US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden‘s pet dog, who was also informally called the ‘The first dog of the US’ died on Saturday at the White House, the President announced on Twitter. The passing away of Champ, a 13-year-old German Shepherd, left social media users in dismay as many passed on their condolences to the first family.

White House officials also wrote on Twitter remembering the deceased member of the President’s residence. Meghan Hays, the White House director for message planning revisited her memory of Champ’s time in the gardens, in which he loved to play with golf balls. She wrote, “May you find all the golf balls you deserve”.

Some social media users also commented on Biden’s tweet sharing their own experiences of their beloved pets’ demise and offered their best wishes to the family.

 A statement released jointly by the President and First Lady read, “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.”

Former US President Barack Obama, who was assisted by then-Vice President Joe Biden, also lost his dog early last month.