Former United States President Barack Obama has announced the death of Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dog who was part of his family for 13 years.

Obama disclosed Sunny’s death in a post on X on Wednesday, remembering the dog as an energetic and affectionate member of the Obama household.

Sunny joined the family at the beginning of Obama’s second term in the White House, where she quickly became a companion to the former president, his family and their first dog, Bo.

Known for her high energy, Sunny regularly ran across the White House grounds, including leaping over the hedges on the South Lawn while chasing squirrels, birds and other moving objects.

Unlike Bo, who was often motivated by treats, Sunny enjoyed playing and spending time with the family. She was particularly attached to the Obama daughters and frequently stayed close to members of the family’s team.

Obama also recalled Sunny’s protective nature towards Bo, saying she appeared to recognise that her older companion was not always as alert as she was.

The former president described Sunny as having several unusual habits, including preferring people to other dogs apart from Bo, drinking loudly and messily, and disliking water despite being a Portuguese Water Dog.

Reflecting on her years with the family, Obama said Sunny remained loyal, affectionate and adventurous throughout her life.

He said the family would miss her deeply and imagined that she was now reunited with Bo, who died in 2021.

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

“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. We also had trouble keeping up with her, for Sunny was 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, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved. And whereas the way to Bo’s heart usually involved a treat, 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.

“She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping. She loved our team, and would often follow them around, helping them on the job. She was fiercely protective of Bo, who she rightly sensed wasn’t always as alert and attentive as she was. She had her eccentricities: other than Bo, she preferred people to dogs; she was a loud and sloppy drinker; and despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, she hated getting wet.

“But 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.

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