You’ve probably heard the saying, “Adopt, don’t shop” many times. While this is rational advice to consider for various reasons, the biggest advantage of adopting a dog is preventing neglectful breeders from mistreating them.
As a result of backyard breeding, hundreds of dogs end up on euthanasia lists every year. And, truth be told, only a few lucky ones manage to survive and start a new life.
Pearl, a twelve-year-old Poodle, was a victim of such breeders for many years. When she was no longer able to ‘produce puppies,’ Pearl was cruelly abandoned on the streets.
Pearl’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Due to a high demand for Poodle puppies, Pearl ‘served the purpose’ for over a decade at her breeder’s home in Florida. When she was no longer able to provide puppies, she found herself being abandoned with multiple health issues.
“She’s deaf and she’s partially blind. We think that she was used as a breeder dog and then just dumped when she couldn’t provide puppies anymore,” Ryan told GeoBeats Animals.
On top of her deafness and partial blindness, Pearl’s abdomen was covered in mammary tumors. She was found as a stray in Miami, Florida, and ended up in a shelter with a high risk of euthanasia.
Luckily, True & Faithful Pet Rescue, based in Venice, Florida, intervened just in time.
Pearl was timely saved from being put down, with a long recovery process ahead. Over the following months, this sweet dog had several surgeries. After her mammary tumors were removed, she was finally up for adoption.
However, given Pearl’s age and the fact that she was in the autumn of her life, it was quite difficult for this sweet girl to find an adopter or at least a foster.
But then, Ryan, her new mama, stepped up.
Being a mom of three senior dogs – Bogey, Phantom, and Lacey, Ryan was more than happy to make room for one more.
She simply couldn’t stand the idea of Pearl spending her golden years without a loving family, so when she heard Pearl was finally available, Ryan immediately sent an application.
The rest, as they say, is history!
The Sweetest, Most Fashionable Senior
In no time, Pearl arrived at Ryan’s home and surprised everyone with how quickly she acclimated to everyone! Pearl was just natural. Her sweet personality made her furry siblings and her new momma fall in love with her in no time.
Then, Pearl decided to show everyone her ‘Poodle’ side. She adored her new sweatshirts, coats, and boots and wore them like the most fashionable girl ever.
Despite her age, Pearl literally blossomed into a brand-new dog.
Today, she finally has a clean bill of health. She plays, barks loudly, enjoys her spacious yard, and meets new friends every day.
One thing Pearl is particularly fond of is – snow!
While she was never able to experience the snow magic before in Florida, Pearl is now the epitome of The Snow Princess.
And, she couldn’t be happier!