Former First Cat Socks Goes to the Rainbow Bridge
Socks, the tuxedo-clad first cat of the Clinton administration was euthanized today at the Three Notch Veterinary Clinic in Maryland after battling cancer of the mouth and jaw for several months. He was about 20 years old.
Socks lived with Betty Currie, former President Bill Clinton’s secretary, after leaving the White House. The Clintons visited Socks, and Currie, when in Washington. 11-year-old Chelsea 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.
“Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere,” Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement released by the William J. Clinton Foundation. “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 his own online fan club, appeared at animal charity events and was one of the subjects of Hillary Clinton’s book, “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets.”
When asked for his reaction, Rocky the Gutter Cat said, “Socks was an inspiration to Tuxedo cats everywhere, especially those of us who were once strays. He faced old age with grace and dignity, and was a role model for those of us enjoying our sunset years. He will be missed.”
Socks was a role model for Tuxie Catster Sadie, who said, “It is a sad day. Socks did live a good, long life, but, like da rest of us, not long enuff.”
God bless Betty Currie for taking such good care of that sweet cat after he was ditched by the First Family.
He was the best thing about the Clinton White House.
Godspeed, beautiful tuxedo boy.
Hello Skeezy, We were sorrowed to hear that Socks has left us for a better world. Betty Currie should be commended for the great care she gave to Socks.
Skeezix,
So sad fur the loss of Socks. He was a great Tuxedo and Americat. I’m glad scooter will see him at the bridge.
God Bless Socks!
I agree with Cathy. I always felt bad for Socks because he was the highest profile “disposable” cat ever. Rest in Peace, Socks. I am glad you had such an excellent second home.
Catster is filled with great cats like dear Socks whose original owners gave them the best gift they could–to live out their lives surrounded by love in the best home. Rest in peace, little one.
Sockes reminds me of Diego. Rest in peace, sweet Socks.
Ms Currie is Sock’s real family. Bless her and bless that wonderful, brave kitty.
Our family has always been a fan of Socks.
Have fun playing at the Bridge, dear Socks.
Good-bye Sweet Socks. Miss’stachee and the Sunclowder
Socks was a great representative for the tuxedo clan.
I’m still not thrilled that the Clintons sent him to live with Betty, although I’m sure she took great care of him.
They inadvertently fed into the idea that cats are disposabIe. Besides, Socks was there first.
Socks…May you rest in peace. While I can not think of one good thing to say about the scumball Clinton family.Thank you Ms. Currie for taking this wonderful animal in and giving her the love that the inbred hillbillies from Arkansas denied her. If there is any justice out of this,It’s that Buddy,the Pervert-In-Chiefs Dog,that he dumped you for,got his comeuppance in the end. Socks you were the ONLY decent part of that so called “administration” Rest in Peace at the Bridge cute one.