16 pictures celebrating the life of former 'first dog' Bo, who has died aged 12

Yesterday, former president of the United States Barack Obama revealed that Bo, his family's Portuguese Water Dog, had died at the age of 12.

Describing the canine as "a true friend and loyal companion", for former POTUS said: "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."

Sharing the heartbreaking news on Twitter, Obama added: "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."

As a tribute to Bo, we have collected some of his best photos from his 12 years on this planet.

1. Formerly known as the 'first dog of the United States', Bo poses on the North Lawn of the White House: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 2. Bo poses alongside fellow Portuguese water dog Sunny with the Obamas in 2015: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 3. Obama and Bo playing together onboard Air Force One on a trip to Hawaii in 2011: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 4. Obama and Bo play some football on the South Lawn of the White House: Credit: World Politics Archive (WPA) / Alamy 5. Bo looks adorable in bunny ears during the recording of the Easter Egg roll in 2012: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 6. A curious Bo peers into the Oval Office back in 2010: Credit: GM/Current Affairs / Alamy 7. Former first lady Michelle Obama talks with military children alongside Bo and Sunny in December 2015: Credit: Tribune Content Agency LLC / Alamy 8. Bo plays soccer with Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady Alan Fitts in 2011: Credit: DPA / Alamy 9. Bo and Barack shop for Christmas treats in 2011: Credit: UPI / Alamy 10. Bo being a good boy and getting presidential pats in the Oval Office back in 2012: Credit: World Politics Archive (WPA) / Alamy 11. Bo and Sunny sit at a table in the State Dining Room of the White House in 2014: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 12. Bo plays in the snow on the White House South Lawn back in 2010: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 13. Barack Obama kneels down outside the Oval Office in an attempt to pat Bo (2012): Credit: REUTERS / Alamy 14. Bo poses with Michelle Obama in the White House Kitchen Garden in 2011: Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy 15. Bo being a patient dog on the White House driveway back in 2013: Credit: White House Photo / Alamy 16. Bo and Barack look out during a motorcade in Alexandria, Virginia, back in 2011: Credit: DPA / Alamy

Former first lady Michelle Obama also shared a tribute to the beloved family pet, writing on social media: "This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend—our dog, Bo—after a battle with cancer."

She added: "On the campaign trail in 2008, we promised our daughters that we would get a puppy after the 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."

The post continued:

For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, comforting presence in our lives.

"He was there when the girls came home from school, greeting them with a wag.

"He was there when Barack and I needed a break, sauntering into one of our offices like he owned the place, a ball clamped firmly in his teeth.

"He was there when we flew on Air Force One, when tens of thousands flocked to the South Lawn for the Easter Egg Roll, and when the Pope came to visit.

"And when our lives slowed down, he was there, too—helping us see the girls off to college and adjust to life as empty nesters."

Michelle added that during the pandemic, "no one was happier than Bo" when the Obama family were reunited under one roof.

Our thoughts are with the Obama family at this difficult time.

Featured image credit: American Photo Archive / Alamy