Ex-Pres. George W. Bushâ??s pooch Barney dies

DALLAS — Thanks to a tiny video camera on his collar, Barney offered a dog-level holiday tour of the White House in 2002 while shuffling from room to room and menacing the Christmas tree.

The video starring President George W. Bush's black Scottish terrier was a hit, drawing 24 million online tourists the first day. It also helped reopen the White House after it was closed to tourists the previous holiday season following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Bush and his wife, Laura, released a statement Friday saying their famous 12-year-old pooch had died after suffering from lymphatic cancer.

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

A burial is planned at the former president's ranch in Central Texas, where Bush says Barney, a fierce armadillo hunter, loved to accompany him while fishing for bass.

Barney politely greeted heads of state, queens and prime ministers but guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent, Bush added.