Obamas’ first White House dog, Bo, dies

Former President Obama on Saturday announced that his family’s first White House dog, Bo, has died.

“Today our family lost a true friend and loyal companion. For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, gentle presence in our lives—happy to see us on our good days, our bad days, and everyday in between,” Obama tweeted.

Today our family lost a true friend and loyal companion. For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, gentle presence in our lives—happy to see us on our good days, our bad days, and everyday in between. pic.twitter.com/qKMNojiu9V

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 8, 2021

Bo, a Portuguese water dog, was born in 2008 and lived for 12 years. He died of cancer, according to former first lady Michelle Obama.

The late Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy (D) gifted Bo to the first family at the beginning of Obama’s presidency in April 2009.

“He tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House, had a big bark but no bite, loved to jump in the pool in the summer, was unflappable with children, lived for scraps around the dinner table, and had great hair,” Obama tweeted.

“He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly,” Obama added.

The Obamas have another dog named Sunny, whom they adopted in 2013 after Obama was reelected.

“For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, comforting presence in our lives. He was there when the girls came home from school, greeting them with a wag. He was there when Barack and I needed a break, sauntering into one of our offices like he owned the place, a ball clamped firmly in his teeth,” Michelle Obama shared on Instagram.

“He was there when we flew on Air Force One, when tens of thousands flocked to the South Lawn for the Easter Egg Roll, and when the Pope came to visit. And when our lives slowed down, he was there, too—helping us see the girls off to college and adjust to life as empty nesters,” she added.

“As a family, we will miss Bo dearly. But we are thankful that he lived such a joyful life full of snuggles, games of fetch, and evenings spent lying on the couch.”

Updated: 9:54 p.m.