Obama Family Mourns Loss of Beloved Dog Sunny

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama announced the death of their family dog, Sunny, on Wednesday. Sunny was 13 years old.

"Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family," the Obamas said in a joint statement shared on social media. "We will miss her terribly."

Sunny, a Portuguese water dog, joined the Obama family in August 2013, during Barack Obama’s second term in the White House. She was the family’s second dog, after Bo, another Portuguese water dog who arrived in 2009. Sunny spent nearly four years living at the White House and became a familiar presence.

The Obamas remembered Sunny as a "force of nature," describing her as athletic and full of boundless energy. They recalled how she would chase squirrels and anything else that moved on the South Lawn, often leaping over the hedges. While Bo was often motivated by treats, Sunny preferred attention and playtime, engaging in activities like rolling on the floor and getting belly rubs.

The statement also highlighted Sunny's protective nature towards Bo and her particularly close bond with the Obamas' daughters, Malia and Sasha. "As far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect, and for thirteen years, she would be by our side – always loyal, always sweet, always ready for adventure, still fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days," the Obamas wrote. They concluded by imagining Sunny is now reunited with Bo, "making sure he’s okay."

Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer. Sunny was 13 years old at the time of her death.