'Our sweet, good boy': First pooch Champ Biden dies, age 13, after months in White House
Maria Puente
USA TODAY
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are mourning the loss of their first presidential pup, Champ Biden.
The president's aged German shepherd died at home just months after he helped bring canine joy back to the White House.
The president and first lady remembered the 'sweet, good boy" on Instagram Saturday.
"Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home," he wrote. "He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family."
Champ Biden on the South Lawn of the White House, March 31, 2021.
The elder of President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden's two German shepherds, Champ had been showing signs in recent months of fading energy during public appearances for walks on the White House grounds.
"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," Biden added.
Champ and his younger doggie comrade, the rambunctious, occasionally naughty 3-year-old rescue pup, Major, were the first dogs to take up residence in the White House since Sunny and Bo Obama moved out in 2017. Former President Donald Trump and his family were not dog people