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Puppy love: White House welcomes newest addition, Commander Biden

By Kelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Kelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

WASHINGTON — Looks like the Bidens will have one more stocking to hang on Christmas Eve.

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President Joe Biden on Monday introduced the world to Commander, the newest resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The German shepherd puppy certainly looks ready to frolic and joins First Pets Major and Champ. Fox News reported, however, that the Bidens are in the process of re-homing Major, also a German shepherd, with family friends after trainers recommended a more quiet environment for the older animal.

The Bidens received the pure-bred puppy on Monday as a birthday gift from the president’s brother, James Biden, and his sister-in-law, Sara Biden, according First Lady Jill Biden’s office told Fox News.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio Humane Society cautions people tempted to adopt a pet during the holidays - either for themselves or someone else - to consider carefully the considerable commitment involved.

>> Related: Biden’s dogs, Champ and Major, return to White House

According to the agency, prospective adoptive pet parents should consider the following:

  • Holiday excitement is temporary, but an adopted pet represents a long-term commitment, with the average lifespan of a house cat between 12 and 18 years and the average lifespan of a dog between 10 and 15 years, depending on size and breed.
  • If you’re considering adopting a puppy or kitten, remember this: they’re babies. They’ll need to be potty-trained. They’ll need constant supervision. They’ll need to be forgiven when they tear up or destroy your personal property, and they’ll need positive reinforcement to help them learn their manners and grow into adult pets.
  • A “surprise” pet may not be the best way to introduce a furry friend to a new home. Make sure everyone is on the same page and that a clear division of labor is in place to handle all vet care, exercise, grooming, potty training, obedience training, etc.
  • Do your research. Consider the prospective family member’s size, personality, age and temperament with other people and pets.
  • Pets can be expensive. They require food, supplies and vet care, not to mention “obedience” training for the more spirited breeds.

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