President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have shared the news of the passing of their “beloved” German Shepherd, Champ, who has been part of their family since 2008.
A White House representative confirmed that Champ passed away peacefully at the Biden family residence in Wilmington, Delaware. “Our hearts are heavy tonight as we share that Champ, our precious German Shepherd, died quietly at home,” expressed the Bidens. “For 13 wonderful years, he was our constant and adored companion, deeply loved by all in the Biden family.”
Champ was often seen as more than just a pet; he was a comforting presence at home, whether lounging by the fire at the end of the day or soaking up the sun in the White House garden. His joy included chasing golf balls on the front lawn of the Naval Observatory or playfully trying to keep up with the Biden grandchildren in the backyard of their Delaware home.
Champ became a part of the Biden family during the presidential transition in December 2008, shortly after Biden was elected Vice President. The Bidens recalled Saturdays when they welcomed him as a puppy from a breeder in Spring City, Pennsylvania. The purchase of Champ fulfilled a promise Jill Biden made to her husband that he could get a puppy if he emerged victorious in the presidential election alongside Barack Obama.
The Biden grandchildren affectionately named him Champ, a nod to Joe Biden’s father’s nickname for his son.
“German Shepherds have been a part of my life since childhood,” Biden mentioned following Champ’s adoption. His beloved presence accompanied them through their most joyous occasions and their toughest days.
In recent months, Champ’s health waned due to his age, but his loyalty never diminished. Despite his declining strength, Champ always tried to rise with his tail wagging, seeking ear scratches and belly rubs. His presence brought comfort, and his absence will be deeply felt.
The Bidens’ other German Shepherd, Major, is a young 3-year-old dog they adopted from the Delaware Humane Association back in November 2018. Earlier this year, President Biden shared that part of his decision to adopt Major was to ensure Champ had a lively companion.
During Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, both Champ and Major featured in various advertisements, symbolizing a return to a long-standing tradition of presidential dogs in the White House, with the pair moving in shortly after Biden’s inauguration.
“Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Champ, our cherished German Shepherd,” the Bidens reiterated. “For the last 13 years, he has been our steadfast friend, loved by every member of our family. Even as his strength diminished towards the end, Champ would muster the energy to greet us with a wagging tail, seeking a gentle pat or a comforting scratch.”
“Champ thrived on being near us, bringing a sense of ease to any setting. Whether curling up next to us by the fire or enjoying the warmth of the sun in the garden, he offered a calm that will be tremendously missed,” they reminisced.
“Joy for him meant playful pursuits, like chasing golf balls at the Naval Observatory or joining in the laughter of grandchildren as they dashed across our yard. He remained by our side through the highs and the lows, ever attentive to our emotions. We love our sweet, wonderful boy and will hold him in our hearts forever.”
