Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dog belonging to former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at the age of 14.

The Obama family announced the passing of their long-time companion, noting that Sunny died peacefully with the family at his side.

What the Left Is Saying

Supporters of the Obama family and progressive commentators have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, viewing Sunny as a symbol of the warmth and normalcy the Obamas brought to the White House. Many have shared memories from Michelle Obama’s memoir, 'Becoming,' where she highlighted the dogs' role in the family's daily life, describing Sunny as having a "fiery" personality and being "gorgeous."

What the Right Is Saying

Conservative observers and political figures have joined the outpouring of condolences, acknowledging the significance of the Obamas' pets in recent American political history. While the political landscape was often divided during the Obama presidency, the presence of Sunny and Bo was widely recognized as a humanizing factor for the First Family, sparking a nationwide interest in the breed and engaging the public through appearances like the Easter Egg Roll.

What the Numbers Show

Sunny was adopted in 2009, shortly after the Obama family moved into the White House, and lived with them for 17 years, spanning the entire eight-year duration of Barack Obama's presidency. He was 14 years old at the time of his death, an age considered elderly for a Portuguese Water Dog. The breed was chosen partly for its hypoallergenic qualities due to Malia Obama's allergies, and Sunny joined Bo, who had also moved into the White House with the family.

The Bottom Line

Sunny's death closes a chapter of the Obama family's life in the public eye. The Obamas have not yet announced whether they plan to acquire another dog. Sunny is remembered for his companionship during a historic presidency and for bringing a sense of normalcy and warmth to the White House during a period of significant political change.