Bidens announce death of family dog Champ

The letter reads, in part: "Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home."

"He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years, and was adored by the entire Biden family," the statement continues.

"Even as Champ's strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub. Wherever we were, he wanted to be, and everything was instantly better when he was next to us," the announcement reads.

".... In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion, We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always," the Bidens write.