Barack Obama left devastated after beloved dog Bo dies from cancer

Barack Obama’s beloved dog Bo has died from cancer.

Mr Obama promised his daughters Malia and Sasha they could get a puppy on the night he was elected as president.

Bo spent much of his life at the White House as “first dog” and was almost 13 when he died.

The former president and his wife Michelle Obama both paid tribute to the Portuguese Water Dog on Saturday.

“Today our family lost a true friend and loyal companion,” the former president wrote.

“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 every day in between.”

“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 added: “He was exactly what we needed and more than we ever expected. We will miss him dearly.”

There was much speculation over what breed of dog the Obamas would choose and if they would get a rescue dog.

Bo came to the White House as a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, who owned a dog from the same litter.

Michelle Obama also paid tribute to Bo.

Writing on Twitter she said: “This afternoon was a difficult one for our family. We said goodbye to our best friend—Bo—after a battle with cancer. We are grateful for 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.”

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