Barack, Michelle Obama announce death of 'cherished' dog Sunny

Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama announced on Wednesday the death of their family's pet dog, Sunny. She was 13.

“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” the Obamas wrote in a joint statement shared on social media, later adding, "We will miss her terribly."

Sunny, a Portuguese water dog, joined the Obama family in August 2013, during Barack Obama’s second term in the White House. She became the family’s second dog, joining Bo, another Portuguese water dog who joined the family in2009.

The Obamas remembered Sunny, who became a frequent presence at the White House, as 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,” the Obamas wrote, recalling how the dog would chase squirrels, birds and anything else that moved.

While Bo could often be won over with a treat, the Obamas said Sunny preferred attention and playtime, including running around with the family, rolling on the floor and getting belly rubs.

Sunny was also fiercely protective of Bo and particularly close with the Obamas' daughters, Malia and Sasha, according to the former president and first lady.

"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, still fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days," the Obamas wrote of Sunny. "We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay."

Sunny spent 13 years with the Obama family, including nearly four years living at the White House. Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Look back at photos of Sunny at the White House over the years.