming the best support system for everyone she meets.’

The ceremony included video footage from the day Biden officially adopted Major in November 2018.

A star-studded event

And this was no dog and pony show! In fact, organizers managed to line up singer Josh Groban to closed the ceremony with a special song. He rewrote Patti Page’s “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window,” which became”I’m Adopting That Doggie In the Window.”

“In this crazy, insane, divided world, we need animals to bring us together,” Groban said as he congratulated the incoming President and First Lady.

The ceremony also featured videos of animals at DHA waiting to find a fur-ever home. It was also co-hosted by Pumpkin Pet Insurance.

A momentous occasion

The historian in residence at The Presidential Pet Museum, Andrew Hager said having the first shelter pet in the White House is a momentous occasion:

“I think Major being the first shelter dog is also kind of reflective of Americans and our history as well. We are at this point where Americans are much more inclined to adopt a pet now than we’ve ever been, and the Bidens reflect that change.”

In addition to all the hoopla surrounding the Indoguration and following inauguration, Champ and Major will get one more surprise. CBS Sunday Morning reported that the Bidens are planning to adopt a cat as well!

Be sure to scroll down below to see more of Major’s story of hope and love.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: USA Today, NPR, Facebook – Deleware Humane Association

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