Obama family dog, former White House pet, dies of cancer

Former US President Barack Obama's family dog, Bo, has passed away.

Bo, a male water dog, was given to the family as a gift by the late senator Ted Kennedy and his wife, Victoria, in April 2009, less than three months since Obama assumed office in the White House.

Getting a pet dog was a promise made by Obama to his kids, Sasha and Malia, as sort of a thank you for their sacrifices during the grueling campaign season.

“This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend --our dog, Bo -- after a battle with cancer,” wrote former first lady Michelle Obama on Instagram.

The ex-president also took his mourning to social media to deliver the sad news.

“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,” said Obama.

“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.”

Michelle praised Bo for being a “constant, comforting presence” in their lives both in public as the head of the country and in private as a family especially when they departed the White House.

“This past year, with everyone back home during the pandemic, no one was happier than Bo. All his people were under one roof again--just like the day we got him. I will always be grateful that Bo and the girls got to spend so much time together at the end,” Michelle looked back.

“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.”

Having pets, particularly dogs, in the White House is a common sight and most American presidents had one during their tenure.

Former President Donald Trump was the first US commander-in-chief to not have a pet dog in the White House in 115 years.

Incumbent US President Joe Biden restored that tradition and currently has two dogs in residence and will add a cat soon.

In her latest interview, first lady Jill Biden confirmed that a presidential cat is indeed coming to the White House, saying, “She is waiting in the wings.”

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