Buck, Our First Foster (fail)

 

Buck & Lilly, his favorite little girl 

During the summer of 2010, our home was being remodeled. We came home every evening excited to see the progress the construction crew had made. One of those days brought a big surprise in the form of a half-grown hound dog puppy! This was just a few years in to the establishment of our non-profit group, the Voice for the Animals Campaign, & years prior to the opening of the Clarke County Animal Shelter. At this time, our family consisted of two humans, Jack, Bee, & Pearl. I had been capped in terms of adding more animals to the pack. There was a rescue in the county at the time, so I reached out to them for help & guidance. The lady & I worked out a foster deal with this puppy, who we named Buck, because he looked like a hunting dog, although I don’t hunt. 

Buck at the vet in his younger days

When you foster an animal, you agree to house & care for that animal until he/she is adopted. Doing so creates a vacancy in the shelter or rescue for another needy animal, & it gives the foster animal a loving home, & time to be socialized, leash trained, etc. Fostering was going well until the lady at the rescue started acted like a donkey. We decided to adopt Buck & not deal with her anymore. I continued leash training Buck by taking him for walks, & he ran 5Ks with me for a long time. 

Buck & me after a patriotic run

During these walks, we often crossed paths with our neighbor, Jimmy Earl. Jimmy Earl, Buck, & I made countless laps around the block on evening walks. When our next 5K fundraiser rolled around, I asked Jimmy Earl to be Buck’s handler at the event. He agreed, but made sure I knew that he would only do that for Buck & me since the 5K was scheduled for the opening day of turkey season. I told him I would find someone else, but he said he would be out of the woods in time. A few days before the race, Buck went missing. We found him in a bush a day or so later. He had been hit by a car & had a broken shoulder as a result. Once we knew that he was going to be ok, I teased Jimmy Earl about running over my dog so he could turkey hunt, lol. I have enjoyed telling that story many times since. 

Buck & me at the St. Jude’s event 

Buck, as hound dogs are, was very resilient. He recovered & continued to run & walk with me for years. He lived in our fenced-in back yard until this summer. This was a nice setup, though, as his quarters were marked by a sign reading “The BUCKingham Palace.” He could no longer take the heat. Buck was a really good dog who never caused trouble. He wasn’t cooperative about doing things he didn’t want to, though. If he saw nail clippers,  he prepared for war! He howled and bayed at the train & at the truck drivers as they fueled up every morning. He had a handsome voice, & received many compliments.

Buck was a character, & we have a lot of funny Buck stories, ranging from his hatred of excessive Christmas inflatables to Jason yelling a few choice words at him to stop barking at the Vacation Bible School parade that was lined up in front of our house. 

Jason started a trend on his own cheat day of bringing cheeseburgers to the outside dogs. Buck enjoyed this very much, & picked up the scent as soon as Jason opened the door. He waited anxiously at the gate for his cheeseburger. 

Buck & me at the Christmas parade 

Buck participated in Voice for the Animals Campaign events with me. He walked in a Christmas parade one year. He looked handsome, but didn’t act handsomely when it was time to go. Several grown men & I were scared to put him on the truck against his stubborn will. We ended up having to get the animal control officer to do it. Another time, we represented V4AC at a St. Jude’s coon hunting event. Buck was very sweet & handsome that day, & received lots of compliments. 

Buck & Drake in the creek

Since Buck has lived inside these last few months, he’s cracked me up, & we’ve developed a routine. Buck was very persistent about where he wanted to sit. He often tricked Trooper out of his seat. In the mornings, he reminded me of my brother. Jared could not wake up to get ready for school when we were kids, and he would drag around once he finally got up. It was the  same with Buck for a few weeks until we developed a routine. He was like clockwork after that. 

Buck lived a great life until his last evening, which was last night (9/11/21). His appetite had been dwindling, he was old & arthritic, but I didn’t expect him to go so soon. I heard him whimper & checked on him. I knew he was dying. Jason got up, & we did our best to keep him comfortable. I went to bed, but Jason stayed with him. He got me up after 1a & said that Buck was gone. 

On the couch after tricking Trooper out of his seat 

Just like Pearl, Buck is a prime example of the importance of adopting, not shopping. That little hound dog puppy who was thrown away by someone else made his way to our house and into our family & hearts. We will miss Buck very much, but reflecting on his life makes me proud to be an animal rescuer who sees the beauty & value of animals thrown away by others. Rest easy, Buck, we love you 😘🌈

Buck sleeping just a few days ago

The Truth about Teachers

 If you're an educator reading this, you're in for a treat, I hope. If you're a keyboard crusader hoping this is going to bash teachers, you're not (in for a treat), but please continue reading. I am officially a former teacher, but I remain a teacher for life to "my kids" and anyone who crosses my path needing a little guidance that I can provide. I started 13 years of school, but chose to end my teaching career in November of my 13th year. Since then, I've been working in sales and marketing. Although I do not miss being in the classroom, "back to school" time always causes me to reflect on my former life, students, and co-workers.  

My three years post-teaching have opened my eyes to several things. The first is that teachers are among the hardest working people you will ever know. I have never worked in healthcare, so I can't vouch for those workers, but "bodily fluids" do it for me. I know those are very special people, too. And law enforcement- heck no. I was contacted several times about working in that field. I said "thanks, but no thanks. I've had enough of dealing with people who don't follow rules." 

In addition to having been a teacher, I am a high-strung, Type A person. I am very goal-oriented and driven. I quickly realized when I entered the business world that lots of other people are not. I've been trying to figure it out, and one of the conclusions I have drawn is that teachers can't afford to be lazy- not even "bad teachers" because they are always responsible for kids. Even during their planning times, they are all ears for hallway happenings and such. They are used to eating lunch quickly in a room with hundreds of kids. They are used to not having at-will bathroom breaks, time for phone calls, etc. In the blink of an eye, foreign objects can go flying across the room, a friendly janking session can become a fight, and on and on. Teachers are always on duty with their guards up.

They are also always under a microscope. Some are more than others, too, and I don't understand that. The community is watching where they go & with whom they go, what they wear, what they do on vacation, what they drink at the restaurant, and what they post on social media. I know that it is a little different since they are teaching and influencing students, but there is no "it's none of your business, it's not hurting you" line when it comes to teachers. 

A smart teacher always has a plan and always has all bases covered. They must be prepared for any and everything. They must always have evidence with which to defend themselves. In today's world, nothing is the child's fault anymore. Everyone blames the teacher. If there's a fight in the hallway, the parents ask "where was the teacher?" You would not believe some of the things I've heard irrational parents say regarding that. What people don't understand is that teachers, for the most part, are doing what they are supposed to be doing. If kids are fighting, they don't care if a teacher is present or not. Teachers are not required to physically involve themselves in fights. I remember bracing myself to be punched by a large high school student one time toward the end. I was going to press charges for assault and make an example. That is how bad it had become. 

Here are some other things parents don't realize. One teacher doesn't teach every student in a school, and teachers sign contracts stating they will enforce the rules. I remember a precious child who once had a uniform violation. If my administrator had walked in my class and seen this, I would have been "scolded" for letting it slip. I was doing what I was supposed to. I handled it according to the policy in the handbook, which had been signed by the parent and student. The parent called me the next day and told me how "stupid" I was and that teachers are the ones who should be wearing uniforms. The parent asked if I wrote up every student who was out of uniform at the school. Moron. Of course I didn't, I only handled my students in my class. The parent thought that was unfair of me because he had seen numerous other students in the car line who were in violation of the same rule. Those students hadn't even made it in the building for their teachers to address the issues. This was earlier in my career, so I was more tactful than I am now, so I was nice, but firm. It did shake me a little, though. Then, I had to go back to class and teach as if nothing happened. I'm sure that was a great lesson! The kids were freaked out because my nerves had caused me to break out in hives and turn red for an extended period of time.  The student and I had a good rapport. The student actually apologized to me the next day for the way the parent talked to me. 

Another example is that teachers can't do anything right. I once stepped to the side with a student who yelled that I was "the b word" down the hallway. I whispered as not to embarrass the student. That child's parent started rumors about me because I "got in the child's face." Had I not done that, I would have been accused of yelling at the student in front of everyone. Teachers can't win for losing. Oh, and the really fun part about that is that I couldn't defend myself. I had to stay quiet about the incident, as all teachers do. Speaking of drive, I now have some serious drive to defend teachers and be their voices because I know they cannot. Days like that cancel 30 other good days. Everyone is talking about it- parents, kids, the community, and the microscope gets closer. 

