Bo Obama

Bo Obama joined the rest of his family for story time, game time, and other lawn hijinks during today's annual White House Easter Egg Roll. While this year's theme of "Let's Go, Let's Play, Let's Move" encourages the 30,000 lucky participants in today's festivities to get active, Bo was content to rest up, listening to the president's expression-filled rendition of Where the Wild Things Are, before hitting the South Lawn. Not one to ever say no to celebrations, Bo also joined the first lady at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday for an ear-ly Easter reception for military families. He's quite the busy dog, but what else would you expect from the first pup?

As we pay homage to this nation's highest office today, it's also the perfect time to celebrate the commander in chief's best friend. First Dog Bo has snuggled himself into the hearts of the Obama family, White House staff, foreign dignitaries, and the American public with his curly, cuddly fur, even-keeled temperament, and deep, soulful eyes. He's also put Portuguese Water Dogs on the map for many folks who had never heard of the breed before this pup paraded across the White House lawn in 2009. So happy Presidents' Day, Bo! We hope your day brims with treats, naps, and a gallop across the South Lawn!

Whether rolling Easter eggs or soccer balls on the White House lawn, our favorite presidential pet has had a whirlwind year. But the unabashed Portuguese Water Dog seemed just as comfortable meeting celebrity athletes as he did snuggling up with sick children during story time. So before this year goes to the dogs, let's take a look back at some of Bo's most memorable moments of 2011.

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Life isn't easy being a first pet. Between providing inspiration for White House decorations to approving the Christmas tree to appearing at worthwhile public events, it seems as though a presidential companion's work never ends. Bo, the ever-popular Obama family dog, has kept his food dish full of activities during this holiday season, which inspired us to take a look back at how his predecessors kept busy at the White House during previous administrations.

Michelle Obama quips that family dog Bo is "the most famous member of the Obama family," and judging by this year's White House Christmas decorations, it's not far from the truth. The famed Portuguese Water Dog took center stage, as his human companions unveiled the festive trimmings at a special viewing for military families. But Bo wasn't merely on hand to supervise: clones of the political pooch starred in holiday vignettes throughout the White House while the first lady encouraged attendees to get crafty and create their own jolly canines.

First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and Bo are all smiles as they walked outside the White House to receive the White House Christmas Tree last Friday. Bo—the adorable, fluffy Portuguese Water Dog—happily pranced alongside the family and nearly stole the show.