Major Biden ‘Indoguration’ to benefit Delaware Humane Jan. 17

Delaware Humane Association and Pumpkin Pet Insurance will host a virtual fundraising event Sunday, Jan. 17, to celebrate the “Indoguration” of Major Biden, the first rescue pup ever to become First Dog.

The event will celebrate Major’s journey from the shelter to the White House and raise funds for Delaware Humane to help more shelter animals like Major find their forever homes. It also will help spread awareness about the need to help pet owners who are financially struggling to care for their pets.

Delaware Humane and Pumpkin are inviting people and their pups to help set the record for the largest virtual gathering of dogs, with a goal of 1,000 attendees. Each attendee is asked to donate a minimum of $10, with 100 percent of the funds raised directly benefiting Delaware Humane to help support the shelter’s vital pet and pet-owner community services.

Jill Martin, lifestyle contributor for the “Today” show, will emcee the event. Other notable rescue dogs and/or their parents plan to join the festivities as well, including Lindsey Vonn’s three rescues, Bear, Lucy and Leo.

As the pandemic continues and unemployment rises, many pet parents are faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether or not to surrender their animals in order to stay afloat financially. Delaware Humane saw record demand in 2020 for essential relief efforts through its free pet food pantry and affordable veterinary care.

Participants can nominate their pup to be part of Major’s Cabinet as Secretary of Rescue Dogs. The top nominees will be announced during the virtual event, and the winner will be ‘elected’ by philanthropist, animal advocate and founder of Beaux & Paws, Sir Darius Brown.

“We are thrilled to participate in what will hopefully be the world’s largest Zoom call for dogs,” said Patrick J. Carroll, Delaware Humane Association executive director. “2020 was a tough year for all of us financially – both for animal shelters and pet owners alike. Here at DHA, our mission is to make friends for life by connecting people with animals, and by building strong relationships to better serve our community. With Major heading to the White House, it’s our sincere hope that we can continue to connect more homeless animals with families than ever before. If a shelter dog is good enough for the White House, they’re good enough for your house!”

“I can't think of a better way to kick off the new year than by hosting this Indoguration with the Delaware Humane Association," said Alexandre Douzet, Pumpkin Pet Insurance founder and CEO. "Pumpkin is dedicated to the health and safety of animals, and through this fundraiser, we will be able to aid in DHA's crucial efforts to provide pet owners with the pet care support they need. We are excited for a successful event that will continue the conversation around encouraging the adoption of shelter pets.”

The announcement that Major will be the first rescue pet in the White House has already shed much-needed attention on the value of pet adoption, with Time magazine naming rescue animals as this year’s Pet of the Year. Organizers hope to have the fundraiser recognized as the largest virtual gathering of dogs, and help more shelter pets like Major get a chance to live the American dream.

To register, go to DelawareHumane.org.