That's enough of the bad, though. I am frequently asked if I miss it. No I do not. I treasure memories and relationships with kids and teacher friends from the good times, but I do not miss it. I am also asked if I will go back. My luck is not good enough for me to say that I will "never" do something, but if I ever teach again, it will be to prevent starvation. The kids and I who remained close stay in touch, and many of them ask me to bake them their favorite treats when they're home from college, I am invited to wedding and baby showers, I am asked to tutor, write letters of recommendation, etc. Every now and then, I'm tagged in sweet posts about teachers, or I'll get a sweet message that will absolutely make my day.

For the teachers who are burned out and wishing they were doing anything else, YOU CAN! Gosh, especially now, you can, with the shortage of qualified workers. Teachers are multi-skilled, multi-tasking, problem-solving experts. If this is you, go sell something! You've been giving sales pitches every period of your career to people who don't care. If you have an audience in sales, it's because they're interested in what you're selling. The only thing is that you are going to make enemies of those you outperform because they are lazy and you are not. That still beats being slandered by an angry parent on social media or getting a nasty email first thing in the morning. You will still have opportunities to make a difference. I blame irrational parents and school bureaucracy for teacher burnout, by the way. 

If you're a  miserable teacher who has to stay to keep insurance, for example, keep your head up. Trust me, I know how hard it is, but the way you push through is inspiring people, too. When I left, students and parents told me so. 

To the teacher critics, before you send that ugly text or email, or call the parents of the students in your child's class because you are mad about what your child probably did, remind yourself that that teacher is a person with a family and duties outside of school. That human being is not going to be perfect, but I promise they are trying to be because they do not want to give you a reason to ruin their day. I got to the point that I would tell parents in conferences the following:

"I know that staying after school for conferences is part of my job, but I would rather be off right now. We are here because of something your child did. If your child had not done it, I would not have addressed it, and I would be at home."

That may sound unprofessional to some, but I literally had to break it down like that for some folks. Let the teacher do their job. If you have a question or problem, be nice until you have a legitimate reason not to be. In a good school, the issue will be resolved, and the child who broke the rules should be the only one upset. Many times, students will know they have done wrong and walk away having learned a valuable life lesson. 

In writing that, I chuckle thinking about a child who grabbed me as if he were a cat and had to be physically removed from me by two adults. He would not let go. When he was removed from my person, his mother wanted to speak to me on the phone. She cursed at me for making him miss the bus. I kid you not. I literally could have filed assault charges, probably more. 

I know this has sounded like my list of grievances, but I just want the general public to know the kind of crap teachers deal with daily. Give them a break. Be nice. Make your kids behave, and don't defend them when they are wrong. 

Teachers are amazing people. They are too amazing for me to be anymore, lol. I got tired of it. Are there bad ones, yes, but not for the most part. The good ones are fading away because they are retiring ASAP or choosing another field like I did. Don't be the reason a good teacher quits. 

Signing off, I hope everyone has a great school year, and, again, don't be the reason a good teacher quits!

PS- I know that you're supposed to say his/her instead of they, but I got tired of typing that. You know what I mean ;) 

It's All Part of a Plan...

 

As a teacher, I didn't have favorites, but there are kids that sync with you more so than others. The kids that didn't sync with you synced with other teachers with personalities more similar to theirs, so it all works out. One of the students in the class of 2017 was a girl named Christin. Although she graduated in 2017, I was her history and current events teacher in 8th grade. Kids are really impressionable at that age. I was climbing to the peak of my running career at that time, and Christin asked me to train her. 

I live a very structured life personally, professionally, athletically, and socially. I have to in order to complete my necessary tasks. Having said that, I have never liked having workout partners because I like being on my own schedule, not waiting on people, etc. Christin lived in my town and knew my quirks. She agreed to my schedule. We started running together. In her rookie race season, she took a first place medal, whether it was the first place overall female or first place in her age group. I am still so proud of her for that. She is built to run. Running is the punishment in other sports, and this kid wanted to run. 

After 8th grade, we remained close. She faced adversity throughout her high school years, and often confided in me and looked to me for advice. Christin is the oldest of her siblings. Next under her is a brother named Gavin, and two younger sisters. I taught Gavin as well. My parents and I go to church with them. 

