People react to death in many different ways. People especially react to the death of famous people.

For example, John Lennon’s death caused music enthusiasts in the United States and Europe to pause and reflect his influence. When Mother Theresa passed away, Christians around the world felt the loss.

Recently, another death, a presidential one, has made the country realize the tragedy of a life cut short.

Buddy is dead.

You know Buddy. He has been former President Bill Clinton’s best friend, replacing Socks the cat a couple of years ago as the White House pet.

He came into our hearts as an adopted three-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever puppy in 1997. And before his untimely death two weeks ago, Buddy touched the lives of many people around the White House and Clinton home.

Washington correspondent Cokie Roberts commented about Buddy’s influence on people when he lived in Washington, D.C.

“He’s just adorable,” she said. “Everyone wants to be near him.”

Poor Buddy.

And everyone is wondering how the Clintons are surviving after the loss of such an important family member. After all, Clinton’s approval rating shot up 60 percent after Buddy moved into the White House. And now the Clintons are receiving hundreds of e-mails from the public offering their sympathy.

“I have always prayed for the safety of President and Senator Clinton and Chelsea, but had not thought about Buddy,” one e-mail from Iowa City said. “As a dog lover and owner of two, I am sending my sympathy to the Clintons.”

And with the news of Buddy’s death, one thing has been missing – Buddy’s obituary.

So in order give Buddy his final farewell, this is a tribute I call “Bye, bye Buddy.”

On Jan. 2, 2002, Buddy, 4, of Chappaqua, New York entered the gates of doggy heaven after a tragic accident in the street near his home.

Services for the Clinton’s canine companion included a portrait and sculpture of him at a temporary display of Clinton artifacts housed near the site of Clinton’s planned presidential library. Near the sculpture is a table with a binder holding e-mails from places as far as Russia offering sympathy to family and friends of Buddy. Next to the binder is a bouquet of six roses and a volunteer has been handing out photos of Buddy.

Even though his life was ended suddenly by a car driven by an unidentified driver, Buddy lived a fulfilling life.

Besides long walks in the park and chasing rabbits, Buddy also enjoyed chewing on the presidential furniture, licking Chelsea’s face and sadly, chasing cars.

Buddy was laid to rest in the Clinton’s backyard with his beloved red collar holding his gold rabies tag.

Survivors include all the Clinton family and Socks the cat, Buddy’s household companion. He will be missed by many.

Rest in peace, Buddy.

Michelle Kann is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Garnavillo. She is newsroom managing editor of the Daily.