Joe Biden's german shepherd, Major, set to have own 'indoguration' ceremony

While America prepares itself for Joe Biden's inauguration as President, two German shepherds are preparing to move into the White House as well. Joe and Jill Biden share two dogs and their shelter dog is set to have their own "indoguration" in a virtual ceremony. While Champ has been with the family since 2008, Major was a recent addition from a shelter in 2018. Major will also be the first dog to go from a shelter to the White House. Delaware Humane Association, the shelter where Major was adopted from, plans to hold the virtual ceremony this coming Sunday, reported NPR. People and their canines from all over the world are invited to attend the ceremony. The "indoguration," co-hosted by Pumpkin Pet Insurance, will have Jill Martin of NBC's Today show along with "notable rescue dogs and their parents." All proceeds will support the Delaware Humane Association. "This is a monumental moment for shelter dogs," said Cory Topel, the shelter's marketing manager. Biden will also be the President to reinstate a tradition after Donald Trump became the first President in more than 100 years to not have a pet at the White house. 

Delaware Humane Association had received a litter of six German shepherd puppies in 2018 but they were struggling having been saved from a toxic substance. "They were very sick," said Patrick Carroll, executive director of the Delaware Humane Association. "They had gotten into a toxic substance. We're not sure what. The dogs were lethargic, vomiting, and hospitalized for a few days," said Carroll. They got better with fluids and medication. President-elect Joe Biden fostered one of the puppies after his daughter, Ashley Biden, shared a post showing the shelter was looking for a foster home. Biden had long wanted a companion for the ageing Champ. "He just dropped in on Easter Sunday of all days and wanted to meet the puppies," said Carroll. Within months, Biden had returned to officially adopt Major in November 2018. The Bidens are also planning to adopt a cat which could move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20th along with the two German shepherds.

Carroll is hopeful that Major's story will inspire others to adopt pets. "This is shining a light on all of the resources animal shelters bring to a community," said Carroll. "If you need pet food because you're struggling, or you need low-cost vaccinations to keep your pet healthy, all the things people need, they should see their shelter as a resource," he added. The dogs also prominently featured in Biden's campaign ads in the run-up to the Presidential election.

Major Biden made the headlines last year after Joe Biden fractured his foot while chasing the energetic dog. Biden was advised to wear a walking boot. “Initial x-rays did not show any obvious fracture,” said his doctor, Kevin O’Connor, before calling for a more detailed CT scan. The second scan found tiny fractures of two small bones in the middle of his right foot. “It is anticipated that he will likely require a walking boot for several weeks,” said O’Conner, reported The Guardian.

“What happened was I got out of the shower. I got a dog and anybody who’s been around my house knows — dropped, little pup dropped a ball in front of me, and for me to grab the ball,” explained Biden, according to Fox News. “And I’m walking through this little alleyway to get to the bedroom, and I grabbed the ball like this and he ran. And I'm joking, running after him and grab his tail. And what happened was that he slid on a throw rug, and I tripped on the rug he slid on. That’s what happened,” said Biden, before adding, “Oh man, not a very exciting story.” Biden will be the country's oldest president when takes office in January.