President Bush's Family Dog Euthanized

President Bush's Family Dog Euthanized

POSTED: 7:14 a.m. EST February 23, 2004
NORFOLK, Va. -- President George W. Bush is getting condolences from an
animal rights group -- which says the first family did the right thing
Saturday in deciding to euthanize their 15-year-old springer spaniel, Spot.

The dog, a daughter of the more famous White House pet named Millie, was
put to sleep Saturday after suffering the latest in a series of strokes.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it's a "tough decision"
to euthanize a pet -- but that it's glad the president decided to do it.
PETA's president said too often, people can't bring themselves to end the
life of a dog or cat who can no longer enjoy life due to serious illness.

The group said Spot had a "wonderful, privileged life" -- something it
said only a "tiny percentage of dogs enjoy."