From founder Wilma Spike
The Two Lives of Pearl
I adopted Pearl from a rescue group up near Spirit Lake. She wasn't the dog I'd originally gone down to see, and in fact I was ready to leave when they brought out Pearl at the last minute, scared stiff (literally) and sad. I left her there and drove away – then decided I wanted to see her again and turned around. That was the beginning of our wonderful 6 years together.
Pearl had spent the first 8 years of her life at a puppy mill, in a crate, being bred constantly. She was not socialized, not potty trained, truly a blank slate, and very sad and scared. There were times that I loudly said maybe I would take her back (potty training was tough) but of course, I didn't! She gradually got the idea, and living in a condo, it takes a little time to get her outside. When I realize how far that must have seemed to her - -
Our walks were slow and so eye-opening for me. If we heard a bird or saw one, we stopped and watched. Grass was different, other dogs greeting her... It was all new to her! It was so heartwarming to see how she reacted. She was always so inquisitive (or snoopy) and was very willing to try anything.
When I founded and chaired the Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon event, it was natural for her to be part of the logo art. She was and is on all ads, promotional items, and of course, came to every event. The event has gone on for 5 years and has raised over $55,000 for four beneficiary animal related organizations. She was every bit a partner in this, and enjoyed the events. And why not? She was carried around all day like the princess she was!!
How do I write down the wonderful times we had.? I am so grateful for those years, and the memories I have of her. She made me smile just looking at her. She was a great traveler, and went everywhere with me. She also became the mascot to other condo owners here at Dreamscape. She loved them all, and they loved her. For a 5 pound dog, she left a huge paw print in this town and on all of us. She will be missed by all. Anyone who has loved an animal knows the pain of losing them. My feeling is that life will never be quite as good again without her.
I have never had a dog who got more attention than Pearl. She was a blue merle Pomeranian with one blue eye. She was a beautiful girl, and so many asked what she was. Miniature Husky? Artic Fox? On and on. Her coloring was so unusual for a Pom.
Her death was unexpected. It appeared she had a stroke. She had had a good day prior to that. I was holding her and whispering to her when she passed away. Peacefully. Yes, I gave her the second life that she was living and loving, but she also gave so much to me. We had a totally wonderful 6 years together, and I am so very grateful for that and having her in my life. I will miss her forever. RIP – my little Pearl girl.
The North Coast Journal article on the passing of Pearl.
www.northcoastnews.com/life/in-memory-of-pearl-woof-a-thons-icon/#civil-comments
The Two Lives of Pearl
I adopted Pearl from a rescue group up near Spirit Lake. She wasn't the dog I'd originally gone down to see, and in fact I was ready to leave when they brought out Pearl at the last minute, scared stiff (literally) and sad. I left her there and drove away – then decided I wanted to see her again and turned around. That was the beginning of our wonderful 6 years together.
Pearl had spent the first 8 years of her life at a puppy mill, in a crate, being bred constantly. She was not socialized, not potty trained, truly a blank slate, and very sad and scared. There were times that I loudly said maybe I would take her back (potty training was tough) but of course, I didn't! She gradually got the idea, and living in a condo, it takes a little time to get her outside. When I realize how far that must have seemed to her - -
Our walks were slow and so eye-opening for me. If we heard a bird or saw one, we stopped and watched. Grass was different, other dogs greeting her... It was all new to her! It was so heartwarming to see how she reacted. She was always so inquisitive (or snoopy) and was very willing to try anything.
When I founded and chaired the Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon event, it was natural for her to be part of the logo art. She was and is on all ads, promotional items, and of course, came to every event. The event has gone on for 5 years and has raised over $55,000 for four beneficiary animal related organizations. She was every bit a partner in this, and enjoyed the events. And why not? She was carried around all day like the princess she was!!
How do I write down the wonderful times we had.? I am so grateful for those years, and the memories I have of her. She made me smile just looking at her. She was a great traveler, and went everywhere with me. She also became the mascot to other condo owners here at Dreamscape. She loved them all, and they loved her. For a 5 pound dog, she left a huge paw print in this town and on all of us. She will be missed by all. Anyone who has loved an animal knows the pain of losing them. My feeling is that life will never be quite as good again without her.
I have never had a dog who got more attention than Pearl. She was a blue merle Pomeranian with one blue eye. She was a beautiful girl, and so many asked what she was. Miniature Husky? Artic Fox? On and on. Her coloring was so unusual for a Pom.
Her death was unexpected. It appeared she had a stroke. She had had a good day prior to that. I was holding her and whispering to her when she passed away. Peacefully. Yes, I gave her the second life that she was living and loving, but she also gave so much to me. We had a totally wonderful 6 years together, and I am so very grateful for that and having her in my life. I will miss her forever. RIP – my little Pearl girl.
The North Coast Journal article on the passing of Pearl.
www.northcoastnews.com/life/in-memory-of-pearl-woof-a-thons-icon/#civil-comments
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