George W. Bush’s Scottish terrier, Barney, the former first dog, has died of lymphoma at the age of 12.

While in the White House, Barney was the subject of annual “Barney Cam” videos and even had his own website, Barney.gov. He was a gift to Laura Bush from Christine Todd Whitman, the then governor of New Jersey, for the first lady’s birthday in 2000.

George has published his own oil paining of the dog (seen below) as well a Facebook album.

Here’s his tear-jerking official statement on the death of Barney,

Laura and I are sad to announce that our Scottish Terrier, Barney, has passed away.  The little fellow had been suffering from lymphoma and after twelve and a half years of life, his body could not fight off the illness.

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.

Barney guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent. He wandered the halls of the West Wing looking for treats from his many friends. He starred in Barney Cam and gave the American people Christmas tours of the White House. Barney greeted Queens, Heads of State, and Prime Ministers. He was always polite and never jumped in their laps.

Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House. He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal.

[Source : Washington Post]