(NEXSTAR)-President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden announced on Saturday that one of their German Shepherd champions has passed away.

In a joint statement shared in the White House briefing room, the president and the first lady described Champ as a “consistent and cherished partner for the past 13 years.”

“Even if Champ’s physical strength gradually weakened in the last few months, when we entered a room, he would immediately pull himself up, and his tail would always be wagging, rubbing our ears or abdomen with our nose. No matter where we are, He wants to go, and when he is by our side, everything will be immediately better,” read their statement.

Champion’s favorite hobby, according to Saturday’s statement, Including curling up in front of the fire and “basking in the sun” in the White House garden. In his early years, he often chased golf balls and played with Biden’s grandchildren.

“In our happiest moments and saddest days, he was with us and was sensitive to every self-evident feeling and emotion of us. We love our lovely good boy, and we will miss him forever, “The statement concluded.

Champ originally joined the Biden family in 2008. He is one of the two German Shepherds who moved into the White House in 2021. The other is the rescue dog Major adopted by the Biden family in 2018.

At the same time, the two dogs were temporarily removed from the White House in March. The major is a Secret Service agent. They came back a few weeks later, and then Major got involved Another biteAccording to a previous report by the Associated Press, at the time, Jill Biden’s press secretary attributed these incidents to Major “still adjusting to the new environment”.

Jill Biden has previously stated that the family will Welcome a cat, Although it is not clear when the first cat first appeared.

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between 12 and 14 years old, According to the American Kennel Club.