January 5, 2009
Posted: 01:06 PM ET
President Bush and an aide carry the First Cat and First Dog onto Air Force One, when both pets occupied the White House.
President Bush and an aide carry the First Cat and First Dog onto Air Force One, when both pets occupied the White House.

(CNN) – The White House announced Monday that the First Cat had passed on.

"The President, Mrs. Bush, Barbara, and Jenna are deeply saddened by the passing of their cat India ('Willie'),” said spokeswoman Sally McDonough.

“The 18 year-old female black American Shorthair died Sunday, January 4, 2009 at home at the White House. When Barbara was nine years old, she named India after the former Texas Ranger baseball player, Ruben Sierra, who was called 'El Indio.' When Barbara and Jenna moved away to college, India, affectionately called “Kitty” by the family, stayed at the White House with the President and Mrs. Bush. India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed."

The cat’s name became in issue in 2001 after Hindu nationalists said the original moniker was an insult — and urged followers to call their dogs ‘George Bush.’

Update: The First Lady's office said the cat's name did not change as a result of the Indian protests; the Bush daughters had both named and nicknamed the cat before arriving in the White House.

Filed under: Popular Posts • President George W. Bush


Lynn in Africa   January 5th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Thanks CNN for a news respite featuring a normal life occurance–the death of a family pet instead of the constant diet of bombings, bad boys and blood that occur in our world daily. We can thank God for the news featuring the Obama school girls and India/Willie vs another market or home being blown up by terrorists.

Condolences to George, Laura and the girls.

*** ******* *********   January 5th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

Condolences to the current 1st Family on the loss of their 'Kitty'. Nobody is all bad if they have a cat that has elected to live with them for over 18 years! We all know that cats can be VERY picky!!

As for why this rates headlines…it doesn't I suppose, but the President always has…for good and bad it seems! The thing about this that makes it okay for me…it shows that the media is willing to mention humanitarian or feline news as well. And for me, as sad as it is to lose a beloved companion (feline, canine or human) at least it softened the news if even for a moment. We get more than enough of all the disastrous stuff…enough to throw all of North America into a giant migraine!! So, to pause for 'Kitty' is sad, but a pleasant change.

As for the soldiers…I agree…where is the mention of our soldiers who gave their lives…for I am not just sure what, even yet…but they gave their lives because they promised they would. THAT deserves honorable mention. What is wrong with a small 'Died for Freedom' column? Not that hard considering what all you manage to get onto this site, I should imagine.

May all who gave their lives rest in peace…and I pray that peace is what we gain from all this. Amen

*** ******* *********   January 5th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Condolences to the current 1st Family on the loss of their 'Kitty'. Nobody is all bad if they have a cat that has elected to live with them for over 18 years! We all know that cats can be VERY picky!!

As for why this rates headlines…it doesn't I suppose, but the President always has…for good and bad it seems! The thing about this that makes it okay for me…it shows that the media is willing to mention humanitarian or feline news as well. And for me, as sad as it is to lose a beloved companion (feline, canine or human) at least it softened the news if even for a moment. We get more than enough of all the disastrous stuff…enough to throw all of North America into a giant migrane!! So, to pause for 'Kitty' is sad, but pleasant change.

As for the soldiers…I agree…where is the mention of our soldiers who gave their lives…for I am not just sure what even yet…but they gave their lives because they promised they would. THAT deserves honorable mention. What is wrong with a small 'Died for Freedom' column? Not that hard considering what all you manage to get onto this site, I should imagine.

May all who gave their lives rest in peace…and I pray that peace is what we gain from all this. Amen

toby   January 5th, 2009 4:26 pm ET

"I don't get why the name India was an insult."

What is to "get"? Hysterical nationalists don't need a reason to get upset, just an excuse. That is how they are able to scream abuse at the USA from a pile of their own filth.

And all those people who claim this isn't news: What would you prefer? A society where every item in the media is a fanatical, political rant that blames the ills of the world upon other members of the same society?

God smiles on people who would rather read about pets than war, and nations who hold such people.

strong   January 5th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

I am not a cat lover, and I am lukewarm on Bush … but, pets are part of our families and when they die, we humans grieve nevertheless.

This story is not the biggest story of the day, but it is still interesting.

Cat on cellphone....."can you hear me meow"   January 5th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Har Har………hope that made someone laugh…….smile……we need humor now more than ever!!!

fedlady81   January 5th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

The first cat didn't get as much exposure as Barney and Mizz Beasley. I'll miss their antics, especially when Barney took a nip of that reporter!!

Max   January 5th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

George is next

Anthony B.   January 5th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Was the cat hunting with the VP?

Alex   January 5th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

The only member of the Bush family worth grieving…

Jim, Beverly Hills CA.   January 5th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Frankly I am sick of hearing about White house children and pets, over the years.

I did not want to know about Caroline Kennedy's pony, or John John's toys.

I did not want to hear how hard it was for the LBJ daughters to go out on dates.

I did not care that one of the Ford boys invited Andy Warhol and Bianca Jagger to lunch on the Truman Balcony.

I did not want to know anything about Carter's crazy kin folk from Plains Ga.

I did not want to know that Patty Davis hated her parents.

On and on it goes. I guess the reason we suffer this is because we have no Buckingham Palace and No Queen to entertain us.

Gary H.   January 5th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

I always love being told what "Liberals" think by people who have no idea what they are talking about.

I am sorry about the loss of a pet. Thay are like part of the family and often leave a hole as big as the death of a human member. I am neither a cat lover or a fan of George W. but my sympathies in this case are heartfelt. To the nation both this and the school story are trivial to many but to others they show that if nothing else, our leaders past and present have living human problems also.

Mel Springfield, Oregon   January 5th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

To The Truth,
Your guy Obama had a story on his girls' first day of school. Tell me that doesn't compare with the cat story.

ANGIE   January 5th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

who cares what about the men and woman who have dies in Iraq do you really think Bushie cares and were suppose to care about his cat dying give me a break!

scott   January 5th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

mr. wepps are you leaving the country?

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Republicans stop whinning about this not being news. If your president did something I'm sure CNN would report it. The reason CNN report stories like this is because the sitting president of the U.S. is a………………You fill in the blank

Junaid   January 5th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

oh… what a shame.. President Bush is not at all effected with hundreds of people dead in gaza… but at least he is saddend by his cats death, a human side of him.

the sad man   January 5th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Cats are all knowing, ever watchful.
Never saying, always using.
God bless the cat that graces a family.

Flabbergasted   January 5th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Let this stand as another reason that man should never have been president. He could not decide what to call a cat!!! He probably thought there were 3 of them. While I am a cat lover, if I were responsible for the deaths of thousands I think I would have mourned this loss in private. If I were an American and had lost a family member I would be pretty pissed off right now.

Ariana   January 5th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

i'm a liberal and i sympathize with the Bushes. May India rest in kitty heaven.

Rafael Alfonso Caurimare   January 5th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Anyboby know if this cat left baby catties?

Maggie in NY   January 5th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

"The Truth": "How dare that liberal media cover things that I have decided are not relevant"

juan   January 5th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

Poor guy, looses his cat, the so called war, people’s support, his brain…..wait, he didn’t have one when he arrived to the white house

Sue, Georgia   January 5th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Hello CNN, I feel sorry for the death of our first cat , but ,did you hear the news about Gaza???, Do you know at least 507 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military operation, including about 100 women and children,In addition, 2,600 Palestinians have been injured, most of them civilians???, Do you know Israel is using phosphorous bomb against Palestinians???

Ano?   January 5th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Rest in peace.

as much as I dislike Bush   January 5th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

it is very hurtful to have a pet die, my thought go to the first family

Contrarian   January 5th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

For all of you who feel the need to get in one last cheap shot at Bush by criticizing CNN for publishing the story of his kitty, did it bother you when the press spent time discussing what breed of dog Obama should get his daughters?

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

I told George not to let the cat go to Afghanistan

2012 please come soon   January 5th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

For those of you calling this "fluff" and "who cares?"—how about the story and pictures of Obama's kids going to school. This is important news too???

