Barack Obama has announced that Sunny, the Obama family's Portuguese water dog, has died at the age of 14.
The former president shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying the dog had given the family so much love since she first came into their lives during his second term between 2013 and 2017.
Obama posted a series of photos, including one of the family meeting Pope Francis with Sunny in 2015.
A 'Force of Nature' at the White House
Obama described Sunny as a "force of nature" who was athletic and full of boundless energy.
He wrote that she would easily leap over hedges on the White House's South Lawn and chase "squirrels, birds and anything else that moved."
According to Obama, the way into Sunny's heart was to run around and roll on the floor with her, as well as rub her belly.
He noted that while Bo, the family's first dog, always enjoyed a nice treat, Sunny preferred active play.
Obama said Sunny was cherished by his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, even when they bothered her while she was snoozing.
He recalled that she was "fiercely protective" of Bo, who was not always as alert or attentive as she was.
Obama also admitted that Sunny "had her eccentricities," including being more partial to dogs than humans and loudly slurping when she drank.
He concluded, "We will miss her terribly, and imagine she's with her big brother now, making sure he's okay."
Bo died in 2021 after a battle with cancer.
