Major Biden has come a long way in a few short years. This weekend, the shelter that the future first dog came from celebrated his "Indoguration."
The Delaware Humane Association hosted the event celebrating Major on Sunday, just days before his humans would become president and first lady of the United States. The virtual event, a partnership between DHA and Pumpkin Pet Insurance, was emceed by Today host Jill Martin.
Over 10,000 animal lovers tuned in and opened their hearts and wallets to support the cause. There were even some celebrity appearances to help support the organization that brought Major and the Bidens together. The Bidens welcomed Major to the family in 2018 after fostering him for some time.
Major and brother Champ won't be the only animals at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, either. The Bidens also plan to adopt a cat during their time in the White House.
Major Biden has a lot to celebrate as his humans become president and first lady of the United States. The rescue dog became a member of the Biden family in 2018. Joe and Jill decided to adopt Major, who joined their other dog, Champ, after fostering him for a period of time.
"We are so happy to welcome Major to the Biden family, and we are grateful to the Delaware Humane Association for their work in finding forever homes for Major and countless other animals," the Bidens said in a statement announcing Major's adoption.
At the time, Major had no idea his journey with the Bidens would bring him to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Major is the first rescue dog to live in the White House, which is a pretty big deal. To celebrate, the Delaware Humane Association teamed up with Pumpkin Pet Insurance to throw Major an "Indoguration." The event raised money for the rescue while celebrating Major's journey.
Over 10,000 animal lovers turned out for the virtual event. It was hosted by Today's Jill Martin and featured appearances from celebrity guests, including Josh Groban.
"In this crazy, insane, divided world, we need animals to bring us together," he told viewers.
He also sang a rewrite of "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window" by Patti Page. He changed the lyrics to "I'm adopting that doggie in the window."
It appears the president-elect was tuned into the event. His granddaughter, Naomi Biden, shared a photo of him and Champ lying together. "Ready for Indoguration," she captioned the shot.
The event raised over $200,000 for DHA. The rescue was touched by the outpouring of generosity and plans to use the donations to provide relief to pet owners struggling to care for their animals during the health crisis, as well as their continuous mission to find forever homes for all animals.
"Our DHA Team is truly astounded by the love and support we have received, in honor of Major," DHA's executive director, Patrick J. Carroll, said in a statement.
"We celebrate each and every time one of the animals in our care finds its forever home, and this one calls for a special celebration! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Indoguration and for the generous outpouring of donations. They will enable DHA to start this new year in a strong position, and will help so many animals and people. We are incredibly grateful."
"We are completely blown away by the support this event received and the incredible generosity shown towards the Delaware Humane Association," Pumpkin Pet Insurance's CEO, Alexandre Douzet, also stated.
"Helping as many animals as possible is part of our DNA at Pumpkin Pet Insurance, and we are so pleased to have worked with DHA's amazing team to ensure they are well-equipped to accomplish their organization's mission as we begin this new year."
Major and Champ will soon be joined by another pet in the White House. Jill revealed the couple hopes to adopt a cat as well.
"President-elect @JoeBiden and his wife @DrBiden won’t just be bringing their German shepherds, Major and Champ to the White House. The Bidens tell us exclusively that soon they’ll be joined by a cat," CBS Sunday Morning revealed in a tweet.
The cat will be the first to live in the White House since George W. Bush's family cat, India. The Clintons also had a cat, named Socks.
