The White House expressed dismay at South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s comments suggesting that President Joe Biden’s dog should suffer the same fate as her own dog, which she admitted to shooting. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Noem’s comments disturbing and absurd, emphasizing that the country values and loves dogs. Noem’s admission of killing her dog Cricket in a gravel pit because it was “untrainable” has sparked bipartisan outrage, especially considering she was once considered a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump.
In her book and subsequent media appearances, Noem implied that she would have Biden’s dog, Commander, put down if she were president in 2025. Commander had been sent away from the White House in October due to multiple biting incidents involving Secret Service personnel and other staff. Noem raised the question of when a decision should be made about a dog that poses a danger due to attacking and hurting people. Internal documents revealed that Commander had bitten personnel in at least 24 incidents, prompting changes in operational tactics to ensure safety when the German shepherd was present.
Despite efforts to train and manage Commander’s behavior, the White House environment was deemed too challenging for the dog. Commander is currently living with Biden family members in Delaware, while the Bidens’ other dog Major had also been sent away after causing an injury to a Secret Service agent. The family expressed regret and heartbreak over the incidents, with President Biden joking about the situation at a fundraiser by referencing Harry Truman’s famous quote about having a friend in Washington by getting a dog.
The White House prioritizes the safety of those who work and protect them daily, leading to the decision to rehome Commander due to ongoing issues. Despite additional training, leashing, and consultations with animal behaviorists, the environment at the White House was not suitable for the dog. Noem’s comments about Biden’s dog prompted backlash, with many criticizing the insensitivity of her remarks. The situation involving Noem’s admission of shooting her dog and suggesting the same fate for Commander has brought attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership and ensuring the safety of both humans and animals.
The incident involving Commander has shed light on the challenges of managing a high-profile pet in a White House setting, with multiple biting incidents creating a serious workplace issue for staff. Internal communications indicate the need for caution and adjust operational tactics when Commander was present to avoid injuries. The decision to rehome the dog was made to prioritize safety and ensure a suitable environment for all individuals working in the White House. The ongoing debate surrounding Noem’s comments and the handling of the situation regarding Commander highlights the complexities of pet ownership in a high-stress and high-profile environment like the White House.
