Bo was a Portuguese Water Dog who lived with President Barack Obama and his family in the White House from 2009 to 2017. He was a beloved companion.
Bo was a gift to the Obama family from Senator Ted Kennedy in 2009. He was chosen for his low-shedding coat, which made him a great fit for the family.
Bo was a popular dog in the White House, often seen accompanying the Obama family on walks and playing fetch in the Rose Garden. He was a favorite among the staff and visitors alike.
Bo's time in the White House was marked by many happy memories, including the Obama family's annual Easter Egg Roll and the Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn.
Expand your knowledge: Are Cattle Dogs Good Pets
Heritage
Bo's heritage is quite interesting. He was a gift through a breeder, but dog expert César Millán considered him to be part of a larger group known as "rescue dogs".
Bo's first home didn't work out, and he was unsuccessful in providing companionship to an older female dog. His attempts to suckle irritated her.
The Obamas took Bo in, and they pledged a donation to the DC Humane Society in support of shelter dogs.
Bo's Life with Obama
Bo's Life with Obama was a special one. He was a constant, gentle presence in the Obama family's lives for more than a decade.
Bo was a Portuguese water dog and a gift to the Obama girls, Sasha and Malia, from Senator Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria in 2009. He was named after the former first lady's father.
The Obama family introduced Bo to the White House press corps in April 2009 when he was just 6 months old. At the time, Malia was 10 and Sasha 7. The Kennedy family said in a statement, "We couldn’t be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha. We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls, and their parents, will love theirs, too.”
Bo's life with the Obama family was filled with love, snuggles, and games of fetch. He was there for the good days and the bad, and he loved being around his family.
Check this out: Are German Shepards Good Dogs
President Obama (2009)
In 2009, President Obama welcomed a new furry friend into the White House - Bo, the Portuguese water dog. Bo was a gift to the Obama girls, Sasha and Malia, from then-Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria.
Just a month after being welcomed into the family, Bo was pictured enjoying a game of football with President Barack Obama on the White House's South Lawn. This photo showcases Bo's playful personality and his ability to bring joy to the Obama family.
Bo was named after rocker Bo Diddley and former First Lady Michelle Obama's late-father, who was nicknamed "Diddley." This unique name suits Bo's energetic and lively spirit.
In April 2009, the Obama family introduced Bo to the White House press corps when he was just 6 months old. At the time, Malia was 10 and Sasha 7. This introduction marked the beginning of Bo's life as the First Dog.
You might like: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs
Here's a brief timeline of Bo's early days with the Obama family:
- April 2009: Bo is introduced to the White House press corps at 6 months old.
- May 2009: Bo poses for his official portrait on the front lawn of the White House.
- June 2009: Bo plays football with President Obama on the White House's South Lawn.
These early days set the stage for Bo's life as a beloved member of the Obama family.
Sunny Says 'Heyyy' to the Press (2015)
In 2015, Sunny and Bo got to spend quality time with the press. They even said "Heyyy" to the media and White House visitors.
Sunny and Bo had one-on-one time with the press that summer. This was a rare opportunity for everyone involved.
During this time, Sunny and Bo likely got lots of attention and affection. They were probably very happy to have such a big audience.
Bo and Sunny also had a special encounter with Pope Francis in 2015. They got to be petted by the Pope during his visit to America.
Bo's Death and Tributes
The Obamas announced the passing of their beloved dog Bo, a Portuguese water dog, in a series of heartfelt tweets.
Bo was a constant presence in the Obama family's lives for over a decade, always happy to see them on their good days, bad days, and every day in between.
The family said goodbye to Bo after a battle with cancer, and thousands responded with condolences and pictures of their own dogs.
Michele Obama described Bo as a comforting presence, always there to greet the girls when they came home from school or saunter into the office with a ball in his teeth.
Bo lived a joyful life full of snuggles, games of fetch, and evenings spent lying on the couch.
The Presidential Pet Museum notes that Bo came to the Obamas in 2009 as a gift to their daughters from then-Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria.
Bo was named after the former first lady's father, and the family will miss him dearly.
Here are some key facts about Bo's passing:
- Bo was a Portuguese water dog.
- He lived with the Obama family for over a decade.
- Bo passed away after a battle with cancer.
- He was a gift to the Obama daughters from then-Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife Victoria.
- Bo was named after the former first lady's father.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed is Bo dog?
Bo was a Portuguese Water Dog, a breed known for its intelligence and active nature.
What does a Portuguese Water Dog look like?
A Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a distinctive head shape, featuring a broad and domed skull with a well-defined stop. They have a straight and level topline, with a slightly longer head than muzzle.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_(dog)
- https://www.npr.org/2021/05/08/995086328/obamas-mourn-death-of-true-friend-beloved-first-dog-bo
- https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_(dog)
- https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/g30609640/sunny-bo-obama-dogs/
- https://www.today.com/pets/obama-s-dog-bo-dies-12-he-was-exactly-what-t217848
Featured Images: pexels.com