FILE - In this April 22, 2010, file photo Bo, the Obama's family pet, sits in the Cross Hall before an event with first lady Michelle Obama to welcome children of Executive Office employees at the White House's annual take our daughters and sons to work day in Washington. Former President Barack Obama’s dog, Bo, died Saturday, May 8, 2021, after a battle with cancer, the Obamas said on social media. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Evan Vucci / AP
Evan Vucci / AP
FILE - In this April 22, 2010, file photo Bo, the Obama's family pet, sits in the Cross Hall before an event with first lady Michelle Obama to welcome children of Executive Office employees at the White House's annual take our daughters and sons to work day in Washington. Former President Barack Obama’s dog, Bo, died Saturday, May 8, 2021, after a battle with cancer, the Obamas said on social media. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
In a string of heartfelt tweets on Saturday, former President Barack Obama announced the death of his family’s beloved “first dog” Bo.
“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 every day in between,” Obama wrote.
Thousands responded immediately with condolences and pictures of their own dogs.
Former first lady Michelle Obama took to Instagram to make her own announcement.
“This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend—our dog, Bo—after a battle with cancer,” began her thoughtful post.
“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,” wrote the former first lady, “I will always be grateful that Bo and the girls got to spend so much time together at the end.”
She added, “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.”
Bo came to the Obamas in 2009 as a gift to their daughters, Sasha and Malia, from then-Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria not long after their father’s first inauguration, according to the Presidential Pet Museum. He was named after the former first lady’s father.
“He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly,” tweeted former president Obama.
The Portuguese water dog was born in Texas on Oct. 9, 2008.
Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, host Tim Lambert will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.
