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Obama has been out of office for 5 years now and the dog is dead sadly. I would venture a guess that this is one of the things that stopped when Trump came in, let alone Biden.
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{{Short description|Former First Dog of the Obama family}}
{{Short description|Pet dog of the Obama family (2008–2021)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2017}}{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2017}}{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox animal
{{Infobox animal
| name = Bo
| name = Bo
| image = Bo official portrait (cropped 2).jpg
| image = Bo official portrait (cropped 2).jpg
| caption = Official White House portrait of the First Dog<br/> (May 2009)
| caption = Official White House portrait of the First Dog, May 2009
| birth_name = Amigo's New Hope<ref name="amigo">{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Mark |url=http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/obamas_dog_bo_amigos_new_hope.html |title=Obamas' dog Bo: 'Amigo's New Hope'|date=April 12, 2009|publisher=Swamppolitics.com |access-date=October 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416121137/http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/obamas_dog_bo_amigos_new_hope.html|archive-date=April 16, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| birth_name = Amigo's New Hope<ref name="amigo">{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Mark |url=http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/obamas_dog_bo_amigos_new_hope.html |title=Obamas' dog Bo: 'Amigo's New Hope'|date=April 12, 2009|publisher=Swamppolitics.com |access-date=October 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416121137/http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/04/obamas_dog_bo_amigos_new_hope.html|archive-date=April 16, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| othername = [[First Dog of the United States]]<ref name="fd-two"/><ref name="fd-three"/><ref name="fd-four"/><br/>Charlie (by previous owner)
| othername = [[First Dog of the United States]]<ref name="fd-two"/><ref name="fd-three"/><ref name="fd-four"/><br/>Charlie (by previous owner)
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==Breed background==
==Breed background==
{{Main|Portuguese Water Dog}}
{{Main|Portuguese Water Dog}}
The Portuguese Water Dog is originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Only 48 Portuguese Water Dogs were entered for Britain's [[Crufts]] competition in the year 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crufts.fossedata.co.uk/Breed.asp?ShowYear=2009&GroupID=WOR&ScheduleID=160|title=PORTUGUESE WATER DOG|year=2009|publisher=[[Crufts]]|access-date=April 17, 2009}}</ref> and the author of ''The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog'', Kitty Braund, believes there are about 50,000 in North America.<ref>{{cite web |first=Denise |last=Ryan |url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=eb38a8c3-9ef9-40c2-bda1-3d87c1a6d9ad&k=17132&p=2 |title=U.S. first family puts Portuguese water dog on the map |publisher=.canada.com |date=April 15, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523200215/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=eb38a8c3-9ef9-40c2-bda1-3d87c1a6d9ad&k=17132&p=2 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Due to its fleecy coat of minimally shedding hair,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=Danny |last2=Miller |first2=William |last3=Griffin |first3=Craig |year=2001 |title=Small Animal Dermatology |publisher= W B Saunders |isbn=0-7216-7618-9 |page=4}}</ref> the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a [[hypoallergenic dog breed]].<ref name="AKC">{{cite web |title=Portuguese Water Dog |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-water-dog/ |publisher=AKC |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>
The Portuguese Water Dog is originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Only 48 Portuguese Water Dogs were entered for Britain's [[Crufts]] competition in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crufts.fossedata.co.uk/Breed.asp?ShowYear=2009&GroupID=WOR&ScheduleID=160|title=PORTUGUESE WATER DOG|year=2009|publisher=[[Crufts]]|access-date=April 17, 2009|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225060230/http://crufts.fossedata.co.uk/Breed.asp?ShowYear=2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the author of ''The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog'', Kitty Braund, believes there are about 50,000 in North America.<ref>{{cite web |first=Denise |last=Ryan |url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=eb38a8c3-9ef9-40c2-bda1-3d87c1a6d9ad&k=17132&p=2 |title=U.S. first family puts Portuguese water dog on the map |publisher=.canada.com |date=April 15, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523200215/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=eb38a8c3-9ef9-40c2-bda1-3d87c1a6d9ad&k=17132&p=2 |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Due to its fleecy coat of minimally shedding hair,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=Danny |last2=Miller |first2=William |last3=Griffin |first3=Craig |year=2001 |title=Small Animal Dermatology |publisher= W B Saunders |isbn=0-7216-7618-9 |page=4}}</ref> the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a [[hypoallergenic dog breed]].<ref name="AKC">{{cite web |title=Portuguese Water Dog |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-water-dog/ |publisher=AKC |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>


==Breeding and original owners==
==Breeding and original owners==
[[File:The Obamas with First Dog Bo Obama.jpg|left|thumb|upright|alt="The President, Barack Obama, shows his youngest daughter how to pet a small black dog whilst his oldest daughter and wife watch"|The Obamas with Bo]]
[[File:The Obamas with First Dog Bo Obama.jpg|left|thumb|upright|alt="The President, Barack Obama, shows his youngest daughter how to pet a small black dog whilst his oldest daughter and wife watch"|The Obamas with Bo]]


Bred by Martha and Art Stern of Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs in Boyd, Texas,<ref name="breeder"/> Bo was a son of Watson—of the Rader family in Pittsburgh's Ambridge suburb—and Penny, belonging to Art and Martha Stern. One of Bo's nine litter mates was Senator [[Ted Kennedy]]'s dog named Cappy (Amigo's Captain Courageous); the litter was named "Hope and Change", in honor of Obama's [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|victory]].<ref>{{cite news | newspaper=Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut) | date=April 14, 2009 | page=M6 | title=Is Bo a rescue dog or not? | url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77305796/hope-and-change-litter/ | access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{cite web|title=Dog Tale: How Bo Became First Pooch|url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/first-dog-on-its-way-this-week-really-reports/2096425/|access-date=8 May 2021|publisher=NBC Washington}}</ref>
Bred by Martha and Art Stern of Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs in Boyd, Texas,<ref name="breeder"/> Bo was a son of Watson—of the Rader family in Pittsburgh's Ambridge suburb—and Penny, belonging to Art and Martha Stern. One of Bo's nine litter mates was Senator [[Ted Kennedy]]'s dog named Cappy (Amigo's Captain Courageous). The litter was named "Hope and Change", in honor of Obama's [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|victory]].<ref>{{cite news | newspaper=Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut) | date=April 14, 2009 | page=M6 | title=Is Bo a rescue dog or not? | url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77305796/hope-and-change-litter/ | access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{cite web|title=Dog Tale: How Bo Became First Pooch|date=April 11, 2009 |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/first-dog-on-its-way-this-week-really-reports/2096425/|access-date=8 May 2021|publisher=NBC Washington}}</ref>


Bo's original buyer is unknown, but eventually they returned him to the Stern family; purchasing Bo required signing a contract to return him to his breeder if things did not work out. Bo enrolled with Kennedy's [[obedience training|obedience trainer]] [[Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz]] in Hume, Virginia on January 5, 2009.<ref name="WPost">{{cite web |title=Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, trainer of Bo, the Obamas' White House dog, dies at 52 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/dawn-sylvia-stasiewicz-trainer-of-bo-the-obamas-white-house-dog-dies-at-52/2011/01/14/AB2XUWR_story.html |work=the Washington Post |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>
Bo's original buyer is unknown, but eventually, they returned him to the Stern family. Purchasing Bo required signing a contract to return him to his breeder if things did not work out. Bo enrolled with Kennedy's [[obedience training|obedience trainer]] [[Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz]] in Hume, Virginia, on January 5, 2009.<ref name="WPost">{{cite news |title=Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, trainer of Bo, the Obamas' White House dog, dies at 52 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/dawn-sylvia-stasiewicz-trainer-of-bo-the-obamas-white-house-dog-dies-at-52/2011/01/14/AB2XUWR_story.html |newspaper=the Washington Post |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>


==Selection of the dog==
==Selection of the dog==
At his first press conference as [[President-elect of the United States|President-elect]], Obama was questioned by reporters as to which breed the family was looking to acquire; he replied, "We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So—so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."<ref>{{cite web|first=Johanna|last=Neuman|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/02/dog-for-obamas.html |title=New first dog: The Obamas choose a Portuguese water dog |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 25, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref>
At his first press conference as [[President-elect of the United States|President-elect]], Obama was questioned by reporters as to which breed the family was looking to acquire. He replied, "We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So—so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."<ref>{{cite web|first=Johanna|last=Neuman|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/02/dog-for-obamas.html |title=New first dog: The Obamas choose a Portuguese water dog |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 25, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref>


[[George Stephanopoulos]] asked Obama on television in early January what kind of dog they would get, and when, saying that he was passing on a question from Obama's daughters who were sitting in the control room. Obama said "They seem to have narrowed it down to a [[labradoodle]] or a [[Portuguese Water Dog|Portuguese water hound]] ... medium-sized dog, and so, we're now going to start looking at [[animal shelter|shelters]] to see when one of those dogs might come up."<ref>{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Weiner|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/11/obama-finding-puppy-tough_n_156914.html |title=Obama: Finding Puppy "Tougher Than Finding A Commerce Secretary" (VIDEO) |work=HuffPost |date=January 13, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> Much was made by the public and press about the family's search for a dog. On April 12, 2009, it was announced that the Obamas would soon accept a six-month-old Portuguese Water Dog puppy as a gift from Senator Kennedy. The dog was reported to have visited the family some weeks earlier<ref>{{Cite news|first=Manuel|last=Roig-Franzia|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/11/AR2009041102484_2.html?sid=ST2009041202878 |title=The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash |work=The Washington Post |date= April 12, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> in a secret meeting to gauge compatibility and purportedly referred to by staffers as "The Meeting". However, the gift was not accepted until the dog officially arrived and moved in at the [[White House]] on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.<ref name="yahoo1">{{cite news |last=Theimer |first=Sharon |title=PROMISES, PROMISES: Is Obama dog a rescue or not? |agency=Associated Press |date=April 26, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref> Immediately after he arrived, the family staged a [[photo op]] with Bo on the property's [[South Lawn (White House)|South Lawn]].<ref name="huff">{{cite web|last=Theimer|first=Sharon|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/15/first-dog-bo-takes-obamas-for-romp-as-he-sniffs-ou/ |title=First dog Bo makes himself at home |work=The Washington Times |access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> At the conference, Obama was asked if he would allow Bo inside the [[Oval Office]], to which he responded: "of course."<ref name="huff" /> He also gave a nod to President [[Harry Truman]]'s quote "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."<ref name="huff" /> The White House website was later updated to include official pictures and biographical details of Bo.<ref name="fd-three" />
[[George Stephanopoulos]] asked Obama on television in early January what kind of dog they would get, and when, saying that he was passing on a question from Obama's daughters who were sitting in the control room. Obama said "They seem to have narrowed it down to a [[labradoodle]] or a [[Portuguese Water Dog|Portuguese water hound]] ... medium-sized dog, and so, we're now going to start looking at [[animal shelter|shelters]] to see when one of those dogs might come up."<ref>{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Weiner|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/11/obama-finding-puppy-tough_n_156914.html |title=Obama: Finding Puppy "Tougher Than Finding A Commerce Secretary" (VIDEO) |work=HuffPost |date=January 13, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref>
Much was made by the public and press about the family's search for a dog. On April 12, 2009, it was announced that the Obamas would soon accept a six-month-old Portuguese Water Dog puppy as a gift from Senator Kennedy. The dog was reported to have visited the family some weeks earlier<ref>{{Cite news|first=Manuel|last=Roig-Franzia|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/11/AR2009041102484_2.html?sid=ST2009041202878 |title=The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash |newspaper=The Washington Post |date= April 12, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> in a secret meeting to gauge compatibility and purportedly referred to by staffers as "The Meeting". However, the gift was not accepted until the dog officially arrived and moved in at the [[White House]] on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.<ref name="yahoo1">{{cite news |last=Theimer |first=Sharon |title=PROMISES, PROMISES: Is Obama dog a rescue or not? |agency=Associated Press |date=April 26, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref>
Immediately after he arrived, the family staged a [[photo op]] with Bo on the property's [[South Lawn (White House)|South Lawn]].<ref name="huff">{{cite web|last=Theimer|first=Sharon|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/15/first-dog-bo-takes-obamas-for-romp-as-he-sniffs-ou/ |title=First dog Bo makes himself at home |work=The Washington Times |access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> At the conference, Obama was asked if he would allow Bo inside the [[Oval Office]], to which he responded: "of course."<ref name="huff" /> He also gave a nod to President [[Harry Truman]]'s quote "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."<ref name="huff" /> The White House website was later updated to include official pictures and biographical details of Bo.<ref name="fd-three" />


==Biographical details==
==Biographical details==
[[File:First Dog Bo Obama.jpg|thumb|155px|left|upright|alt="A black dog with curly hair and white feet wears a multi-colored lei around his neck"|Bo wearing a [[Lei (garland)|lei]] upon his White House arrival]]
[[File:First Dog Bo Obama.jpg|thumb|155px|upright|alt="A black dog with curly hair and white feet wears a multi-colored lei around his neck"|Bo wearing a [[Lei (garland)|lei]] upon his White House arrival]]


