From the Dog House to the White House - a Shelter Dog’s Journey

When a shelter dog is adopted, their new journey begins as they leave the care of dedicated shelter workers and into a new, loving home. This month, one shelter dog is moving into a REALLY big home.

Photo: Stephanie Gomez Carter/DHA

Major, a two-year-old German Shepherd was adopted from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018. His adopters just happen to be President-elect Joe Biden and soon-to-be First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Major joined Biden's resident German Shepherd, Champ, who already has some White House experience.

During Joe Biden’s time in The White House as Vice President to President Barack Obama, Champ spent that time with his good friends, Portuguese Water Dogs, Sunny and Bo Obama.

While it was first reported that Major would be the very first shelter dog to call The White House home, one did come before him. Yuki, a terrier mix, was the first rescue dog in The White House, rescued by Luci, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and given to him on Thanksgiving Day.

Photo: White House Staff, 1966

Speaking of presidential firsts, the very first rescue cat to live in The White House was Socks, a tuxedo cat, during the Clinton administration. He lived with The Clinton’s for 17 of his 19 years.

Major Biden will not only serve as First Dog, but also stands as an ambassador for all shelter animals with big dreams to find their very own dream homes with loving families.