Photos show how the Obamas' family dog Bo was an integral part of their life at the White House

Melissa WileyMay 9, 2021, 07:53 IST

Former President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama, joined by family pets Bo (right) and Sunny (front), wait to greet visitors in the Blue Room during a White House tour, November 5, 2013.Pete Souza

The Obamas announced the death of their beloved family dog, Bo, on Saturday.
A Portuguese water dog, Bo died of cancer at the age of 12, Michelle Obama wrote on Instagram.
Photos show how Bo was an integral part of the Obamas' life at the White House.

Bo, a Portuguese water dog, joined the Obamas at the White House in April 2009.

Bo, the Obama family dog, poses for a photo on the North Lawn of the White House, September 28, 2012. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Insider

Bo was gift from former Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife to the Obama girls. The breed is considered hypoallergenic and good for people like Malia, who had dog allergies.

Barack Obama and his daughters, Sasha and Malia, introduce their new dog, Bo, to the White House press corps on the South Lawn of the White House April 14, 2009. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Source: Washington Post

Bo quickly became an integral part of life at the White House.

Barack Obama runs down the East Colonnade with Bo on the dog's initial visit to the White House, March 15, 2009. White House/Pete Souza

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

He often joined the president in the Oval Office.

Barack Obama pets Bo in the Oval Office, June 21, 2012. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

And helped him let loose during breaks between meetings.

Barack Obama runs away from Bo during a brief break from meetings on the South Lawn of the White House May 12, 2009. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

Every year at Christmas, the Obamas would have decorations inspired by Bo, like a four-foot statue made of 40,000 pipe cleaners.

Bo sits by a larger-than-life holiday decoration of himself in the East Garden Room of the White House, November 30, 2010. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bo was not camera shy, posing for everything from documentary film shoots ...

NBC video and sound crews capture footage of the "First Dog" in the Rose Garden outside the Oval Office for their prime-time broadcast "Inside the Obama White House," May 29, 2009. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

... to Easter-themed videotaping sessions.

Bo is videotaped for the Easter Egg Roll in the East Colonnade of the White House, February 29, 2012. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

He often helped the family greet visitors and was known for his gentleness with children.

Bo is greeted by several of the President's Active Lifestyle Award achievers in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, November 29, 2010. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bo's favorite activities included playing on the White House lawn and going on walks, according to his official White House baseball card.

Barack Obama throws a ball for Bo in the Rose Garden of the White House, September 9, 2010. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bo also joined the Obamas on trips outside of the White House. He traveled everywhere from PetSmart in the presidential limo ...

Barack Obama and Bo ride in the presidential limousine en route to PetSmart in Alexandria, Virginia, December 21, 2011. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

... to Hawaii on Air Force One.

Barack Obama plays with Bo aboard Air Force One during a flight to Hawaii, Dec. 23, 2011. White House Photo

Source: Barack Obama Presidential Library

"He tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House," Michelle Obama wrote in an Instagram post on May 8 announcing his death. "He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly."

Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia play with Bo in the snow on the South Lawn of the White House on December 19, 2009. Barack Obama Presidential Library

Source: Insider

"He tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House," Michelle Obama wrote in an Instagram post on May 8 announcing his death. "He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly."

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Photos show how the Obamas' family dog Bo was an integral part of their life at the White House

Bo, a Portuguese water dog, joined the Obamas at the White House in April 2009.

Bo was gift from former Sen. Ted Kennedy and his wife to the Obama girls. The breed is considered hypoallergenic and good for people like Malia, who had dog allergies.

Bo quickly became an integral part of life at the White House.

He often joined the president in the Oval Office.

And helped him let loose during breaks between meetings.

Every year at Christmas, the Obamas would have decorations inspired by Bo, like a four-foot statue made of 40,000 pipe cleaners.

Bo was not camera shy, posing for everything from documentary film shoots ...

... to Easter-themed videotaping sessions.

He often helped the family greet visitors and was known for his gentleness with children.

Bo's favorite activities included playing on the White House lawn and going on walks, according to his official White House baseball card.

Bo also joined the Obamas on trips outside of the White House. He traveled everywhere from PetSmart in the presidential limo ...

... to Hawaii on Air Force One.

"He tolerated all the fuss that came with being in the White House," Michelle Obama wrote in an Instagram post on May 8 announcing his death. "He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly."