President Barack Obama shared on social media that Sunny, the Obamas’ Portuguese water dog, has died at the age of 13. The former president described Sunny as a “cherished member of our family” and praised her loyalty, sweetness, and adventurous spirit.
Sunny’s Years in the White House
Sunny arrived at the executive mansion in early 2013, joining Bo, another Portuguese water dog the Obamas received as a gift from the late Senator Ted Kennedy in 2009. The two dogs quickly became fixtures on the upper floors of the residence and the sprawling 18‑acre White House grounds, where they romped on manicured lawns and greeted visitors.
During the Obama administration, Sunny accompanied the First Family on official trips aboard Air Force One, including vacations to Hawaii and Martha’s Vineyard. In 2015, she even met Pope Francis in the White House Blue Room.
Family Memories and Personality
Former First Lady Michelle Obama recalled Sunny as a “free‑spirited rambler” who seemed uninterested in house‑training, given the size of the White House. President Obama noted that Sunny was “faster than Bo, jumps higher, and is friskier,” often providing a burst of energy that lifted the household.
Sunny’s playful nature sometimes led to mishaps. In a holiday event shortly after her arrival, she leapt onto a two‑year‑old child, who fell gently but was unharmed; Sunny promptly licked the child’s face in apology. On other occasions, she left “gifts”—small piles of waste—in hallways, prompting the president to remind staff that the Lincoln Bedroom area was still considered inside the residence.
Legacy and Final Years
When the Obamas left the White House in January 2017, Sunny and Bo moved with them to their Washington, D.C., home, helping the couple adjust to life as empty nesters after their daughters, Malia and Sasha, departed for college. Bo passed away in 2021 at age 12, and Obama reflected that Sunny was “fiercely protective of Bo” and will be missed dearly.
Sunny was born in 2012 in Michigan and was purchased from a breeder. To honor her arrival, the Obamas made a donation to the Washington Humane Society in her name, demonstrating support for shelter animals.
Current White House Pets
President Donald Trump, the current occupant of the White House, does not have any pets in the residence.
The loss of Sunny marks the end of a memorable chapter in White House history, where the dogs served as beloved ambassadors, bringing smiles to staff, visitors, and the nation alike.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
