Barack Obama has revealed that Bo - the former 'first dog' of the United States - has died.
Paying tribute to his furry friend on social media, the former president described Bo as "a true friend and loyal companion".
Obama revealed the sad news on Twitter, writing to his 130 million followers: "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."
In separate tweets, 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."
The former president also shared several touching pictures of Bo, including one of the two of them running down the corridors of the White House.
The New York Post states that Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, died of cancer at 12 years old.
Bo first moved into the White House when Obama took office in 2009, and would become known by the people as the 'first dog'.
The pooch was joined by a canine companion of the same breed, Sunny, in 2013.
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.
"I will always be grateful that Bo and the girls got to spend so much time together at the end," she writes, adding: "As a family, we will miss Bo dearly.
"But we are thankful that he lived such a joyful life full of snuggles, games of fetch, and evenings spent lying on the couch.
"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. Please hug the furry members of your family a little closer tonight—and give them a belly rub from us."
Our thoughts are with the Obamas at this difficult time.