Listed by the name "Amigo's New Hope" with [[American Kennel Club]]'s breed registry<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/04/11/2009-04-11_its_easter_puppy_for_obamas_first_family_getting_portuguese_water_dog_puppy__rep.html|title=First photos of First Dog: Obamas meet Bo, their new Portuguese Water Dog|last=Saul|first=Michael|date=April 12, 2009|work=Daily News |location=New York|access-date=April 13, 2009}}</ref> and given the name "Charlie" by his original owners,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-obama-puppy-13-apr13,0,2536424.story|title=Obamas' dog: Meet Bo, the Portuguese water dog|last=St. Clair|first=Stacy|date=April 13, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=April 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415052739/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-obama-puppy-13-apr13,0,2536424.story|archive-date=April 15, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the puppy received his name from President Obama's two daughters, [[Malia and Sasha Obama|Malia and Sasha]], in part after their cousins' cat and [[Michelle Obama]]'s [[Fraser Robinson|father]]'s nickname Diddley; the dog is a namesake of singer [[Bo Diddley]].<ref name="popwatch">{{Cite news|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/barack-obama-do.html|title=The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash|date=April 12, 2009|work=PopWatch Blog|access-date=October 19, 2009|archive-date=April 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415031629/http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/barack-obama-do.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20271921,00.html|title=The Obamas' Dog Has Arrived—at Last! |first=Sandra|last=Sobieraj-Westfall|work=People|date=April 12, 2009|access-date=October 2, 2010}}</ref>
Listed by the name "Amigo's New Hope" with [[American Kennel Club]]'s breed registry<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/04/11/2009-04-11_its_easter_puppy_for_obamas_first_family_getting_portuguese_water_dog_puppy__rep.html|title=First photos of First Dog: Obamas meet Bo, their new Portuguese Water Dog|last=Saul|first=Michael|date=April 12, 2009|work=Daily News |location=New York|access-date=April 13, 2009}}</ref> and given the name "Charlie" by his original owners,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-obama-puppy-13-apr13,0,2536424.story|title=Obamas' dog: Meet Bo, the Portuguese water dog|last=St. Clair|first=Stacy|date=April 13, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=April 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415052739/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-obama-puppy-13-apr13,0,2536424.story|archive-date=April 15, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> the puppy received his name from President Obama's two daughters, [[Malia and Sasha Obama|Malia and Sasha]], in part after their cousins' cat and [[Michelle Obama]]'s [[Fraser Robinson|father]]'s nickname Diddley; the dog is named for singer [[Bo Diddley]].<ref name="popwatch">{{Cite news|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/barack-obama-do.html|title=The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash|date=April 12, 2009|work=PopWatch Blog|access-date=October 19, 2009|archive-date=April 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415031629/http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/barack-obama-do.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20271921,00.html|title=The Obamas' Dog Has Arrived—at Last! |first=Sandra|last=Sobieraj-Westfall|work=People|date=April 12, 2009|access-date=October 2, 2010}}</ref>


In June 2009, the White House released a baseball card for Bo with his new official portrait on one side and tongue-in-cheek statistics on the other; information included the facts that Bo's favorite food is tomatoes and that he does not yet know how to swim. The card was available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the White House.<ref name="baseball">{{cite web |last=Iovino |first=Jim |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/around_town/the_scene/Bos-Rookie-Card-Sure-to-be-Collectors-Item.html |title=First Dog Bo's Portrait Out as Baseball Card |publisher=NBC Washington |access-date=August 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/67A40jcYp?url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/archive/Bos-Rookie-Card-Sure-to-be-Collectors-Item.html |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jess|last=Lee|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/Bo-The-Portrait-the-Baseball-Card|title=The White House—Blog Post—Bo: The Portrait, the Baseball Card|date=June 19, 2009|publisher=White House|access-date=August 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Katie |last=Conolly |url=http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/06/19/official-portrait-of-first-dog-bo-released.aspx |title=The Gaggle : Official Portrait of First Dog Bo Released |work=Newsweek |access-date=August 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825102924/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/06/19/official-portrait-of-first-dog-bo-released.aspx |archive-date=August 25, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref>
In June 2009, the White House released a baseball card for Bo with his new official portrait on one side and tongue-in-cheek statistics on the other. Information included the facts that Bo's favorite food is tomatoes and that he does not yet know how to swim. The card was available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the White House.<ref name="baseball">{{cite web |last=Iovino |first=Jim |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/around_town/the_scene/Bos-Rookie-Card-Sure-to-be-Collectors-Item.html |title=First Dog Bo's Portrait Out as Baseball Card |publisher=NBC Washington |access-date=August 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104044733/http://www.nbcwashington.com/the-scene/archive/Bos-Rookie-Card-Sure-to-be-Collectors-Item.html |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jess|last=Lee|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/Bo-The-Portrait-the-Baseball-Card|title=The White House—Blog Post—Bo: The Portrait, the Baseball Card|date=June 19, 2009|publisher=White House|access-date=August 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Katie |last=Conolly |url=http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/06/19/official-portrait-of-first-dog-bo-released.aspx |title=The Gaggle : Official Portrait of First Dog Bo Released |work=Newsweek |access-date=August 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825102924/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2009/06/19/official-portrait-of-first-dog-bo-released.aspx |archive-date=August 25, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref>


According to financial disclosure forms released by President Obama in 2010, Bo was purchased for $1,600 ({{Inflation|US|1600|2010|fmt=eq|r=-1}}).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Marr|first=Kendra|title=Hot dog: $1,600 Bo listed on disclosure forms|url=http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0510/hot_dog_2a94d94b-62d5-46e8-84c1-da3cae477d9e.html|access-date=May 18, 2010|newspaper=[[The Politico]]|date=May 17, 2010}}</ref>
According to financial disclosure forms released by President Obama in 2010, Bo was purchased for $1,600, {{Inflation|US|1600|2010|fmt=eq|r=-1}}.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Marr|first=Kendra|title=Hot dog: $1,600 Bo listed on disclosure forms|url=http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0510/hot_dog_2a94d94b-62d5-46e8-84c1-da3cae477d9e.html|access-date=May 18, 2010|newspaper=[[The Politico]]|date=May 17, 2010}}</ref>


