Blog: Farewell to Socks, Former First Cat
| Print | By Jo Singer | February 23, 2009 1:16 AM

Blog: Farewell to Socks, Former First Cat

Losing a beloved pet can be devastating, no matter under what circumstances. We think of our pets as part of our family. They weave deep and permanent inroads into our hearts. Famous pets often catch the public eye, and while we have no personal relationship with them, they often do make an impact upon us.

I was sad to learn the other day about the death of the former first cat. Socks, a former stray cat, was adopted by the Clinton family during his term as Governor of Arkansas.  Socks lived in the Governor's mansion, which of course was a remarkable change of residence for him. The Clintons took Socks with them to the White House where he continued to live the privileged lifestyle.

In a statement to People.com, the Clintons said, "Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere. 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."

Betty Currie was the former president's personal secretary. She and her husband, Bob, adopted Socks when the Clintons left the White House. According to People.com, family friend and presidential historian, Barry Landau shared, "The truth be known, Betty asked if Socks could come live with her. The Clintons didn't abandon Socks. They were totally conflicted. It broke their hearts, but they knew it would be the right thing for Sock's welfare. Betty had lost a close family member and a dog and they wanted to do something nice for her."

Socks was euthanized this past Friday, after his battle with throat cancer, at the remarkable age of 20 years-of-age. The Curries gave Socks this final gift of love when it became obvious that his quality of life had severely declined.

Cat lovers around the country have been touched by the sad announcement, and I can honestly say that we send our condolences and Godspeed to the Currie and Clinton families.

Please feel free to leave a comment with your feelings.

Comments (27)

Anonymous February 24, 2009 11:24 AM

That's a cool dog, dawg.

Anonymous February 24, 2009 11:29 AM

This cat will be missed. He was a true American!

Anonymous February 25, 2009 7:12 PM

pipemaster51 says that it was really hard this past year for me to loose my best friend of 18 years. He was a mainecoon-pure, fearless, tough, indoor cat, his name was Mozart. He and Sosks will probally be playing up in pet heaven. We will remember Socks owners in our prayers.

Anonymous February 25, 2009 7:24 PM

very sad , I had scruffy for 17 years when he passed, and had to put Dusty down at 13 for mouth cancer. It is very hard.

Anonymous February 25, 2009 9:03 PM

I am sooo sorry to hear this... He will be missed for his faithfulness, loyalty and LOVE!

Anonymous February 25, 2009 9:03 PM

All sooo sad, I never realized how Socks and Bills mother looked alike They will both be missed
Michie

Anonymous February 25, 2009 9:31 PM

I know it's hard, I lost a very loved cat of my just a year ago, and it's still hard to adjust that he's gone, it hurts deep. my condolences to the families.

Anonymous February 25, 2009 10:22 PM

A person who loves cats. I have two, B.G. and J.C. after my husband passed away I adopted these boys, they are the love of my life. I am sure Socks is in the big playground in the sky. My condolences to the families.

Anonymous February 25, 2009 10:52 PM

I AM A CAT LOVER I AM 77 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE 12 CATS. OF COURSE WE HAVE LOST ONE OR TWO WITH FELINE CANCER AND IT HURT ME VERY MUCH. IT STILL HURTS. WHEN LOOD INTO THEIR EYES IT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE TALKING TO YOU. I HAVE ONE A CALACO THAT HAS HER LOW KEY PERSONALITY. SHE WILL WAIT ON OTHERS TO FINISH EATING BEFORE SHE EATS. SHE WONT JUST RUN UP TO THE FOOD LIKE SOME OF THE OTHERS DO.
SHE IS SO LOVEABLE AS MOST CAT ARE. THEY HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN. THE CAT DONT LIVE WITH YOU, YOU LIVE WITH THEM ANTHONY CAMPISE GROVES TEXAS jr1593@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous February 25, 2009 10:55 PM

I am such a cat lover!! I've been through the loss of quite a few cats over the years! They are the biggest part of my life! I'm very sorry to here Socks has passed away. He is now running free & will always be a young baby boy in Heaven with NO MORE suffering!!! The only thing you can say to a pet owner who suffers such a loss is it's just as hard as losing a person & you WILL see him again one day in Heaven!!!
Penny
Lake Charles, Louisiana

Anonymous February 25, 2009 11:59 PM


I'm terribly sorry for your loss. He was a fine little furry man. Take care.

Anonymous February 26, 2009 1:18 AM

I am so very sorry for your loss of little Socks,...having lost several 'members' of our own family, I know how you are feeling. I comfort myself by knowing they are with God and that they are without pain and happy, romping with others, as one big family. Be content and grateful for having Socks' company as long as you did and know he is now and forever, without pain,...may God bless and comfort you all and little Socks!

