Former President Barack Obama announced on a Wednesday that the family’s 13-year-old Portuguese water dog, Sunny, has died. In a social media statement, the former president described the animal as a "cherished member" of the family who had been with them since his second term in office. Former first lady Michelle Obama reshared the announcement, which received more than 2 million views on the social media platform X within three hours of its posting.
The Obama family adopted Sunny as a puppy in 2013 to serve as a companion for their first dog, Bo. Bo, also a Portuguese water dog, was joined by Sunny during the Obama administration. The two animals were frequently referred to by the press as the "first dogs" and were often seen on the White House lawn.
In his memorial post, Obama noted the distinct personalities of the two dogs, stating that while Bo was motivated by treats, Sunny preferred physical interaction such as running and playing. He described Sunny as "athletic and full of boundless energy," though he noted she possessed a quirk of disliking water despite her breed's name. The former president stated that Sunny was a constant presence for his daughters, Sasha and Malia, and interacted with White House staff members during their workdays.
While the death of a family pet does not change federal policy or taxes, it highlights the transition of the former first family's life since leaving the White House. Readers who followed the Obama presidency would recognize Sunny from public appearances and official photographs. This event concludes the era of the "first dogs" for this specific administration, as Bo previously died of cancer in 2021 at age 12.
The announcement does not list a specific cause of death for Sunny, nor does it detail any upcoming memorial services or public events. The news follows a precedent of former presidents sharing personal milestones and losses with the public via digital platforms. No further updates regarding the family's plans for future pets or additional memorials were provided in the statement.