Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, have revealed that their family has suffered a heartbreaking loss after their beloved dog passed away.
Earlier today, the former president shared on Instagram that his family dog, Sunny, died at the age of 13 earlier this week. A lengthy tribute post was shared on his and Michelle’s profiles, mentioning that she was a ‘force of nature’ and a source of comfort for them and their two daughters during Barack’s second term in the White House and beyond. Fans and other internet users, including fellow politicians, shared their condolences for the family and showed support. Read more about the loss of Sunny and how fans reacted below.
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Barack Posts That His & Michelle's Family Dog, Sunny, Passed Away
During their years in the White House, the Obama family became well known for their loving relationship with their two dogs, Bo and Sunny, both of whom have sadly passed away.
Barack and Michelle announced the passing of Sunny, their second Portuguese water dog, on Wednesday, September 16th. Sunny was brought into the famous family in August 2013, during the former president's second term, and lived with his family in the White House. She was the 'younger sister' of their first dog of the same breed, Bo, who joined the family in 2009 and sadly passed away from cancer in 2021.
The couple revealed the news about Sunny through an emotional post on Instagram, which included a lengthy caption about how important she was to their family.
"Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family," the caption read. "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...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."
"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," they continued. "We will miss her terribly, and imagine she's with her big brother now, making sure he's okay."
Social Media Users React To Sunny's Passing & Share Condolences
After the post was shared earlier today, it didn't take long for fans of the influential family, friends, and other internet users to start reacting and sharing condolences. Some fellow politicians, like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, posted about how "hard" the experience of losing a pet is, and how Sunny will be missed by many.
"So very sad for this heartbreaking loss," commented ABC reporter Deborah Roberts under the Obamas' post.
"So sorry for your devastating loss," wrote a follower. "It was such a joy reading about Bo and Sunny and their adventures at the Obama Presidential Center. I thought it was such a beautiful celebration of their story. They will be remembered always!"
"Bo and Sunny are running around together now," added another. "I'm so sorry for the profound loss left behind."
"I'm so sorry for your loss," commented a user. "I miss dogs in the White House."
"Why did this hit me like Sunny was my own pup?" wrote another. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Praying for you all," added a fan.
