Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama announced on Wednesday the death of their family’s pet dog, Sunny. She was 13.
“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” the Obamas wrote in a joint statement shared on social media, later adding, “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 became the family’s second dog, joining Bo, another Portuguese water dog who joined the family in2009.
U.S. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (R) pose for a family portrait with their pets Bo and Sunny in the Rose Garden of the White House on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Photo by Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Images
The Obamas remembered Sunny, who became a frequent presence at the White House, as a “force of nature.”
“Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there,” the Obamas wrote, recalling how the dog would chase squirrels, birds and anything else that moved.
While Bo could often be won over with a treat, the Obamas said Sunny preferred attention and playtime, including running around with the family, rolling on the floor and getting belly rubs.
Sunny was also fiercely protective of Bo and particularly close with the Obamas’ daughters, Malia and Sasha, according to the former president and first lady.
“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 of Sunny. “We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay.”
Sunny spent 13 years with the Obama family, including nearly four years living at the White House. Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer.
Look back at photos of Sunny at the White House over the years.
In this handout provided by the White House, Bo (L) and Sunny, the Obama family dogs, on the South Lawn of the White House on August 19, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Sunny arrived today at the White House from Michigan. She was born June 2012.
Handout/Getty Images
US President Barack Obama’s family dog Sunny plays with journalists at the White House in Washington on September 9, 2013.
Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by her nephews Austin and Aaron Robinson and her dogs Bo and Sunny, receives the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House November 25, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, and Malia Obama with the family dogs Bo and Sunny, walk to the White House North Portico to receive the official White House Christmas Tree November 29, 2013.
Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images
Presidential dog Sunny is seen outside the White House Press Room as she was brought out for a walk by her handler September 9, 2013 at the White House in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Obama family dog Sunny takes a walk on the South Lawn of the White House on May 17, 2014 in Washington, DC.
Leslie E. Kossoff/Pool/Getty Images
Presidential dog Sunny is seen outside the White House Press Room as she was brought out for a walk by her handler September 9, 2013 at the White House in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
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