Heartbreak Hits Obama Home

Barack Obama said the family lost Sunny, their “pretty much perfect” Portuguese water dog.

Story Snapshot

Obama announced Sunny’s death in a heartfelt social post.
Sunny joined the family in 2013 while they lived in the White House.
Reports put Sunny’s age at 13, with tributes calling her loyal and loving.
Cause of death was not disclosed in initial coverage.

Sunny’s Place In A First Family’s Life

Barack Obama shared that Sunny, the family’s Portuguese water dog, died this week. He called her “pretty much perfect” and said the family would miss her terribly, a message that spread across major outlets within hours.

Sunny joined the Obamas in 2013 and quickly became part of the public image of a young family finishing its time at the White House. Several reports listed her age as 13 at the time of her death, reflecting a long chapter with the family.

Barack Obama announces death of 'cherished' former first dog Sunny https://t.co/AHAE7ls3p7 pic.twitter.com/k8OrUoM321

— New York Post (@nypost) September 16, 2026

Obama’s words sketched a portrait of a gentle dog who stayed close, protected, and played hard. Outlets quoted Obama, with a nod to Bo, the family’s earlier Portuguese water dog, as a kind of family reunion in memory.

What Was Reported, And What Was Not

Some outlets noted Sunny died Tuesday, and that Obama made the announcement on Wednesday. The family did not share a cause of death.

Reports differ slightly on her age. Most placed Sunny at 13, matching her 2013 arrival as a young dog, while one write-up later called her 14.

Why This Landed With Millions

Family pets turn public when families live in the White House. People watched Sunny grow from a lively companion to an older dog with routines and favorite spots on the floor.