The biggest surprise about Sunny’s death isn’t that she passed away at 13. The shock is that a Portuguese Water Dog actually hated getting wet. Former President Barack Obama confirmed this odd trait when he shared the news on Wednesday.
He called her a “loud and sloppy drinker” who preferred people over dogs. It is a funny twist that a water dog hated the water, yet she remained a perfect companion for thirteen years. This quirk stood out even as she chased squirrels and leapt over White House hedges.
According to the Washington Examiner, Sunny joined the family in August 2013 during the second term. She was a “force of nature” who needed constant attention and play. The Obamas noted they had trouble keeping up with her boundless energy.
She would often follow the staff around, helping them on the job. Per ABC News, she was fiercely protective of her brother Bo, sensing he wasn’t always as alert. She even bit an 18-year-old visitor in 2017 who tried to kiss her. The visitor needed stitches after the incident.
Sunny loved the girls, Malia and Sasha, even when they pestered her during naps. The New York Post reported that she was always loyal and sweet to the family. She would often follow the team around, helping them on the job. Her bond with Bo was special because she watched over him carefully. The former president wrote that she rightly sensed he wasn’t always as attentive. She was ready for adventure and stayed fiery until the very end. The family lost a cherished member of their inner circle.
Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer, leaving Sunny behind. The Obamas say they imagine she is with her big brother now. They believe she is making sure he is okay in the afterlife. The Washington Times noted that the family will miss her terribly.
Sunny spent nearly four years living at the White House among the staff. She was a constant presence for the girls growing up in the public eye. Her loyalty defined her thirteen years with the Obamas. We should remember her for her unique spirit and fierce heart.
