India, White House Cat Goes to Rainbow Bridge

Petside Blog
|
Poll Archive
|
A-Z
- AAHA
- Beds
- Bones
- Books
- Bowls
- Carriers
- Cat Food
- Catnip
- Collars
- Crates
- Dog Food
- Grooming Tools
- Leashes
- Pet Food
- Pet Picture
- Pet Store
- Pharmacy
- Toys
- Treats

| Print | By | January 6, 2009 2:00 PM

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.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Politics (11)

« Previous

Vicki January 6, 2009 3:08 PM

I did not know they had a cat. I guess the media didn't see fit to share India with us. I am so sorry for their loss. Even the president has to deal with grief over the loss of a pet.

Samantha Crockett January 6, 2009 3:16 PM

Hi,

Very saddened to hear of India's passing. I wish they would have told us, the public more about her so we could have gotten to know her as well as Barney and Miss Beasley, their two pups.

I hope India's transition across The Bridge was Peaceful, Serene and Safe..

R.I.P. little girl....

Samantha

Rani January 6, 2009 3:19 PM

I didn't even know the Bushes had a cat. Had I known, my opinion of Dubya might've gone up a little notch.

Amy January 6, 2009 3:46 PM

Losing a pet is a very hard thing. India was a elderly kitty who probably lived a wonderful life while with the Bushes. From her picture I see that she was a beautiful kitty. I know she will be missed for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bushes.

Donna January 6, 2009 5:06 PM

It's always SO sad to lose a member of your feline family. I dread the day I lose another one of mine after just having lost Flakes in April...but we all know we'll meet again at Rainbow Bridge, and there is certainly no shortage of kits out there that need loving homes like ours!