After biting several staff members, Commander, the dog of President Joe Biden, has been removed from the White House, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.
While they consider the “next steps” for the presidential dog, the Bidens have dispatched their two-year-old German Shepherd to an unidentified location.
The announcement followed reports from CNN and Axios that Commander, an adorable pooch who moved into the White House in 2021, had been involved in more biting incidents than was previously thought.
The Secret Service had admitted that 11 of its agents had been bit, but CNN said that the actual number was greater and that other White House staff members had also been attacked by the dog.
“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,” Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for Biden’s wife Jill, said in a statement.
“They remain grateful for the patience and support of the US Secret Service and all involved, as they continue to work through solutions.
“Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated.”
No other information was provided regarding Commander’s location or the permanence of the change.
On September 30, when photographers saw him on the Truman balcony of the president’s private quarters, Commander was last seen at the White House.
The Bidens have in the past attributed their pets’ boisterous behavior to the “stressful” atmosphere at the White House.
After another German Shepherd, Major, was taken to live with family friends in Delaware due to biting, Commander is the second of the Bidens’ dogs to be removed from the White House due to biting.
Champ, a cherished family pet, passed away in 2021 at the age of thirteen.
In December 2021, the First Family publicly welcomed Commander. Biden tweeted “Welcome to the White House” along with a picture of the puppy running while holding a tennis ball.
