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

​Ocean Shores Woof-aThon wrapped up the 5th year as they awarded $10,000 to the 4 charities of their choice.  Each shared equally in the proceeds.  Accepting the checks were:  Lorna Valdez of North Beach Paws, Deb Blake of Harbor Rescue, Kristina Snyder of PAWS of Grays Harbor, and Leon Brauner of Ocean Shores Food Bank for animal food.

Wilma announced that over the course of 5 years, that the OS Woof-a-Thon has awarded $49,500 to charities who help needy animals.  She also shared that she is so proud of the Woof-a-Thon, and all it brings to the animals and the city.  She thought when we made the yearly calendar, that we had "made it", but after 5 years she feels even more  confident that it will continue.  That has always been her goal for the Woof-a-Thon.

​The Food Bank awarded Wilma a certificate with their thanks.  She was humbled by this, but she also made it very clear that she doesn't do this alone.  It would not happen without the numerous volunteers, the board, and the key people for the event.  And above all, it's a fun day for the dogs and their people.  And all for the animals. 

By Angelo Bruscas
GH Newspaper Group
When Wilma Spike retired to Ocean Shores about 10 years ago, she never really felt lonely even though she was the only one living in the view Dreamscape condominiums at the very southern tip of the Ocean Shores peninsula.
In a matter of weeks, she had met another new and likewise single woman living in the remote community, Judy Weber, and the two were off nearly every week to experience all there was to their newly adopted home.
Wilma continues to leave her mark, celebrating the fifth year she has been the lead organizer and inspiration behind the annual Ocean Shores Woof-a-Thon (Aug. 13 at North Bay Park), even while she still recovers from an illness that left her hospitalized for the early part of this summer.
As a local citizen activist, she helped lead the campaign to preserve the ... (more at address below)

Full article:  http://thedailyworld.com/news/local/wilma-spikes-continues-leave-her-mark-ocean-shores

Join us at a new Volunteers Event! 
Our favorite charity, Ocean Shores Woof-a-Thon will be happily at a new get-together on Sunday, April 10, 1-5 PM.  This is a day for people who want to volunteer somewhere in our area to come together at the Lions Club and talk with organizations who need, want, and welcome volunteers!  Here we are!!  Choose us! Choose us!  (And thank you to the Radio Board for putting this together.)

​Also, our Garage Sale and more! 
We also will be having our garage sale on Labor Day weekend in May, walk in the Flag Day Parade in June, join in at the new Beach Blast happening in July, and getting North Bay Park ready with our famous "sticker picker" party in August, where we get together to remove those pesky stickers that our dogs hate.  They hurt!  All this leading up to the BIG event on August 13,10-3 PM North Bay Park.  But lots more on each of these later.

Anywhere the OS Woof-a-Thon is, promises to be a fun time. 

Hope you will join us!
Wilma Spike & Pearl

Thanks Marlene!  

"The amazing Woof-A-Thon will soon be happening at our North Bay Park in Ocean Shores. The day is scheduled on Saturday, August 13. This is an incredible festival celebrating dogs and their favorite people. It is already lining up to be a bigger event than in the past. The committee has come up with some fresh ideas. There will be more things to watch for on the walk. Stay tuned to learn more about some wild and crazy contests. New demonstrations are planned. There will be an ice cream truck, rock and roll music and more!

Right now the need is for volunteers. If you would like to help this fun, furry event contact Wilma Spike at 360-289-2553. Volunteers are needed in all sorts of categories. If you have organizational skills, why not get involved. There are some key positions open. But if you just want to help, you are important too.

Plan now to attend one for the most fun days of the year for your dog - and you!"