As of August 2012, Bo was on a diet, though no other details were released (it was announced by the President during the Kids' State Dinner, where children from the states and territories who had won a contest to design healthy, appealing meals had lunch at the White House).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animaltracks.today.com/_news/2012/08/21/13397564-bo-obama-is-on-a-diet-president-says?lite|title=Latest News, Videos & Guest Interviews from the Today Show on NBC|publisher=TODAY.com|access-date=December 7, 2012|archive-date=December 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211030448/http://animaltracks.today.com/_news/2012/08/21/13397564-bo-obama-is-on-a-diet-president-says?lite|url-status=dead}}</ref>
It was announced in August 2012 that Bo was on a diet, though no other details were released. It was announced by the President during the Kids' State Dinner, where children from the states and territories who had won a contest to design healthy, appealing meals had lunch at the White House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animaltracks.today.com/_news/2012/08/21/13397564-bo-obama-is-on-a-diet-president-says?lite|title=Latest News, Videos & Guest Interviews from the Today Show on NBC|publisher=TODAY.com|access-date=December 7, 2012|archive-date=December 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211030448/http://animaltracks.today.com/_news/2012/08/21/13397564-bo-obama-is-on-a-diet-president-says?lite|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Bo's heritage==
==Bo's heritage==
[[File:Obama family walks with First Dog Bo 4-14-09.jpg|thumb|alt="Michelle Obama and her oldest daughter walk a small black dog whilst Barack Obama and their youngest daughter walk a short distance behind them"|The Obamas walking with Bo]]
[[File:Obama family walks with First Dog Bo 4-14-09.jpg|thumb|alt="Michelle Obama and her oldest daughter walk a small black dog whilst Barack Obama and their youngest daughter walk a short distance behind them"|The Obamas walking with Bo]]
The Obamas originally voiced a strong desire to adopt a [[shelter dog]], but made no firm commitments.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Greene |first=Nick |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5154973/Obamas-criticised-for-breaking-promise-of-adopting-dog-from-shelter.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417055227/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5154973/Obamas-criticised-for-breaking-promise-of-adopting-dog-from-shelter.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 17, 2009 |title=Obama's criticized for breaking promise of adopting dog from shelter |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=April 15, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009 | location=London}}</ref> In Summer 2008, [[Best Friends Animal Society]], an animal welfare organization, gathered 50,000 signatures on a petition asking the family to adopt a shelter animal.<ref name="latices">{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10908907?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html |title=Obama's will adopt, rather than buy, a dog|work=San Jose Mercury News |date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>
The Obamas had voiced a strong desire to adopt a [[shelter dog]] but made no firm commitments.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Greene |first=Nick |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5154973/Obamas-criticised-for-breaking-promise-of-adopting-dog-from-shelter.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417055227/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/5154973/Obamas-criticised-for-breaking-promise-of-adopting-dog-from-shelter.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 17, 2009 |title=Obama's criticized for breaking promise of adopting dog from shelter |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=April 15, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009 | location=London}}</ref> In Summer 2008, [[Best Friends Animal Society]], an animal welfare organization, gathered 50,000 signatures on a petition asking the family to adopt a shelter animal.<ref name="latices">{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10908907?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html |title=Obama's will adopt, rather than buy, a dog|work=San Jose Mercury News |date=May 11, 2008 |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>


As Bo was a gift through a breeder, he was not a shelter dog. Dog expert [[César Millán]] stated Bo could be considered part of a larger group known as "[[rescue dogs]]". He was unsuccessful in his first home when plans for him to provide companionship to an older female dog went awry; apparently his attempts to [[Breastfeeding|suckle]] irritated her.<ref name="yahoo1"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Visitant |first=Carol |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20272856,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines |title=5 Things You Don't Know About First Dog Bo—Barack Obama |work=People |date=April 16, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009}}</ref> The Obamas pledged a donation to the DC Humane Society in a show of support for shelter dogs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.dog13apr13,0,304629.story |title=Obama puppy: Portuguese water dog Bo is Obama puppy |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
Although Bo was a gift through a breeder, dog expert [[César Millán]] stated Bo could be considered part of a larger group known as "[[rescue dogs]]". He was unsuccessful in his first home when plans for him to provide companionship to an older female dog went awry; apparently, his attempts to [[Breastfeeding|suckle]] irritated her.<ref name="yahoo1"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Visitant |first=Carol |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20272856,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines |title=5 Things You Don't Know About First Dog Bo—Barack Obama |work=People |date=April 16, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009 |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308225727/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20272856,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Obamas pledged a donation to the DC Humane Society in a show of support for shelter dogs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.dog13apr13,0,304629.story |title=Obama puppy: Portuguese water dog Bo is Obama puppy |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>


The [[Humane Society of the United States]] released a statement thanking the Obamas "for taking in a second-chance dog," but discouraged going through breeders.<ref name="humane">{{cite web |url=http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2009/04/first_family_dog_sm_041209.html |title=The HSUS Congratulates First Family on New White House Dog |publisher=Humane Society of the United States |date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119053050/http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2009/04/first_family_dog_sm_041209.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The [[Humane Society of the United States]] released a statement thanking the Obamas "for taking in a second-chance dog" but discouraged employing breeders.<ref name="humane">{{cite web |url=http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2009/04/first_family_dog_sm_041209.html |title=The HSUS Congratulates First Family on New White House Dog |publisher=Humane Society of the United States |date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119053050/http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2009/04/first_family_dog_sm_041209.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Reactions by and in the media==
==Reactions in the media==
[[File:Bo and Obama.jpg|thumb|alt="Barack Obama running through the halls of the white house with a small black dog who looks up at him whilst running alongside"|Bo and Obama running through the east wing of the [[White House]]]]
[[File:Bo and Obama.jpg|thumb|alt="Barack Obama running through the halls of the white house with a small black dog who looks up at him whilst running alongside"|Bo and Obama running through the east wing of the [[White House]]]]
[[File:Bo Obama March 2010.jpg|thumb|Bo in March 2010]]
[[File:Bo Obama March 2010.jpg|thumb|Bo in March 2010]]


''The Washington Post''{{'}}s Manuel Roig-Franzia, granted exclusive initial access to Bo for the print media, described the puppy: "Bo's a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the [[White House]], he's got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theinsider.com/news/2003457_Obama_Dog_Bo_Diddley_Obama_Puppy_First_Dog_Photos_Video |title=Obama Dog Bo Diddley Obama Puppy First Dog Photos Video at The Insider |publisher=Theinsider.com |access-date=August 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523094259/http://www.theinsider.com/news/2003457_Obama_Dog_Bo_Diddley_Obama_Puppy_First_Dog_Photos_Video |archive-date=May 23, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
''The Washington Post''{{'}}s Manuel Roig-Franzia, granted exclusive access to Bo for his debut in print, described the puppy: "Bo's a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the [[White House]], he's got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theinsider.com/news/2003457_Obama_Dog_Bo_Diddley_Obama_Puppy_First_Dog_Photos_Video |title=Obama Dog Bo Diddley Obama Puppy First Dog Photos Video at The Insider |publisher=Theinsider.com |access-date=August 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523094259/http://www.theinsider.com/news/2003457_Obama_Dog_Bo_Diddley_Obama_Puppy_First_Dog_Photos_Video |archive-date=May 23, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


