Barney, former White House Scottie, dies
DALLAS (AP) - Thanks to a tiny video camera on his collar, Barney offered a dog-level holiday tour of the White House in 2002 while shuffling from room to room and menacing the Christmas tree.
The video starring President George W. Bush's black Scottish terrier was a hit, drawing 24 million online tourists the first day. It also helped reopen the White House after it was closed to tourists the previous holiday season following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Bush and his wife, Laura, released a statement Friday saying their famous 12-year-old pooch had died after suffering from lymphatic cancer.
"Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House," Bush said. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal."
With public access to the White House more restricted in the aftermath of 9/11, first lady Laura Bush sent Barney out to prowl the building with the camera. Barney Cam's 4.5-minute video tour of the mansion decorations was such a hit that his movies became an annual feature for the rest of Bush's presidency.
Later videos later included Miss Beazley, the Bush family's other Scottish terrier, and even high-profile guests including cameos by country singer Alan Jackson and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
A burial is planned at the former president's ranch in Central Texas, where Bush says Barney, "a fierce armadillo hunter," loved to accompany him while fishing for bass.
Barney politely greeted heads of state, queens and prime ministers but "guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent," Bush added.
Barney was the continuation of a Bush family tradition of presidential dogs begun by Millie, the springer spaniel brought to the White House by President George H.W. Bush and his first lady Barbara Bush.
The video starring President George W. Bush's black Scottish terrier was a hit, drawing 24 million online tourists the first day. It also helped reopen the White House after it was closed to tourists the previous holiday season following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Bush and his wife, Laura, released a statement Friday saying their famous 12-year-old pooch had died after suffering from lymphatic cancer.
"Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House," Bush said. "He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal."
With public access to the White House more restricted in the aftermath of 9/11, first lady Laura Bush sent Barney out to prowl the building with the camera. Barney Cam's 4.5-minute video tour of the mansion decorations was such a hit that his movies became an annual feature for the rest of Bush's presidency.
Later videos later included Miss Beazley, the Bush family's other Scottish terrier, and even high-profile guests including cameos by country singer Alan Jackson and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
A burial is planned at the former president's ranch in Central Texas, where Bush says Barney, "a fierce armadillo hunter," loved to accompany him while fishing for bass.
Barney politely greeted heads of state, queens and prime ministers but "guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent," Bush added.
Barney was the continuation of a Bush family tradition of presidential dogs begun by Millie, the springer spaniel brought to the White House by President George H.W. Bush and his first lady Barbara Bush.
"lymphatic cancer"
Bad news, I lost a 12 year old to that...horrible for the dog - and the human who has to watch it rob the joy of life.
RIP, Barney Sean is waiting for a new buddy...
and so passes the most intelligent member of that entire adminstration.Â
Happy trails pup
I am a cat person, but in my lifetime I have owned several dogs and they all stay in my mind. All dog people have stories about their dogs. As a christian I know the Bible does not say that dogs go to heaven but I would like to believe there is a special place for them.
 @whitewings2003 "but I would like to believe there is a special place for them."
It' probably better than heaven, and that's where I want to go...
My condolences on your loss President Bush. Dogs are reminders to us all of what loyalty and friendship are all about. If humans could only master that kind of devotion to one another, our world would be a much better place.
@Harley-H.S.C. Wonderfully put, and so true.
Can't stand Bush. But glad to hear he had compassion for his dog. RIP Barney.
 @jenshens Get over the Bush thing and live your life. This about the dog.
In case anybody wants to relive better times, you can watch this Barney tribute video.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCBMdnPhdiQ
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RIP my four-legged friend.
honestly who cares it's a dog
Â
Mayor Ed Koch died today that matters.
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Dumb dog? Â could not care less. Â Sorry.
@sunnysandiego
Ed Koch was the last sane democrat NYC is ever likely to see. As such he likely had more in common with that little dog than with the likes of you.Â
 @sunnysandiego You don't sound sorry.  So, a human being dies, and we are therefore enjoined from caring about any other non-human death?  Or, is it that this involves a member of the reviled Bush entourage?  I think that's the problem: Barney was a Republican dog, probably patted on the head by not only the evil Bush himself, but by Cheney, as well.  How pathetic that you extend your political venom even to a PET.
 @sunnysandiego I hope you don't have any gun's someone of your temperment could go off.That dog had more friends than you Koch was a ass.
 @Mike human vs dog you don't understand the difference
Â
that's ok
 @sunnysandiego  @Mike "human vs dog you don't understand the difference"
Oh, we understand the difference - dogs win, hands down...
 @sunnysandiego As you would say( is this right could care less)
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the Highlands, chasing the deer.
Â
Rest in peace doggie.
 @belsnickles 10 thumbs up