Former President Barack Obama shared sad news on Wednesday. His family’s beloved dog, Sunny, has passed away. She was 13 years old when she died. The announcement came from the 44th president himself. According to the New York Post, he described the Portuguese Water Dog as a “force of nature.” This pet was not just an animal; she was a constant companion for the Obama family.
The dog joined the family in August 2013. Their second term in the White House began at that moment. She was the second dog for the family. She joined Bo, who had arrived in 2009. ABC News reported that the couple called her a “cherished member of our family.” They shared this joint statement on social media. The news spread quickly after the post appeared.
Sunny had a lot of energy. She loved to run around the South Lawn. The Obamas wrote that she leapt over hedges as if they were not there. She chased squirrels and birds with great speed. The Washington Examiner noted she was athletic and full of boundless energy. She preferred people to dogs, according to her owner. She even liked to help the staff on their jobs.
She was very close to the Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha. Obama wrote that she loved the girls. He noted they sometimes pestered her while she napped. She was also fiercely protective of her brother, Bo. He was a “force of nature” too, but Sunny watched out for him. She sensed he was not always as alert as she was. Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer.
There were some funny moments too. Despite being a water dog, she hated getting wet. She was also a loud and sloppy drinker. These small details show how real she was to the family. The Obamas remembered her as loyal and sweet. They said she was ready for adventure until the very end.
The former president said they will miss her terribly. He imagined she is now with her big brother. He believes she is making sure Bo is okay. This sentiment was shared in a post on X. Sunny joined the family when their second term in the White House started. They all fell in love with her right away.
Sunny was a White House icon for many years. Her black, curly coat stood out on the green lawn. She even appeared in a famous selfie with Michelle Obama. There was one time she bit a visitor in 2017. The young man tried to kiss her and needed stitches. But the family still called her pretty much perfect. They said she would be by their side for thirteen years. She was always loyal and always sweet.
The Obamas wrote that she was fiery and gorgeous till the end of her days.
