Chelsea Elizabeth Cossairt viewed Clementine’s portrait online just two days before she was put to sleep.
Animal control had discovered the scrawny puppy roaming the streets of Southern California weeks before. She was placed on “death row” at the shelter because of her various health difficulties, but something in the little photo called to Cossairt’s heart.
So she filled out an application and was contacted by a rescue organization right away.
“The person at Ginger’s Pet Rescue was floored and in tears that we were interested in her,” Cossairt told The Dodo. “She told us that of the hundreds of applications they’d received for dogs in the previous few weeks, not one had been for Clementine.”
The rescue worker explained that in Clementine’s condition, the dog had a long and unpredictable road ahead of her. But Cossairt already knew she’d do anything to help the abandoned dog heal.
When Cossairt saw Clementine for the first time, it was evident that the dog had never felt love.
“Clementine was scared of people and wouldn’t even look them in the eyes,” Cossairt explained. “For months, she trembled all the time, hid behind furniture, and sat against the wall.”
She continued, “She had dejected, hollow eyes.” “Whenever we moved over to her or near her, she never glanced at our faces and lowered her head.”
Clementine, on the other hand, trusted other dogs and gravitated toward her new furry siblings, Moose and Maple, right away. Cossairt glimpsed a glimmer of the joyful dog Clementine may become at that moment.
“She found comfort in being around them and moving around the home or yard with them as a pack,” Cossairt added.
Clementine began to feel better and quit shivering after several vet visits and months of therapy for illnesses and allergies. She even summoned the bravery to confront her human parents.
Clementine’s new favorite thing has become looking lovingly at her mother seven months later.
“She likes to stare us in the eyes as we pet her, and she’s quite attentive when we talk to her,” Cossairt added. “She’s still apprehensive of new people, and we may frighten her if we move too rapidly or approach her from behind, but she’s gone a long way.”
Clementine is like a different dog now, full of curiosity and fun, as if she’s reliving puppyhood for the first time. Most significantly, she now feels safe.
“When we work from home, she lies at our feet and enjoys belly massages after finally revealing her tummy to us for petting last month,” said Cossairt. “We think it’s her way of exploring and figuring out what things are when she ‘boops’ everything in sight.” She looks so much like a puppy that we sometimes wonder if she was ever a dog. If you don’t pat her or if you stop and she’s not done yet, she’ll nudge your hand.”
Clementine has gone a long way since her adoption, and she’s no longer the fearful dog who faced the walls. She now would do anything for her family, and they can’t imagine living without her.
“She’s such a nice and gentle young lady, “Cossairt said. “We could see right away that she simply wants to love and be loved. She’s protective and loyal to us, and she follows us around everywhere.”
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