Anonymous February 26, 2009 1:31 AM

I know what it feels like to loss a pet.they are a part of your family....Socks is in cat haven now with my cats figaro and mama.may he R.I.P..he was a lovely cat.like they say he was our first cat in the white house. am very sorry for your loss., GOOD BYE TO SOCKS GOD BE WITH YOU.,

Anonymous February 26, 2009 3:59 AM

What a cutie he was, so enjoyable hearing about him over the years. Socks is, awaiting his loved ones on the Rainbow Bridge (look is up, beautiful poem)were our beloved companions wait til we can all be together again

Anonymous February 26, 2009 6:37 AM

Betty, I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Socks. I know by personal experience the excruciating pain it is to have to use euthanasia on a unique family member that has no other way of getting help, but by your love. It truly was the final act of love you could have shown Socks. I had a dog that was 18 years old, and two weeks ago had to make the same choice. It has really helped me to make a memory book of her life, with pictures, and feelings of love and missing her now. I know you were blessed the day you helped Socks out on Friday, and I do believe that one day you will be with him forever. Meantime, remember him well, and remember the love still grows even after our pets have passed.

Anonymous February 26, 2009 6:40 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. Socks has entered the golden gates to the Rainbow Bridge. Sock is in no more pain and is running around now in the green grass and hanging out with other furry four legged babes that have entered the Rainbow Bridge. Please go the the Rainbow bridge website, it's beautiful.
Donna M.

Anonymous February 26, 2009 7:17 AM

I always knew this time would come. From the very first time our eyes met. How I loved you then! How I love you now! I made a promise then and I keep that promise now. You will not suffer from pain that will not heal, You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.It is for me alone to make this decision.The price for the deepest contentment, the bright joy and pure love You brought me during the time we shared. I am the only one who can decide when it is time,and just when I needed you most I must let you go.It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready, for without your guidance, I will not know when to lay my grief,my guilt, my anger, My sorrow and my selfish heart aside. To give you the last gift, the greatest gift. Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.The pain of this moment is excruciating, tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow, and my heart drowns in a pool of grief. For you have spoken and I have listened.And unlike other decisions I have made, this one brings no relief, no comfort, no peace. For if there's one thing I have learned. Unconditional love has a condition after all. I must be willing to let you go when you speak to me,and I must accept my pain soyou can be free of yours. Go easily now, go guickly now. Do no tlinger here,it is time for you to leave.Go find the ones who have gone before you. You are free to let your spirit soar.I pray that I will find comfort im my memories, in the dark and lonely days ahead I cannot say I wil not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.For only my tears can heal my broken heart. But I promise you this, as long as I live, you will live Alive in my mind, forever in my heart, and this wil be my greatest gift, sending you away. It is the measure of my unconditional love. For the greatest love can say "Goodbye, go find the Rainbow Bridge and yes, we'll meet again. Loving you has been the greatest gift of all. Ssent by Catherine, OKC

Anonymous February 26, 2009 8:26 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this. This is a beautiful cat & just know she was well taken care of. You'll see her in heaven, if you go there & she'll be glad to see you & purr & her motor will be purring,

Anonymous February 26, 2009 10:09 AM

I was saddened to hear of Socks' passing for both families who loved her so dearly. I have two of my own and the thought of losing either of them is overwhelming. Till you meet again in the next life I pray for your comfort in knowing she knew she was loved by both families. God bless

Anonymous February 26, 2009 12:22 PM

I was very sad to hear of Socks passing. I wore a tee shirt with Socks' picture on it for years stating that he had tried catnip once but didn't inhale.

Anonymous February 26, 2009 12:48 PM

I have four cats of my own, i would be devastated if i lost one to cancer, they are my kids and i love them very much. I know sock's will be greatly missed by his family and friends, my condolence to the family. God bless Socks.

Anonymous February 26, 2009 1:16 PM

God couldn't be everywhere so she gave us cats and dogs. I think there is nothing quite like a tuxedo kitty. Socks we will never forget you!

Anonymous February 26, 2009 6:32 PM

I was really sad to hear about Socks. He was a beautiful cat and it is painful when you lose a pet. I love all 7 of mine and it is going to be a real tear jerker when they die. I love them all so much! God Bless you, Socks!!

kdez February 26, 2009 10:20 PM

my cats name is Socks and she is just like the white house cat. the other two are Tiger,which is Mittens, and Rosie,who is Calico. All beutiful girls,that are all adopted.

cgogordapetunia@yahoo.com February 27, 2009 11:48 PM

May God Bless You and Keep You in His Hands Always. Please send good Blessings and a Long Life to Damian/Slinky who just had surgery for a cancerous tumor found over his right eye. I am sure the news media guys do not bother you up above.

Denise South London February 28, 2009 3:52 AM

My heart goes out to you its so sad to loss a beloved pet. At least you are able to make the decision to et them go when their pain becomes too much. `i have a poorley cat Jess who has had treatment for a nasal lyphoma at the moment he is in remission but I think maybe the lyphoma is coming back and I too will have to make the hardest decision of all. I will not let Jess suffer I adopted him from a rescue centre he had been living as a stray so at least the last 2 years of his life have been warm, loving and comfortable. God Bless

Karla Bertram April 8, 2009 4:34 PM

I was saddened to hear of Socks' passing...and deeply honored that a poem I wrote in 1996 found its way to this blog...The Greatest Gift. Catherine OKC posted it on Feb. 26th. If there's any way she could contact me at KBert49975@aol.com I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

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