George W. Bush announced Friday that his beloved pet Scottish Terrier, Barney, died a the age of 12-and-a-half years old from lymphoma. Born September 30, 2000, in New Jersey, the short-statured terrier became a symbol of the White House's website and was often pictured in the Commander in Chief's arms. Barney is survived by his little "sister," the Bush's other Scottish Terrier Miss Beazley, and Bob the cat. In his statement to the media yesterday, the former President said of his canine companion:
"He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal."
President Bush's daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, Tweeted her short eulogy for the family dog, accompanied by a portrait of Barney painted by her father:
All dogs go to heaven. RIP Barney, September 30, 2000 - February 1, 2013 twitter.com/JennaBushHager…
— Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) February 1, 2013
A media magnet, Barney had his fair share of criticism and controversy. Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed Bush for owning such a small dog, explaining that powerful leaders should own larger dogs. Even here on United States soil, Republican Karl Rove called the Scottish Terrier a "lump." Perhaps as a response or just to make a broader statement, Barney caught the media's attention when he big Reuters reporter, Jon Decker and Boston Celtics public relations director Heather Walker on two separate occasions.
Barney also gave tours of the White House to the American public each Christmas with his "Barney Cam" series. He knew the grounds very well considering he roamed around them constantly, making sure everything was up to his standards. The former President described his friend as somewhat of a Secret Service agent, standing guard in the Rose Garden and receiving treats from the many friends he had all over the estate. Together, Barney and Bush would go fishing in Texas and golf at Camp David. Barney was a fierce armadillo hunter according to Bush.
Many Americans are taking today to reflect on their memories of Barney. Personally, the first dog meant a lot to me because my family pet was also a Scottish Terrier around the same age as Barney. It was always fun to watch the most powerful man in the world get put in his place by such a strong-willed, tiny dog. Scottish Terriers are known for their personalities and I honestly believe that Barney considered himself to be the real Commander in Chief.
