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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Jan February 20th, 2009 6:37 pm ET
I am sorry for the Clintons' loss. I know that Socks was a beloved member of the family. Companion animal loss is hard.
Um Jan, Socks was given to another family years ago...They felt that loss then when they gave Socks to away.
It's sad for most of us, I'm sure, when we lose a beloved pet.
And for those who complain the item isn't newsworthy– then why did you take the time to read and respond? If it isn't newsworthy, save yourself some time and avoid it altogether.
It is always hard to put a pet down especially when they have been part of the family for as long as SOX was. Pets are the coolest creatures around. They don't see us by what we are but by who we are. That is the most important part of us that we must never forget.
We were all born with a name, we earn titles, we can loose titles but we can never loose our names. Live like our pets see us.
Sorry SOX was so sick. It is bad enough when humans have to go through it but pets it is even worse because they can't tell you what they truly want.
Go get a new cat. Call it Shoes.
So sorry about Socks. He had a good long life.
come on CNN...THIS is news??? Better watch it....you may upset Mr. Gibbs and the other Obama cronies.
Obama where is my welfare check man?
Hey CNN can we please get a blog regarding the fear of nationalizing 'big banks'.....you put a great article on Page 1 of CNN live....but no where to vent......
While it is always sad when anyone has to put a beloved pet to sleep, why is this on the ticker? Stories about Obama's choice for 1st dog or Bush's dog never belonged either.
My cat jumped off the roof to his death because he got "fixed."
black cats live longer since they're genes are better than YT's.
cats aren't pets.
Poor kitty. I imagine the Clintons are heartbroken.
Mike – Houston: you're sick! This is exactly why the right is crumbling.
WHY didn't Clintons take Socks with them? WHY did they let Buddy get hit by a car? I don't think they really loved their pets...
My sympathies to Betty Currie for the loss of Socks. She saw him through his senior years, cooked chicken for him and ultimately extended the ultimate act of kindness by not allowing him to suffer his illness anymore and put him to sleep. Betty obviously loved Socks very much and I feel deeply the sadness she must be experiencing tonight. Betty, you did all the right things in caring for Socks all these years, and now Socks is safe in heaven. You did a wonderful job and you are a special lady.
if only people could be as loyal as our pets, sorry to hear about the loss of Socks, 20 years old, as Charlotte,on Charlottes Web would say ( that was sooome cat).
Sorry for your lost. When we lost our black lab "PJ," it hurt a lot. We have never had a pet since him.
P.S............People who say evil things, whether about people or animals, are generally people who don't like themselves. Self-introspection is way cool.
was Socks a Black Cat or White Cat ?
aawwww RIP socks I was just talking about Socks today. Sad to hear this about the first cat
There is nothing sadder than a dead cat.
No matter your politics, losing a pet hurts. I believe George Carlin (maybe?) said buying a pet was "a long term investment in a personal tragedy."
Now what? More crocodile tears from hillary ?
obama LOVES the jenkem.
I a sorry Socks had to put to sleep, but cancer is as bad on animals as it is on people. May Socks be beyond the Rainbow Bridge
and continue to work for Justice for all Homeless Animals. RIP Socks and know we will remember you.
Socks, you're well, healthy and having fun on the other side...and your in a wonderful place where no god accepts Repubs!! Lucky you!!!
Sorry for your lost. The best Clinton of them all.