[[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) described the family's choice to accept the gift of a puppy from a family friend as "disquieting" and publicly urged Obama to have Bo neutered, despite the fact that the dog had been neutered before the Obamas received him.<ref name="NBC neuter">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/PETA_Encourages_Obamas_to_Neuter_Neutered_Dog.html|title=PETA Encourages Obamas to Neuter Neutered Dog|last=Hess|first=Amanda|date=April 13, 2009|publisher=nbcwashington.com|access-date=April 15, 2009}}</ref><ref name="usnews">{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Bedard |url=https://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/4/13/peta-urges-obama-to-snip-bo-the-first-dog.html |title=PETA urges Obama to snip Bo the first dog |publisher=USNews.com |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416043006/http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/4/13/peta-urges-obama-to-snip-bo-the-first-dog.html |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref>
[[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) described the family's choice to accept the gift of a puppy from a family friend as "disquieting" and publicly urged Obama to have Bo neutered, despite the dog having been neutered before the Obamas received him.<ref name="NBC neuter">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/PETA_Encourages_Obamas_to_Neuter_Neutered_Dog.html|title=PETA Encourages Obamas to Neuter Neutered Dog|last=Hess|first=Amanda|date=April 13, 2009|publisher=nbcwashington.com|access-date=April 15, 2009}}</ref><ref name="usnews">{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Bedard |url=https://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/4/13/peta-urges-obama-to-snip-bo-the-first-dog.html |title=PETA urges Obama to snip Bo the first dog |publisher=USNews.com |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416043006/http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/4/13/peta-urges-obama-to-snip-bo-the-first-dog.html |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref>


In anticipation of increased interest in the breed, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America issued a statement requesting that members of the public considering obtaining the dogs "ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle", advising that the dogs' needs preclude their being left alone for long periods or boarded in kennels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/poll/special/PWDCARelease.pdf |title=Obama Family's Choice for 'First Dog' Prompts PWDCA to Remind Public About Responsible Breeding and Dog Ownership |publisher=The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423181801/http://www.akc.org/poll/special/PWDCARelease.pdf |archive-date=April 23, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref>
In anticipation of increased interest in the breed, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America issued a statement requesting that members of the public considering obtaining the dogs "ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle", advising that the dogs' needs preclude their being left alone for long periods or boarded in kennels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/poll/special/PWDCARelease.pdf |title=Obama Family's Choice for 'First Dog' Prompts PWDCA to Remind Public About Responsible Breeding and Dog Ownership |publisher=The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc |date=April 13, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423181801/http://www.akc.org/poll/special/PWDCARelease.pdf |archive-date=April 23, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref>
Line 87: Line 91:
On July 17, 2009, [[Ben Greenman]], writing in ''The New York Times'' as Bo, reflected on his first hundred days in office.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Ben|last=Greenman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/opinion/17greenman.html |title=The First Hundred (Dog) Days |work=The New York Times |date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009}}</ref>
On July 17, 2009, [[Ben Greenman]], writing in ''The New York Times'' as Bo, reflected on his first hundred days in office.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Ben|last=Greenman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/opinion/17greenman.html |title=The First Hundred (Dog) Days |work=The New York Times |date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=October 19, 2009}}</ref>


In the final episode of the [[History (U.S. TV channel)|History Channel]]'s ''[[Life After People]]'', aired March 16, 2010, the producers imagined what life would be like for Bo after the disappearance of humanity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.com/shows/life-after-people/episodes/ |title=Take Me to Your Leader|work=[[History (U.S. TV channel)|History]]|access-date=March 25, 2010|quote=The President's dog must learn the ways of the wild. }}</ref> This program speculated that he would leave the White House, and live off seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.<ref name="anniversary">[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/04/bo_obamas_anniversary_first_ye.html Bo Obama's anniversary: First year as First Dog], The Washington Post, April 15, 2010</ref>
In the final episode of the [[History (U.S. TV channel)|History Channel]]'s ''[[Life After People]]'', aired March 16, 2010, the producers imagined what life would be like for Bo after the disappearance of humanity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.com/shows/life-after-people/episodes/ |title=Take Me to Your Leader|work=[[History (U.S. TV channel)|History]]|access-date=March 25, 2010|quote=The President's dog must learn the ways of the wild. }}</ref> This program speculated that he would leave the White House and live off seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.<ref name="anniversary">{{Cite news |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/04/bo_obamas_anniversary_first_ye.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015025413/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/04/bo_obamas_anniversary_first_ye.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |title=Bo Obama's anniversary: First year as First Dog |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 15, 2010}}</ref>


Bo was also shown on ''Dogs 101'', as part of segment about the breed.<ref>''Dogs 101 Ep. 10, All the presidents' Pets'',</ref><ref>''Dogs 101 ep. 14, Bernese Mountain Dog, Afghan, Portuguese Water Dog, Cairn Terrier, Alaskan Malamute''</ref>
Bo was also shown on ''Dogs 101'', as part of segment about the breed.<ref>''Dogs 101 Ep. 10, All the presidents' Pets'',</ref><ref>''Dogs 101 ep. 14, Bernese Mountain Dog, Afghan, Portuguese Water Dog, Cairn Terrier, Alaskan Malamute''</ref>


Bo appeared in the comic book ''[[Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers]]'' and on the television shows ''[[Late Night with Seth Meyers]]'' and ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show|Ellen]]''. On Meyers' show, Bo was the subject of a "Barney Cam" parody in which he is shown to be shamelessly manipulating White House staffers and guests (such as by finding and planting classified information in the bag of speechwriter who refused to give him treats).<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/ndbGp6EqGu8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20161012184214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbGp6EqGu8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbGp6EqGu8| title = Seth Puts A Camera On Obama’s Dog Bo | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Bo appeared in the comic book ''[[Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers]]'' and on the television shows ''[[Late Night with Seth Meyers]]'' and ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show|Ellen]]''. On Meyers' show, Bo was the subject of a "Barney Cam" parody in which he is shown to be shamelessly manipulating White House staffers and guests (such as by finding and planting classified information in the bag of a speechwriter who refused to give him treats).<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/ndbGp6EqGu8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20161012184214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbGp6EqGu8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndbGp6EqGu8| title = Seth Puts A Camera On Obama's Dog Bo | website=[[YouTube]]| date = October 11, 2016 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Bo acquired the nickname "Bobama".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2009/08/06/first-family-arrival-date-set-august-23 |title=First Family Arrival Date Set at August 23 |first=Sam |last=Bungey |newspaper=[[Vineyard Gazette]] |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/6077769/Barack-Obama-arrives-in-Marthas-Vineyard-with-family.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/6077769/Barack-Obama-arrives-in-Marthas-Vineyard-with-family.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Barack Obama arrives in Martha's Vineyard with family |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |first=Tom |last=Leonard |date=August 23, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.elitedaily.com/p/donald-trump-reportedly-hates-dogs-so-that-might-explain-a-few-things-10143895 |title=Donald Trump Reportedly Hates Dogs, So That Might Explain A Few Things |first=Daniella |last=Bondar |website=[[Elite Daily]] |date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}</ref>
Bo acquired the nickname "Bobama".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2009/08/06/first-family-arrival-date-set-august-23 |title=First Family Arrival Date Set at August 23 |first=Sam |last=Bungey |newspaper=[[Vineyard Gazette]] |date=August 6, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/6077769/Barack-Obama-arrives-in-Marthas-Vineyard-with-family.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/6077769/Barack-Obama-arrives-in-Marthas-Vineyard-with-family.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Barack Obama arrives in Martha's Vineyard with family |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |first=Tom |last=Leonard |date=August 23, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.elitedaily.com/p/donald-trump-reportedly-hates-dogs-so-that-might-explain-a-few-things-10143895 |title=Donald Trump Reportedly Hates Dogs, So That Might Explain A Few Things |first=Daniella |last=Bondar |website=[[Elite Daily]] |date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 29, 2020}}</ref>