Actually, it is somewhat important as to Obama's campaign promises—the kids rode to school in a gas guzzling SUV. I thought Obama was going to save us from foreign oil dpeendency—yeah right.

Zod   January 5th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

This quote is wrong:
"Cats have no loyalty————- Nuf said !!!"
My cat is very loyal and follows me all over the house. People who say cats aren't loyal never had a cat.

A. Ismael   January 5th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

Hopefully reviewing the comment I submitted DOES NOT lead to denying me the opportunity to express a frank opinion …
REMEMBER … FREEDOM OF SPEECH !
OR IS IT FREEDOM ONLY IF WHAT IS BEING SAID IS IN LINE WITH WHAT MR. BIG BROTHER LIKES !

A. Ismael   January 5th, 2009 2:53 pm ET

Hopefully reviewing the comment I submitted DOES NOT lead to denying me the opportunity to express a frank opinion …
REMEMBER … FREEDOM OF SPEECH !
OR IS IT ONLY IF WHAT IS SAID IS COMPATIBLE WITH WHAT MR. BIG BROTHER LIKES !

Jennifer   January 5th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

I like the story – I need a break from the wars and the economy. Everyone is human, and the death of family pet is heartbreaking – even to world leaders. Wow! An 18-year-old cat!

Henry   January 5th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

I wonder if W Bush is also saddend by the hundreds of thousands that died under his rule.

Henry, Netherlands.

indy god   January 5th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

That's one Bush down…

A. Ismael   January 5th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

With all due respect to the president of the SUPERPOWER! :
"Very human feeling of missing a " beloved first cat " VERY IMPRESSIVE !!!
ESPECIALLY with a number of large scale WARS raging in the Middle East & elsewhere in which hundreds of people , MOSTLY CIVILIANS, lose their lives & thousands get mutilated & permanently disabled .
NO LIES CAN COVER UP THE TRUTH !
& Mr. President : Are you still wondering :
:" I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HATE US !" Really , this is HOW the whole world looks at the USA & perceives its attitude, policies & miscalculations as well as manipulations of the peoples of the world . No disrespect meant to the late Ms India .
FELINE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN HUMAN LIVES !

TexAnnie *-*-*-*-*   January 5th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

I never knew they even had a cat. Poor kitty– 18 years with George. That alone probably used up all of his 9 kitty lives.

You know, with all these animals in the White House, I feel bad for the staff that has to clean up after them. Wonder who emptied the litter box??

hulo   January 5th, 2009 2:45 pm ET

Well…I'm from India…and a Hindu too. And my Retriever's name is Mr. Bush.

No similarity with any person, dead or alive.

Heidi   January 5th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

My condolences and sympathy to the Bush family over the loss of their beloved pet !!!

Rubin   January 5th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

It's "funny" that when Bush's cat dies of old age and natural causes, CNN puts this in it's headline news section. Yet our brave service men and women who are defending this country are getting killed violently, and unnaturally, everyday in Afghanistan and Iraq… yet very rarely even a mention about them anymore in your news these days. You used to have a listing, in your headline news section, where you printed the name and photo of EVERY service man and woman who was killed in action in Iraq, but I can't seem to find this section anymore. What happened?

Bell   January 5th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

Please pratice saying something nice or not saying anything at all.

Bell   January 5th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

I'm so sorry to hear that. I trust cats more than people.

Island girl   January 5th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

max (NY) January 5th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

Let us know when the first roach or bug dies too please.
_________________________

Unbelievable!! I nearly posted the same thing but changed my mind.

The Truth   January 5th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

really? a story about the President's Pet ? When the national debt is increasing and when we have a president who plans to come into the white house and add 1.8 trillion to that debt within a year, which will in fact be the largest increase… EVER! how can this be even a relevant story? how pathetic is the liberal media when they choose to, instead of covering what's going on in washington and with the plans of the transition team, they cover the death of a pet? this sickens me, and it should sicken the nation.

Lori In DFW, Texas   January 5th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

For those of you who want to know who cares about a dead pet cat, your answer is, I DO. For the loss of their kitty, I send my condolences.

For the loss of our country's children in an illegal and nonsensical war in Iraq, the loss of our reputation on the world stage, and the loss of our economic stability, I am still waiting for the Bush family to offer their condolences to America. I think all we're going to get is a "whoops, I messed up" from Dubya.

Too bad their finger-biting, snapping little black dog wasn't the one to meet his maker.

doris   January 5th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

Our family cat when I was at home and single lived to be 18. I still remember him and his sweet ways . That was over 50 years ago and a pet can bring great pleasure to a home. Please don`t begrudge the Bush`s their sorrow over the cat.

Wenton Chan   January 5th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

Do you lefties honestly, honestly, for the next 4 years think an Obama administration won't produce fluff stories as well?

Lena Earl   January 5th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

I lost a cat this past summer that I had for 8 years. I was devastated for a few days, and had a long mourning period. Some do not realize how pets are an important part of our families. I still cry at times.
I extend my sympathies to the Bush home . Loss is loss, no matter whether it was "just a cat". I loved my cat and I bet they loved theirs. God Bless.

Phoebe   January 5th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Anyone who loves pets knows what a heartbreaking loss it is when one dies. George Bush was an animal lover, and my condolences go out to him and his family. They can take comfort in the fact that India lived a full, happy life with them.

DA   January 5th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Sorry to hear the Royal Cat has died, but, how many have died in Gaza today, or in Irak yesterday, or in Afganistan the day before? They were humans caught up in a nasty conflict. Their names should make the news, one by one as well as the names of their parents/children. What a pity that the death of a cat is worth so much more ink than the death of a person.

WEPPS   January 5th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

My condolences to the cat family, will the Bush family leave office sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy   January 5th, 2009 2:27 pm ET

Cheney did it.

TJay   January 5th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

My condolences to the Bush family. We lost our family pet, right before the new year.

As for reporting this story…..DUH….that's why it's called "news" — stop hating on one another, and think of how blessed we are to enjoy all the freedoms that we have in this country. Admit it, we are very blessed — whether or not you liked the current or like the future president.

Jackie in Dallas   January 5th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Why the vitriol, people? No, this isn't big news — neither is the first day of school for Sasha and Malia — but both stories make our leaders into real people. Politically, I despise President Bush, but as cat staff for two cats currently, and who just recently lost a third one this summer, I feel sadness for the Bush family. We have to stop demonizing people we disagree with. We have to remember that our Presidents, our Governers, our politicians at any level, our sports legends, our entertainers, are all real people with real feelings, real failings, and real heartaches in their lives. So, while I can disagree violently with what President Bush has done in office, I can still sympathize with George, Laura, and their girls on the death of a beloved pet.

Al-Andulusian   January 5th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

Perhaps he knew too much…. like Mike Connelly.

travis   January 5th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

What is wrong with u people, pets are like family, so stop making fun, or saying "it's just a cat, for most people, pets are part of the family, show some respect.

Obamacratic   January 5th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

Wow! The cat dies and get total coverage and all those people that died in New Orleans got what?….not even a cup of water! Wow!

Anonymous   January 5th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Whatever..

Maybe Mr Bush should stuff it!! The cat that is.

Franky   January 5th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

"The cat’s name became in issue in 2001 after Hindu nationalists said the original moniker was an insult — and urged followers to call their dogs ‘George Bush."

Are you kidding me?? You have Mexicans calling their dogs "Pedro" or "Rodrigo" for crying out loud, LOL!! We Mexicans don't really got cutes names like buddy for example that one of my niece's have, we come up with these crazy names for crying out loud, LOL!!

Mrbob_58   January 5th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

My condolences to the First Family. I know the pain in loosing a long time family pet. One question: Will it be a state funeral?

travis   January 5th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

Haha, call a dog George Bush????? Dogs deserve way better then that.

Redneck   January 5th, 2009 2:14 pm ET

Let me guess, Dick Cheney was in the White house hunting, wait, he misses the game he intends to shoot and hits humans instead. Bout time he got his aim down straight!

Joe Unger, San Francisco   January 5th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

Who cares? I do. You don't care? So?
IS this newsworthy? Given news is how 24/7, yes, this is newsworthy. Space needs to be filled and it's much better than another Britney Spears story.
18 years is very old for a cat. Hopefully the poor kitty went fast.

sensible Cape Coral FL   January 5th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

PAT M.:

No cat is stupid. Stupid only describes people. (like you?)

