'Cherished member': Sunny Obama, the former first family’s beloved dog, dies at 13 as Barack Obama shares emotional tribute

Sunny Obama, the Portuguese Water Dog who became a familiar face during Barack Obama’s presidency, has died at the age of 13.

The former US president announced the news on Wednesday, saying the family had lost a much-loved member. Sunny died on Tuesday, according to Obama’s statement.

“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” Obama wrote on social media, alongside a photograph of Sunny. He described the dog as “a force of nature” and remembered her lively personality.

Sunny joined the Obama family in 2013

Sunny arrived at the White House in August 2013, during Obama’s second term as president. She became the second Portuguese Water Dog in the family, following Bo, who died in 2021.

Sunny was born in June 2012 in Michigan. The family obtained her from a breeder and donated to the Washington Humane Society when her arrival was announced.

The Obamas chose the name Sunny because they felt it matched her cheerful character.

She quickly became part of daily life at the White House, often appearing in photographs and attracting attention from visitors and the public.

A playful dog with a memorable personality

While Bo was often seen as calm and composed, Sunny became known for her energetic and sometimes unpredictable behaviour.

In 2013, she made headlines after knocking over a toddler during a White House holiday party. Years later, in 2017, she was reportedly involved in an incident in which a visitor claimed the dog had bitten her face.

Despite those moments, Sunny remained a treasured part of the family.

Obama said she adored his daughters, even when they disturbed her while she was sleeping. She also enjoyed spending time with members of the White House team and frequently followed them around as they worked.

Barack Obama remembers Sunny’s place in the family

In his tribute, Obama described Sunny as a constant presence who brought energy and affection into the household.

“She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping,” he wrote. “She loved our team, and would often follow them around, helping them on the job.”

The former president said the family would miss her deeply.

Sunny remembered alongside Bo

Obama ended his message with a touching reference to Bo, Sunny’s “big brother”, who died in May 2021.

“We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” he wrote.

Sunny’s death marks the loss of another beloved animal from the Obama family’s White House years. Both dogs became closely associated with the former first family and were followed by people around the world.