Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are mourning the loss of their beloved family dog, Sunny. The couple announced Wednesday that Sunny died Sept. 15 after 13 years with the Obama family. She was 13.
Sunny was a Portuguese Water Dog who became a familiar face during the Obama family’s years in the White House. Barack Obama shared the news in a social media post honoring Sunny’s life. Michelle Obama also shared the tribute with photos of their family pet.
“We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us — including our first dog, Bo — immediately fell in love,” Obama wrote.
The former president described Sunny as energetic, athletic and deeply affectionate. He also recalled the dog’s strong personality and close relationship with the family.
“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,” Obama wrote.
He added, “We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay.”
Sunny Became Part of the Obama Family
Sunny joined the Obama household in August 2013, during Barack Obama’s second presidential term. She arrived several years after the family welcomed Bo, another Portuguese Water Dog. The two dogs quickly became companions at the White House.
The Obama Foundation remembered Sunny as an energetic presence who brought warmth to the family’s home. She was frequently photographed alongside Bo and the Obama family.
Sunny also became part of several memorable White House moments.
She participated in public events and interacted with White House staff and visitors. She was also photographed meeting Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to the White House.
Despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, Sunny reportedly disliked getting wet. Obama also recalled her habit of jumping over hedges on the White House lawn.
Sunny was particularly close to Bo as he grew older. The Obama Foundation said she became fiercely protective of him. Bo died in May 2021 at age 12 after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Family Remembers Sunny
Sunny remained part of the Obama family after they left the White House in 2017. She continued sharing life with Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama. Her personality also remained a recurring part of the family’s stories.
Obama recalled Sunny’s affection for his daughters, writing that she loved them even when they disturbed her while she was sleeping.
“She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping,” Obama wrote.
The former president ultimately described Sunny in especially personal terms.
“But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect,” he wrote.
The Obama Foundation also highlighted Sunny’s place in the family’s history. The organization described her as a cherished companion who helped make the White House feel like home.
Her death marks another loss for the Obama family after Bo’s passing five years ago. For the Obamas, Sunny’s 13 years were filled with family memories, White House milestones and plenty of personality.
Now, the family is remembering the dog who grew alongside them through one of the most public chapters of their lives.
And in Obama’s words, Sunny may now be back with the companion who shared so many of those years with her.