Matt   January 5th, 2009 2:10 pm ET

I can haz cheezbrgr?

randy - northern VA   January 5th, 2009 2:08 pm ET

You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

No… no….. I refuse to believe she is dead until I see a death certificate. It has to be the offical one too not a copy or a notice of death.

Ken, TX   January 5th, 2009 2:07 pm ET

The cat was 18-YEAR old. It's like saying a person that's 90-year old. It is not a sad news. That cat had a good life.

joel   January 5th, 2009 2:04 pm ET

Did VP Cheney shoot it?

Jon   January 5th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

I have two cats, my female is a black domestic short-hair just like India. My sympathies go out to the Bush family for their loss, I know how much love and friendship these little animals can give. At the moment I feel real empathy for the President and his family – as this is a very human experience that transcends politics…RIP little Kitty!

Andrea   January 5th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

Poor kitty! I hope she had a great life.

Chris   January 5th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

I agree with Susan. it is a sad time when a beloved member of the family dies. It is too bad so many people throw out political jabs during this sad time. The story is about the loss of a member of the Bush family. If any of you had just a portion of the character of a family pet, this country wouldn't be in the sad state of affairs it is in now.

This is truly a loss and my condolences go out to the Bush family.

Andy   January 5th, 2009 2:02 pm ET

I guess the cats bailout got granted

DigDug   January 5th, 2009 2:02 pm ET

For those who want to name your dog George Bush, don't you realize you're insulting dogs everywhere?

Gene in Canada   January 5th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

Why is this even newsworthy? Just because it was Dubbya's cat?
Brutal……

bob   January 5th, 2009 2:00 pm ET

To those writing nasty stuff and condemning CNN for posting the story. SHAME on You. Are you sinless? Havent you done something nasty?

At least show empathy, condolense..he is after all human.

Spencer/Virginia   January 5th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

Is the White House American Flag at half-staff?

Anonymous   January 5th, 2009 1:57 pm ET

My sympathy to the Bushes on the loss of their cat, and for all those people that don't have the heart to feel the pain of losing a pet shouldn' even bother to voice their opinion.

Life is too short, be happy and be positive.

Maria Loi   January 5th, 2009 1:57 pm ET

So sad, I think Bush is a kind man. He loves his animals. It is just unfortunate that he is a republican President and had to do the war because his party's wants it and cause such a lot of hardship to the unfortunate. This is one situation when a President is where he is at the wrong time!
Please give him a break after he leaves as the 43rd President of USA!
Cheers,
Maria Loi

Charlotte   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

My sympathies to the Bushes about their kitty. It's always sad to lose a family member, whether two-legged or four-legged.

Flash news   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

@SCNH STN,Read my middle finger.I will respect the office when I dont consider the person in it a criminal,thank you.And thank you CNN.

ETHO   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

WHO CARES?

Noah   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

Funny how it is stupid when the Bush's cat dies, but it is completely newsworthy when the Obamas choose a dog. Crazy liberals

Becky   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

Funny, how an animal can steal your heart and be just like a member of the family. just want to let President and Mrs. Bush know, that I am sorry to read about this. But boy! what a life she must of led! If only animals could talk.

richard   January 5th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

You democrats are just pure EVEL.

Ms. Dickens   January 5th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

God Bless Willie, AKA India, who in a very dignified manner took the peaceful way out after hearing that Bush 41 recommended George Boy's brother Jeb for the Oval Office. Says Willie "I am not cleaning anymore litter bins. The first family and their relatives and lobbying buddies were enough, but I always stuck cleaing up the Rumsfeld, Chaney, Rice, Wolfkowitz messes and disaters as well

Willie, Rest in Peace, you earned it!

SMR   January 5th, 2009 1:53 pm ET

This cat lived a long life and i'm sure its heart hurts for the American people.

M2K   January 5th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

Aww, meowwwww

Ziyad   January 5th, 2009 1:52 pm ET

kids and old people get killed in Gazah and here you are talking about dying cat, feel so sorry for cnn

Nia Hussein- Phoenix, AZ   January 5th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

Darth Cheney did it

PatC   January 5th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

When is CNN going to do some real stories like why hasn't Barack Obama and all of the Democrat Senators asks for GOV Richardson to resign like they did Blago. Afterall he is one step further in the conviction process. You look at stories like this and you have to believe the National Enquirer may quickly become the best source of real news.

Ed Word   January 5th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

Did Cheney pet it?

That could be the cause.

ME AT FL   January 5th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

I have never been a Bush fan, but I am an animal lover, therefore my condolences to the family.

Melissa B ~ California   January 5th, 2009 1:49 pm ET

This is no time to crack jokes even if you think it's not news or you do not like President Bush. I did not vote for him, but show some sympathy, even if you don't like cats. I know most people like dogs, but us cat lovers adore our little furry friends. One of my cats died just over a year ago and it still gets to me to this day. It was like losing a friend.
My condolences to the "Bushies".

walleye   January 5th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

I thought cats had 9 lives. I guess even they can't survive the abuses of the Bush administration.

Kim   January 5th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

I'm not a fan of Bush, but I know that losing a pet is always sad.

Denise Walters   January 5th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

Good, I hope is life is filled with more misery for what he and Cheney have done to America!

dave harlow   January 5th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

I think there should be a moment of silence for this sad loss… ok moments up.. lets move on.

Frank   January 5th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

"Sad news – no matter how you feel about the pres, he is an animal-lover which is a good thing."

Hmmmm, that might very well be the ONLY good thing about him. He has never shown an ounce of sincere concern for the soldiers he sent to die just so he could prove to his daddy that he is a real man. And, isn't your willingness to send others into harm's way the true measure of your manhood?

Whether it was Vietnam or Iraq, Bush was always been willing to let the REAL MEN do the heavy lifting.

Rest in Peace Willie. You were more of a man than George W Bush will ever be!

Rafael Alfonso Caurimare   January 5th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

Rest in peace!

Bye Bye India

JJ12345   January 5th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

Is this really worthy of news, must be a slow day. First the Obama girls go to school and now this.

oregon thinker   January 5th, 2009 1:45 pm ET

Since the article says Bush and his wife are 'deeply saddened' by the demise of a cat, perhaps they could wear black armbands, and go to their Crawford ranch for a period of mourning…- till Jan 20th

US Citizen   January 5th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Bush thinks: It is Hammas fault – get the missles ready!!!

LIBERAL FOR LIFE   January 5th, 2009 1:43 pm ET

Sorry to hear about the cat. Bush family has my blessings.

Beth in Philly   January 5th, 2009 1:41 pm ET

I can't believe people are taking this as an opportunity to malign Bush. Obviously you are all soulless people who have never truly known the love of a good pet. Give them a break – they just lost a friend of 18 years!

PJP   January 5th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

I am very sorry about the pet but this is not good reporting even about the Bush's. I have had a many pet die and it never got on CNN, LOL! I know it hurts but let's go to other more important things to report about.

Apples for sale   January 5th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

@ SCNH STN.I have respect for the office,when it has someone in it I dont consider a criminal,thanks.

Jean Mank   January 5th, 2009 1:37 pm ET

My condolences to the family and friends of the First Cat. I have never pretended for one second to be a cat lover, and the feeling is mutual when it comes to the felines of this world. I grew up with cats (my beautiful late mother WAS a cat person) and the rest of (loving husband of what would have been 59 years this past New Years Day, and six children, all older than President-Elect Obama) learning to cope with cats in varying degrees. All three of my sisters loved cats and continue to own them except for one. However, I doubt there will be no man sadder than my wonderful father when Bob Robert, the old Siamese whom he has grudgingly learned to love quite deeply, decides to leave this plane of existence.

bob   January 5th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

I can't believe they had a cat named India. India is clearly a Muslim name, therefore the Bushes are terrorists. I knew it.

oregon thinker   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

Will the cat lie in state ?

Dee   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

Sad news – no matter how you feel about the pres, he is an animal-lover which is a good thing.

