06/20/2026
It is with a heavy heart that I announce that 19 year old Pearl has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Pearl was a legend and one of the most stoic, iconic, assertive, feisty, boss ladies around. When she wasn’t knitting, playing bingo, watching her programs or catching up on Reader’s Digest, Pearl loved hanging out with her friends and sunbathing in the yard. Pearl’s favorite food was Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, and though she only weighed 3 lbs., could eat 2 in one sitting. Pearl loved hard but if you crossed her, man, you better watch out. Our golden girl could hold a grudge. It was that zest for life that made her special as could be. She was one in a million.
In Pearl’s last week, she did all her favorite things. Her mind was all there, but her body just started to shut down. When the day came to say goodbye, Pearl left in the most peaceful way. I held her in my arms, and we walked around the yard talking about her life and the great adventures that lie ahead. I asked her to give my dad a kiss and say hello to the TAF pups that passed before her. As we sat in the garden, Eeyore, Alma, Butterfly, Louisa, Hazel Grace, Bentley, Ziggy, Penelope and Iris came up to say their goodbyes. All the pups knew that this was the last time they were going to see their pint-sized friend. After that, I never set Pearl down and called the vet to see if we could come over.
Knowing that Pearl would act like a caged grizzly bear once at the vet, I ask that a catheter not be placed in while she was still awake. I knew that a simple shot to her behind would be the easiest way to get Pearl ready for her final journey. True to form, Pearl growled at everyone that entered the room but soon fell asleep in my arms. It was then that she was peacefully assisted over the Rainbow Bridge. Though tiny as could be, that little girl took a piece of my heart with her. What an honor it was to look after her and be her mom until the very end.
God speed sweet Pearl. You were loved beyond measure and will be missed.
