The Bidens claim that Champ, their “beloved” German Shepherd who had been a part of their family since 2008, died on Saturday.
According to a White House spokesman, Champ passed suddenly at the Biden family home in Wilmington, Delaware.
The president and first lady of the United States, Joe Biden, said in a statement: “Our hearts are heavy tonight as we notify you that Champ, our beloved German Shepherd, died quietly at home.” The Biden family cherished him, and he had been our faithful friend for the previous 13 years.
The Bidens claimed that at the end of the day, he loved nothing more than to curl up at our feet in front of a fire, sit next to us in meetings for consolation, or sunbathe in the White House garden.
On the grass at the Naval Observatory, he chose to chase golf balls, and in our Delaware backyard, he loved to try and catch our grandchildren as they ran.
Champ joined the Biden family for the presidential transition a few weeks after Biden was named Vice President-elect in December 2008. On Saturday, the Bidens stated that Champ has been by their side during their “most joyful times” and “most bereaved days.”
Champ’s health had recently gotten worse due to his advanced age.
When the German Shepherd was a month old, Biden chose him from a litter at a breeder in Spring City, Pennsylvania.
Champ bought the dog, fulfilling Jill Biden’s promise to do so if he and Barack Obama won the election.
The Biden grandchildren assisted in naming the new puppy Champ during the 2008 holidays as a tribute to the name Joe Biden’s father gave his son, according to Biden’s press secretary at the time.
Biden said shortly after getting Champ, “I’ve had German Shepherds since I was a kid.
The Bidens obtained Major, a 3-year-old German Shepherd puppy, through the Delaware Humane Association in November 2018. In order to keep Champ busy and active, Biden told reporters earlier this year that he partially adopted Major.
The two puppies were the faces of Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign advertisements. Less than a week after taking office, Biden moved Champ and Major, restoring the presidential tradition of bringing dogs to the White House.
We regret to inform you that Champ, our beloved German shepherd, died quietly today at home. He was admired by the entire Biden family and has been a loyal friend for the past 13 years.
Even when his power waned in his final months, Champ would swiftly pull himself up, tail wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub.
Anywhere we were, he was drawn to be, and his presence was a relief. He was happiest when he curled up at our feet by the fire at the end of the day, when he brought serenity to meetings, or when he tanned himself on the White House lawn.
His favorite pastimes included rushing to catch our grandchildren as they ran through our Delaware backyard and chasing golf balls on the front lawn of the Naval Observatory.
He paid special attention to every unsaid sentiment and emotion, being there for us in both our happy and saddest times. We treasure and will never forget our adorable infant.
