The patter of paws is being heard in the White House again following the arrival of President Joe Biden's dogs Champ and Major.
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The two German shepherds are the first pets to live at the executive mansion since the Obama administration. Former US President Donald Trump had no pets and was, in fact, the first commander-in-chief without one since the 1800s.
The Bidens adopted Major in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. Champ joined the family after the 2008 presidential election that made Joe Biden vice president.
The dogs moved into the White House on Sunday, following Biden's inauguration last week.
"The first family wanted to get settled before bringing the dogs down to Washington from Delaware," said Michael LaRosa, spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden. "Champ is enjoying his new dog bed by the fireplace and Major loves running around on the South Lawn."
Major is now the first shelter dog to call the White House home. The Bidens fostered him through the Delaware Humane Association, which last week held a virtual "indoguration" fundraiser to celebrate Major's journey from shelter pup to top dog.
According to AP, more than $200,000 was raised.
Major is "barking proof that every dog can live the American dream," the association said.
The Bidens have promised to add a cat to the White House as well. Press Secretary Jen Psaki predicted Monday that the future first feline will "dominate the internet."
Meanwhile, a children's book about the president's dogs is already a best seller.
Champ and Major: First Dogs, was ready in just two weeks, "despite the facts that picture books usually take about two to three years from the time the publisher buys them to when they come out," Seattle-based author and playwright Joy McCullough told ABC's Dallas affiliate WFAA on Friday.
"People are just so excited for a change right now," McCullough said. "They are excited for some hope, you know, and brightness. And I think there's nothing more positive than dogs."
The book's message, she said is that "when you bring a rescue dog into your home, you are showing compassion and love for somebody who needs a home. And so, bringing that into the White House is kind of symbolic for the welcoming and hopefully loving attitude that this administration will bring to the country.
"But more simply, it's about dogs moving into a new home and being excited to be there. And hope in a new chapter," she said.
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