Spot, Bush's Dog Has Died

White House web page | Press Secretary

[cajuncooker]

Statement by the Press Secretary

February 21, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President and Mrs. Bush and the entire Bush family are deeply saddened by the passing of Spot. A loyal and loving companion, Spot was a beloved member of the Bush family for nearly 15 years. She will be missed.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Somebody tell those moronic Clymers that 15 years is a long life for a dog. I't means that the dog was well taken care of. They're probably upset because kids can connect to their loss.

Expect tons of offers for new dogs to the White House. They'll probably accept one, as a representative for all offers.

I'm sad for the Bush family. Prayers go out to them.

[rwfromkansas]

My Cairn Terrier (think Toto) is almost 14....not too much longer I am afraid.

[BigSkyFreeper]

[Howlin]

Oh, man...

[LADY J]

That's so beautiful. When we had to put our Baron down, the vet sent a card to us with this poem on it.

[Kaslin]

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY February 21, 2004

[BigSkyFreeper]

Jenna was 16 when she passed. Old age crept up to her. She was partially blind and deaf, but she was a loving dog to the end.

[Neets]

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Thanks S.

[mystery-ak]

Ahhhhh.....

[Cicero]

Also, Barney's historical White House ABCs for kids (with a picture of President Nixon bowling! God bless GWB.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/abc/

[Republic]

Don't know exactly why, but that pic just 'did me in'! Our President loved Spot. That kiss is just what you, not to mention the closeness-Spot on his lap as they drive together-a team, a bond. I am so sorry for the Bush's! I have Millie 's Book (written by Barbara Bush) in my library of books. Millie used to sit beside Barbara at state dinners < he... he >-which I am sure upset many, but as Barbara said, right now, this is our home, and Millie is part of our family!

Think her son, GW, picked up on his mom's affection and respect for animals.

In a way, my heart goes out to those who cannot relate to the crushing sadness of losing a beloved pet. What they miss, the joy of which they are robbed, is, in itself, a tragedy.

[YaYa123]

"Beau" by Jimmy Stewart

"He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.

When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau."

[Libertina]

How sad for them, he truly cares about his pets. Thaks everyone for posting the sweet pictures - those puppies are so cute.

[basil]

Being the owner of a beloved Springer Spaniel, I can truly sympathize with the President and First Lady over their loss.

Our Mandy is 10, now--but so far, shows no signs of slowing down.

[bellas_sister]

Thanks ever so.... now I'll stop nagging...

:)

[MEG33]

These pictures just make me sadder for their loss,but they are great.Thank you.

[Texagirl4W]

This picture was my favorite. My heart goes out to President and Mrs. Bush. There will be a big void to fill there.

[cyncooper]

Wait a minute! Your picture shows the president reading the newspaper!

How can it be?!

(Darling photo, and the first to make me tear up a tad, as I looked at her sitting there so eagerly, but so disciplined)

[Lucy Lake]

What a hateful statement.

[Dog]

Oh man....