The 11 best pictures of the Obamas’ former first dog Bo who has died from cancer

The family of former US President Barack Obama have paid tribute to their beloved pet dog Bo, after he died on Saturday from cancer.

The news was announced by Obama and his wife Michelle in social media posts, where he was described as a "constant, comforting presence" since his arrival in the White House in 2009.

"We had no idea how much he would mean to all of us," Michelle Obama wrote.

Obama wrote that Bo had been "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.”

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Bo, a black and white Portuguese water dog, was a gift to the Obamas from the late Sen Edward Kennedy, a key supporter of Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign who became close to the family. Obama had promised daughters Malia and Sasha that they could get a dog after the election. A companion dog, Sunny, joined the family in August 2013.

During his tenure as “First Dog”, Bo became so popular that Michelle Obama was sent a memo at the beginning of each month so she could approve official appearances.

Here at indy100, we love dogs and we love the Obamas – so what better time to share the most heartwarming pictures of the pup and his owners?

Here are our 11 favourites from over the years. You’re welcome.

2009

Then US President Barack Obama runs with new pet dog Bo on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington in 2009

Bo stands near the West Wing of the White House in Washington in December 2009

2010

Bo climbs the stairs of Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, for a flight to Chicago with President Barack Obama

2011

Bo walks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington

2012

Then President Barack Obama pets Bo outside the Oval Office of the White House in Washington

A.J. Murray, left, peeks in close at first dog Bo, as first lady Michelle Obama, answers questions from children who are patients at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington

2013

Bo sneaks away under a table from then US First lady Michelle Obama while visiting military families before Easter at Fisher House in Bethesda, Maryland

Bo is pictured at the unveiling of the Christmas decorations at the White House in Washington, December 4, 2013

2014

Michelle Obama, left, follows her daughters Malia Obama, center, and Sasha Obama, as they arrive to welcome the Official White House Christmas Tree to the White House in Washington. Malia Obama has Bo on a leash and Sasha Obama has Sunny on a leash

2015

Then first lady Michelle Obama and dog Bo are surrounded by children in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington

And this one, just to finish off the adorable collection.

Bo is seen in the Rose Garden of the White House in 2011

Rest In Peace, lovely boy.