WASHINGTON (CNN) – Socks, who reigned as first cat in former President Clinton’s White House, was put to sleep on Friday morning.
After suffering from mouth cancer, Socks was euthanized at Three Notch Veterinary Clinic in Hollywood, Maryland. Betty Currie, Clinton’s former personal secretary, had been taking care of the cat since her boss left the White House.
Socks was born in 1989 and would have turned 20 this spring.
Currie told the Southern Maryland News that Socks hadn’t eaten for two days and that she thought his condition was deteriorating. Socks was under the care of Dr. David Langford at the clinic.
"Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," the Clintons said in a statement. "We're grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years."
Socks had to share the stage as first pet in the White House after the Clintons adopted Buddy, a Labrador retriever.
An 11-year-old Chelsea Clinton adopted Socks in 1991 after she saw the stray kitten at her piano teacher’s home in Little Rock, Arkansas. The cat moved into the governor’s mansion with the family and later to the White House.
From CNN Politics
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CNN, are you serious with this? The Robert Gibbs story open for comments for about 38 minutes and this one for 1 1/2 hrs so far. Your website is pathetic sometimes.
I SYMPATIZE WITH B CLINTON AS I TOO LOST MY BLACK TOM CAT THIS PAST YEA.R. HE WAS 21 YEARS OLD., WE MISS HIM SO MYCH. HE RODE CURLED AROUND MY NECK WHEN HE WAS NOT IN HIS HARNESS.
I'm so sorry for them, it's sad to loose your pets after all their just like childred.... I'm pretty sure she brought them a lot of joy!!!!!!
Sad About Socks,: TOO BAD YOU WERE NOT NEAR WHERE THOSE WOLVES LIVED UP IN ALASKA. MAYBE YOU COUL;D HAVE BUILT THEM A NICE CAVE AND LIVED WITH THEM.
Poor Socks,
Had to see everything Bill created destroyed by a Bush not much smarter than yourself. Rest in peace. At least you weren't responsible for thousands of innocent deaths.
Awww. Sympathies to Mrs. Currie and the Clintons. Have fun in Kitty Heaven, Socks. You were a handsome boy.
Lost in Texas FOREVER:
Your post was the first negative, partian post written on this article. What does this say about you?
My sympathies for this very big loss. I have had to do this as well and I know firsthand the agony it is, but it is the kindest thing for any beloved pet to not suffer. My Mom's cat was about the same age when she went to the Rainbow Bridge (Yes, do google his wonderful site) and I had a Chihuahua who died of cancer as well, so I understand the pain
My best wishes at this difficult time.
Someone's pet died. Any pet owner is sad about that. Can someone explain to me how Obama or Palin has anything to do with this? Some people are so stupid that it is actually profound.
Mike – Houston February 20th, 2009 7:36 pm ET
They put Socks to sleep so he wouldn't have to suffer though the Obama administration!!!!!
--------------------
How unkind and uncalled for is that statement. Very cruel
What a thoughtless comment. I hope you can't sleep well!!!
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything
IGNORANT
@ Mike – Houston......You really should check to see if the Repugs slipped some money into the stimulus for their supporters to buy a life.
Maybe you could be bi-partisan and share yours with Sad About Socks.
How disingenuine some of you are!
If your pet isn't like a member of family, you shouldn't have one.
Which is fine, but don't insult the rest of us.
Cats and dogs (and other creatures) can bring companionship, amusement, a sense of security, loyalty, or even eyesight, and the loss of these friends is always very painful.
Socks was one special, lucky kitty.
Oh, and it wouldnt be like me not to remind everyone to
SPAY AND NEUTER your best friends, please!
that cat was really cute. he lived a good long life.
Sad, just sad. I know they were very fond of Socks.
Over the rainbow bridge . . . RIP dear Socks. You'll never have to worry about hair balls again. Say hello to my "kids" that are there: Snicklefritz, Oberon, Bleys, Tichauka, Magi, Sam and Suki.
Hey Mike I've looked at some of your other comments in other tickers and I've got a pretty good idea what kind of person you are. You're no fan of Obama, I get that. And you're also an ignorant, ego-centric, insensitive person who likes to talk before he thinks.
This news article had NOTHING to do with Obama.
Some of us relate to Socks the cat on a very personal level. (see my previous post) Let's keep the insensitivity back in Alaska, which is where you belong.
"FEB 7, 2009 – Palin pushes Obama on oil pipeline"
Poor Socks. But he had a very long interesting life. R.I.P.
tells ya something, that the Clintons didn't even keep Socks !
I know my condolences require careful moderation...why don't you post my comments, CNN?
@Mike- Houston
If I lived in a state that gave the country the 7th worst president of all time, I wouldn't talk about the Obama Administration, especially when Barack has to clean up the mess that GW left behind.
I so miss the Clinton years. We had a thriving economy, a surplus in the budget, world peace – it is hard to believe now how good those years were. I largely blame the right wing of the Republican party for the economic and political disasters that have followed. May Socks rest in peace.
Really??? Is this news? For those who use this to comment on anything other than the story, get a grip
"james February 20th, 2009 6:30 pm ET why is this newsworthy?"
Of course it newsworthy.....this is CNN.....Clinton News Network
@Mike – Houston February 20th, 2009 7:36 pm ET
They put Socks to sleep so he wouldn't have to suffer though the Obama administration!!!!!
@Ray Fisher February 20th, 2009 7:29 pm ET
Poor Socks the most honorable Clinton.
**** Are you guys Related ?.... or just 2 A$$ Holes