Belynda   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

Please tell me how this is about politics, or even news worthy? Between Obama's daughters going to school and this story, not much must be going on in Washington… That in and of itself is the sad story, not an article about a dead pet.

Pat M   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

This is pretty funny, the only time heartless democrats can say anything in regards to "blessings to the family" is when a stupid cat dies. It is cat. But other people just want to take another opportunity to show their vent up anger towards Bush. Thanks CNN, lets keep posting trivial news stories so people like me can waste our time reading this comments.

Chris in MI   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

Tell me again. This is newsworthy because….

Tipper P. Dickens   January 5th, 2009 1:35 pm ET

When Willie, AKA India, heard thet Bush 41 recommended, Jeb, Boy Gerorge's brother for the Oval Office, Willie saying it will be more peaceful this way made a dignified exit.

Bless you Willie and continue in peace.

Sincerely,

Your K-9 Friends

Bob   January 5th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

This string of postings: Another example of stupid Americans

a REAL American   January 5th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

Eric, don't you get it? Even after Bush is long gone, liberals' hatred and lunacy will remain, only it will be reserved for Sarah Palin. Just read some comments posted about Palin's daughter and granddaughter over the past week and you'll see what I mean!

My condolences to the Bush family.

Mark in Ocala   January 5th, 2009 1:33 pm ET

I am constantluy amazed at the bravery and those with strong courage and convictions when they attack Bush or Obama behind the curtain of being "Anonymous." I picture those as being nothing more than ankle biters.

First pets simply lighten the news mood and they make a connection to all of us who have pets. For pets transend party and partisan lines and make all of us a bit more human.

My condolences and sympathy to the Bush family over the loss of a beloved pet.

Susan   January 5th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

Mari wrote- EVEN though I am disgusted with ……..Bush……… the ONE thing I liked about him was his love of animals.
_______________
Bush has no love for animals!!!! If he did his policies on the environment and areas that his administration wants to open up for drilling wouldn't have been allowed. His policies have been a cancer to our environment for the last 8 years…..glad he's gone for good in about 2 weeks!

Henry   January 5th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

Politics aside, it is always sad to lose a pet

Anne   January 5th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

They changed a 10-year-old cat's name? A young cat is one thing, but how is a 10-year-old cat supposed to understand that its name is insulting to Hindu nationalists and will now have to respond to "Willie"? I hope they still called her India in private. Bush shouldn't have named a cat India in the first place, but 10 years is too late to start over. No sense in confusing the animal because of the mistakes of the human.

Tim   January 5th, 2009 1:31 pm ET

Cat's can detect good and evil. Who has been to the White House recently that may be evil?

rockturner   January 5th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

Forget the job function. A pet is a pet.
obviously India – Willie was loved.
may all pets have such devoted owners.

Linda - NY   January 5th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

It's very sad to lose a beloved pet. I'm glad this cat had a good quality of life with those who loved him.

Rubin   January 5th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

I feel very sorry for the cat, but I have to think about all of the deaths and all of the suffering and misery that George W. Bush has caused and is now responsible for after his eight disastrous years in the White House. If he's so upset about his cat, then why isn't he disturbed about the 1 million+ Iraqi civilians killed, the 4000+ American service men and women who where killed in Iraq, not to mention the 30,000 troops who are seriously injured and wounded and lives shattered here in the US… all because he lied about WMD to get us into this war.

JFB   January 5th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

To the poster referred to as "Barack wins and America loses":

I am glad to hear your lobotomy was a spectacular success!

Uncle Fester   January 5th, 2009 1:26 pm ET

So sad–condolonces from someone who adores cats.

Eric and Cam, get a life, go spew your hateful crap somewhere else-or better yet, if you can't say someting nice, then STFU

max (NY)   January 5th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

Let us know when the first roach or bug dies too please.

Karen   January 5th, 2009 1:25 pm ET

My deepest condolences to the Bush family.

Chi   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

My heart goes to the Bush family, I know its hard to lose a close pet. The rest of you people need to learn more respect. He is our president.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

Starting today America will have 30 days of mourning. Also, Willie Horton will lay in state at the U.S. Capitol for 5 days. God help us get throught this terrible time.

bashing baby seals in Alaska   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

I named my pet flea,Cheney.

gregg45   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

no to the ivasion of israel………………. an incursion,, why cnn,,, is that commie flag flyin

Celeste   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

Willie Kitty must have had great care and a good home at the White House!

I've had cats all my life…literally…my mother said our cat weighed more than I did when I was born. I now have a 16-year-old named Puddin' and hope he stays healthy till 18 or more, but he's the oldest cat I've had yet.

Ian   January 5th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

It's good to see CNN posting this story on the front page. I don't know, maybe the conflict in Sri Lanka is more important but who am I? It is disappointing when respected news organizations report soft news.

Felines For Freedom   January 5th, 2009 1:20 pm ET

Poor sweet little cat….RIP Indie. Hope you had a wonderful life.

gregg45   January 5th, 2009 1:20 pm ET

latrice ,, get a home first

PULEEEZZZ!! lets tell some truth   January 5th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

TO BARACK WINS and america Loses:
WHAT? You say its the LIBERAL DEMOS that spend money?? hey, under CLINTON, the budget was balanced. UNDER THE BUSHs we are in serious financial trouble.. We flushed tons of money into this foolish war in Irak. They cant even account for the wasted money. The republicans and their love for DEREGULATION has taken the value of our money and flushed that away too. To blame Liberal demos for the mess we are in just SHOWS HOW MUCH BRAIN WASHING the right wing media has done to the US.. Look at the facts: we have lost tons of money under the BUSH people.. BARACK is the first person with any brains for the last 8 years.

karen   January 5th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

God bless Willie

countryboy   January 5th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

NON-NEWS…pets die all the time

max (NY)   January 5th, 2009 1:17 pm ET

Who cares! a cat dies, so a cat dies, so do people.

TESAP;SAVANNAH, GA   January 5th, 2009 1:17 pm ET

BARNEY KILLED THE CAT….. NO WAIT..WHERE WAS CHENEY AT THE TIME OF DEATH…………

Libby, Reston, VA   January 5th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

This is more sympathy for the Bushes than I've ever felt. It's always hard to lose a member of the family.

May they find peace — may the rest of us find peace come 1/21.

WisconsinHunter   January 5th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

Who cares if the cat died? I sure dont….

Erik in Iowa City   January 5th, 2009 1:15 pm ET

India is a great name for a cat. And George Bush is a funny name, especially if you don't really like the cat. That the President of the United States had to change the name of his cat, because some uptight Indian PC police got offended, is annoying. Keep your political correctness to yourself.

Sye the Pychic   January 5th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

Its sad,they should have named him Limball.

nate   January 5th, 2009 1:14 pm ET

Hmmm symbolism anyone?

Jan Dalsheimer   January 5th, 2009 1:12 pm ET

This is a big loss for any family who loves a companion animal. My sympathies are with the Bush family today.

Former Obama Voter   January 5th, 2009 1:12 pm ET

$500? $500!?? Obama better fork over more than that, much more actually… I'm counting on a substantial govt check on the first of the month for the next four years… What is going on here

Jeff in Illinois   January 5th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

Little did the Hindy Nationalists know, pet names here are generally reverential when given "in honor" of someone or something.

Other cultures also need to learn to understand our culture.

And I'm no Bush supporter, in fact, I have been a vocal despiser of the entire Bush family since 1980.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

Oh dear god, will it have a state funeral?

Burger   January 5th, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Looks like it's time for a new kitty for the Bushies. How about getting a Persian, and naming him, "War Criminal"? The grandkids can just call him, "Criminal", for short.

JFB   January 5th, 2009 1:08 pm ET

I'm also sorry for the Bush's (and no, I didn't vote for Bush either). I don't like cats all that much, but a family pet is a family pet. A good vet once told me, "It doesn't matter what the species of the pet is. People love their pets, and they become a part of the family." He said this to me after I told him I felt strange for bringing my pet rat, "Brain", for laser surgery on his paw that my dog nipped. Yes, it was "Brain" surgery!

todd   January 5th, 2009 1:08 pm ET

Well, with the smartest member of the Bush family dead, the average IQ of the family has dropped about 75 points.

