Clintons' Cat Socks Near Death

We have some bad news today on the presidential pet front. Socks the cat, probably the most photographed presidential kitty in history, has cancer and isn't expected to live. "His days are numbered," says Barry Landau, a friend of Socks' master, Betty Currie. Landau, a presidential historian and author of The President's Table, tells our Suzi Parker that the Currie family could have put Socks on feeding tubes, but decided against it. "They fear he is too old," adds Landau, who is writing a book on presidential inaugurations. And a second source told us that Socks is gravely ill.

Recall that Currie, who lives in Southern Maryland and was Bill Clinton's personal secretary, took Socks after the Democrats left office. At the time, Hillary Clinton had been elected to the Senate and Bubba was moving to New York to run his foundation.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[houseafire]

I've enjoyed reading the Socks news stories through the years....a very intelligent cat.
I hope he has a peaceful and quiet passing when his time comes.

My kitty, Zephyr, is sitting next to me as I type.

[Judyisacutie]

I love Socks. :(

[Mystic01]

Rest in peace, Socks. We will all miss you.

[ZellaBee]

good bye socks. RIP in kitty heaven!

[woodcut]

Years ago, it was seen as silly to mourn the loss of a companion animal.
At least now, we can express our sadness.
Many SPCAs and other org'tions have grief meetings to help people.
Bye bye, Socks.

[kylennblack]

Aw, poor Socks. Condolences to the former First Cat and his family and friends. He led a distinguished life.

[Oxonian2001]

Socks brings back memories of my much beloved shaded silver silver Persian, Bellyboy, who passed away last New Year's Eve. I got him as a kitten in 1992 and was so thrilled not only when Clinton got elected that same year, but also brought in a real live Demo-cat, Socks. What a great year. And what great memories of the '90s!

It's obvious that the Clintons and Currie took superb care of him. He must be at least 17. Socks, you will be missed!

Btw, a feeding tube is not as bad as it sounds, (I know, everyone thinks Terri Schiavo and that's what I initially thought too.) My Bellyboy had an e-tube for about 9 mos. when he was 15 yrs old because of dental problems and surgery. He lived for another 7 mos. You could never tell the tube affected him: he would play, frolic, and eventually started eating on his own again.

[BN2112]

"Cats are lose in their morals, but not consciously so. Man, in his descent from the cat, has brought the cat's looseness with him but has left the unconsciousness behind--the saving grace which excuses the cat. The cat is innocent, man is not."
Mark Twain--cat lover

[Skeptiqone]

Socks left the White House unscathed by scandal. He led a dignified term as first cat. We can all be proud of his legacy, and only hope the new White House dog, can live up to Socks image.

[IndependenceDame]

Our sympathies to Ms. Currie and her family. May Socks have a peaceful transition to Heaven.

[katherine2]

Yes, may his transition into the realm of purrfection be a gracious one.

[tyger]

A loss of any animal is very sad. Socks had a hell of a life. Fond memories of her and Buddy.

[macbabe]

so sad... I have a Xmas card from the Clintons with a pic of Sox on it.
... if he's not comfortable, let him go, it's the "human" thing to do.

[fabhell]

This is terrible! I didn't know Socks was abandoned with the White House?! It's terrible to lose a pet. I just lost my cat, and she went quickly. It was awful. Good luck Socks! And check on Miss Bessie Mae when you get to the Lucifer Lounge. Tell her Craig misses her.

[zizyphus]

I know what you went through, it is hard.

"Weep not, nor speak of me in tears, but laugh and talk of me as I was beside you, I loved you so, twas heaven here with you."

[Gladys1963]

Beautiful quote--do you know who said it?

[deepfreezevideo]

Poor kitty!
Socks, there's a nice piece of catnip waiting for you in kitty heaven, wherever that happens to be.

[hadassah23]

So sad! Condolences to Betty and the Clintons.