Full Breakdown
Clement’s Journey from Romanian Rescue to Therapy Dog in Norwich
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Arrival from Romania
On June 11 2025, the author’s family welcomed Clement, an eight-year-old mixed-breed dog rescued from a Romanian shelter, on a “happy bus” from Romania. The dog’s arrival came six months after the family’s previous pet, a kerry blue terrier named Magnus, died.
Background & Context: Early Hardships
According to the author, Clement spent most of his life with a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The woman “accidentally let him out,” after which Clement was struck by a car, attacked by two large dogs, and left in a snow-filled ditch for three days before being rescued by chance. The author noted that Clement arrived with limited mobility, requiring a stool to help him climb onto people’s laps.
Therapy Work at Ashfields Care Home
After settling into the household, the author registered Clement as a therapy dog. Clement passed the required assessments and began working at Ashfields care home in Norwich, which had been seeking a therapy dog for years. The author described Clement’s interactions with residents as calming; he would sit beside individuals for extended periods, including a five-minute stay with a resident who had been upset all day. The author reported that Clement’s presence encouraged residents to talk about their own former pets and provided comfort.
Impact and Reflections
The dog’s gentle demeanor and willingness to engage with people have enriched both the author’s family and the elderly residents at Ashfields care home. This personal account, published as a commentary piece, highlights the therapeutic potential of rescued animals despite physical limitations.