On Saturday, the Obama family announced that their beloved pet dog, Bo, died at age 12.

Michelle Obama took to Instagram to post a touching tribute for their four-legged pal. She wrote, “This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend –our dog, Bo – after a battle with cancer.”

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Mrs. Obama went on to say that Bo, while originally meant to be a companion for daughters Malian and Sasha, eventually became a “constant, comforting presence” in their lives.

“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,” she added. “I will always be grateful that Bo and the girls got to spend so much time together at the end.”

Former President Barack Obama also posted a statement on Twitter in remembrance of the family dog: “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 was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected,” he went on to say. “We will miss him dearly.”

Many can recall that Bo was actually given as a result of Barack Obama’s promise to his daughters to get a dog after a long and arduous campaign trail. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his wife, Victoria Kennedy, gifted the family with the 6-month old Portugese water dog in April 2009.

Bo stayed with the Obamas throughout Barack’s two terms. In those years, he was often seen running across the South Lawn, interacting with children, and cuddling up to the Obama family.   

Obama Family Dog, Bo, Dies at Age 12
Photo from The White House/Getty

While the family is currently grieving the loss of a longtime companion, Michelle Obama gave thanks for Bo’s presence and urged others to hold their pets a little closer tonight.

“We also know we weren’t the only ones who cared for Bo, and are grateful for all the love you showed him over the years,” she wrote. “Please hug the furry members of your family a little closer tonight — and give them a belly rub from us.”

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