Former President Barack Obama announced that Sunny, the family's Portuguese water dog who joined the Obamas in 2013, has died at 13. Sunny arrived as a companion for Bo and became a devoted, energetic member of the family. Obama remembered her as playful, protective of Bo, affectionate with Sasha and Malia, and beloved by staff. Michelle Obama previously joked that Bo and Sunny were so popular they had their own White House schedules.
Sunny, the Obama Family Dog, Dies at 13 — Barack Obama Shares Heartfelt Tribute
Barack Obama announces death of beloved dog Sunny who joined family in the White House
Sunny, the Obamas' beloved Portuguese water dog, has died at the age of 13, former President Barack Obama announced on Wednesday. Sunny joined the first family in 2013 as a companion for their other dog, Bo, and quickly became a familiar and much-loved presence in their lives and at the White House.
The Obamas adopted Bo in 2009 and welcomed Sunny at the start of Barack Obama's second term. Bo died of cancer in 2021 after 12 years with the family.
Sunny Obama has died at the age of 13 (Obama White House)
"Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family. 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," Obama wrote. "We also had trouble keeping up with her, for Sunny was 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, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved."
Obama described Sunny as a playful and affectionate dog who loved running, rolling on the floor for belly rubs, and spending time with the family. He added that Sunny adored daughters Sasha and Malia — "even if they were pestering her when she was napping" — and was a favorite among White House staffers.
He noted some of Sunny's quirks: she was fiercely protective of Bo, preferred people to other dogs, was a loud and sloppy drinker, and, despite her breed, disliked getting wet. "But 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," he wrote. "We will miss her terribly, and imagine she's with her big brother now, making sure he's okay."
The Obama family adopted Bo and Sunny in 2009 and 2013, respectively (Getty)
Public Appearances and a Lighthearted Legacy
Both Bo and Sunny became well-known for their appearances at the White House and often made cameo appearances at public events. Michelle Obama has joked about their popularity, saying the pair were so in-demand they effectively had official White House schedules: she would approve "briefing requests" for their appearances at events.
The family and many supporters have expressed condolences and fond memories following the announcement, remembering Sunny for her spirited personality and the joy she brought to the Obama family and to the public during their time in the White House.
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