Story #20: Clementine and the Love That Stayed
We met Clementine during a time when the world felt paused. The pandemic had closed so many doors, including Anderson Humane’s, and our hearts were still aching. Within months, we had lost both of our beloved dogs, Walter and Cooper, to undetected cancers. The grief was fresh and heavy, but we knew one thing for certain. Our home still had room for love.
I followed Anderson Humane on Facebook and shared adoptable dogs often, but Clementine was different. After reading her bio and seeing her face, I did not share her post. Instead, I emailed Anderson immediately. She was already ours in my heart.
Emily from customer care was fostering Clementine, and we exchanged emails while we waited for the shelter to reopen. When that day finally came, Emily asked if we would like to come in for a meet and greet. I was surprised, fully expecting to leave with Clementine that day. Emily smiled and said it was just a formality.
I sat on the floor of the room when Clementine walked in. She came straight to me, placed her head on my shoulder, and wagged her tail with everything she had. I cried. From that moment on, we were inseparable.
Clem’s start with us came with extra care and patience. She bonded quickly with my cousin and me, but she was hesitant around my husband, Jim. We worked with a dog behaviorist over Zoom, followed every instruction, and before long, Clem and Jim became best friends. Her past held unknowns. She was listed as abandoned in Oklahoma and believed to have been a puppy mill mom. She arrived heartworm positive and had already begun treatment before coming to us. For months, we carefully limited her activity until she tested negative on September 1. That day marked the beginning of a joyful, playful life she fully embraced.
Clementine loved people of every age. She tolerated other dogs, enjoyed visiting Luna at the motorcycle shop, chased squirrels from our yard, and adored her daily car rides through Wing Park and Lord’s Park. She knew exactly which drive-thru windows meant treats and made sure to be ready at Starbucks, Beef Villa, and Weinerville. She once had a memorable standoff with a rabbit that ended with a torn bicep for me and an abundance of apologetic kisses afterward.
Clem struggled with separation anxiety. When I left, and Jim stayed home, she watched the front window or stood guard by the fence, waiting for me. When we both left, she howled intermittently, keeping watch until we returned. Because of this, we rarely left her for long and relied on one of her favorite people, Ginny, who gave her endless love whenever we were away.
On March 29, 2023, Clementine was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma. We discussed treatment options with an oncologist and chose palliative care. It was not a financial decision. We chose comfort, peace, and presence. We made the most of every day we were given, filling them with love, routines, and gratitude.
Her final week was tender and full. Though there were hard moments, she was surrounded by people who adored her. She spent time with Ginny, welcomed friends and family, and soaked up affection and treats. On her last day, she enjoyed her favorite park ride, a short walk, a pup cup at Starbucks, and an afternoon stroll with Jim. She passed peacefully at the vet’s office with us beside her.
One of the last things I told Clementine was that she would never again wonder where I went. She would be with me always.
Even now, years later, Jim and I still feel Clementine’s tail wagging in our hearts. We count our blessings every day that she was part of our lives. Clementine and I were soulmates in every sense of the word. She taught us patience, connection, and unconditional love.
No matter how long they stay, animals leave lasting imprints on our lives. Clementine’s love never left. It simply became part of who we are.
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