Goodbye, Clementine

We just got back from the vet's, where we said goodbye to Clementine. Nate and Tim were with us, of course, along with our good friends Meghan and Paul. Clementine died surrounded by her family. She was a border collie and spaniel mix (along with, more than likely, a half-a-dozen other breeds). She was the runt of the litter, but Laurie picked her because she was the one that cuddled when all the others squirmed. She was, like dogs generally, fiercely loyal and intensely loving. She lived thirteen years.

We held her, the six of us, until she died. Then we walked out into the parking lot, into the cold night air of a Maine winter, and formed a tight little circle there and prayed for strength and comfort, thanking God for Clementine, and looking forward to seeing her again in the restored Heaven and Earth. Then we hugged each other again and again.

She was a good girl.