Former U.S. President Barack Obama has announced the death of Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dog who had been part of the Obama family for 13 years.
Obama shared the news on Wednesday, saying the family had “lost a cherished member of our family.”
Sunny joined the Obama family at the beginning of Obama’s second term in the White House. According to Obama, the family — including their first dog, Bo — immediately fell in love with her.
“She was a force of nature,” Obama wrote, describing Sunny as athletic and full of boundless energy.
Sunny Became Part of the Obama White House Family
Sunny joined the Obama family during their time in the White House and quickly became known for her energetic personality.
Obama recalled how she would leap over the hedges on the South Lawn while chasing squirrels, birds and other moving animals.
Unlike Bo, whose affection could often be won with a treat, Sunny preferred more active attention.
Obama said she enjoyed having the family run around with her, roll on the floor with her and rub her belly for as long as they were willing.
Obama Recalls Sunny’s Personality
Sunny was particularly attached to the Obama family and their White House team.
Obama said she loved his daughters and also enjoyed following members of the family’s team around while they worked.
He described her as fiercely protective of Bo, whom Sunny appeared to recognize was not always as alert and attentive as she was.
The former president also remembered several of Sunny’s unusual habits.
Despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, Sunny hated getting wet. Obama also recalled that she was a loud and sloppy drinker.
She generally preferred people to other dogs, with Bo being the notable exception.
Sunny Was With the Family for 13 Years
Obama said Sunny remained by the family’s side for 13 years, describing her as loyal, sweet and always ready for an adventure.
He also remembered her as being “fiery and gorgeous” until the end of her life.
For the Obama family, Sunny was much more than a dog who lived at the White House. She remained a close family companion long after their time in the presidential residence.
Obama ended his tribute by saying the family would miss her terribly.
He also imagined Sunny reunited with her “big brother” Bo and looking after him.
Sunny Joined Bo in the Obama Family
Sunny was introduced to the Obama family during Obama’s second presidential term and became a companion to Bo, the family’s Portuguese Water Dog who had arrived at the White House earlier.
Obama’s tribute makes clear that the two dogs developed a close relationship, with Sunny taking a particularly protective role toward Bo.
The family had publicly shared their dogs with the world during Obama’s presidency, making them familiar figures from the White House years.
Sunny’s death now marks the loss of another important member of the Obama family.
Obama did not provide a cause of death in his announcement.