Not a Bush fan   January 5th, 2009 1:07 pm ET

But very sorry for the loss.

Ripper   January 5th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Too bad it was only the cat!!

TimMN   January 5th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Huh? why is it an insult to name your pet "India"?

Frank   January 5th, 2009 1:05 pm ET

4000+ American soldiers, countless Iraqis, and a cat. The Bushes sure do favor diversity!

An 18-year-old cat? How ironic. I wonder how many of our dead soldiers were born the same year as that cat. Ah, if only George Bush cared as much for our military as he did for that cat.

I also wonder if Dick Cheney was anywhere in the vicinity of the dead cat.

Miss Mouse   January 5th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

Didn't even know Bush had a cat. That is really weird that Hindu nationalists would be insulted by the name India. I would have never changed the name, it was a nice name. Leave the pets out of the arena. Bush should not have bowed down to the foreigners and should have listened more to the American people. As for Obama, it seems like it has just been one big party since day 1.

TexRex   January 5th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

Friends of Wilie told reporters that he was ill for some time, and "ready to pack it in sooner." However the cat showed tremendous will, telling confidants in December that "holding out until the very end of the President's term was a more fitting coda to his disastrous presidency." The cat defended politicizing his own death, citing consistency with Bush Administration operating principles. "This one's for you, Karl. I'll miss Barney, but at least I 'aint going to Texas now"…

SCNHSTN   January 5th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

There was a time when the office of the Presidency was respected regardless……and rightfully so.

It is one of the saddest social changes of my life to see people with such vitriol malign the leader of our country.

I have all the hope in the world in President-Elect Obama just as I tried to have with President Bush.

While the story about the cat is obviously not earth shattering, let's continue to try and recognize that our President, right or wrong, is OUR President. Let's continue to hope the best for all of them!

I'm sickened by seeing how those who would profit continue to pitch "We the people…." against each other at the cost of the common respect for our country.

Latrice   January 5th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

I'm naming my next dog George bush. Rip willie

pat   January 5th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

CNN SHAME ON YOU FOR PUTIN THIS STORY FIRST ON POLICAL TICKER. IS THIS REALLY A STORY. WHO CARES ABOUT A DEATH OF A CAT. THERE IS MORE IMPORTANT STUFF THAN THIS

Dog   January 5th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

Sad for the Bush family, although it be bigger news when Cheney loses his pet: Bush the 2nd.

grandma t   January 5th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

We are saddened to hear of your loss – Blessings to all of you.

Ellen   January 5th, 2009 1:00 pm ET

My sympathies go to the Bush Family on the loss of their beloved cat. I lost my own beloved 17-year old cat a few years ago. It's a hard loss, they're part of the family.

Squard   January 5th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

I lost a cat a few years ago too. I was very saddened.

Then again I didn't cause the death of over 7000 Americans and countless Iraqis, so the death of one cat was significant to me.

Anonymous   January 5th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

Maybe the cat would have lived, if Bush paid more time to feeding it instead of all his time lying to the publick

DriveAMclaren   January 5th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

CNN reports when Bush's cat dies on the front page. I wish they would demonstrate the same zest in reporting the deaths caused by Israel on the civilians of Palestine.

Mari   January 5th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

EVEN though I am disgusted with ……..Bush……… the ONE thing I liked about him was his love of animals.

My condolences to the Bush family for the loss of their beloved, Kitty.

And yeah……. to ALL the far-right-folks who CANNOT say ONE nice thing about OBAMA and his Family, shame on you! You call yourselves Christians, but do not act like one!

james   January 5th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Cats have no loyalty————- Nuf said !!!

republicans hate america   January 5th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Joseph I promise you I would have done a much better job then Bush did had I been in the White House. I did do my part I never voted for that loser and I begged everyone in 1999 to do the same because this maniac would get us into a war!! what I got was a bunch of nonsense joking that he would return integrity to the white house and end all the sexual scandals. boy did it turn out even worse then anyone had joke about.

Katie   January 5th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

My condolences. I am an animal lover, and I can understand how sad it is to loved a beloved pet. They truly become members of the family. Willie had a great long life, and now he is in Cat Heaven chasing squirrels and mice and what have you.

brenda   January 5th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

PA Law,
For all those that still don't get it….it's not Obama. It's his message! He's reminded all of us that we can hope and dream again.
_______________________________________________
I am sorry that you had to wait for someone like Obama to come along to show you that you can now hope and dream again. I am sorry that you didnt have what it takes to seek out hope on your own, to dream on your own, to be enlightened and inspired by family, friends, religious leaders, teachers, neighbors, other leaders and on and on. When did you stop hoping? ANd whose fault was that? When did you stop dreaming and whose fault was that? There is no one to blame but yourself. You chose to stop "being" and saying that Obama offers you the chance to hope and dream again is like saying that you wouldnt even be human if it werent for him. I think that you think the second coming is here but I got news for you…you will have to keep waiting.

Blerinda   January 5th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

While a death of a pet in the family and first day to school of child are events that leave their "footprints" in our personal life, it makes me wonder what sort of "footprints" the death of that cat in the White House and the first day to a new school (private one among others) of the children of the newly elected president, could possibly leave behind for a nation! For weeks we have been inundated with news about potential dog selection, hairy dog, hairless dog, this school that school! What about those children in America who live under the poverty line, that attend school insuficiently funded, and who sooner or later will joined the ranks of the troubled youth groups on the streets. Sad the extinction of many endagered species does not receive half of the attention, or the life of those who may never be able to sit at the school desks around the world! This sort of news reporting is shameful and disgraceful. Thank God that BBC still delivers some solid news!

Paul C.   January 5th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Even though I'm glad Bush is leaving I am sorry for his family about the loss of their cat. We're all Americans and those of us who have pets can understand no matter what you think of the president or his politics. Love for an pet and losing that pet doesn't discriminate. As the proud owner of two cats, 17 & 12 I can say that I cherish every moment with them now that they're getting older and will be devastated when my oldest goes. So have a heart people and leave the political crap out of this and remember them in your prayers.

max   January 5th, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Once again, even if you are not an animal lover, surely you can understand the pain that comes with a loss. The Bush family is in transition which makes them more fragile. We athe people need to try to show kindness and understanding in all situations. There is an old song or saying that goes something like this…walk a mile in my shoes before you accuse…

johnny c   January 5th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

Wow! hindu nationalist getting upset over a nine year old girl in america naming her cat india and then of course blaming it on the President. We Americans should really be more careful when we name are pets dont ya think?

James   January 5th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

WHO CARES?

Animal lovers care

Yolanda   January 5th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

This story is about a cat. How did this turn inot another racist issue?
America is fixated on race. And ERIC you really should get a life. Your comment is really condescending and darn right stupid. The republicans were in charge of the senate first and look at the econonmy. The dem. just got control the past two years. That's right you listen to Blovo Rush and scream fest Hannity for your warped news. You are forgiven. Stupid id as stupid does.

lovable liberal   January 5th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

I would never call a beloved pet dog anything that would remind me of George W. Bush.

AKC   January 5th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

I think that Bush is the worst President in the history of this nation, but I do believe that his only redeeming quaility is that he loves his pets. I am sorry to hear they have lost their cat. I had to bury my Mom's cat of 11 years 2 days before Christmas and she is still having a hard time with the loss. I hope their 2 dogs can help fill the void and I encourage them to visit their local animal shelter when they get to Texas and select a new cat for their new home.

kat russell   January 5th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Willi was my favorite member of the Bush clan.

brenda   January 5th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

This is not only a tragedy; it's indeed a calamity for the entire humanity! Bush's cat dies, oh no! I am sure this will add to the sorrow that engulfs the widows and orphans of the Iraq war (both American and Iraqis). Also, I am not sure how Africa with all of its miseries will handle the Bush's sad news!
____________________________
If you are unable, or unwilling, to love a pet then you are surely not able to love your fellow man. "The human heart is capable of loving all things but is weak indeed when it loves only some things" (Barbara Long).

Mike   January 5th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Sorry to hear this, i love cats too, but 18 years is quite old for a cat. But the naming thing boggles the mind! Can't a president do ANYTHING without someone complaining? I hope Obama won't be intimidated by such ludicrous demands!

Anonymous   January 5th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Willi was my favorite Bush.

carolflowery   January 5th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

I have 2 cats, i love them so, I know it's a sad day anytime you lose a pet, they are family members, and hey by the way, some of you chronic misguided "the one" followers give a break every now and then, Europe is already seeing through your empty suit, enjoy inaugaration day, cause after that, all gloves come off.

Anthony   January 5th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Really, people. This is about a family that has lost a pet they have loved for 18 years. They have my sympathy for that.

Katy   January 5th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

My heartfelt condolences to the Bush family for their loss.

Losing a loved pet is very difficult.

(I did not vote for George Bush).

brenda   January 5th, 2009 12:38 pm ET

I am saddened to hear of the loss of the First Cat. I am sure that the cat brought much love and joy to the family and helped to relieve alot of stress during hard times. My thoughts are with the family. There is a special place in Heaven for our furry feline friends and they will be missed.

Ariana   January 5th, 2009 12:38 pm ET

I don't agree with Bush, but I LOVE cats. I have 2 of my own, so he has my sympathy.

Karen   January 5th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Everyone can identify with the loss of someone you love, whether it is a person or a pet. India/Willie/Kitty was obviously loved.

To those who say this is an unimiportant story; if Bush lost a relative it would be important. Why not a pet? Many of us have deeply mourned for a lost cat or dog. I had a cat die last year and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of him. Is he on the same level as a person? No, losing him still hurt very much.

If you don't care about this story, why did you bother posting anything?

Rick   January 5th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

We should know by now that anything that happens with a President or his family will be reported. That's the way it is – why complain – you have the right to ignore. But for the cold-hearted ones that don't think a pet dying matters to the family – go see Marley and Me.

Angie   January 5th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Reporting on the presidential pets has been long standing. Remember Roosevelt's Fala; Nixon's Checkers; etc. This is a loss to the Bush's and I sympathize with them as I would sympathize with anybody who loses a pet of 20 years.

To those who are upset about the reporting of Willie's death: Get over it. If you don't like the news…don't read it. Too bad you have nothing better to do than voice your discontent.

Joseph   January 5th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

some of you are a bunch of unhappy people who need something to complain about. It's funny for those who don't like Bush or his actions, yet you didn't do anything about it, what decisions would you have made in his stead, you don't know, so don't complain about his job when you yourself can do no better. I don't even like his actions but I have the forethought to think and understand that he did what he considered his best, it's our fault for electing him …….. TWICE…. I am a registered democrat, yet when we got attacked everyone sang his praises when we attacked Afghanistan, and when we fist attacked Iraq, it was when things didn't go as planned that every one jumped ship on him.And as far as you Obama haters he hasn't been in office yet and you criticize him. You might as well come to terms he will be worn into office in 2 weeks get a grip. If he fails then chastise him, yet then again you could probably do no better. So again i say to all you bitter bloggers…… GROW UP…………. I find it funny how an article about the first cat turned into a slander fest of the current president and his soon to be predecessor

Scott   January 5th, 2009 12:34 pm ET

I don't get why the name India was an insult.

mary   January 5th, 2009 12:32 pm ET

Sorry to hear of the death of beloved family member kitty cat- Willie.
Condolences to the Bush family.
mary

Bill   January 5th, 2009 12:31 pm ET

Like Hindu nationalists have something more pressing to whine and complain about…the cat was probably named "India" because it was as black as "India ink". The Bush family did not need to rename their cat, and the nationalists should have just gotten over themselves. I know what it's like to lose a pet, cat or dog…it's not easy, and I do feel for them.

AnaB   January 5th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

My sympathies go to the Bush family. It's always hard losing a pet.

Jersey Peace   January 5th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

This is not only a tragedy; it's indeed a calamity for the entire humanity! Bush's cat dies, oh no! I am sure this will add to the sorrow that engulfs the widows and orphans of the Iraq war (both American and Iraqis). Also, I am not sure how Africa with all of its miseries will handle the Bush's sad news!

Boston Irish   January 5th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

My advice to all those griping that this isn't news, don't read it then. Did somebody force you to? You must have known by the title of the article what it was about.

Being a catlover, I am very sorry to hear of this beloved pets death. You haters should be told the same thing when one of your pets die, but I hope you aren't. It's nice to know that Willie had a long and wonderful life.

PA Law   January 5th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

For all those that still don't get it….it's not Obama. It's his message! He's reminded all of us that we can hope and dream again. In the midst of financial problems, wars, diseases, famines, etc., we'd forgotten that. Hope is the most powerful weapon we have. It moves us all to do great things. Hope triggers us to the do ordianary and then the extraordinary. Pretty soon, we are doing the impossible! Remember that guy from the 1960s that dared us all to dream of a better time? Many thought him crazy then, but now he's a national hero to most! Celebrate hope and dreams this January 19th – MLK Day.

Relax People   January 5th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

OMG. Why are people so freaking uptight these days? Sure this story and the Obamas first day of school isn't exactly headline news. It's just fun and heartwarming to read these stories. Why do we have to be all doom and gloom with all the bad news that's going on in the world. What a bunch of sourheads!

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 5th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Wow, Obama's kids go to school., Bush's cat dies; CNN is sure at the pointy end of the spear with trailblazing journalism today. You forgot the newsflash about the sun coming up this morning though.

tooironic   January 5th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Not a Bush fan, but my sympathies to them for the loss of their kitty. As a pet person, I realize how these furry critters snuggle into a spot in your heart, and how there is that awful emptiness when they are gone.

Eighteen years is a good run, though–they obviously took good care of India/Willie.

mlktoast   January 5th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

"The cat’s name was changed to Willie in 2001 after Hindu nationalists said the original moniker was an insult…"

S the same idiots who shot Gandhi had a problem with a cat's name which was bestowed by a little girl. Surprise, surprise…
Long live India!!
(the cat, that is)

Irving, TX - Loves President Obama   January 5th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Eric and Cam, you haven't even given Obama a chance to get into office before you start talking about him not doing anything,

Did either of you do anything before you started a new job before you got to the job. Give me a break…..

Is really sad that you are still hating on Obama….

Sympathy   January 5th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

My condolences to the Bush family. All things considered, it's probably best that a cat that age doesn't have to go through a stressful move out of the White House in two weeks…

Scott L   January 5th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

@Rebekkah-

They got your click on the page and the ad views. They all just want the click so they will post whatever headline they think you will click on.

"Pictures of Obama girls first day of school" is probably more likely to attract clicks than "Rain predicted in Oregon today"

chuck   January 5th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

A BLACK CAT,A BLACK DOG AND A BLACK SECRETARY OF STATE. THESE THREE FAT BLACK CATS ARE THE ONLY BLACKS TREATED VERY WELL BY GEORGE BUSH. ALL OTHER BLACKS ARE ON THEIR OWN ——-REMEMBER HURRICANE KATRINA.

Jeff From Jersey   January 5th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

He's still got 8 more lives to haunt the whitehouse with.YIKES!

American   January 5th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

A family just lost their pet and people on here are using it to lash out at others for not worshiping Obama. Grow up, people, and learn to have respect for a lost pet.

Me   January 5th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

This "news" story demonstrates the deliberate dumbing down of America. Thanks CNN.

Steve in Philly   January 5th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

I really think we need to calm down and let this story play out before reaching any conclusions.

Has anyone really seen the dead cat or is this another scare tactic to get our sympathy? They named the cat Indio but called it Kitty and then changed its name to Willie. What was the Secret Service's name for it and maybe there was a shadow cat to confuse AL Quaida .

IMO – the cat is alive and well and has been secretly shipped to Crawford TX. to escape any last minute errant shotgun blasts by Dick Cheney.

Rolling in the Aisles, VA   January 5th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Check Cheney for powder burns.

sham-WOW!   January 5th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

I feel so bad for the family. My cat is almost 16 years old and she is the love of my life. This loss will be hard for the family, but I'm sure that India (or whatever name is most PC) will never be forgotten. My best wishes go to GW, his wife and daughters.

Jon   January 5th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

Shari, NY,

What's your point? Neither this story nor the Obama girls' story are issues.

