The heartbroken Obamas have bid farewell to their ‘true friend and loyal companion’ who passed away from cancer.
Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, became very close to the family after he was adopted by the Obamas in 2009.
A gift from the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, Bo helped the former president keep a promise to daughters Sasha and Malia that they could get a pooch after winning the 2008 election.
The former president shared a series of photos of Bo alongside a heartfelt message describing the pooch as a ‘true friend and loyal companion.’
“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,” he wrote.
“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.
“He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly.”
Sunny, a companion dog, joined the family in 2013. Both dogs lived in the White House and were popular among visitors.
Bo and Sunny entertained crowds at the annual Easter Egg Roll and Bo even joined Mrs. Obama to welcome tourists.
The pooches also cheered hospitalized children and wounded service members.
“This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend – our dog Bo – after a battle with cancer,” the family wrote.
“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.
“He was there when we flew on Air Force One, when tens of thousands flocked to 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.”
“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,” they added.
“We also know we weren’t the only ones who cared for Bo, and are grateful for all the love you showed him over the years. Please hug the furry members of your family a little closer tonight – and give them a belly rub from us.”
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