Former President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday the passing of Sunny, the family’s Portuguese water dog, who spent 13 years with the Obamas. The announcement, made through social media, conveyed the family's deep sorrow, stating, "Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family." Sunny joined the Obama household in August 2013, during Mr. Obama's second presidential term, to provide companionship for their first dog, Bo.
"Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family." Barack Obama, Former President of the United States
Sunny quickly integrated into the family and the public life of the White House. The Obama Foundation confirms that Bo had arrived at the White House in April 2009, making Sunny a White House resident for four years of the Obama administration. Mr. Obama recalled Sunny as an energetic and lively presence who became an indispensable part of their lives. "We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us – including our first dog, Bo – immediately fell in love," he wrote in his tribute.
Mr. Obama described Sunny as having considerably more energy than Bo. He often noted her athletic nature, recounting instances where she would jump over hedges on the White House South Lawn in pursuit of squirrels, birds, and other moving objects. While Bo could often be motivated by a treat, Sunny, according to Mr. Obama, thrived on attention and activity from the people around her. She particularly enjoyed running with family members, rolling on the floor, and receiving belly rubs.
Sunny also developed strong bonds with Mr. Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, and was known to frequently follow White House employees as they carried out their duties. "She was fiercely protective of Bo, who she rightly sensed wasn’t always as alert and attentive as she was," Mr. Obama stated, highlighting the unique bond between the two presidential pets.
Bo and Sunny became recognizable figures during their time in the White House. They regularly participated in White House events, holiday celebrations, and various public functions. Their popularity grew to such an extent that their appearances often had to be formally organized by the White House staff. Michelle Obama mentioned in 2015 that she received numerous requests for the dogs’ schedules and had to approve their appearances due to the public's desire to meet and photograph them.
Despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, a breed typically associated with water, Mr. Obama noted Sunny had an unusual aversion to getting wet. He also recalled other endearing eccentricities: "She had her eccentricities: other than Bo, she preferred people to dogs; she was a loud and sloppy drinker; and despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, she hated getting wet."
The Obama family previously experienced the loss of Bo in May 2021 after he battled cancer. Both Barack and Michelle Obama issued tributes at that time, remembering Bo as a constant and comforting presence throughout their years in Washington and beyond. Sunny remained with the family for another five years after Bo's passing. Reports indicate that the Obamas announced Sunny's death following her passing on September 15. The dog continued to be an energetic and affectionate member of the family, from her White House years through the era of the Obama Presidential Center.
In his final remarks, Mr. Obama reflected on Sunny's enduring spirit. "But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect, and for 13 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," he wrote. He concluded his heartfelt tribute by imagining Sunny reunited with her "big brother" Bo, "making sure he’s okay."
