Barack and Michelle Obama Announce Death of Beloved Family Dog Sunny at 13

Barack and Michelle Obama are mourning the death of their cherished family dog, Sunny, a 13-year-old Portuguese Water Dog who joined the family during Obama’s second term in the White House.

The former president announced the loss on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media that was also posted by Michelle Obama on Instagram.

“Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” Obama wrote.

Sunny came to the Obama family in August 2013, shortly after Obama began his second term as president. She was brought in as a companion for Bo, the family’s first dog, a black-and-white Portuguese Water Dog gifted to them in 2009 by the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

“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 said.

The former president described Sunny as an energetic and athletic dog who was difficult for the family to keep up with.

“We also had trouble keeping up with her, for Sunny was a force of nature,” he wrote. “Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved.”

While Bo could usually be won over with a treat, Sunny had different ways of showing affection. Obama said she preferred having the family play and spend time with her.

“Sunny was more interested in having us run around with her, roll on the floor with her, or have her belly rubbed for as long as we were willing,” he said.

Sunny shared a close relationship with the Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha, even when they disturbed her while she was sleeping. She also became familiar with the family’s team, often following them around as they worked, and was particularly protective of Bo.

“She was fiercely protective of Bo, who she rightly sensed wasn’t always as alert and attentive as she was,” Obama wrote.

Despite her affectionate and energetic nature, Sunny had several quirks that Obama remembered fondly. Apart from Bo, she preferred people to other dogs. She was also a “loud and sloppy drinker” and, despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, disliked getting wet.

“But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect,” Obama said.

Sunny remained by the family’s side for thirteen years, accompanying them through their lives with what Obama described as unwavering loyalty and affection.

“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,” he wrote.

Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer. Sunny was the last remaining pet from the Obamas’ time in the White House.

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