Socks, the famous Clinton cat, passed away Friday after months of treatment for cancer.

“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.”

Veterinarians say he was probably either 19 or 20 years old. RIP Socks.

Sadly, sweet Loki, Mickey Rourke’s 18 year old chihuahua and beloved companion passed away on Monday. I don’t know about you but I was all teary when Mickey thanked his dogs at the Golden Globes and I was looking forward to seeing them together at the Oscars.

Says Rourke: “Loki is deeply missed but with me in spirit. I feel very blessed that she fell asleep peacefully in my arms.”

RIP little Loki.

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently analyzed its database of more than 466,000 insured pets to find the most popular dog and cat names of 2008. For both dogs and cats, Max was the most popular name in 2008. VPI’s data indicates that there is a trend toward people names such as Max over more traditional pet names such as Fido. Some of the most popular dog and cat names also rank among the Social Security Administration’s most popular baby names. I am guilty as charged!

Here’s the list:

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For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the US, according to 2008 registration statistics released today by the American Kennel Club (AKC). While more than twice as many Labs were registered last year than any other breed, the Bulldog continues to climb, or should I say snort, its way up the list. The breed made news last year by returning to the AKC’s Top 10 for the first time in more than 70 years and now has jumped 6%, advancing two spots to land in 8th place. Smushy faces represent!

2008 Most Popular Dogs in the US
1. Labrador retriever
2. Yorkshire terrier
3. German shepherd
4. Golden retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih tzu

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Despite what our opinions may be in regards to US politics over the past 8 years, the Ruby Scoop team would like to send our condolences to the Bush family for the passing of India, the “first cat”. The Bush family’s 18 year-old cat  passed away just weeks before they were due to leave the White House. (more…)