Happy birthday, Bo Obama!
Everyone’s favorite first dog celebrated his birthday on Friday, marking seven years of sitting adorably at the Obamas’ heels, greeting tourists and hanging out with foreign dignitaries at White House events.
The fluffy Portuguese water dog is a constant companion to the president and the first family, and his cuteness has captured the attention of the American public since he first appeared on the scene in 2009.
Happy birthday Bo Obama, whose approval ratings remain sky high 7 yrs into his term at the @WhiteHouse! #HappyBdayBo pic.twitter.com/S4twHb3VmM
— Julie Faust (@FaustJulie) October 9, 2015
Bo made his debut at the White House in April of that year, a few months after the first family moved in.
He was born in Texas on Oct. 9, 2008, when Barack Obama was still a senator but was less than a month away from clinching his first presidential election.
After Obama announced in his election night victory speech that his daughters would be getting a puppy, the hunt was on for an adorable new addition to the family.
Bo’s breeders had also sold dogs to Senator Ted Kennedy and his wife, Vicki, who heard about the available puppy. When they learned the Obamas were looking for a family pet, Vicki Kennedy bought him as a gift for the first family.
The world’s first glimpse of Bo came as he ran along the South Lawn of the White House with Sasha and Malia on his heels.
Since then, America has watched him grow up alongside the Obama girls through the president’s two terms in office.
In 2013, the Obamas adopted his sister, Sunny, so Bo now has a companion.
Bo’s come a long way from that first jaunt on the White House lawn. In his seven years scampering around the most important home in America, he’s rubbed paws with his fair share of dignitaries.
Pope Francis meets Bo and Sunny.
Pope Francis meets Bo and Sunny. pic.twitter.com/s0wZzdWyc0
— petesouza (@petesouza) September 23, 2015
In September, he even got a pat from Pope Francis. That’s one #blessed pup.