Obama: New Puppy Fills Void Left By Busy Teenage Daughters

Puppy Fills Gap Left By Busy Teenagers In Obama White House

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama says Sunny, the new dog that became part of the Obama White House this week, helps fills a void left as his busy teenage daughters spend less time at home.

"I think there is an element for Michelle and me of, you know, we see what's coming and we need to make sure that we got somebody who greets us at the door when we get home," Obama said in a television interview on CNN's "New Day" program that aired on Friday.

The White House announced the arrival of 1-year-old Sunny, a Portuguese water dog, on Monday, and said the puppy would be a companion to Bo, a dog of the same breed that they have had since 2009.

Obama promised a dog to his daughters Malia, now 15, and Sasha, now 12, when he first was elected president. In the interview, he said he "couldn't be prouder" of his daughters, describing them as poised, smart, funny and kind.

But between school, sports practices and other activities, the girls have had less time for Bo, who was "getting lonely" and needed a canine companion, Obama said.

"Bo was getting a little down in the dumps inside the house," he said.

First lady Michelle Obama is trying to teach Sunny to sit and catch, he said.

"And, also there have been a couple accidents," he admitted.

"We live in rental housing. We didn't have to put down a deposit, but we are making sure that it gets cleaned up for the next occupant." (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Eric Beech)

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot