Today we bid an exceedingly painful but heartfelt “see you later” to our sweet girl, Clementine. She turned 14 1/2 today and, down to the very last second she spent attached to her body, gave us everything she had. Lover of sturdy toys, snow, fluffy pillows, ice cubes, carrot cake (without raisins), the last bite of anything whatsoever, and sunny spots. Not such a lover of thunder, mud season, her pumpkin costume, and football. Mostly she fiercely loved us and to say we reciprocated is nearly an understatement. She was, and forever will be, our first baby. We’ll still listen for the clacking of her nails on the hardwoods, look for her sweet gaze through the curtains welcoming us home as we pull into the driveway, and long for the feel of her velvet soft ears. She is an institution here. That will not waver, but our home is different. We’ll never know another love quite like this one. See you later sweet Clemmy-Lou. Run free, but don’t forget to come back to us soon.