Bush family cat dead at 18

The Bush family’s 18-year-old cat has died and the family is “deeply saddened,” the White House website reports.

Bush daughter Barbara, at 9, named India, a black American shorthair, after former Texas Ranger player Ruben Sierra, a.k.a. “El Indio.”

When the Bush daughters went to college, the cat lived the remainder of its life at the White House with the president and first lady.

With affection, the family called the cat "Kitty."

Your condolences are welcome here.

-- Graham McCann

Photo: Master Chief White House Vallet Sam Sutton carries India off one of the presidential helicopters before Honor Guards at the Texas State Technical College tarmac in July, 2003.  Credit: Paul Richards/AFP/Getty Images.

Comments

[Jim Melchert]

We lost our Golden Retireiver 1 year ago. I sympathize with your loss.

[bantamchick]

My condolences to the Bush family. I have a black cat that looks exactly like India.

[BILLY]

The CAT died the same day OBAMA move to the White House.................

[Ms. Elphie]

I am so sorry about your loss of India. I have had a number of pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and I fully understand the pain of such a loss. I have an 18-1/2-year-old cat named Ninja who is the love of my life and I have a special bond with this kitty. Be comforted in remembering all of your happy times together.

[Jeff]

RIP, India. As a fellow cat owner I know how difficult this can be. A cat is more than just a pet, it's a friend and companion with a unique and playful personality. It's my hope that India is in a better place with all the good kitties we've all lost. I read somewhere that the Clintons former cat, Socks, was sick with feline cancer. I'm sure if Socks passes she'll end up in a better place with India.

[Carol Notermann]

I''m so sorry that your 'Kitty' left for Rainbow Bridge. At 18 you gave her a wonderful life as part of a wonderful family. Rainbow Bridge is spot just outside of Heaven's Gate where wonderful pets wait to be reunited with their 'care givers' and enter heaven with them... I write poetry... and know this has helped others who have lost a beloved kity. I hope it helps you.

Dear Family,

I’m just about to take a nap, for I’ve been running free.
I was chasing butterflies, and one small bumble bee.
I’ve rolled around in catnip, I’ve climbed high in a tree
And now I’ll rest all cuddled up with others just like me.

I’m in a truly lovely place, it’s right by Heaven’s gate.
I’m not alone, and I am told this is the place to wait.
I’ve told everyone about you, they said you won’t be late.
That though on earth long years will pass, I’ll meet you by the gate.

There’s a bridge we’ll cross together, it has a rainbow hue
And really it’s so pretty here, that all I miss is you.
So please don’t think about the things you did or didn’t do
It was my time to find the bridge, so please do not feel blue.

I’m sorry that I left so fast, without a kiss good-bye.
But I’ve enclosed a “head butt” and a slow blink of my eye.
Take care of all our family and tell them that I’ll try
To be the one that greets them first, when they come, by and by.

Love and thanks for being such a loving family,

Your Kitty

© 2008 By Carol Notermann

[selene]

Didn't even know they had a cat. I guess poor Kitty wasn't
good enough to be part of "the show". How George Bush typical. Rest in peace dear India.

[Ben]

My Condolences,

I lost two cats last year. One was 12 the other was 16. It was/is very difficult.

[Redneck]

The Bushes are dog people; they were only sitting the cat for their daughters. (Cats make it well into their 20s on many occasions. I believe the world record for cat life span is in the 30s.)