Dog Bites Man: President Biden’s Troublesome Pup Takes Center Stage at the White House
In journalism folklore, “Dog Bites Man” is a monotonous headline that depicts a predictable incident – a non-news story that should never be written or read. However, what if the dog in question belongs to the President of the United States? And what if this presidential pup bites not one, but multiple individuals?
Meet Commander, Joe and Jill Biden’s two-year-old German shepherd. Last month, the U.S. Secret Service confirmed 11 “biting incidents” involving Commander at the White House. To add to the drama, CNN recently reported that the dog had actually bitten several White House staffers. As a result, Commander was sent away from the White House, while the next steps are being evaluated.
“The President and First Lady care deeply about the safety of those who work at the White House and those who protect them every day,” stated Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for the first lady. She also added that Commander is currently not on the White House campus.
The situation has been traumatic for all parties involved. Not only have the bite victims suffered, with at least one person requiring medical treatment, but Commander himself has to leave his only known family. Furthermore, the Biden family is now bidding farewell to their second family dog within three years of the President’s administration. Their older dog, Major, was also expelled in 2021 due to his biting tendencies.
Expelling the Bidens’ dog goes beyond just ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations; it also carries political implications. With a barrage of negative news stories bombarding President Biden – from impeachment proceedings to Hunter Biden’s legal issues, inflation, and declining approval ratings – the negative spotlight on Commander’s behavior is one aspect the President can potentially control.
The Commander saga has been building up for several months. Major’s biting incident with a Secret Service agent shortly after moving into the White House in 2021 resulted in his relocation to a family friend’s home in Delaware. Meanwhile, Commander’s biting issues have persisted. Reports emerged in July that the dog had attacked or bitten members of the Secret Service multiple times between October 2020 and January 2021. These incidents further strained the relationship between the Biden administration and the Secret Service, many of whom are reportedly supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Now, it appears that Commander’s biting episodes extend even further than previously reported, including multiple incidents involving White House executive staffers. When asked about the dog’s whereabouts, East Wing spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander declined to comment directly. No details were provided about how the Biden family is coping with the situation.
However, amidst all the chaos, one cannot help but wonder about Commander’s well-being and contemplate whether a different approach could have yielded better results.
Life as a President’s dog can be immensely stressful. The White House serves as a functioning office, a public museum, and a home, with constant foot traffic of visitors and residents. This chaotic environment can be overwhelming for dogs, even on normal days. With Secret Service members stationed outside every room and aides bustling through doorways, the sensory overload can be unnerving for canines. Additionally, the first family often embarks on official trips, sometimes leaving the dog behind in the care of staff members.
Human adaptation to these conditions is challenging enough, let alone for a dog who cannot fully comprehend the significance of their owner’s role in the world. According to Jennifer Pickens, author of “Pets at the White House,” presidential pets typically require time to adjust to the unique schedule and surroundings at the White House. They eventually find their rhythm, spending nights in the first family’s residence and enjoying freedom to roam the building during the day.
Not all dogs assimilate seamlessly into this environment or handle the constant attention well. In fact, some dogs may become irritated. They do not get to choose their status as part of the first family. For instance, Pushinka, a fluffy white puppy gifted to the Kennedys by the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, later exhibited nippy behavior. Similarly, Lucky, Ronald Reagan’s Bouvier des Flandres, was sent back to the family’s ranch due to her unsuitability for the Reagan White House.
Commander’s adaptation to White House life likely posed more challenges than usual. German shepherds are loyal and reliable companions, but they require dedicated training, particularly during their adolescent phase. This breed can be sensitive, and without proper guidance, they may create their own entertainment. Unfortunately, Commander seems to have missed out on crucial training opportunities, which is not entirely his fault.
Perhaps, with better training and attention, Commander could have thrived at the White House. He could have become a symbol of happiness and endearment for the American public. Instead, he has become a workplace hazard, a regrettable news headline, and now, a displaced pet.
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