Former United States President Barack Obama has announced the death of Sunny, the family’s Portuguese Water Dog, at the age of 13.
Obama shared the news in a Facebook post, describing Sunny as a cherished member of the Obama family who brought joy and companionship to them for 13 years.
According to the former president, the family got Sunny at the beginning of his second term in the White House, where she quickly bonded with the family and their first dog, Bo.
Obama recalled Sunny as an energetic and athletic dog who regularly leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn while chasing squirrels, birds and other moving objects.
He said Sunny was particularly fond of playing with members of the family, including running around, 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.
He added that Sunny was also attached to members of the Obama team and would sometimes follow them around while they worked.
Obama described Sunny as protective of Bo, whom she appeared to regard as less alert and attentive than herself.
The former president also recalled some of Sunny’s unusual habits, noting that she preferred people to other dogs, apart from Bo, was a loud and messy drinker, and disliked getting wet despite being a Portuguese Water Dog.
“But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect,” Obama wrote.
He said Sunny remained loyal, affectionate and adventurous throughout her life, adding that she was “still fiery and gorgeous” until the end.
“We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” Obama said, referring to Bo, who died earlier.
Sunny joined the Obama family in 2013 during their time at the White House and became a familiar figure during the former president’s second term.
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