Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/champ-and-major-first-dogs-book/

President Joe Biden and his two dogs, Champ and Major, have barely moved into the White House as of last week.

However, the two first dogs, both German Shepherds, are already being made famous in a brand-new children’s’ book titled, “Champ and Major: First Dogs.”

The plot of the book is simple yet sweet – it features Champ, who was a part of the Biden family back in 2008, taking the 3-year-old Major on a tour around the White House.

The book was written Joy McCullough and illustrated by Sheyda Abvabi Best. It was released on Tuesday, and has the following synopsis: “Champ and Major’s dad, Joe Biden, just got a really important job: He’s going to be the new president of the United States! Champ is excited to go back to the White House — he got to visit it when his dad was the vice president, before the family adopted Major, and he knows about all the important work that happens there. Major is going to be one of the first rescue dogs to live in the White House, and Champ can’t wait to show his little brother around. Soon, Champ and Major will be in their new home, and they’re going to bring a lot of fun with them!”

According to author McCullough, the 24-page book isn’t just a joyful story about two dogs living in the White House, it also is meant to highlight the wonderful effects that come from rescuing animals. As the author of the book explained to People, rescuing animals gives people an “exercise” in “compassion,” as well as helps animals in need find a better life. She added, “What better place to demonstrate these values for young readers than the president’s home?”

The story of Champ and Major is full of other useful tidbits about adopting animals from the shelter and finding the right pet for you. In fact, the book even reveals the wonders of fostering, noting that Biden fostered Major before deciding to adopt him.

In the book, the author included, “If the dog turns out to be a good match for your family, you can adopt. If not, the shelter can find a new home for the dog!”

The story of Champ and Major even had a cameo of Vice President Kamala Harris in it as well!

The president and publisher of Dial Books for Young Readers, Lauri Hornik, released a statement where she revealed that her social media had been overwhelmed by people who were expressing their joy at seeing animals return to the White House. According to People, in her statement, she wrote, “This is a news item that even the youngest kids can join in celebrating. How wonderful to be able to publish this darling read-aloud for all of those kids and their parents! Joy McCullough and Sheyda Abvabi have created a picture book that’s pure joy.”

The release of the children’s book was a virtual event that took place on the 17th of January. The event itself helped to raise more than $200,000 worth of donations for the Delaware Humane Association. This happened to be the same shelter where the Biden family adopted Major from.

The shelter’s executive director, Patrick J. Carroll, expressed how overwhelmed they were to be a part of what was potentially “the world’s largest Zoom call for dogs.” He added that 2020 had been a rough year financially for both shelters and pet owners everywhere – including their shelter. So he was extremely grateful for the donations as they will be helping the shelter continue on their mission of connecting animals in need with the forever families they deserve. He added, “If a shelter dog is good enough for the White House, they’re good enough for your house!”

The childrens’ book is currently available for purchase on Amazon for roughly $16.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog