(AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)(AP) – The patter of paws is being heard in the White House again following the arrival of President Joe Biden’s dogs Champ and Major. The dogs moved into the White House on Sunday, following Biden's inauguration last week. “Pets have played an important role in the White House throughout the decades, not only by providing companionship to the presidents and their families, but also by humanizing and softening their political images,” said Jennifer Pickens, author of a book about pets at the White House. Among the stranger White House pets was Calvin Coolidge and first lady Grace Coolidge’s raccoon Rebecca. But instead she got an embroidered collar with the title “White House Raccoon” and entertained children at the White House Easter Egg Roll.

In a few weeks, Major, fellow German shepherd Champ and the TBD feline are expected to make the move to the White House. The arrival of the Biden pets will also mark the next chapter in a long history of pets residing at the White House after a four-year hiatus during the Trump administration. “Pets have always played an important role in the White House throughout the decades,” said Jennifer Pickens, an author who studies White House traditions. Among the stranger White House pets was Calvin Coolidge and first lady Grace Coolidge’s raccoon named Rebecca. But instead she got an embroidered collar with the title “White House Raccoon” and entertained children at the White House Easter Egg Roll.