HotmailBush family’s 18-year-old cat dies
India, a black American shorthair, was named after a pro ballplayer
 Paul Morse/White House | Daughter Barbara, then 9, named the cat “India” after Ruben Sierra, a former major league player whose nickname was "El Indio." |
 | Slideshow |
 | Animal Tracks A Frisbee-playing pooch, a Scuba-diving Santa, a racing greyhound and more images of cute critters. more photos |
| Slideshow |
 | ‘Polar Obsession’ National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen captures images of life in the polar reaches and the effects of climate change. more photos |
| Slideshow |
 | Unlikely friends A pig and a tiger, a monkey and a rabbit, a duck and a dog – these best buddy pairs make some very odd couples. more photos |
 | Video: Pets & animals |
 TODAY ‘Bow to Wow’ pups, owners return to TODAY Dec. 18: TODAY brings back some of the shelter dogs who have been adopted after getting “Bow to Wow” makeovers on TODAY. |
. |
updated 11:46 a.m. ET Jan. 5, 2009
WASHINGTON - The first family leaving the White House this month will be without one of its longtime members: the Bush family's 18-year-old cat has died.
The first lady's office said Monday that India, a black American shorthair named for former Texas Rangers player Ruben Sierra, died Sunday at the White House.
Bush daughter Barbara, then 9, named the cat “India” after Sierra, a former major league player, whose nickname was "El Indio." President George W. Bush was a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers.
When Bush daughters Barbara and Jenna went to college, the cat stayed at the White House with the president and first lady. The family affectionately called the cat “Kitty.”
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM PETS |
 Pets Section Front |
| Add Pets headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide