NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – One of the Obamas’ dogs, Bo, died of cancer Saturday, the family said. He was 12.
“This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend—our dog, Bo—after a battle with cancer,” Michelle Obama wrote on Instagram.
The former first lady said she and Barack got Bo as a puppy for Malia and Sasha following the 2008 election.
"At the time, Bo was supposed to be a companion for the girls. We had no idea how much he would mean to all of us," Michelle wrote.
“For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, comforting presence in our lives,” she wrote. "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."
The family's other Portuguese water dog, Sunny, is still alive. Both dogs were seen at many events during the Obama presidency. Michelle said Bo was there for everything from the White House Easter Egg Roll to the Pope's visit.
Bo was a gift to the Obamas from the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who was close with the family and supported Obama's presidential campaign.
"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," the former president tweeted.