==Kidnapping plot==
==Kidnapping plot==
On January 8, 2016, a man named Scott Stockert from [[Dickinson, North Dakota]] was arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap Bo after [[United States Secret Service]] Agents discovered a [[12-gauge shotgun|12 gauge]] [[pump action]] shotgun and a [[bolt action]] [[.22 caliber]] rifle on the back of his pickup truck.<ref name="Time">{{cite web |title=Man Arrested for Plot to Kidnap the Obamas' Dog |url=https://time.com/4173044/obama-dog-kidnap-sunny-bo/ |publisher=time.com |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>
On January 8, 2016, a man named Scott Stockert from [[Dickinson, North Dakota]], was arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap Bo after [[United States Secret Service]] Agents discovered a [[12-gauge shotgun|12 gauge]] [[pump action]] shotgun and a [[bolt action]] [[.22 caliber]] rifle on the back of his pickup truck.<ref name="Time">{{cite web |title=Man Arrested for Plot to Kidnap the Obamas' Dog |date=January 8, 2016 |url=https://time.com/4173044/obama-dog-kidnap-sunny-bo/ |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
On May 8, 2021, the Obama family confirmed that Bo had died of [[cancer]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] at the age of 12.<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Michelle and Barack Obama Mourn the Death of Beloved Dog Bo | magazine=People | date=May 8, 2021 |first=Maria |last=Pasquini|url=https://people.com/pets/michelle-obama-barack-obama-mourn-death-dog-bo/ | access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wang|first=Amy|date=May 8, 2021|title=Obamas announce death of dog Bo, 'a true friend and loyal companion'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2021/05/08/obama-dog-bo-dies/|access-date=May 8, 2021 |website=The Washington Post}}</ref>
On May 8, 2021, the Obama family confirmed that Bo had died of [[cancer]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] at the age of 12.<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Michelle and Barack Obama Mourn the Death of Beloved Dog Bo | magazine=People | date=May 8, 2021 |first=Maria |last=Pasquini|url=https://people.com/pets/michelle-obama-barack-obama-mourn-death-dog-bo/ | access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Amy|date=May 8, 2021|title=Obamas announce death of dog Bo, 'a true friend and loyal companion'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2021/05/08/obama-dog-bo-dies/|access-date=May 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Sunny (dog)|Sunny]]
* [[Sunny (dog)|Sunny]]
* [[United States presidential pets]]
* [[United States presidential pets]]
* [[List of individual dogs]]
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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{{S-hon}}
{{S-hon}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Barney (dog)|Barney]] and [[Miss Beazley (dog)|Miss Beazley]]<br />{{small|[[George W. Bush]]'s [[Scottish Terrier]]s}}}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Barney (dog)|Barney]] and [[Miss Beazley (dog)|Miss Beazley]]<br />{{small|[[George W. Bush]]'s [[Scottish Terrier]]s}}}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States presidential pets|White House pet dog]]|years=April 14, 2009 – January 20, 2017|alongside=[[Sunny (dog)|Sunny]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States presidential pets|White House pet dog]]|years=April 14, 2009 – January 20, 2017|alongside=[[Sunny (dog)|Sunny]] <br> {{small|(since August 19, 2013)}}
}}
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{{s-aft|after=[[Champ (dog)|Champ]], [[Major (Joe Biden's dog)|Major]], and [[Commander (dog)|Commander]]<br>{{small|[[Joe Biden]]'s [[German shepherd]]s}}}}
{{s-aft
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|after=[[Champ (dog)|Champ]] and [[Major (Joe Biden's dog)|Major]], <br>{{small|[[Joe Biden]]'s [[German Shepherd]]s}} <br> {{small|(January 20, 2021)}}
}}
{{S-end}}
{{S-end}}
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{{Barack Obama|state=expand}}
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{{authority control}}


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{{United States presidential pets}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bo (Dog)}}
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{{Barack Obama}}
{{Michelle Obama}}
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{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2008 animal births]]
[[Category:2008 animal births]]
[[Category:2021 animal deaths]]
[[Category:2021 animal deaths]]
[[Category:United States presidential dogs]]
[[Category:Animal deaths from cancer]]
[[Category:Animal deaths from cancer]]
[[Category:Individual dogs in politics]]
[[Category:Obama family]]
[[Category:Obama family]]
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[[Category:United States presidential dogs]]

Latest revision as of 03:40, 17 November 2024

Bo
Official White House portrait of the First Dog, May 2009
Other name(s)First Dog of the United States[1][2][3]
Charlie (by previous owner)
SpeciesCanis familiaris
BreedPortuguese Water Dog
SexMale
BornAmigo's New Hope[4]
(2008-10-09)October 9, 2008
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedMay 8, 2021(2021-05-08) (aged 12)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Cause of deathCancer
Known forPet of the Obama family
TrainingDawn Sylvia (Hume, Virginia)
Can sit, present paw/shake, lie down, roll over, get off, wait[5]
TitleFirst Dog of the United States
TermApril 14, 2009 – January 20, 2017
PredecessorBarney
SuccessorChamp and Major
OwnerObama family
Parent(s)Dam: Penny
(Amigo's Phor What Its Worth)
(Boyd, Texas)
Sire: Watson
(Valkyrie's Dr. Watson Is Here)
(Ambridge, Pennsylvania)[6]
Breeder: Julie Parker[7]
AppearanceTuxedo/black and white
Named afterObama girls' cousins' pet cat
and Bo Diddley

Bo (October 9, 2008 – May 8, 2021) was a pet dog of the Obama family, the first family of the United States from 2009 until 2017.[2] President Barack Obama and his family were given the male Portuguese Water Dog as a gift after months of speculation about the breed and identity of their future pet.[2][8] The final choice was made in part because elder daughter Malia's allergies dictated a need for a hypoallergenic breed. Bo was occasionally called "First Dog".[1][2][3] In August 2013, Bo was joined by Sunny, a female dog of the same breed.[9]

Bo was named by sisters Malia and Sasha after their cousins' cat, First Lady Michelle Obama's father, and as a reference to the R&B musician Bo Diddley. Bo's name was also Barack Obama's initials.

