Poor little Clementine was just two days away from being put to sleep when a photo of her caught the eye of Chelsea Elizabeth Cossairt.
The malnourished dog, found wandering the streets of Southern California back in 2021, had been placed on “death row” at a local shelter due to her many health issues.
But something in that tiny photo tugged at Chelsea’s heart, and without hesitation, she submitted an application to rescue her.
When Chelsea got a call back from Ginger’s Pet Rescue, the worker on the other end was floored.
“She told us that of the hundreds of applications they’d received in the last few weeks, not one had been for Clementine,” Chelsea shared with The Dodo.
Despite the challenges ahead, including Clementine’s unpredictable health and severe fear of people, Chelsea was determined to bring her home and help her heal
Clementine’s condition was critical. She weighed only 45 pounds and was fighting off five severe infections, one of which was a resistant strain of staph known as “dog MRSA.” Half of her fur was gone, and despite being given daily medicated baths, she still had a strong, unpleasant odor and a sticky, uncomfortable coat, as her rescuer described.
An the moment Chelsea met Clementine in person, it was clear the little dog had never experienced love.
“Clementine was absolutely terrified of people and wouldn’t look anyone in the eyes,” Chelsea explained. “She shook all the time, hid behind furniture, and would face the wall for months.”
Clementine’s eyes seemed empty, as if she had given up hope. She wouldn’t even lift her head when anyone approached her.
Posted by Chelsea Elizabeth Cossairt on Wednesday, August 4, 2021
But there was one thing that Clementine trusted: other dogs.
She immediately bonded with Chelsea’s two other dogs, Moose and Maple, who became her new source of comfort and security.
“She sought comfort in being near them and traveling with them as a pack around the house or yard,” Chelsea recalled. This was the first sign that Clementine had the potential to become the happy, playful dog she deserved to be.
Months of vet visits, treatments for infections and allergies, and endless patience from her new family gradually helped Clementine feel better. “She stopped shaking and, little by little, began to trust us,” Chelsea said.
“She even started to look us in the eyes.” It wasn’t long before Clementine’s transformation was clear to see—she had blossomed from a scared, defeated pup into a confident, loving dog.
Seven months later
Seven months after being rescued, Clementine now loves nothing more than gazing lovingly into Chelsea’s eyes while being showered with pets.
“She’s so attentive when we’re talking to her. She loves looking into our eyes while we pet her,” Chelsea said. Though she’s still wary of new people and a little spooked by fast movements, Clementine has come so far from the frightened dog she once was.
After 19 vet visits and endless love (along with a nourishing diet), Clementine transformed into a joyful, thriving dog. By August 2021, she had gained a healthy 25 pounds and was flourishing, even though she had over 60 allergies that required specialized food and immunotherapy.
Now, Clementine is a playful, curious pup, living the puppyhood she never had.
“She loves to boop everything in sight,” Chelsea laughed. “She nudges your hand if you stop petting her—her way of saying she’s not done yet.”
But perhaps the most heartwarming change is the bond Clementine has developed with her family. “She’s loyal and protective of us, following us everywhere,” Chelsea said. “We could tell very early on that she just wants to love and be loved in return.”
Clementine’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable, and her journey is a testament to the power of love and patience.
From a dog that once cowered in fear to a confident, playful pup, Clementine has found her forever home—and her family can’t imagine life without her.
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