New presidential pet: Sunny the dog joins Bo at the White House
WASHINGTON - The latest in a long line of presidential pets - who could forget Roosevelt’s Fala or Clinton’s Socks? - has arrived at the White House, and her name is Sunny.
The White House on Monday announced the debut of the 1-year-old Portuguese water dog, the same breed as the first First Dog, Bo. The Obamas have taken to the furry black pooches because of allergies in the family.
Sunny is named after her disposition, the White House said - not, as some may assume, wishful economic forecasts for Obama’s second term.
The dog arrived from Michigan on Monday, the Obamas’ first day back in Washington after a family vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.
Sunny will be joining Bo in his many presidential pet duties, including walks on the lawn, appearances at the White House egg roll and other events, and many photo shoots. Bo is something of a canine celebrity. His image graced the Obamas’ holiday card this year and pictures of the dog often hang in the West Wing.
The Obamas made a donation to the Washington Humane Society to mark Sunny’s arrival, although the White House would not disclose the amount of the gift.
kathleen.hennessey@latimes.com
Twitter: @khennessey
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