In another shot of the upbeat video, a masked president and Jill Biden, the first lady, strolled through the White House with a curious-looking commander pushing their leash.
The arrival of the “latest Biden,” as the president called the commander on Twitter, comes after the sad news in June that the champ, one of his two German shepherds, had died. The champ, who was 13 at the time, was mourned in a statement by the Bidens.
“In our happiest moments and our saddest days, he was with us, sensitive to our every unsaid feeling and emotion,” he said. “We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him forever.”
Commanders will continue the tradition of dog presence at the White House. And White House officials said one cat — a female whose name has yet to be announced — will join Bidens in January. In an interview this fall, Dr. Biden said the cat was living with a foster family and he was unsure if caretakers would be willing to give up the animal.
As he adjusts to White House life, Commander won’t have another dog to romance.
Biden’s other German shepherd, Major, was sent to the East Wing for training after a series of bite episodes. At the time, Ms Biden’s spokesman, Michael LaRosa, described it as “some additional training to help him adjust to life in the White House”.
Now, Mr. LaRosa said that the Major would live in another house.
Mr LaRosa said in a statement, “After consulting with dog trainers, veterinarians and veterinarians, First Family has decided to follow the experts’ collective recommendation to stay in a calm environment with family friends for Major would be safest.” “This is not a reaction to any new or specific incident, but a decision taken as a family after many months of deliberation and consultation with experts.”
Commander was born on September 1, making him the youngest Biden ever in the White House. The puppy was a gift from the president’s brother James Biden and sister-in-law Sarah Biden. The commander arrived at the White House on Monday afternoon and could be seen crying in the grass outside.
In addition to the short video clip, Mr. Biden also tweeted a picture of the commander, his big ears were fluttering as he ran with a green tennis ball in his mouth.
“Welcome to the White House, Commander,” wrote the president.
