A Tribute to Clementine
Clementine was brought to animal control early last year after his owner passed away. We don’t know much about his life in the home, but his story with us started when he came to the Sanctuary in May of 2018. He was estimated to be between 12-14 years old and had to get shaved prior to his arrival due to matted fur. Clementine also had difficulty moving around due to severe arthritis and weak muscles in his joints. Still, he was the cuddliest, kindest cat with a heart of gold. He was known as an “expert headbutt distributor” and appreciated all the affection and love he received at the Sanctuary.
To help with his mobility issues, Sanctuary staff created a well-balanced medical plan of supplements, medications, physical therapy, and good old exercise. He was getting more and more comfortable with moving around and getting stronger every day. He would strut his stuff down the hallway of Jane’s Place as onlookers would cheer him on for being such a brave boy! He was one of the very first cats to try out the new play yard and pushed boundaries that no other Sanctuary cat has done before! Everyone was incredibly proud of him and his tenacity to go a little further each time, especially at an older age.
Though over time, both Sanctuary staff and volunteers started to notice a severe decrease in mobility. There were days that he didn’t want to get up at all and would lay there ready for his daily dose of cuddles and affection from his friends. This decrease in mobility led to other health issues and many trips to the vet. Both staff and volunteers worked diligently on tracking his progress and health to ensure he received the best possible care and treatment.
Sadly, Clementine continued to have a sharp decline in function and in health. It was becoming harder for him to move around properly and was experiencing intense intestinal distress. We were all hoping for the best, but preparing ourselves for the worst. During his next vet appointment, he decided to surprise everyone by moving around, eating, and seeking affection! He seemed to be bouncing back to his old self, ready to get back up on his paws!
We had a couple more months with Clementine until he let us know it was time to go. He became low to non-responsive at that point and was ready to cross the rainbow bridge. Those last couple months proved his tenacity to overcome all the obstacles he’s had in life. In those last few weeks, he wanted to have his proper goodbyes to all of the friends he made at the Sanctuary and to thank them for the unconditional love he received. Throughout everything, he was still the most loving and affectionate cat. He showed us, that despite the hardships in life, to look for the beauty and love, especially the friends you meet along the way. You’ll always be a part of our hearts, Clem.
Thank you for taking such good care of Clem.
Although this story does not have the typical happy ending, it’s another success for OC in always doing what’s right for animals. Thank you OC!
Clementine looked a lot like my Paprikas who died in 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer of the brain, for which he had surgery two years earlier. How blessed both he and Clementine were to have access to top-of-the-line veterinary care and loving guardians to provide the very best life possible within the limitations of their medical conditions.
It’s very reassuring to know that organizations like Our Companions are there to take care of animals in need.
Clem was one of the first cats I visited while I brushed him and he was docile but wagged his tail showing me he loved it.
RIP sweet CLem you were so loved.
Clem was the first cat that I visited not long ago. He’s was sleeping with his head down. I brushed him and he responded by wagging his tail.
RIP Clem you were so loved
Dear beautiful, sweet Clementine. He was blessed to be at your loving sanctuary in his final months.
Dear beautiful, sweet Clementine. He was blessed to spend his final months at your sanctuary.
Wonderful tribute and thank you all for taking such good care of him!!!!
RIP, Clementine. I’m so glad you got all the love, care and snuggles that you deserved, in your last months, especially. I remember meeting you when we attended the Open House at O.C. in the summer. What a sweet kitty!
Great story… we lost our bengal/ Manx recently at 20 years old and though even though she was ready, it was hard to let go…
You are a great organization and your “top gun” is a definite asset and you and the animals
are very fortunate to have her as most likely you would not be where you are today without
her. Keep up the good work.
What a beautiful story of a sweet and brave little kitty, and the incredible and enormous passion and care he received from all of you….absolutely outstanding! God Bless you all!❤️
Clem was my most favorite cat and I will always remember him and his sweet self. I miss seeing him and am very sad but know that he is no longer in pain.