Bob   January 5th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

I say we rename India, "POOP", since that's what it smells like there.

Rufus Johnson   January 5th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

I'm so sorry to hear this. Losing a pet is a difficult thing especially when its been in the family that long.

Carl in CT   January 5th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

My deepest sympathies to the First Family… as someone blessed with an almost 20-year-old cat I know how much a part of your life they can become.

I may not agree with them poitically but cats transcend everything else.

Barack wins and America loses   January 5th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Very sad. This great President has kept us safe, and has been treated too harshly. I don't agree with his liberal democrat way of spending too much of our money, but I do think history will be kind to him for keeping us safe for 8 years and allowing democracry to have a stronghold in the Middle East. Many decades from now, they will be thanking this President for liberating Iraq from a dictator.

Sorry to hear about the Presiden'ts cat.

Alan   January 5th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Sorry to hear. It's never easy losing a pet. I can't wait to see G.W. leave Washington and never return — but I wish he had been able to take is cat with him.

Dallas, TX   January 5th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Hey, we had to read about the Obama's future dog, so why not the cat of an actual sitting President!

Double standards…as usual.

chris   January 5th, 2009 12:11 pm ET

hindu nationalists really had a problem with the cat being named "india"? what a JOKE!! just goes to show the ignorance in the world!!

Michelle   January 5th, 2009 12:11 pm ET

Oh my! the Obama girls are starting a new school and bush's pet dies! The world must be ending soon.

Does one need to anouce the pet death to the world? Nope
What about the other few thousand kids that move and change schools?

These are both life things…. they happen, lets move onto something important

BS not Maverick   January 5th, 2009 12:11 pm ET

It is always sad when our pets die.

VALUES   January 5th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

Slow day at CNN with this reporting. Not really much to talk about.

Mari   January 5th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

My sympathies to the family. It's never easy to lose a pet. I can't imagine having had one for 18 years. RIP Willie.

And IMO this is more of a news story than the Obama girls going to school. They are going to school again tomorrow, my kid too, big whoopie doopie.

Samuel   January 5th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

At least the cat died at home not in Iraq. Most likely the cat died in comfort and in dignity.

I cannot believe George Bush was elected twice by Americans. Two times? It should not had happened.

Gloria - Minnesota   January 5th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

I have had many kittens and cats during my life, so I know how it feels to lose a beloved pet! My sympathy to the Bush family!

Flex   January 5th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

The Bush Klan are the worst humans next to right wing religious bigots. However, my heart goes out to their animals.

Marc   January 5th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Some people are such morons. Not every story has to be earth shattering. Grow up you immature imbeciles.

Sympathies to the Bush family. It's hard to lose a pet you've had for so long.

Emily   January 5th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

No matter w hat I think of the person, I know how awful it feels to
loose a pet, especially after 18 years. Leave them alone. grief is
grief no matter who is feeling it.

New Mexican   January 5th, 2009 12:06 pm ET

So sorry at the loss of your pet.

Lyndon from CA   January 5th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

R.I.P

slowbutspeeding   January 5th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

Regardless of whether or not we believe this to be news worthy (I, personally, do not), the media decided that this story was important/interesting enough to grab our attention. How sad that celebrities – political and otherwise – should feel compelled to announce the death of a family member.

Political beliefs aside, losing a beloved family pet – especially one who has been part of the family for so many years – must be very painful for the First Family. My sympathies and condolences to all those who shared a part of their lives with this pet.

ARB   January 5th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

AND THIS IS NEWS BECAUSE………….?

Susan   January 5th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

It hurts to lose a believed family pet. I empathize deeply with the first family. Pets have an important place in our lives. They are completely innocent and give love freely. God bless to the Bush family.

obama-mama   January 5th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

I told George not to let the cat go to Afghanistan

cal   January 5th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

I'm sorry to hear about the cat they really do become a part of the family, and this guy has been around a long time. Since there was a cat in the white house, I hope it's throughly clean of the cat hairs since one of the Obama girls has allergies.

Cam   January 5th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

I agree with Eric. Obama has done nothing yet. He's idolized by millions of people who don't even know what he stands for.

Paul from Phoenix   January 5th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

A lot of money was paid to a pillar of higher learning to teach journalism to the editor of this page. Well done! Money well spent! Who says our schools don't teach students properly. Without our thorough educational system, we would never see such important stories like the Obama girls's first day in school, or updates on the first pets, or what Mrs. Obama will wear to the balls.

Go journalism, and go public education!

Jen   January 5th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

Oh Wow!! This is news worthy?/

Poor Guy   January 5th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Rumor has it the cat committed suicide, the cat's suicide note and the attempted cover up of it, will be published in some expose book written by a former white house insider in 2010.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   January 5th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Have these Bush morons been "deeply saddened" by the tens of thousands of innocent people they've killed in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Viorel   January 5th, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Wrong animal! Death cannot strike an accurate blow anymore.

chris   January 5th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

So why did they change the cat's name – Because a group of people were insulted – come on — It is time to stop this "I'm insulted" or the "it may offend somebody" – Name your pet, your children, whatever what YOU want it to be and don't worry about the others. We American's have forgotten how to take care of ourselves because we are TOO worried about who might be offended. Please…..

spock   January 5th, 2009 11:59 am ET

Unbelievable they had to change its name I hate political correctness!
Rest in peace India.

Shirley Virginia   January 5th, 2009 11:59 am ET

Ed, Santa Fe, NM How cruel can you be? I am not a Bush supporter, but I care. Pets are very precious to most people. That is, people who have a heart. Apparently you don't. My sympathy to the Bushes. I have an 18 year old cat. I know they truly must be very sad.

Anonymous   January 5th, 2009 11:58 am ET

I am sorry for the Bush family. The fact that they had a black cat made me not quite as hostile towards the ol' guy. It's horrible to lose a pet.

Jeff   January 5th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Anyone that has had a pet die knows how the family feels, we love our pets

amy in the south   January 5th, 2009 11:58 am ET

For those of you who don't care, etc., you took the time to read the article and then to comment on it!

Rebekkah   January 5th, 2009 11:57 am ET

Ditto to the "who cares?" up there. I can't even believe I actually READ this. I did skip over the Obama girl's first day at school article. So very intrusive and borderline obscene.

I wonder what type of person not only reads – but actually enjoys – articles such as these.

Fine. You got me this time.

I expect better than this from CNN.

Bill   January 5th, 2009 11:57 am ET

People had a problem with the cat's name which was dubbed by a little girl? Like, really? I think India is a beautiful name. Aren't there more pressing issues in the world?

Zar   January 5th, 2009 11:56 am ET

The name 'India' is an insult to Hindu nationalists?

Breck   January 5th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Well, the Bushes have my sympathy on this one. Now if only George could show the same regret for all of the pointless deaths brought about by the Iraq War….

Once you vote Black   January 5th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Everything Bush touches turns to mush.

jenbeee   January 5th, 2009 11:55 am ET

I didn't even know they HAD a cat, it seemed to be all Barney, all the time.

Doz   January 5th, 2009 11:55 am ET

lol. the last part of this article is hilarious. I'd never heard about that before.

Brittany   January 5th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Where are all the Obama haters that bash CNN for telling news about the Obamas? Hmm? Where are you? Because if you want to bash CNN for reporting things that aren't news, you should be posting about this story.

Julie   January 5th, 2009 11:54 am ET

Why are people so mean? Its not like the cat made the political decisions. Chill out people. If you think the article is pointless then why click it?

susie   January 5th, 2009 11:54 am ET

Why are democrats so insensitive all the time?

Anthony   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Must be a slow news day

Ken in Dallas   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

The Bush's cat died. Boo-hoo. Oh, incidentally, the Bush administration green-lighted the Gaza operation, making the American people responsible for covering for Israel…

Never mind that, what's important is that the cat died, let's talk about that.

Steve in Philly   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

They changed the cat's name to Willie so Hindus wouldn't name their dogs "George Bush."

I consider this a direct insult to my willie but I'm not going to re-name it George Bush.

Jessika in Montana   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Regardless of my opinion of the Bush administration…and as an owner of an 18 year old cat myself, they do have my sympathy.

