Victory for the Adopted
President Elect, Joe Biden, rescued a German Shepard named Major from the Delaware Humane Society in 2018. Major joined the other family dog, Champ, also a German Shepard. Rumors have it, the Bidens also plan to add a cat.
This is not Major - Check out Majors Instagram here for pics.
Although some people choose to adopt, many still purchase their animals. Animals in shelters can sometimes have behavioral or medical issues, but most shelters screen for that and will tell you what you're getting into. Major came from a litter of puppies surrendered by a family unable to afford veterinary care after the pups got into something.
Major will be the first shelter dog to live in the White House, a milestone for the adoption process and shelters everywhere. Other world leaders setting the adoption example are French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also have rescue dogs.
The Indoguration Event
The shelter that helped Major find his forever home is hosting a celebratory event "inDOGurating" Major into the White House. To attend the event, follow the links on the Delaware Humane Society website. You can register for this Zoom event by donating at least $10.
Adopt or Support Your Local Shelter
If adoption isn't right for you, consider supporting animals in need by fostering or donating. Contact your local shelter, or try these search services: Petfinder, the Humane Society, the ASPCA, or Adopt-a-Pet. Keep in mind that no-kill and reproductive health policies vary by location.
Support and Research for this article:
Story covered by UNILAD. Wikipedia's article on Major.
Photo credits: