Former US President Barack Obama is mourning the death of Sunny, the family dog he described as a beloved member of the family and a force of nature.
Obama said the family welcomed Sunny at the beginning of his second term in the White House, where she quickly became part of their lives and formed a close bond with their first dog, Bo.
Obama recalled Sunny as an energetic and athletic dog who was difficult for the family to keep up with.
“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family. We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us, including our first dog, Bo, immediately fell in love. She was a force of nature,” Obama said in a post on X.
“Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved.”
While Bo could usually be won over with a treat, Sunny had different ways of showing affection. Obama said she preferred having the family play and spend time with her.
Sunny also shared a close relationship with the Obama daughters, even when they disturbed her while she was sleeping.
“Sunny was more interested in having us run around with her, roll on the floor with her, or have her belly rubbed for as long as we were willing. She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping,” Obama said.
The former president said Sunny also became familiar with the family’s team, often following them around as they worked, adding that she was particularly protective of Bo, whom she appeared to regard as needing an extra watchful eye.
Despite her affectionate and energetic nature, Sunny had several quirks that Obama remembered fondly.
He said that, apart from Bo, she preferred people to other dogs. She was also a “loud and sloppy drinker” and, despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, disliked getting wet.
“But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect,” Obama said.
For 13 years, Sunny remained by the family’s side, accompanying them through their lives with what Obama described as unwavering loyalty and affection.
“For thirteen years, she would be by our side, always loyal, always sweet, always ready for adventure,” he said.
Obama said Sunny remained fiery and gorgeous until the end of her life, leaving the family with memories of her energetic and loving personality.
“We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” Obama said.
In May 2021, Obama's family mourned their Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, who died of cancer.
"Today our family lost a true friend and loyal companion. For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, gentle presence in our lives, happy to see us on our good days, our bad days, and every day in between," Obama said.
Obama said Bo tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House.
"...had a big bark but no bite, loved to jump in the pool in the summer, was unflappable with children, lived for scraps around the dinner table, and had great hair," he said.
"He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly."
Bo arrived at the White House as a 6-month-old puppy in April 2009. This was a gift from Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and his wife, Victoria, to the first children, Malia and Sasha Obama.
The Obamas named the dog Bo because their cousins had a cat with the same name.
Also, Michelle Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley, after the musician Bo Diddley.
The former first lady said: "This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend—Bo—after a battle with cancer."
She added: "We are grateful for the love you showed him over the years. Please hug the furry members of your family a little closer tonight—and give them a belly rub from us."
Via a post on his Twitter, Michelle said that although Bo was originally supposed to be a companion for Malia and Sasha, “We had no idea how much he would mean to all of us.”
