By Amy Temple
Featured Pic Credit: Bing/Bassett Hound
Every once in a while, someone comes into your life and leaves a lasting impression on you. Whether or not they are in your life for 20 minutes or 20 years, they completely change you.
I have met people who have done that just but the one who touched me the most was a Bassett Hound named Clementine.
Clementine came into my life on June 9, 1987. I was 9. The breeding family raising her decided to sell her when a complicated birth required Clementine to be spayed.
On the day we met, my father and I took her for a walk and already my protective instincts were kicking in. I knew I had to have her.
A few days later we did. Oh I was so excited!
I laid out a blanket complete with a treat and a doggie toy. She went for the treat…go figure!
Clementine was famous in our family for eating a whole loaves of bread and half a chocolate cake. The most interesting thing about these incidents was that she actually pulled back the plastic just like a real person would!!
However my mother and I will never forget having to rush her to the vet after she ate a whole bowl of Hershey Kisses, foil and all.
One thing you had to remember was not to bother her whenever she was sleeping or she would growl. We were reminded from time to time but Clementine rarely bit.
In general, Clementine was a very good dog, affectionate and playful. I came home from school sick and she laid on the couch with me, laying her chin on my knee. She always seemed to know when there was something wrong and tried to make things better.
Like any other animal owner, we considered Clementine a member of the family. There wasn’t anything we wouldn’t try to do for her.
Clementine was always doing the funniest things. While we were having supper one night, my father discovered she was sitting right beside him, just staring! I mean, she wasn’t even blinking!
There’s one incident that particularly stands out the most to me…
One day Clementine was sniffing behind the toilet and got stuck! It took a lot of pulling and grunting but eventually she was freed. In mid 1995, Clementine began having trouble breathing and developed a hacking cough.
After numerous tests it was revealed Clementine’s whole heart was enlarged.
She was on too much medication for kennels to keep her so our family didn’t see us too much but thankfully they understood.
Around Labor Day 1997, Clementine had a heart attack while out in the backyard. She managed to crawl back inside and died in front of the coffee table.
I remember how brave my father was that night. He called the family to announce Clementine’s death. He was so calm and strong on the phone but afterwards, Dad broke down.
Clementine’s death tore me apart as well. I must’ve cried every day for two weeks straight. I felt like half of me died right along with her. She was the only dog, I’d ever lost.
Pets are our very best friends and confidante’s, they’re our FAMILY. I miss Clementine and think of her often. She’ll forever be apart of my heart.
R.I.P Clementine ❤️
Do you have a pet that you loved and lost?
Share your story below, I’d love to hear about it!
Amy is a resident of Florida. Since 2006, she has been self-employed in the dog care field. In May 2017, she self-published a memoir titled “I Am Not Stupid” which is available through Amazon. She writes for seethegoodinfo, an inspirational website and the Learning Disabilities Association’s newsletter LD Source.
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