Dog who lost an eye and ear after being ‘stoned’ has found a forever home

A dog who escaped unspeakable cruelty on the streets of Afghanistan is now fast asleep in a new forever home.

Clementine cowgirl mix was part of a group of approximately 200 dogs and 100 cats rescued and brought to the United States from Afghanistan Small animal rescue in Kabul (KSAR) in early May of this year. She had already been through a terrible ordeal.

“Clementine came to us in the fall of 2021 with eyeball ruptured from stone throwing,” said the KSAR. Newsweek. “Following emergency enucleation surgery, then performed using a flashlight, with minimal equipment left over from the looting of our clinic in August 2021, she recovered quickly and her sweet side shone through.”

Clementine, who was also missing half her ear for unknown reasons, ended up at Passion for Pets Rescue in Maine with 13 dogs rescued from Afghanistan.

But while most of these puppies quickly found new homes, Clementine, along with two others, remained at the shelter.

For Clementine, the harrowing experience she went through meant that it took her a while to trust new people.

The efforts of her foster carers, Paul and Suzanne Lemont, helped to some extent. They provided Clementine with a safe and loving home environment and slowly but surely she came out of her shell.

“Clementine loves to ride in the car and go for walks,” Paul Lemont said. Newsweek. “She also enjoys just hanging out on our back deck, chasing squirrels and birds and laying in the sun.”

Although Clementine’s experiences made her wary of other dogs and possessive of food, she loved cuddles and head scratches, and the Lemonts hoped she would eventually find the forever home she so desperately deserved.

This forever home finally became a reality with a little help. Newsweek I’m sharing Clementine’s story.

That’s when Erica and David DeMarco saw Clementine for the first time and knew almost immediately that she had to be theirs!

Erica told Newsweek: “It took less than a minute to agree that we needed to apply for Clementine, a one-eyed, half-eared puppy from Kabul! I messaged my husband Dave and he immediately messaged Lisa Bouchard at Passion for Pets. in Maine. A few days later we were checked and allowed to meet Clemmie.”

Located just outside of Boston with a spacious yard, David is a realtor and works part-time from home, meaning he can spend time with Clementine, who is also welcomed along with Erica to WOW, the women’s clothing boutique she owns.

Clementine came into their lives at just the right time.

David said: “After suddenly losing our greyhound and yellow lab, we needed a bit of a break. The pain of losing both of our beloved pets was too much until we saw Clementine! We just knew she was our new girl.”

The couple credited the work of Passion for Pets and KSR in rescuing Clementine and the Lemonts for creating a supportive environment for her to thrive.

Erica said: “Even with all the fear and loneliness she experienced on the streets of Afghanistan, and the pain caused by the people there, she is still so loving, relaxed and brave.”

Bouchard, president of Passion for Pets Rescue, also thanked Newsweek: “Thanks to your story, Clementine was adopted by a wonderful couple. We are incredibly grateful.”

Now there is hope that the three dogs still in their care from those pets rescued from Afghanistan can also be adopted.