Obama Mourns Dog Sunny
Barack Obama Announces Death of Beloved Family Portuguese Water Dog Sunny
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Key Points
1
Barack Obama had promised daughters Malia and Sasha during his 2008 presidential campaign that the family would get a puppy; the choice of Portuguese water dogs was made in part because Malia had allergies and the breed is hypoallergenic.
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The family’s first Portuguese water dog, Bo, was gifted to the Obamas in 2009 by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, before Sunny joined the family in 2013.
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Bo died in 2021 after having cancer, according to former first lady Michelle Obama at the time.
The Obama family mourned the loss of Sunny, their Portuguese water dog, on September 16. Former President Barack Obama announced that Sunny had died after 13 years with the family, calling her a cherished
Sunny joined the Obamas in 2013 during Barack Obama's second term as president, six years after the family's first Portuguese water dog, Bo, arrived at the White House in 2009 The Washington Post. Bo died in 2021 from cancer. The Obamas chose Portuguese water dogs because daughter Malia had pet allergies and the breed is hypoallergenic Associated Press.
A Campaign Promise That Led to Sunny
In his 2008 victory speech, Barack Obama promised daughters Malia and Sasha they would get a puppy for the White House Associated Press. The family needed a dog that wouldn't trigger Malia's allergies. Portuguese water dogs fit perfectly—they shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic The Obama Foundation.
Senator Ted Kennedy gifted the family their first Portuguese water dog, Bo, in April 2009 Associated Press. Four years later, in August 2013, the Obamas welcomed Sunny as their second dog. Both served as loyal companions throughout the family's remaining years in the White House CBS News.
Sunny's Quirky Personality and Special Bond with Bo
Obama described Sunny as an athletic, energetic "force of nature" who was fiercely protective CBS News. She loved chasing animals around the White House grounds and was especially close to daughters Malia and Sasha. But Sunny had some odd habits for a Portuguese water dog—she disliked water and preferred people to other dogs The Washington Post.
Sunny's relationship with Bo was particularly special. Washington Post Obama recalled that Sunny "loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping." The family believes Sunny is now reunited with her older brother Bo in the afterlife. Obama wrote, "we imagine she's with her big brother now, making sure he's okay" CBS News.
A Public Face for the Obama Presidency
Both Sunny and Bo became well-known figures during their time at the White House. The dogs appeared at official events, including the annual Easter Egg Roll, and met foreign dignitaries Associated Press. Their presence helped humanize the presidency during tense political moments The Washington Post.
Obama's announcement of Sunny's death sparked widespread reactions. Within three hours, the post received over 2 million views on social media CBS News. Animal welfare experts highlighted how Sunny served as an ambassador for the White House, reminding Americans of the long tradition of presidential pets dating back decades Associated Press.
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