Breed background

[edit]
Main article: Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Only 48 Portuguese Water Dogs were entered for Britain's Crufts competition in 2009[10] and the author of The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog, Kitty Braund, believes there are about 50,000 in North America.[11] Due to its fleecy coat of minimally shedding hair,[12] the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.[13]

Breeding and original owners

[edit]
"The President, Barack Obama, shows his youngest daughter how to pet a small black dog whilst his oldest daughter and wife watch"
The Obamas with Bo

Bred by Martha and Art Stern of Amigo Portuguese Water Dogs in Boyd, Texas,[7] Bo was a son of Watson—of the Rader family in Pittsburgh's Ambridge suburb—and Penny, belonging to Art and Martha Stern. One of Bo's nine litter mates was Senator Ted Kennedy's dog named Cappy (Amigo's Captain Courageous). The litter was named "Hope and Change", in honor of Obama's victory.[14][15]

Bo's original buyer is unknown, but eventually, they returned him to the Stern family. Purchasing Bo required signing a contract to return him to his breeder if things did not work out. Bo enrolled with Kennedy's obedience trainer Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz in Hume, Virginia, on January 5, 2009.[16]

Selection of the dog

[edit]

At his first press conference as President-elect, Obama was questioned by reporters as to which breed the family was looking to acquire. He replied, "We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So—so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."[17]

George Stephanopoulos asked Obama on television in early January what kind of dog they would get, and when, saying that he was passing on a question from Obama's daughters who were sitting in the control room. Obama said "They seem to have narrowed it down to a labradoodle or a Portuguese water hound ... medium-sized dog, and so, we're now going to start looking at shelters to see when one of those dogs might come up."[18]

Much was made by the public and press about the family's search for a dog. On April 12, 2009, it was announced that the Obamas would soon accept a six-month-old Portuguese Water Dog puppy as a gift from Senator Kennedy. The dog was reported to have visited the family some weeks earlier[19] in a secret meeting to gauge compatibility and purportedly referred to by staffers as "The Meeting". However, the gift was not accepted until the dog officially arrived and moved in at the White House on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.[20]

Immediately after he arrived, the family staged a photo op with Bo on the property's South Lawn.[21] At the conference, Obama was asked if he would allow Bo inside the Oval Office, to which he responded: "of course."[21] He also gave a nod to President Harry Truman's quote "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."[21] The White House website was later updated to include official pictures and biographical details of Bo.[2]

Biographical details

[edit]
"A black dog with curly hair and white feet wears a multi-colored lei around his neck"
Bo wearing a lei upon his White House arrival

Listed by the name "Amigo's New Hope" with American Kennel Club's breed registry[22] and given the name "Charlie" by his original owners,[23] the puppy received his name from President Obama's two daughters, Malia and Sasha, in part after their cousins' cat and Michelle Obama's father's nickname Diddley; the dog is named for singer Bo Diddley.[24][25]

In June 2009, the White House released a baseball card for Bo with his new official portrait on one side and tongue-in-cheek statistics on the other. Information included the facts that Bo's favorite food is tomatoes and that he does not yet know how to swim. The card was available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the White House.[26][27][28]

According to financial disclosure forms released by President Obama in 2010, Bo was purchased for $1,600, equivalent to $2,240 in 2023.[29]

It was announced in August 2012 that Bo was on a diet, though no other details were released. It was announced by the President during the Kids' State Dinner, where children from the states and territories who had won a contest to design healthy, appealing meals had lunch at the White House.[30]

Bo's heritage

[edit]
"Michelle Obama and her oldest daughter walk a small black dog whilst Barack Obama and their youngest daughter walk a short distance behind them"
The Obamas walking with Bo

The Obamas had voiced a strong desire to adopt a shelter dog but made no firm commitments.[31] In Summer 2008, Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare organization, gathered 50,000 signatures on a petition asking the family to adopt a shelter animal.[32]

Although Bo was a gift through a breeder, dog expert César Millán stated Bo could be considered part of a larger group known as "rescue dogs". He was unsuccessful in his first home when plans for him to provide companionship to an older female dog went awry; apparently, his attempts to suckle irritated her.[20][33] The Obamas pledged a donation to the DC Humane Society in a show of support for shelter dogs.[34]

The Humane Society of the United States released a statement thanking the Obamas "for taking in a second-chance dog" but discouraged employing breeders.[35]

Reactions in the media

[edit]
"Barack Obama running through the halls of the white house with a small black dog who looks up at him whilst running alongside"
Bo and Obama running through the east wing of the White House
Bo in March 2010

The Washington Post's Manuel Roig-Franzia, granted exclusive access to Bo for his debut in print, described the puppy: "Bo's a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the White House, he's got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee."[36]

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) described the family's choice to accept the gift of a puppy from a family friend as "disquieting" and publicly urged Obama to have Bo neutered, despite the dog having been neutered before the Obamas received him.[37][38]

In anticipation of increased interest in the breed, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America issued a statement requesting that members of the public considering obtaining the dogs "ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle", advising that the dogs' needs preclude their being left alone for long periods or boarded in kennels.[39]

Immediately upon Bo joining the First Family, four children's books and a plush toy depicting him were slated for publication or manufacture.[40][41][42]

On July 17, 2009, Ben Greenman, writing in The New York Times as Bo, reflected on his first hundred days in office.[43]

In the final episode of the History Channel's Life After People, aired March 16, 2010, the producers imagined what life would be like for Bo after the disappearance of humanity.[44] This program speculated that he would leave the White House and live off seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.[45]

Bo was also shown on Dogs 101, as part of segment about the breed.[46][47]

Bo appeared in the comic book Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers and on the television shows Late Night with Seth Meyers and Ellen. On Meyers' show, Bo was the subject of a "Barney Cam" parody in which he is shown to be shamelessly manipulating White House staffers and guests (such as by finding and planting classified information in the bag of a speechwriter who refused to give him treats).[48]

Bo acquired the nickname "Bobama".[49][50][51]

Kidnapping plot

[edit]

On January 8, 2016, a man named Scott Stockert from Dickinson, North Dakota, was arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap Bo after United States Secret Service Agents discovered a 12 gauge pump action shotgun and a bolt action .22 caliber rifle on the back of his pickup truck.[52]

Death

[edit]

