Socks was likely born in early 1989, based on a veterinarian's estimate that he would have turned 20 in early 2009.[5] He was originally a stray and was adopted by the Clintons in 1991 after he jumped into the arms ofChelsea Clinton as she was leaving the house of her piano teacher inLittle Rock, Arkansas, where he was playing with his sibling, Midnight, who was later adopted by another family.[2][6] His name was inspired by his white paws,[7] which resembled those of the title character of theBeverly Cleary novelSocks.[8]
When Bill Clinton becamepresident, Socks moved with the family from thegovernor's mansion to theWhite House and became the principal pet of theFirst Family in Clinton's first term.[2] He was often taken to schools and hospitals. During the Clinton administration, children visiting the White House website would be guided by a cartoon version of Socks.[1]
Bill Clinton later lamented, "I did better with thePalestinians and theIsraelis than I've done with Socks and Buddy."[9] When the Clintons left the White House in 2001, Buddy was taken to their new home, but left Socks under the care of Bill Clinton'ssecretary,Betty Currie.[2] Buddy would die within a year, being hit by a car in 2002.[10]
By June 2008, Socks was still living with Currie and her husband inHollywood, Maryland, about 60 miles from Washington, but had a thyroid condition, hair and weight loss, andkidney disease.[2]
In December 2008, Socks was reported to be in failing health, apparently suffering from cancer.[11] Socks waseuthanized on February 20, 2009, in Hollywood, Maryland,[12] after suffering cancer of the jaw.[5]Time had an obituary of Socks in its milestones section.[13]
Socks was featured prominently in an episode of the sitcomMurphy Brown in December 1993 entitled "Sox and the Single Girl," in which Socks is inadvertently removed from the White House during a press dinner.[18] On the April 1, 1994, edition ofLarry King Live, a Muppet version of Socks was a special guest interviewed byKermit the Frog, who was guest hosting forLarry King at the time.[19]
In his announcement of theNext Generation Internet Program in 1996, President Clinton said, "When I took office, only high energy physicists had ever heard of what is called the World Wide Web. Now even my cat has its own page."[21]
Steve Bell's long running cartoon seriesIf... inThe Guardian included Socks as a recurring character with more influence on politics than is generally assumed.[22]
The women's clothing brand Soccx, produced by the German company Clinton Großhandels-GmbH, was named after Socks. The company's other brands, Camp David and Chelsea, are also references to the Clintons.[23]
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