Young voter   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Shari: This is a death, not a "first day" or something.

CanIcallyouJoe   January 5th, 2009 11:53 am ET

How about covering the two wars we are supposedly winning?

Adreanna   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

@Shari, NY, you took the words right off of my pen, I was going to write pretty much the same thing! High five!

JD   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

Everyone feels a sense of loss when they lose a pet, Sure the article didn't need to be posted as its a fairly insignifiant thing in the "world news".

Seriously, some off the posts are pretty sickening to see societys Empathy, or lack there of.

PatNY   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

As a cat owner [two cats, one 8, one 7], I can say, 18 years was a good run for the Bush's Cat. While I am no fan of Bush, I can empathize with them, and can only hope that the cat had a great life while in the White House. Its also very possible that the cat would have had a very difficult time transitioning into a new home after living for so long at the White House, and given its age, the added stress would probably have killed it. So, its what's meant to be.

RIP Willie!

PS – oh please! I would never have changed my cat's name because of some overly PC nonsense!

Beverly Williams   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

R.I.P Willie
My condolences on the loss of your witch kitty.

Spencer   January 5th, 2009 11:52 am ET

Sheesh people, why so much cynicism?? It's a terrible loss for anyone to lose a pet, especially one who has been part of their lives for 18 years. Show some respect or show some discretion and keep the barbs to yourselves.

Eric   January 5th, 2009 11:51 am ET

Hey all you liberals, here's your chance to bash Bush once more.

I don't know how you're going to release all your hate once Bush is no longer President and the House and Senate are controlled by the dems.

We'll see how well Barry does as President. I bet he'll be another "Jimmy Carter."

laura   January 5th, 2009 11:51 am ET

The effort that people have taken to post insensitive comments is astonishing. You took the effort to read the article; the headline was not misleading. Complaining about its lack of importance after choosing to read it is ridiculous.

I believe GWB to be one of our worst presidents in the history of this great nation. However, that is simply job performance. There is no reason to be ignorant toward another human being at a very human time.

Todd Ackerman   January 5th, 2009 11:51 am ET

On what planet is this considered news?

The outgoing President's CAT died?

Really?

Really?!?

Keith   January 5th, 2009 11:50 am ET

Bush had a cat?

grahame   January 5th, 2009 11:50 am ET

Sorry about the cat.
Still it should be considered that if you were a bad person in this life you just might come back as a pet of the Bush household. The entire animal kingdom will now run for cover, scared that they may be in line for the replacement

Snooper   January 5th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Writer should have added,

Willie was fond of Mice and Tom Cats. She spent hours basking in a sunbeam and hunting for varmits in the Kitchen. She'll always be remembered for her great sense of smell and her love of cat nip.

Memorial offerings may be sent to _______

KC   January 5th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Wow, mean spirited people on this site. Sad. Life is too short and getting too difficult to be "ugly" about everything.

Mike   January 5th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Let the Liberals come out of the woodwork now and say how this is of no importance but the Obama girls going to school should be plastered on every news channel because the fate of the world rides on when they go to school, what they're wearing, who takes them, where they go to school, and just about everything else.

How about this, report on the things that matter and leave the fluff to the tabloids.

Helen   January 5th, 2009 11:49 am ET

My sympathy to the Bushes on the loss of their cat. As an animal lover myself I know how it feels to lose a pet. They are a part of the family.

LaurenLove   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Ha, Hindu Nationalists got pissed off at the name, cant even name a cat anymore without someone getting "offended". I'd be alright if people wanted to call their dogs george bush, doesnt offend me.

S Callahan   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

:-) I say no more…Shari, NY said it all

Steph   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Thank you Shari, NY!

Why?   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

This shouldn't be a headline. And neither should the Obama girls' first day of school. Best wishes to the Obama family and my condolences to the Bush family.

LORI   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

While I am not exactly a Bush fan my heart goes out to the family. I lost a cat myself October 11th of this past year. It can be very very difficult. My prayers are with all of them. May God bless them

xcusme   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

AND….

John in VA   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Aww poor kitty. Jenna must be heartbroken.

Ace   January 5th, 2009 11:48 am ET

18 years old thats a good life. My sympathy to the Bushes

That Other Jerry   January 5th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Growing up I always heard it was bad luck to change a cat's name. I never put much stock in that, but looking at the Bush presidency after 2001, I'm seriously rethinking my belief in old wives' tales. I would probably add that the bad luck is even worse if you change the name in order to be politically correct.

Seriously, it's tough to lose a pet. My condolences to the family.

Texas native   January 5th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Poor kitty! Shame is wasn't Bush! WE DON'T WANT YOU IN TEXAS.

Susan L.   January 5th, 2009 11:47 am ET

I didn't even know they'd had a cat. I thought they were dog people. I'm very sorry for the loss of their pet. I still think George W. Bush is the worst President ever. It's nice he supposedly at least liked his cat, though.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   January 5th, 2009 11:47 am ET

And the reason for this story is?

Ron   January 5th, 2009 11:46 am ET

This is great stuff!! This country is in a state of severe economic turmoil and we can now read about the "The First Cat" dying!!

PoliticoMike   January 5th, 2009 11:46 am ET

If those pets could talk!

Jenn   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

WOW must be a real slow news day

Snooper   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

An obituary for a cat. The stupidest story I've read. Waste of cyberspace.

Andy J, Upstate NY   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Hey, how about you put up a story about Burris saying his appointment to the senate was "Lord Ordained." In my opinion, it is more like his appointment was "tainted by scandal and a corrupt governor."

If Palin had said this, it would be all over the MSM and the Libs would have a fit.

A black Democrat says it, everyone needs to keep their mouth shut.

SSHHHHHHH! Don't speak against a black man, especially a liberal democrat black man, you WILL be called a racist. You evil, evil, race baiting bigots!

If it weren't so distressing, it would be hilarious.

Apples for sale   January 5th, 2009 11:45 am ET

This is truely a sad day.This poor cat loved the Whitehouse and sensed it had to move.It was the only one there that even had a clue.Goodbye Willie.

Andre   January 5th, 2009 11:44 am ET

It's a cat!!! Don't we have more important things to discuss? What cares??!!

Conservative James, Phoenix, AZ   January 5th, 2009 11:41 am ET

The cat's as dead as our economy and foreign policy and war on terror.

Thank you, George W. Bush.

Jk   January 5th, 2009 11:38 am ET

What about all the troops and people that were killed in the wars you started George. You are a disgrace to America.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   January 5th, 2009 11:30 am ET

WHO CARES?

Newport News, VA   January 5th, 2009 11:30 am ET

I guess India didn't want to move to Dallas.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 11:30 am ET

Wow this is strange, the all of the Bush's pets are black?

California Gold   January 5th, 2009 11:28 am ET

It's terrible when a family loses a pet, especially after so many years. Condolences to India/Kitty's humans, Miss Beasley and Barney.

Shari, NY   January 5th, 2009 11:28 am ET

To those who think that the Obama girls first day of school is a non-issue, what sayest thou now?

Let me say that the Bushes have my sympathy. The cat had more than nine lives and so must have been like a pillar in the household.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   January 5th, 2009 11:27 am ET

Meow?

david goldman   January 5th, 2009 11:27 am ET

I WILL MISS HER MORE THAN I'D MISS BUSH.

SHE HAD BETTER HEALTH CARE THAN 25 MILLION OF

OUR NATIONS CHILDREN & PROBABLY BETTER NUTRITION.

Sherrol in Canada   January 5th, 2009 11:26 am ET

No comment

Scott   January 5th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Sorry to hear about the family pet.

Issues over the name? Wow people are just too sensitive these days.

Cammi317   January 5th, 2009 11:21 am ET

It's sad to lose a pet that has been a part of the family for so long. I have to say that I caught a case of the giggles at the end of the article "The cat’s name was changed to Willie in 2001 after Hindu nationalists said the original moniker was an insult — and urged followers to call their dogs ‘George Bush.’" LOL

Tom in Fl   January 5th, 2009 11:19 am ET

All the blogs on other stories such as the Obama girls are saying so what and who cares. Well, this is one that I need to say, "Is this newsworthy."

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