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First Cat Willow patrols the White House
Photo: Erin Scott / AP
Jill Biden has written an illustrated book for children about her cat Willow. “Willow the White House Cat” is scheduled to be released in June and tells the story of how the gray tabby ended up in the White House.
The cat jumped onto the stage at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania during Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign and caught the eye of Biden's wife. The First Lady then adopted the four-legged friend and named him after her hometown Willow Grove.
"As Willow bounces from room to room and explores the history of her new home, she quickly meets all of the incredible people who keep the People's House running," the first lady said in the book's announcement. »Willow has made many new friends along the way and is giving the world a glimpse into the secrets of America's most famous address.«
Willow, now four years old, is the Bidens' only pet still living in the White House. They also previously had three German Shepherds. Champ died in 2021, Major and Commander were sent away after they exhibited aggressive behavior and bit Secret Service and White House employees, among others.
Proceeds will be donated to military dogs
The Bidens' cat is not the first presidential pet to appear in a book. George W. Bush Sr.'s dog Millie opened up about her life in the White House in "Millie's Book," and First Lady Hillary Clinton wrote a book about the letters sent to her pets, cat Socks and dog Buddy. Books have also been written about President Barack Obama's Portuguese water dog Bo.
Jill Biden plans to donate proceeds from sales of the book to charities that support military dogs. The first lady's previous children's books include "Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops" and "Joey: The Story of Joe Biden." She published her memoir “Where the Light Enters” in 2019.
czl/AP