India, White House Cat Goes to Rainbow Bridge

India, the first cat who belonged to President and Mrs. George W. Bush, passed away yesterday, according to an article published in Huffingtonpost.com, only a few weeks before the President Barack Obama and his family will take up residence in the White House. Laura Bush's office announced Monday, that India, an 18 year old black Domestic Shorthair died peacefully at home in the Executive Mansion. When President Bush's twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna were 9 years old, India joined their family. Barbara named her after baseball player Ruben Sierra, known as El Indio. President George W. Bush formerly owned the Rangers team. India also had two nicknames, "Willie" and "Kitty". Even though the Bushes' two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley were frequently in the public eye, overshadowing their cat, India was beloved by the family. She appeared in the first family's holiday video with her two canine companions. The First Lady's press secretary, Sally McDonough said, "India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed." India's biography is posted on the White House's web page for kids. You can read more about this beautiful kitty by visiting: http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/india/index.html. According to her biography, she preferred "tuna-flavored kitty treats" and her usual hiding place was under the bed, since hiding from her owners was an activity in which she excelled. When we lose a beloved pet, we grieve. As part of our family, the loss can be devastating. I send my deepest condolences to the Bush family at this time. And while they mourn their loss, India is now one of the Rainbow Bridge's newest residents. I am certain that she will be greeted with open paws by those who have come before her, and that she is once again happy and healthy, as she waits to be reunited with her human companions again. Please leave words of comfort for the Bush family with a comment for them. Thank you for your kind thoughts.