This is a very tough blog to post, so I’ll cut right to the chase. This time last year, we learned that Clementine had idiopathic epilepsy. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts at managing the disease, the seizures became uncontrollable, and we made the very hard decision to put Clemmie to sleep.
Losing a pet in the prime of life is particularly hard. It’s just not right.
We lost Burton, the darker coloured brother of Taylor, a while ago at age fourteen.
I was convinced Taylor would be devastated at losing her littermate, but she’s a tough old gal and rallied quickly.
Ever-patient, always nurturing of the little ones (and in Dundee’s case, not so little these days). Taylor is still with us; she will be sixteen in November.
There is a rhythm and an acceptance to pets passing on in the fullness of time. We were very sad to lose Dundee’s predecessor, Tigger, at eighteen years of age, and little Ronnie, our four-pound “permanent kitten”, left us just before Christmas, also at eighteen. But they had lived extraordinary, long lives and enjoyed them right to the end.
So now we adjust again. How a house with two dogs and two cats can feel empty is beyond me.
Clementine was always an anxious dog; epilepsy betokened a “noisy brain”. Remember Operation Calming Clementine, in which we enlisted the help of a maze bowl to slow down her frantic feeding?
The anxiety around eating never left her, though we did manage to slow her down a bit. All the drugs for epilepsy caused her to chubb out a bit, but she was always famished.
Dundee misses his playmate.
But, somewhat surprisingly, it’s Churchill who is really moping. His morning wrestling companion is gone. No more “put on your warface and let’s playfight”.
Walking just one dog is really weird. Somewhat like the Queen, Taylor doesn’t go on long walks anymore, leaving only Churchill to walk between Glenn and me. Nobody is happy about it.
But we will adjust. We miss you terribly, Clemmie. And at the same time, you’re finally at peace.
Heart felt sympathy on losing a precious pet…each has their own special personality and leaves a big hole with their absence. May happy memories of Clementine soothe your soul in the coming days.
Thanks, Alayna. They are all unique, aren’t they? It’s still very raw, but I know in time we will speak of her with love without the stab.
Oh Helen, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your very delightful stories when Clementine and Dundee were brand new to your family. Not everyone understands or appreciates how much a pet can become a part of a family. But I understand and I and people like us will mourn with you.
Lorri
Thanks so much, Lorri. I know you’re an “animal person” like us, and get the degree to which the fur people become integral members of the family. I know people think we are insane with so many pets (probably correctly), but each one has their special place. Clemmie vibrated at a fairly high key, so it’s a lot more peaceful, but we miss her nonetheless.
Beautiful post Helen! RIP Clemmie. Peace to you all. xxoo
So sad for us not to see her again inviting us into your house with her tail wagging. We’re looking forward to meeting 2 new occupants in your house. Fond memories of a special dog!
Thanks, Maura! You and Bill are saints to put up with all the fur, wagging and snuffling. I know Ronnie was especially fond of you, always seeking you out (which she did NOT do with people).
Thanks, Georgina. We will always treasure the welcome you gave Clementine when she arrived. She loved that puppy blanket you gave her and it went back and forth with us on our travel journeys.
We are so sorry for your loss and this beautiful tribute brought me to tears. Sending our love and hugs to you and Glenn.
Carolyn and Paul
Thanks Carolyn! It’s a big loss, but friends like you and Maura really help. Looking forward to seeing you and Paul,this summer!
Oh Helen, I am so sorry to hear about Clementine. Pets truly are an integral part of the family and each and everyone of them is precious with their own personalities. They steal a piece of your heart when they leave. So sorry for your loss and please take care.
Thank you so much, Kim. While it’s devastating to say good-bye, pets give so much more than they take, don’t they? We miss Clemmie enormously, and are grateful to have had her as long as we did.
Dear Helen,
After so many goodbyes, I know the feeling all too well. You and Glenn will hold Clemmie in your hearts, where she will be forever young and goofy. Hope the other dogs are taking it in stride. Best wishes for healing hearts.
Beatrice, you’ve described it perfectly: forever young and goofy. We called her “earmuffs” because she’d scrunch up her ears into little puffs when she was concerned about something. Then there was her habit of scrabbling to get under the bed into her “rabbit hole,” which, as she grew, became more physically challenging with each passing week.
Taylor is unconcerned, but poor old Churchill is not himself. He doesn’t like walking alone and has gotten quite balky, seemingly looking for his sidekick.
Sigh. We will all adjust…
Thanks for your lovely note.
Helen, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Clementine. This post was a great tribute. Sending you hugs!
Thanks so much, Joy. It’s getting better with time. I really appreciate your kindness.
I’m sorry to be so late in responding. I’ve just caught up on all your lovely Entertablement emails.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful, sweet Clementine. It’s the hardest thing we, as guardians, do for our beloved furry family members, and the most loving. Each time we have to say goodbye to them, it’s like the first time all over again. I know Clementine will always be in your heart, but that doesn’t make her loss any easier to bear. May your many loving memories of her help you during this very difficult time.
Hugs,
Rachelle
Thanks so much, Rachelle. It was especially hard with Clemmie because she was so young and otherwise healthy. She and Churchill (and Dundee) had a strong bond. Church was morose for weeks. We knew he really missed his buddy.
Thank you again for your kind words.
Best,
HK