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Major is a rescue the Bidens adopted from the Delaware Humane Association shortly before Biden hit the campaign trail last year. Major and Champ joined the first family at the White House shortly after Inauguration Day, the Bidens winning praise for restoring the long tradition of presidents keeping dogs and other animals at the executive mansion.

\"PHOTO:
Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
PHOTO: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the Biden family dog Major prepare to tape a video segment with President Joe Biden for Super Bowl LV, Feb. 3, 2021, in the White House.
>

\"It had been previously planned already for the dogs to be cared for by family friends in Delaware during Dr. Biden's travels to military bases this week. She has a three-day trip this week, and the dogs will return to the White House soon,\" Psaki said.

She at first looked taken aback, but then responded firmly, when a reporter asked for assurance that Major would not be euthanized.

\"Well, certainly, Major Biden is a member of the family, so I can assure you that,\" Psaki said.

Dogs can bite or otherwise act aggressively for many reasons, explained Kitty Block, president and chief executive office of the Humane Society of the United States.

\"While serious dog bites are rare, accidents happen and we can reduce the prevalence of bites by understanding the signals that a dog gives when they are in an uncomfortable situation and removing the factor that is causing their fear or stress,\" Block said. \"For example, if a dog is overwhelmed by close proximity to strangers, we can work to avoid areas with lots of people or leave them in an environment where they are more comfortable.

\"PHOTO:
Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
PHOTO: President Joe Biden walks with the Biden family dogs, Champ, behind, and Major, front, Feb. 9, 2021, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
>

\"Dogs experience a transition period when settling into a new environment,\" Block said. \"Some dogs adjust to a new environment very quickly, while for others, the transition may take a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.\"

This is not the first time a first dog being has been involved in an incident at the White House.

Former President Barack Obama's Portuguese Water Dog Sunny bit a White House guest in 2017.

Former President George W. Bush's Scottish Terrier Barney was caught on tape biting a reporter in 2008.

\"PHOTO:
Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
PHOTO: President Joe Biden plays with the Biden family dogs Champ, right, and Major, left, on Feb. 9, 2021 at the White House on Feb. 24, 2021 in Washington, D.C.
>

After dealing with the dog drama, Psaki was asked about an updated on the promised White House cat.

\"Today's a good day for the cat. I don't have any update on the cat. We know the cat will break the internet, but I don't have any update on its status,\" she said.

ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky and Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

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