George W. Bush’s dog Barney dies

WA Post ^ | February 1, 2013 | Rachel Weiner

[onyx]

President George W. Bush’s dog Barney has died of lymphoma at the age of 12, the former president said in a statement Friday. “Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House,” Bush wrote. “He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal.”

[defconw]

So sorry to hear of this. Barney was such a cute dog. Barney cam = classic. I wonder how Miss Beezly is taking it? Prayers up for President and Mra. Bush. Losing a pet always sucks.

[smoothsailing]

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Earthdweller]

BTTT for Barney.

[rlmorel]

My Hero. Rest Well, Good and Faithful Servant.

[Noob1999]

It’s totally wonderful that Barney was loved for 12 years by such loving and giving parents. No Dog, Son, Daughter could ask for more blessings than to be totally loved!

[occamrzr06]

Here is the poem they gave us when we had our Australian Shepard cremated last year:

“My Dog”

I wonder if Christ had a little old dog
All shinny and silky like mine?
And a nose round and wet
With two cute little ears
And two eyes brown and tender that shine

I’m sure if He had, that little dog
Knew right from the start He was God;
That he needed no proof that Christ was divine
And just worshiped the ground where he trod.

I’m afraid the He hadn’t, because I have read,
How He prayed in the garden alone.
For all of His friends and disciples had fled
Even Peter, the one called the stone.

And OK! I am sure, that that little dog,
With a heart so tender and warm
Would never have left Him to suffer alone
But creeping right under His arm,
Would have licked the dear fingers,
In agony clasped, and counting all favors but loss,
When they took Him away would have trotted behind,
And followed Him right to the cross.

I’m sure too, that that little dog
Would want us all to know
To ask Christ into our hearts is the way to go
And when we bow before the throne of God
In answer to His call
I know we’ll see that little dog, round wet nose and all.

[Vendome]

Damnit Barney!!!

I hope George is all right.

I cried for weeks when my Grace Kelly left me after 15 years. What a great dog and good friend she was.

[atc23]

Seems a million years ago when we had a traditional American family in the White House - now we have welfare scammers, LGBT, freeloading mothers in law, communists, MB operatives, the SOS is some gal who’s husband cheated on her so she got that job, the new SOS met with enemy combatants as a lowly lefttenant to try and surrender to them on behalf of the USA . . where will it all end?

[funfan]

Bravo well done Barney!

[CodeToad]

I love those dogs! They make for great friends and fun. I had one that would chase the cat out the cat door into the garage then run right back upstairs to go find the cat knowing at some point the cat would be back there somehow. This could go on for hours. Bush loved that dog. Barney always seemed to travel with him.

[Vendome]

I’m going to send him a card of condolence:

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
1000 George Bush Drive West
College Station, TX 77845

[Tupelo]

It sounds to me that Ole Barn had a longer, better life and came to a better end than poor old Buddy, his predecessor as First Dog..

[longfellowsmuse]

In hell

[redgolum]

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years that nature permits
Are closing in asthma or tumors or fits
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers, or loaded guns.
Then you will find—its your own affair
But—you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You still discover how much you care
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ‘em the more do we grieve;
For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Kipling, Power of the Dog

[vox_freedom]

My doggie and I offer sympathy to #43 and family on their loss.

[4integrity]

ohh, what a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing and for providing the address. I’ll do the same.
My 16 y/o mini schnauzer went to heaven last year and it still hurts....miss her so much. I’m so sad for President and Mrs. Bush. It was obvious how much President Bush loved Barney and BarneyCam gave us lots of smiles too.

[FamiliarFace]

This one was one of my favorite Christmas videos with Barney. I just loved that little guy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFUofXG_tB8

[LucyT]

. . . . "But... I don't want to go to Texas in August."

I remember when this photo was taken; President Bush and Barney were on their way to the Ranch.

RIP, sweet little Barney.

[haircutter]

I weep for this once great Nation...

as a dog lover and owner of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and son's inherited Ridge back Husky...I've know the hurt and pain the Bush Family are feeling as we lost three schnauzers...
we are now retired and our pups are by our side constantly..one eight years and our recent addition is almost 15, so we know one day, down the road he will be looking for the Rainbow Bridge to join the schnauzers and wait for us...

hope everyone has a wonderful Winter week end..
carole

[Vendome]

Yeah, I found another Cocker that amazingly looks a lot like my Grace Kelly and has the same temperament.

Super smart little guy, with loads of confidence. Loves to learn new things and excellent with retrieve.(he loves it)

His name is Jack Tripper and his brother is Rex Harrison.