Joe Biden introduces new puppy Commander to the White House in adorable video

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By Nika Shakhnazarova

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The White House just welcomed a new resident!

On Monday, December 20, President Joe Biden and his wife and First Lady Jill Biden introduced the world to their adorable new pup, Commander.

"Welcome to the White House, Commander," Biden, 79, tweeted along with a photo of the puppy running through the grass with a tennis ball in its mouth.

The president also shared a video welcoming the new pet and even playing fetch.

Commander is the third dog to move into the famous residence during Biden's presidency.

The president and First Lady brought along their two dogs, Champ and Major, when they moved into the White House in January.

It marked the first time in four years that a pet had lived at the presidential residence and the very first time a rescue dog called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home. The Bidens adopted Major from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018.

Commander's arrival comes six months after the death of the Bidens' German shepherd, Champ. On June 19, Biden announced the dog's passing, calling the 13-year-old canine a "loving companion."

Watch Joe Biden introduce Commander to the world: 

"Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home. He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family," the president and first lady wrote in a joint statement at the time.

The Bidens' 2-year-old dog, Major, initially left the White House earlier this yea to undergo additional training following a "biting incident" at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

A spokesman for the first lady told The New York Times this week that Major would be permanently moved to another home based on what the family believed was best for him.

"After consulting with dog trainers, animal behaviorists and veterinarians, the first family has decided to follow the experts' collective recommendation that it would be safest for Major to live in a quieter environment with family friends," the spokesman said.

"This is not in reaction to any new or specific incident, but rather a decision reached after several months of deliberation as a family and discussions with experts."

The Bidens are still awaiting the arrival of a foster cat, per The New York Times.

Featured image credit: ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy