February 1, 2013
BARNEY BUSH DEAD AT AGE 12
Dallas, Texas (JFK+50) George W. & Laura Bush, former President & 1st Lady of the United States, announced today the passing of their beloved Scottish-terrier, Barney.*
Barney & President George W. Bush
The White House Oval Office
Photo by Eric Draper (2005)
White House Image
Barney, who was 12 years old, died as a result of complications of cancer.
The statement released today says...
"The little fellow had been suffering from lymphoma and...his body could not fight off the illness."
Barney was "First Dog" for the 8 years President Bush served.
Barney, according to the President, loved "chasing golf balls on the chipping green," & guarded the White House entrance..."as if he were a secret service agent."
The former President also said that Barney "wandered the halls of the West Wing looking for treats from his many friends."
Barney, like most dogs & perhaps most presidents, had his issues & the fall of 2008 must have been a bad time for him. He bit Reuters reporter Jon Decker on the finger & later Boston Celtics public relations director Heather Walter.
According to Alex Alman of Time, George W. Bush did a painting of Barney which is signed simply "43".**
*Bernard "Barney" Bush (2000-2013) was born in New Jersey to Kelly & Coors (owned by NJ Gov. Christine Todd Whitman).
**George W. Bush was the 43rd President of the United States (2001-2009)
SOURCES
"Barney Dies at Age 12," www.usatoday.com
"RIP: Barney Bush, Age 12," by Alex Altman, www.swampland.time.com
The First Family
Laura, George & Barney
July 29, 2004
White House Photo
JFK+50
As an animal lover who owns a dog now & who has lost dogs & cats in the past, we extend our sincerest condolences to President & Mrs. Bush.
Losing an animal you have loved and cared for over the years is not easy.
May the many good memories that you both have of Barney give you comfort.
God Bless.
