Champ Biden: President pays emotional tribute after ‘beloved’ White House dog dies
President named German Shepherd after phrase his father used to tell him as boy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden has announced the death of his pet dog Champ, aged 13.
The US president paid tribute to the family’s “beloved” German Shepherd in a statement on Saturday.
“Out hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home,” said Mr Biden, and first lady Dr Jill Biden.
“He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family.
“Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub.
“Wherever we were, he wanted to be and everything was instantly better when he was next to us.”
The Biden family got Champ from a breeder as a puppy in 2008, after Mr Biden was elected vice president, according to Politico.
They named him Champ as Mr Biden’s father had told him as a child, “Get up, champ,” when his life was difficult.
“He loved nothing more than curling up at our feet in front of a fire at the end of the day, joining us as a comforting presence in meetings, or sunning himself in the White House garden,” the Biden family added.
“In his younger days, he was happiest chasing golf balls on the front lawn of the Naval Observatory or racing to catch our grandchildren as they ran around our backyard in Delaware.
“In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion.
“We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always.”
Mr Biden restored a long tradition of having pets in the White House, with Champ joined by German Shepherd Major and a cat, when he took office in January.
Major, a former foster dog, was adopted by the Biden family in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association.
Donald Trump was the first president in more than 100 years to not have a pet of any kind at the executive mansion.
Former first lady Michelle Obama took to twitter to send her condolences to the Biden family.
“Champ was such a good boy, and we know how much he meant to your family over the years. Barack and I are sending all our love to you, and the entire Biden family,” Ms Obama tweeted at the president.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments