goodbye, my sweet Pearl......
September 1996 - 4:30pm March 29, 2012 As I am typing this, I am remembering how wonderful and complete my life is because of her.... She was a 4 month old little bit of nothing in 1996, when they called me from the Humane Society to let me know that a cute baby 'Beardie' was just surrendered by a young couple who didn't realize how much grooming this puppy needed.... As soon as I saw this sweet girl, I thought... "Well, this is no Beardie" ....and.. "When can I take her home?" I had to wait until Monday (2 days) to pick her up since she needed to be spayed before being released. Monday evening, she arrived at my home, still sleepy from the anesthetic and a little scared. She was so matted, she had stickers, brambles, twigs, grass in her beautiful coat. (I could see through the mess and knew she was a very beautiful puppy!) From 8pm to 2am, I brushed her and brushed her, and dematted her and picked everyone of the 'things' that had invaded her coat. Pearl just laid there, every once in a while, she would lift her head and lick my hand. She never whined, cried or tried to bite me. Although I was trying to be gentle, some of the mats were very hard to detangle. I put her in her crate and finally went to bed, never hearing a peep out of her all night. The next morning, she was still dragging and sore,but it was the first time I saw her SMILE!! and she never stopped!!! As she aged, she became a typical sheepdog. Always into things that interested her. Counter surfing, running outside with our unmentionables. She learned how to unzip couch pillows and tear the foam...she loved foam. Pearl needed her crate for the next two years to keep her safe while I was at work. But then, all of sudden it clicked!!! And she became the dog I knew she could always be. I began to train her to be a therapy dog~~her compassion, and instinct of who needed her most during a visit was amazing! I would let her lead me to whoever she felt needed her most, and sometimes it wasn't the patient. She became an ambassador of what a perfect therapy dog should be and ,since she was the only OES in the program, it made me very proud. After Heart came, she became a mom, a teacher and an etiquette expert. Teaching Heart the polite way of behaving. She taught Heart how to go potty outside, not to play rough especially during Pearl's afternoon naps. Heart respected her and Pearl tolerated Heart. After meeting Judi, we decided that both Heart and Pearl should begin Rally. It was easy, fun and helped with bonding. I thought Pearl, at 11 was just too old to try this, but again, she proved me wrong. She was the perfect Rally Dog, earning her Novice title in 4 tries. The only NQ was due to her relieving herself before the last sign. In the middle of one of our runs, as I directed her to 'down' ...she began to get silly and started rubbing and flipping over on her back,everyone watching laughed and I was horrified.... but she Q'd. Her silliness came out to 'tell' me to 'chill out, mom' this is suppose to be fun!!!!! It was then that I knew, no matter how old she became, she would never lose her sense of fun and humor..and she never has! She had a great life!! She had her job as a therapy dog, she went to a few Sheepiepaloozas, and various events with the club, she was always a happy dog, even when Harry got in her face just one too many times and she had to shurtle him off!! And boy, did he remember her....forever more. I have so many happy memories~ We bonded and she always was up for anything I asked of her....She tolerated our "dress up" sessions..She had a great sense of humor..She was proud to be a therapy dog, dog scout,PAWS dog and our (Dino and I )best friend. Run to the Bridge as fast as you can my Pearl-gerl....Millie will be waiting for you.. ......and one day, when you least expect it, you will see a familiar face crossing the bridge...your ears will perk up because you will hear me calling your name. We will run to each other, I will bend down for long awaited kisses,and I will once again, see your beautiful smile.... But in the meantime, I will look to the night sky and I will know that the brightest star will be you looking down on us....,making sure we are safe and happy.  Sweet Pearl....Momma and Daddy love you from now until forever. |
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| So so so sorry for you and the rest of those who knew Pearl. She changed many lives. Rest in peace sweet girl... Vance, Jen, zoey and Caitlyn |
I'm so sorry Val and Dino. My thoughts are with you. Run to the bridge sweet Pearl. Rest in Peace. Cindy |
 i am so very very sorry. i know you loved her, and she loved you both very very much. You gave her the best life one could ever imagine and came a long long way with her. Opening up many many hearts thru therapy and paws etc. Thank you for giving her to others Val. |
| This is so not what I wanted to see posted. My heart goes out to you. She was such a very special girl, and how you both loved each other God speed precious Pearl. |
 Farewell to a very special girl Run free at the Bridge Pearl. There are a lot of great sheepies waiting for you there and Heart will watch over your Mom and Dad for now. |
| Oh no! I am so so sorry for your loss, but am proud of you for honouring your promise to keep her free from pain. We will hug our girls extra long tonight and think of Pearl. |
| Sweet, sweet Pearl. I can't believe she is gone. Although I know it was time. It is hard for me to imagine her as a foam-tearing, wild thing. I know you always said she was very wound up when she was young. All, I know is what a great role model she was as an older dog. So vibrant, full of life and working well into her senior years. Only in the last year did she seem to be a frail dog and even then her spirit kept her going so much longer than most other dogs. How lucky you were to have her in your life. Dino and you were truly blessed with such a fine dog. My condolences to you both at this difficult time. Losing the physical presence of a much loved family member is hard even as she lives on in your hearts. Sweet Pearl - you will always be a performance inspiration to me. Watching you earn two titles in the Rally ring was special and your mother was justifiably proud. Just wait until all of those at the Rainbow Bridge see how awesome you are.  This is how I remember you most. |
| What a beautiful tribute to a beloved friend. I love reading about her early days and how she developed over time. What a bond. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you were there to help her pass comfortably with love. |
| This is such a beautiful picture. We felt privileged to meet and hug Pearl last year at Sheepiepalooza. I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew you wanted her to make it to Sheepiepalooza this year, but Pearl is grateful you were brave enough when her time came to not let her suffer and let her be free and happy over the bridge. My heart aches for you. |
| Oh Val I am so sorry.....rest in peace sweet Pearl. |
| Oh Val......there are just no words that will express how sorry I am for your loss. Just know we are sending you all of our love and hugs during this difficult time. Millie sends bum wiggles and kisses to you and Dino. |
| Oh Val, I'm so sorry to hear of Pearl's passing. She was super special and both her and you were lucky to have had each other. Know in your heart that she loved you very much and she knew in her heart that you felt the same. She's free of pain and running with all of our beloved pets at the Bridge. Run free & fast sweet Pearl. We will all miss you.  |
| I'm so sorry to hear about Pearl. She was truly the Grande Dame at Sheepiepalooza...and most anywhere else she went! What a lovely tribute to a wonderful and talented friend. There are plenty of our furry friends waiting for her to play at the Bridge. to you, Val & DinoNita |
| My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. |
| Oh Val, I am so so sorry to hear about sweet Miss Pearl. Your tribute was lovely and touched my heart. You are truly blessed to have found her and shared this beautiful life together. I know what you mean about 'her eyes speaking to you'. I experienced that with both Sammy and Max. You honored the love you shared by helping her cross the Bridge. Pearl will live in your heart forever. My deepest sympathy for your loss and prayers for loving healing to you and your family. |
| Oooooh. I'm so very sorry, Val. |
| Val; Adam and I are both so sorry. I'm so glad we got to see Pearl when we visited a month ago! Pearl was so funny; she was supposed to stay safely away from the rambunctious youngsters, tucked away in a quiet bedroom. But Pearl had other ideas, and insisted on joining the party! She showed everyone that it wasn't playtime without Pearl. Thank you for sharing your sweet Pearl with Tonks and Luna; Tonks in particular loved playing with her.  I know she'll be greatly missed; what a fine, fine Grande Dame of a Sheepdog! |
| Even though I never physically met her, I feel like I know Pearl and so my heart aches right along with you. She was indeed a very special girl and she knew how much she was loved by you and Dino. Your tribute to her was just so beautiful. She would not want you to be sad for too long - so I'm praying that as you grieve, her happy memories will fill the void in your heart. Run pain free and happy at the bridge, Pearl girl. Say hi to my Drezzie, until we meet again. |
| Good bye sweet and precious Pearl. You did well and lived well. Condolences to you Val and Dino. Knowing it was coming made it no easier. |
| Pearl was such a sweet faced sheepie! I will miss the stories about her and her sweet personality. I admire your fortitude to post so soon upon your great loss! I am so sorry she had to leave you although you did what was best for her. We never want to lose them. My sincerest condolences for such a beautiful soul. |
| So very very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your special girl--she truly did make a difference for others. Rest in peace sweet Pearl. Special thoughts and prayers for you Val & Dino during this sad time. |
| Sometimes there's just nothing that can be said to describe how wonderful someone is. That was Pearl. So sorry for your loss Val. |
| Oh Val......I'm so sorry Pearl was your true pearl in every way Having just gone this sad road..... I feel your pain, your sadness and also the thankfulness that having the life of a truly loving dog in your life makes you feel. to you and Dino and the kids PS - oddly enough, this afternoon I picked up Simon's ashes from my vet....  |
| I am really sorry for your lost val, my prayers are with you and your family, s hard to say good bye but you know in your hard that is not forever |
| I am so sorry to hear that Pearl has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I have always had a soft spot for her with my cat Pearl and she sharing the name. I'm really going to miss those great smiling pics of such a sweet girl. I am so sorry for you loss. Pearl will be greatly missed. Your tribute was beautiful. |
| So sorry for your pain...Pearl was such a great example of why those of us love the Oes...I feel as I knew her and will miss her....so glad you shared a wonderful life with her... |
| What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. I'm sure a lot of us are shedding a tear with you right now, I certainly am. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful soul. |
| so very sorry i wish i could have met such a wonderful girl !! she was loved |
| Oh Val Words cannot express how sad I feel reading this. We seem to think we will have them forever. Pearl was indeed a Grande Dame, always bring smiles to everyones faces. How lucky you both were to have found each other. The world will be a little still now that pearl has crossed the rainbow bridge. She was a wonderful wonderful sheepie. Setting the standards high for rescued dogs.She showed the world what an unwanted dog could be. Her story should make every one wanting a dog run to the shelter and adopt a dog. You and dino gave her the last act of love in your hearts by allowing her to cross the bridge in dignity. Yes pearl you are the brightest star in the sky tonight.Greet the others and wait for val and dino.They will miss you so but keep your memory (and antics) forever alive in their hearts. God speed sweet girl cindy |
| Val, I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Pearl but I do know how much she meant to you and everyone here! What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful and wonderful friend. My heart goes out to you during your time of suffering. I hope the knowledge that she is in a better place, free from pain, watching over you, gives you peace. xoxo Kate |
| I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Pearl. I was looking forward to meeting her at Sheepiepalooza. Now she is pain free, young again and running in the fields on the other side of the bridge waiting for you. |
| Tears in my eyes, it's hard to see to type. She was a special girl and will be greatly missed. Gentle hugs to you, Heart, Dino & the whole family. |
| Val, my heart dropped when I saw this post. I am so sorry for your loss of Pearl. She was one of the matriarchs of this board. Thank you for sharing her story, and for giving her such a wonderful life. She was a true ambassador for the breed. Hugs to you and Dino. |
| Val and Dino, I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful girl Pearl. What a wonderful tribute to her and really to you. For adopting her and giving her a fabulous life!!! My heart hurts for you and I can't stop crying.........I'm sure Pearl is running and playing with all of my girls that crossed the bridge and having a ball!! Again, I am sorry for your loss. |
| Val...it was such a pleasure to meet Pearl at SheepiePalooza last year. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. She will be missed. |
| I didn't plan on having to cry when I went on the forum this morning. Your tribute to her was wonderful and I am sure she will be waiting at The Bridge for you. I am so sorry for your loss but you did keep your promise to your sweet girl. |
| I was truly sad to read your post and I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved her through your stories and photographs and I felt like I knew her. What a special dog she was and I know that your loss is profound. I wish I could reach through the screen and give you a hug and a belly rub to Heart. Your memoriam was so beautiful and touching and it's obvious how well loved she was. I know your heart hurts right now and I hope you take solace that life with you was a blessing for her. She will continue to live in your heart and your mind forever. Godspeed sweet Pearl. |
| Val. I'm sorry to hear about Pearl. You gave her the best life a dog could ask for. |
| There are no words that can express how sorry I am for your loss. |
| Sending you hugs with tears in my eyes..... x |
| Im so sorry for your loss. Your tribute was so loving and touching, it brought tears to my eyes. |
| Oh Val, I am so sorry....I just saw this now....your tribute was just beautiful...my heart is aching for you..I wish I was there to give you a biggggg hug... I hope Panda and Pearl have a grand ole time romping around together...I wish I could say more, but I am in tears and at a loss to say something meaningful... Rest in peace Pearl and give Panda a run for her money. |
| I'm so sorry for your loss I haven't been here long, but I understand your sorrow, and also the love you have for Pearl. |
| Val, Pearl was so lucky to find you and Dino. And you were lucky right back. All I can say is Laurie and Oscar |
| Oh No, Val I'm soooo sorry. I will miss your stories of Pearl but not as much, I know, as you will miss your Pearl Gerl. Thinking of you and Dino. Sorry words can't express my feelings for you at this time. |
| So sorry for your loss. Run free at the Bridge sweetheart with all our sheepies...until we meet again xx |
| My heart dropped when I saw this post....I'm so sorry, Val. Pearl was such a special girl. It's never easy to lose them, no matter how much you know it's coming. You are such a special Sheepie Mom for being strong enough to keep your promise to her. She will be missed by all of us. RIP Pearl gerl. Run free and happy at the bridge. |
| my heart goes out to you and your family. Losing our loved ones is so hard. RIP Pearl- have fun at the bridge with all the other sheepies waiting for their uprights. |
| I am so sorry to hear of Pearl's passing. My heart goes out to you. |
| Val, I'm so sorry to hear about Pearl. I've been crying ever since I read Pearl's precious life story. Pearl was the sweetest sheepie and always tried so hard to please. I remember at one of the Christmas parties you had a Christmas hat on Pearl's head that played a song, and she just sat there so still being the best dog ever. I loved the way Pearl always kept Coz and Heart in line when they got too wild. By the way, how is Coz and Heart doing? I'm sure they miss her tremendously. My favorite picture is the one with Jake, Harry, and Pearl. That was the most beautiful photo of all 3 dogs. (If I didn't have trouble posting photos I would put it right here) There are soo many wonderful memories of Pearl that there are just too many to post. You and Dino will be in my thoughts and prayers. Val, if you need anything please feel free to call anytime. Sweet Pearl Gerl you will never be forgotten! |
| Our hearts goes out to you and Dino. May the wonderful memories of Pearl ease your sadness. peg & mark |
| So sorry for your loss of sweet Pearl. Thinking of you all. |
| OMG! I am crying as I write this I know Pearl was getting on in years...God Bless you for honoring your promise to her to never be in pain...No words are enough for you at this time...Just sending our love and prayers and letting Pearl know, she made a difference in so many lives...Rest in Peace sweet Pearl... |
| I am so very sorry to hear about Pearl's venture to the Rainbow Bridge. She was loved and lived the best life possible thanks to you and your family. At this time as I enjoy my new boy Samson I also feel deep sympathy and respect for your loss and pain. You are in my thoughts, not sure of the best way to put into words? Bittersweet. Thank you for your beautiful tribute to Pearl. |
| Val, so sorry to hear about Pearl - you were both fortunate to have one another all these years. May your memories of Pearl and the joy she brought you over the years bring you comfort during this very difficult time. Bless you all. |
| I'm so very sorry for your loss Val. Run free at the bridge Pearl |
| Carol??? This is one of my Favorite pictures of Pearl too~~~ Jake, Harry and Pearl...This was taken for the 2009 Support Dogs Calendar...  And Judi??? That smile on Pearl's face at one of the Rally Trials is also a fav of mine...thanks for posting it... And thank you...all of you for the love and compassion that is so important at a time like this.. (to all of you!!!) |
| I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Pearl. |
| I am so sorry for your loss. It was nice but tough to read all the lovely things you have told us about Pearl. Felt like I knew her a bit. Just had to cry - she sure had a lovely life together with you. |
| Thanks for posting the Support Dog photo Val. It's just BEAUTIFUL! |
| Oh, I am so sorry for your loss, Val. Pearl was one in a million and I know you're hurting. You gave her a wonderful life full of love and she touched so many people. |
| So sad to hear of your loss of your very special girl "Pearl" know we are thinking of you all and what a wonderfull life you all had together. A life, well lived, well shared in love and happiness and a very special angel has now entered heaven. She will always be watching over you all forever. |
| Val, I'm so sorry for your loss of Pearl Gerl. Thank you for being so strong for her when she needed you the most. sheepieshake wrote: This is one of my Favorite pictures of Pearl too~~~ Jake, Harry and Pearl...This was taken for the 2009 Support Dogs Calendar... Mine too! |
| I somehow missed this. So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love. |
| I haven't been here much lately, but I always check first to see how Pearl has been. I am so sorry for your loss. These sheepies grab our hearts and never let go. |
| Oh I am sorry I have not been on this forum for a long time. Val I am so sorry to hear about pearl! Your writing was beautiful. I am in tears. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her. What a special girl! |
| I have not been on this board as much as I would have liked to lately, and I am so sorry for you loss of your sweet girl Pearl. Puppy hugs being sent. |
| I'm incredibly sorry for your loss of Pearl, such a lovely and pretty girl! We are sending all our love and hugs to you and your family!!! .. hope she's happy and painless on the rainbow bridge! |
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