Sunny, the Obama family's Portuguese Water Dog, has died at the age of 13, former President Barack Obama announced Friday. He described the loyal canine as a "cherished member of our family" who was "fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days."
"Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family," Obama wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He recalled Sunny as a dog who was "pretty much perfect" and was consistently by their side throughout her life with the family.
The Obamas acquired Sunny in 2013, early in Barack Obama's second presidential term. She joined the family's other Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, who had arrived in 2009 as a gift for daughters Sasha and Malia. Bo died in 2021.
During their time in the White House, Sunny met numerous high-profile visitors, including foreign dignitaries and Pope Francis.
Obama remembered Sunny for her "boundless energy," noting her ability to leap over hedges on the South Lawn. He shared that she particularly enjoyed playing with the family, rolling on the floor, and having her belly rubbed. He also mentioned her affection for "the girls," even when they were playfully bothering her, and her tendency to follow and "help" White House staff.
He also humorously noted that Sunny was "a loud and sloppy drinker" and disliked getting wet. For thirteen years, he said, Sunny was a constant, loyal, and sweet companion ready for adventure.
Obama concluded by stating that the family would miss Sunny terribly and that she was now reunited with her "big brother," Bo.