Bo, the Portuguese water dog who was the Obama family’s cherished first pet during their White House years, passed away at 12 years old after battling cancer. Michelle Obama announced the sad news on Instagram, while President Barack Obama expressed that the family had lost a “great friend and trusted companion.”

Bo was a constant presence through the Obama’s lives for over a decade, offering comfort and joy. He adjusted to the White House chaos, loved swimming in the pool, had a friendly demeanor, and became a media darling when he arrived as a puppy in 2009, gifted by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

The Trump administration didn’t have any pets in the White House, but President Biden brought back the tradition with his two German shepherds, Champ and Major. Major, however, was recently sent for training after exhibiting biting behavior.