George W. Bush's Dog "Barney" -- RIP

Barney and Bush
(photo: LA Times)

No, it's not a joke. The 43rd President of the United States' pooch, Barney, died this week. The former Commander-in-Chief released the news in a statement to the media, as reported in today's Washington Post.

The press release offers a sense of Bush's occasionally playful sense of humor. He noted how the dog regarded reporters in ways similar to how canines typically size up postal employees. Bush, with tongue in cheek, noted in his statement how Barney "never discussed politics." The former American supremo also provided a photo of the dog.

The image happens to show Bush's painting of Barney. Believe it or not, W. is learning how to paint. I had to read the story three times to confirm I wasn't dreaming.