Obamas’ family dog Bo dies

The Obamas have said a sad farewell to their family pet Bo who passed away Saturday.

The Portuguese Water Dog, a gift from the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, was adopted by the First Family early in 2009 and joined them for both terms in the White House.

On Saturday, Barack posted a series of pictures of his pet alongside a moving message.

The Obamas have said a sad farewell to their family pet Bo who passed away Saturday. Obama throws a ball for Bo, the family dog, in the Rose Garden of the White House September 9, 2010 in Washington, DC

The Portuguese Water Dog (right) was an important part of the family and joined them for the official family portrait in the Rose Garden of the White House in April 2015

‘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.

‘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.’

President Barack Obama watches as Malia shows off their new dog Bo, then 6 months old on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama takes a photograph of Bo, the Obama family dog, in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 11, 2013