7.14.2008

Missing Clive

When mom got her first apartment, one of the first things she did was go to the animal shelter in town. There, in one of the cages, was a tiny little black and white ball of fluff. He was an 8 week old puppy. The shelter worker told mom that he was a border collie mix, and that his family had moved back to Mexico, and left this little one.

Mom didn't know anything about border collies, but she knew she wasn't leaving this trembling ball of fluff in that cage.

On the way home from the shelter, she got the first glimpse of what kind of intelligence she was dealing with. That terrified puppy suddenly became the happiest puppy in the world. She never saw him scared again.

She named him Clive. He was the sweetest thing. And smart. He went everywhere with mom from the first day.

She bought him a million toys, taught him a ton of tricks - he was an angel and a joy. They went camping, swimming, and hiking.

He grew up, and became quite the gentleman. Mom loved to take him to the park next door and watch baseball games. She loved to take him to the woods to run. He never let her get out of his sight.

They were best friends. Clive was the perfect dog. He loved mom (I understand - I love her, too), and she loved him.

Clive moved around with mom. She moved into a different apartment, then a house, then another apartment. In that apartment, mom got another dog, Scruffy. That didn't phase Clive a bit. Just another friend! He loved everyone.

He took a lot of grooming. He didn't like getting groomed, but he stood still like a good boy while mom used the clippers on him. Here's what he looked like once when mom let his hair grow out. Scary!

Clive could sit, stay, heel, roll over, play dead, fetch, drop it, come, and crawl. Mom never stopped working with him, teaching him new things.

But one day, on July 14, 2002, mom came home, and Clive had died. It was a terrible day. He was only 6 years old. Mom was devastated. She buried him in the backyard.

Mom still misses that fuzzy guy. Grammy knew how sad mom was, and she made a quilt with Clive on it.

It's been six years since Clive left mom, but she still loves him. Here he is - Clive - the best dog ever!

Clive Pendersley
1996-2002
Mom still loves you

13 comments:

Ferndoggle said...

The best dog ever...next to Cubby. We're sorry Clive's time with your Mom was so short. Just a reminder to enjoy every minute...

Sherman

Molly the Airedale said...

What a special dog Clive was and so cute! Mom loves the quilt that your mom made in memory of him! What a super nice keepsake!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Peanut said...

Clive sounds like a very special guy.

The Army of Four said...

What a beautiful tribute to Clive! That quilt is so gorgeous - what a gift of love. Thanks for sharing a little bit of Clive with us; what a special pup!
Tail wags,
Storms

Joe Stains said...

What a great tribute to such a cute doggy!! We are sure she misses Clive a whole lot.

Moco said...

We never forget them no matter how long we are blessed with their presence.

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Oh.. Clive sure's a very cute and special doggie... This is a bootiful tribute to him... No one can forget a pawsome doggie like him

~ Girl girl

Cairo The Boxer said...

I am so sorry about your loss! At least he had a good home! And because of him your mom learned to love dogs.

One of the pack said...

Clive looks like he had a ton of fun, and gave as much as he got. What an awesome tribute.

Sorry for our absence Cubby. Mom has horrible excuses.

We loved meeting your Moms last month, and hope to visit again soon.

Happy Days!

Loving Life,

Lola

Simba and Jazzi said...

Clive sounds like a wonderful dog. Your Mummy must have so many happy memories.

Simba x

Anonymous said...

I loved reading about Clive; he was such a special boy. Although he left way too soon, his happy memories will live in your heart forever.

Cairo The Boxer said...

Hey Cubs,

I miss you!

Comet said...

It sounds like Clive was very special to your mom. Sorry they weren't together longer. Shelter dogs make the best dogs (we should know!!)