[2] Sunny is a purebred Portuguese Water Dog and was selected from a breeder in the Great Lakes area.

[3] Although Sunny was purchased from a breeder, president of The Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, wrote on a blog post, "As we always say in such circumstances, we hope the Obamas considered adoption or rescue as the first choice in obtaining a pet."

He further went on to thank the Obama family for making a contribution to the Humane Society in Sunny's name, and helping reduce the suffering of dogs, although he would like the policies to finally become law.

In 2013, at a Military family arts and crafts event, Sunny knocked over a 2-year-old girl while in front of Michelle Obama.

The visitor, who was a teen friend of Malia, was treated by the president's physician Dr. Ronny Jackson.