Obama dealt devastating family blow as beloved dog Sunny dies: 'We will miss her terribly'

WASHINGTON, DC: The Obama family is mourning the death of Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dog who became a familiar presence during Barack Obama’s presidency and remained part of the family for 13 years.

The former president shared the news in an emotional message on Wednesday, September 16, remembering Sunny’s energetic personality, her affection for the family and close bond with their other dog, Bo.

Obamas devastated by Sunny's loss

Barack Obama announced Sunny’s death in a post on X, describing her as “a cherished member of our family.”

The family brought Sunny home at the beginning of Obama’s second term in the White House.

She quickly bonded with everyone, including Bo, the family’s first Portuguese Water Dog.

Sunny was known for her athleticism and seemingly endless energy.

Obama recalled how she would leap over the hedges on the White House's South Lawn while chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that caught her attention.

Her idea of affection was also different from Bo’s.

While Bo could usually be won over with a treat, Sunny preferred more active attention, running around with the family, rolling on the floor or getting her belly rubbed.

“She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping,” Obama wrote, referring to daughters Malia and Sasha.

He also remembered how she followed members of the family’s team around and seemed eager to participate in their work.

Obama also recalled some of her quirks: she preferred people to other dogs, drank loudly and messily, and disliked getting wet despite being a water-dog breed.

Despite those eccentricities, Obama said Sunny was “pretty much perfect” to the family.

“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,” he wrote.

Obama ended his tribute by imagining Sunny reunited with Bo, who died in 2021.

“We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” he wrote.

Dogs have a long White House history

Presidential dogs have been part of White House life for generations, with more than 30 of the 44 presidents before the current administration owning dogs while in office.

Some became famous beyond their role as pets.

George HW Bush’s Springer Spaniel, Millie, was associated with the bestselling 'Millie’s Book', while Bill Clinton’s Labrador, Buddy, became a recognizable White House pet.

George W Bush's Scottish Terrier, Barney, also gained attention through his own website and “Barneycam” videos showing the White House from his perspective.

President Donald Trump broke with that tradition during his first term by having no presidential pet.

The custom returned under Joe Biden, whose rescue dog, Major, became the first rescue dog to live in the White House.