On May 8, 2021, the Obama family confirmed that Bo had died of cancer in Washington, D.C. at the age of 12.[53][54]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Dave, By (April 20, 2009). "Vigilant press spots Bo, the first dog, out for a walk". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e "The White House—Blog Post—Meet Bo, the First Dog". White House. April 12, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  3. ^ a b Cooper, Helen (April 12, 2009). "One Obama Search Ends With a Puppy Named Bo". The New York Times. Retrieved April 18, 2009. Other Web sites, which have been tracking the saga of the selection of the first dog, were in a frenzy over the weekend.
  4. ^ Silva, Mark (April 12, 2009). "Obamas' dog Bo: 'Amigo's New Hope'". Swamppolitics.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  5. ^ "Obama Dog Trainer: Bo Already 'Sits, Shakes, Rolls Over'". Us Weekly. April 15, 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  6. ^ "The Obama Dog Blog: Cappy's Breeder Rejects Obama Dog Connection". Dreamdogsart.typepad.com. April 15, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  7. ^ a b Sostek, Anya (April 14, 2009). "First dog's father from Ambridge". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
  8. ^ "World | Obama family 'picks first puppy'". BBC News. April 12, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  9. ^ Feldmann, Lindie (August 20, 2013). "New little girl arrives at White House. Meet Sunny Obama. (+video)". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
  10. ^ "PORTUGUESE WATER DOG". Crufts. 2009. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2009.
  11. ^ Ryan, Denise (April 15, 2009). "U.S. first family puts Portuguese water dog on the map". .canada.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  12. ^ Scott, Danny; Miller, William; Griffin, Craig (2001). Small Animal Dermatology. W B Saunders. p. 4. ISBN 0-7216-7618-9.
  13. ^ "Portuguese Water Dog". AKC. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  14. ^ "Is Bo a rescue dog or not?". Record-Journal (Meriden, Connecticut). April 14, 2009. p. M6. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  15. ^ "Dog Tale: How Bo Became First Pooch". NBC Washington. April 11, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  16. ^ "Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, trainer of Bo, the Obamas' White House dog, dies at 52". the Washington Post. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  17. ^ Neuman, Johanna (February 25, 2009). "New first dog: The Obamas choose a Portuguese water dog". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  18. ^ Weiner, Rachel (January 13, 2009). "Obama: Finding Puppy "Tougher Than Finding A Commerce Secretary" (VIDEO)". HuffPost. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  19. ^ Roig-Franzia, Manuel (April 12, 2009). "The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  20. ^ a b Theimer, Sharon (April 26, 2009). "PROMISES, PROMISES: Is Obama dog a rescue or not?". Associated Press.
  21. ^ a b c Theimer, Sharon. "First dog Bo makes himself at home". The Washington Times. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  22. ^ Saul, Michael (April 12, 2009). "First photos of First Dog: Obamas meet Bo, their new Portuguese Water Dog". Daily News. New York. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  23. ^ St. Clair, Stacy (April 13, 2009). "Obamas' dog: Meet Bo, the Portuguese water dog". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 15, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  24. ^ "The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash". PopWatch Blog. April 12, 2009. Archived from the original on April 15, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  25. ^ Sobieraj-Westfall, Sandra (April 12, 2009). "The Obamas' Dog Has Arrived—at Last!". People. Retrieved October 2, 2010.
  26. ^ Iovino, Jim. "First Dog Bo's Portrait Out as Baseball Card". NBC Washington. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  27. ^ Lee, Jess (June 19, 2009). "The White House—Blog Post—Bo: The Portrait, the Baseball Card". White House. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  28. ^ Conolly, Katie. "The Gaggle : Official Portrait of First Dog Bo Released". Newsweek. Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  29. ^ Marr, Kendra (May 17, 2010). "Hot dog: $1,600 Bo listed on disclosure forms". The Politico. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
  30. ^ "Latest News, Videos & Guest Interviews from the Today Show on NBC". TODAY.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
  31. ^ Greene, Nick (April 15, 2009). "Obama's criticized for breaking promise of adopting dog from shelter". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  32. ^ "Obama's will adopt, rather than buy, a dog". San Jose Mercury News. May 11, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
  33. ^ Visitant, Carol (April 16, 2009). "5 Things You Don't Know About First Dog Bo—Barack Obama". People. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  34. ^ "Obama puppy: Portuguese water dog Bo is Obama puppy". The Baltimore Sun. April 13, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009. [dead link‍]
  35. ^ "The HSUS Congratulates First Family on New White House Dog". Humane Society of the United States. April 12, 2009. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  36. ^ "Obama Dog Bo Diddley Obama Puppy First Dog Photos Video at The Insider". Theinsider.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  37. ^ Hess, Amanda (April 13, 2009). "PETA Encourages Obamas to Neuter Neutered Dog". nbcwashington.com. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  38. ^ Bedard, Paul (April 13, 2009). "PETA urges Obama to snip Bo the first dog". USNews.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  39. ^ "Obama Family's Choice for 'First Dog' Prompts PWDCA to Remind Public About Responsible Breeding and Dog Ownership" (PDF). The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc. April 13, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 23, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  40. ^ Irvine, Chris (April 16, 2009). "Bo Obama to star in children's book". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on April 19, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  41. ^ Kondo, Koji (April 2009). Bo Obama: First Dog of the United States of America. CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1-4421-5644-9.
  42. ^ Lewis, J. Patrick; Beth Zappitello; Tim Bowers (April 2009). First Dog. Sleeping Bear Press. ISBN 978-1-58536-467-1.
  43. ^ Greenman, Ben (July 16, 2009). "The First Hundred (Dog) Days". The New York Times. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  44. ^ "Take Me to Your Leader". History. Retrieved March 25, 2010. The President's dog must learn the ways of the wild.
  45. ^ "Bo Obama's anniversary: First year as First Dog". The Washington Post. April 15, 2010. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012.
  46. ^ Dogs 101 Ep. 10, All the presidents' Pets,
  47. ^ Dogs 101 ep. 14, Bernese Mountain Dog, Afghan, Portuguese Water Dog, Cairn Terrier, Alaskan Malamute
  48. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Seth Puts A Camera On Obama's Dog Bo". YouTube. October 11, 2016.
  49. ^ Bungey, Sam (August 6, 2009). "First Family Arrival Date Set at August 23". Vineyard Gazette. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  50. ^ Leonard, Tom (August 23, 2009). "Barack Obama arrives in Martha's Vineyard with family". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  51. ^ Bondar, Daniella (August 16, 2018). "Donald Trump Reportedly Hates Dogs, So That Might Explain A Few Things". Elite Daily. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  52. ^ "Man Arrested for Plot to Kidnap the Obamas' Dog". Time. January 8, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  53. ^ Pasquini, Maria (May 8, 2021). "Michelle and Barack Obama Mourn the Death of Beloved Dog Bo". People. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  54. ^ Wang, Amy (May 8, 2021). "Obamas announce death of dog Bo, 'a true friend and loyal companion'". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bo (dog).
Honorary titles
Preceded by White House pet dog
April 14, 2009 – January 20, 2017
Served alongside: Sunny
(since August 19, 2013) 		Succeeded by
Champ and Major,
Joe Biden's German Shepherds
(January 20, 2021)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Bo_(dog)&oldid=1257891466"