Sunny joined the family at the beginning of his second term in the White House and quickly became inseparable from the Obamas and their first dog
By Moses Okorie
Former United States President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, are mourning the death of their beloved family dog, Sunny, who died after 13 years as a cherished companion to the Obama family.
Obama announced Sunny’s death in an emotional tribute, describing the Portuguese Water Dog as a much-loved member of the family who brought joy and companionship to them for more than a decade.
According to the former president, Sunny joined the family at the beginning of his second term in the White House and quickly became inseparable from the Obamas and their first dog, Bo.
“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” Obama wrote.
He described Sunny as “a force of nature,” noting her athleticism, boundless energy and playful personality.
Unlike Bo, who could often be won over with a treat, Obama said Sunny preferred physical affection and playtime, including running around with the family, rolling on the floor and having her belly rubbed.
“She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping,” Obama said, referring to his daughters, Malia and Sasha.
The former president added that Sunny also developed a close bond with members of the Obama team and would frequently follow them around as they carried out their duties.
“As far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect,” Obama said, recalling how Sunny remained by their side for 13 years, “always loyal, always sweet till the very end of her days.”
Obama said the family would miss Sunny deeply, while expressing hope that she was 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.
Sunny became a familiar figure during the Obama presidency and continued to feature in the family’s public life after they left the White House. Her death marks another loss for the Obama family following the passing of Bo, their first Portuguese Water Dog.