"I guess someone doesn't feel part of the team."
That's what Ben said as he handed me this week's issue of Newsweek.
It only took a second before I burst out laughing at what I saw -- in the background to George's right, is Barney, their Scottish Terrier, looking as disinterested as a dog could possibly look.
I have mixed feelings about a Scottish Terrier being in the Bush White House.
As a Westie "owner", it's great to see a Scotty, the Westie's black twin and cohort, in the White House. But, I can only imagine the pressure that Barney feels when compared to Millie XXII, the Bushs' other dog.
I mean really, I bet that any of the Millies can sit on Jeb's chair at the Bush I dinner table.
And can a person look any more uncomfortable while holding a dog?
You remember the Millie I book? God rest her little fluff-writing soul.
Now, I bet Barney could tell some real juicy stories.
HA! But W's doing a good job of looking like a curious pup, will his cute widdle nose in the air. If you haven't already seen this:
http://www.salon.com/comics/tomo/2001/11/26/tomo/index.html
Posted by: nicole | November 27, 2001 at 05:22 PM
and forgot to mention, i loved the travel journal. you two looked ever-so-cute! now i sooo want to take a roadtrip (well, going to portland for family xmas time anyway). i posted on the journal, but because i am quite serious about this: please please please post the recipe for french toast from orcas island--it looks too good to be true! light and fluffy*
Posted by: nicole | November 27, 2001 at 05:39 PM
oh, that poor puppy.
god I want a puppy. hopefully when the apartment gods smile upon us, it will be a nice, roomy apartment with a small yard so we can have a puppy.
Posted by: kim | November 28, 2001 at 03:28 AM
That poor, poor dog. :-(
Plus, I hate it when people hold dogs that way. Their backs need to be supported damnit!
Posted by: paula | November 28, 2001 at 04:10 AM
as a former westie owner (who's best friend was "mac" the scotty) that picture confirms the fact that terriers are a tad smarter than the average canine, and choose their company wisely.
either that, or barney is preparing for his close-up and can't be bothered by slobbering millie.
Posted by: nikole | November 28, 2001 at 09:03 AM
Actually, it looks like W is holding the little dog in front of him like a shield. Perhaps the Secret Service are all out protecting the airports?
Posted by: Cindy | November 28, 2001 at 06:07 PM
Actually (and you probably already know this) Scotties have a much more illustrious White House history than any old Millie. Franklin Roosevelt had a Scottie called Falla who worked on at least two of his re-election campaigns and I think had a mid-level cabinet position.
Posted by: Phineas | November 29, 2001 at 08:33 AM
They always say that dogs often take on the characteristics of their owners...
Posted by: Anthony | November 29, 2001 at 09:32 AM
Phineas: Thanks for reminding me about Fala. What an oversight on my part -- now, it seems, Barney is just distancing himself from Bush in order to avoid any FDR-Fala / Bush/Barney (both names begin with the same initials) comparisons :)
Here is a really neat gallery of the making of the Fala statue. in Washington.
Posted by: Mena | November 29, 2001 at 11:06 AM
I'd distance myself from Bush, too. And not just for reasons of alliteration.
Posted by: Phineas | November 29, 2001 at 11:19 AM
Can't... control it... must... let it out:
I'd say that the one in the hand is worth two of the Bush.
Please don't shoot me.
Posted by: Jennie | November 29, 2001 at 11:33 AM