Immortalized on canvas: Former White House pooch dies
(CNN) - President George W. Bush's Scottish Terrier Barney has died, the former president said in a statement Friday. He was 12 and had been suffering from lymphoma.
But Barney lives on, in a sense.
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Bush painted an oil portrait of his pup, which his office posted online Friday. Within a half hour, it had drawn nearly 500 likes on Facebook, as well as condolence messages for the former first family.
He signed the painting 43, his presidential number.
"Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House," Bush said in a statement. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal."
"Barney and I enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to accompany me when I fished for bass at the ranch. He was a fierce armadillo hunter. At Camp David, his favorite activity was chasing golf balls on the chipping green," Bush wrote.
Barney arrived in the White House along with Bush and his staff in 2000. He was a gift to first lady Laura Bush whose birthday is November 4.
He starred in the Bush White House Christmas videos, known as Barney Cam, and was carried aboard presidential aircraft by the president himself. He once nipped a reporter's finger.
The family's other pups included Miss Beazley, another gift to the first lady from her husband and Barney's niece, and Spot, who was the offspring of President George H.W. Bush's dog Millie.
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This is the dog Bush dropped. But in reality, he really did love Barney. RIP
If only Bush could have pursued a career in art.
Codolences to the Bush family on the loss of a member of the family.
Sleep in peace Barney.
Dogs are angels in disguise. That is the only way to explain all of that love. Barney was a gift from God and has now returned to Him.
I had no idea that George W. Bush was a painter! We lost our Springer Spaniel to lymphoma five months ago today. My condolences to the Bush family on the loss of an obviously well loved member of their family.
RIP Barney! Watching Bush's interactions with you was the only time that he was tolerable!
Sorry for their loss. Adore my pup and am sure they adored Barney.
Barney was a good ol' dog.
Probable suicide? Or maybe Bush thought there was oil in its head.
Did Cheney have Barney waterboarded?
are you all nuts? it is a dog
Very sorry for your loss, Mr. President – Barney was a very special little guy.
We just don't have our beloved pets long enough in this life. Barney and his 'cam' brought lots of smiles to everybody 🙂
Barney certainly had more of a heart than DIck Cheney.
RIP Barney!
So sad to hear this news. Barney was loved by the public too!
Barney was a tribute to all Scotties. They are great dogs.
Sorry for your loss of Barney. I love dogs more than most people. Barney is at the rainbow bridge now waiting for all his friends to join him someday. And I love your painting of Barney...had no idea you were an artist too.
Safe Passage, Little Guy.
Bless ya, Barney. RIP.
RIP, thoughts and prayers, Barney.
There is no greater sadness than the death of a dog or a child. Innocence lost is surely missed.
Bush is a better painter then a president !
He was a cool dog .
Regardless of politics... Its tough to lose a member of the family, as I'm sure Barney was. My condolences!