Dr. Jill Biden has opened up about settling her dogs into their plush surroundings at the White House, in a recent interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The First Lady admitted she’s now fixated on helping the German Shepherds adjust to their new Washington DC home.
“I’ve just been obsessed with getting our dogs settled because we have an old dog, and we have a very young dog,” she told Kelly.
Dr. Jill and President Biden’s furry duo, Champ and Major, joined the couple on their move from Delaware to the White House in the New Year and have since been busy enjoying its elegant interiors and spacious gardens.
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Major, who was adopted into the family as a rescue puppy in 2018, has plenty of energy to explore the sprawling outdoor grounds, while 12-year-old Champ prefers to spend his days resting by the cozy fireplace. Although there's one rule the Biden family's dogs must follow, President Biden has also given the pair special privileges, likely as a reward for their consistently good behavior.
“They're really good dogs," Jill told People magazine in January.
“We trained them well from the beginning,” President Biden added.
But while the grandiose property undoubtedly promises a lot of perks for the canine pair, it has also introduced them to a few unfamiliar obstacles.
“They have to take the elevator. They’re not used to that,” she said.
Their high-profile residence also means a little less privacy - a reality they’ll have to adapt to over the next few years.
“They have to go out on the South Lawn with lots of people watching them,” she said.
“And that’s just rude while you’re trying to do your business,” Kelly joked. “That’s unfortunate.”
Luckily, Jill knows to let the dogs relieve themselves with dignity. “I turn my head,” she replied.
The First Lady then took Kelly to meet the famous dogs on the South Lawn, where they were lazing next to each other in the sunlight. "They run all over," Dr. Jill said, pointing to the iconic White House backyard.
Major seemed immediately interested in their guest, walking over to Kelly to say hello, while Champ remained fixed on the grass. The dogs will likely have a lot more to get used to as coronavirus restrictions lift and the White House once again welcomes the public through its iron gates.