In January of 2020, I was preparing for a sales meeting at work, when a coworker who was unware of mine and Christin's relationship said "Danny Ray Pugh's stepson has been killed in a wreck." I do not say what I am about to say to make this about me, but to clarify the emotions. I have blogged before about losing my brother in a car accident. When I hear of other sudden deaths, particularly car accidents, I feel what that family is feeling. It is the worst thing I have ever experienced. The only thing you can do is pray that it will be better. It will be better, but only with time. The family doesn't know it at that moment, but their lives will never ever be the same. From that point on, their frame of reference for time is before that person died and after. You become a different person. Those are the things I think about. It literally makes me sick for that family. 

I remember running out of the showroom because I thought I was going to throw up, and I also wanted to scream. My GM, who was a dear friend at the time, came out to check on me. I pulled myself together and came back into the meeting. I have no idea of what was said. I was praying for the family and asking God to prepare me to talk to Christin. I also felt God telling me that this is why He put Christin in my path back in 8th grade. We were now angel sisters and connected on a whole other level. She would need me, just as I had needed other grievers when my brother died (and still do). 

After the meeting, I checked my phone. Two of Christin's teachers and my former coworkers from school had sent texts to me to "get to Christin." My former babysitter, now friend, who lost two husbands in a short period of time, also contacted me. She has been a tremendous grief mentor to me. She told me something like "this is your time." These three ladies were aware of mine and Christin's relationship and of my brother's passing. It was amazing, really. As tragic as it was, it still amazes me how God knew what was going to happen and started preparing both of us so many years ago. I believe he also put me in the minds of the ladies who told me to "get to Christin." I wasn't going to save the day, but we were close, and I have been there.

I called Christin immediately and went to see her and the family that evening. They have been incredibly strong. There is peace in knowing that Gavin was a Christian, and so is his family, so they will see him again.  

Christin just had the most beautiful baby girl a few months ago and asked me to be her godmother. Being the godmother to my godchildren is the highest honor I've ever received. I don't get to see her as much as I'd like because her mom and I have pretty much opposite working schedules, but I am so excited about watching her grow and being part of her life. Christin loves Reba, and yet, I still love Christin, lol. Obviously, I am not a fan, lol. I do, however, love the song, "Fancy, so that is my nickname for my goddaughter. I'm sure she will just love being named after a Reba song involving a roach, haha. 

Gavin and his sisters came to visit my dogs and me eight years ago today and it was in my Timehop. What special memories! It brought to mind the things I've said here and I wanted to share them with you. God has a plan for our lives. Everyone we meet, we meet for a reason. That is so amazing to me. That's why Jeremiah 29:11-13 is my life verse. 

Special thanks to Christin and her parents for being such a special part of my life and for allowing her to be. 

In loving memory of Gavin Pugh

Good Taste in Cars is Hereditary

 The first vanity plates I remember seeing read "DRJONES," and they were on the back of a beautiful white Ford Thunderbird with ground effects. I was a kid, so I don't know much about the mechanical specs, but it had a 5.0L, manual transmission, and was very sporty. To top off the cool factor was the fact that it belonged to a "girl," or lady, rather, our longtime (but not long enough) postmaster, Debbie Jones. Debbie is the first postmaster I remember, and it hasn't been the same since she retired in late January of 2015. I remember the date because her retirement reception was the same day that my first Mustang GT finally arrived nine months after it was ordered. In hindsight, that is pretty cool, as Debbie's taste in cars impacted mine. 

Debbie Jones and me when we ran into each other at a volleyball game I was coaching

She actually had two white Tbirds- one was a late 80s or early 90s, and one was around a '98 model. She let me drive the first one across the parking lot in Fulton one summer when our church youth group had a car wash. I had such a big head because I got to drive this car I drooled over every time I saw it, it was my heroine's car, and I wasn't old enough for a permit, but I could drive a stick, whereas some of the boys in the youth group didn't even know how. I will never forget that day! 

This is not her car, but it's one like it

I'm not sure how I missed out on this, but she may be the only unofficial family member to have driven my dad's Roush supercharged Mustang GT, which was a 5 speed manual with 440 horses. I heard that she handled it as well as anybody. I never had any doubts. Ever.

I think the correct term for a female in charge of a post office is "postmistress," but that does not sound classy enough or tough enough to describe Debbie Jones, nor does it describe the way she ran the Fulton Post Office for many decades. Debbie Jones ran our post office like a United States Marine, and if you know how I feel about the USMC, then you know that is a huge compliment. US Marines are the toughest, most bold, confident people you will ever meet. That is the way I have viewed Debbie Jones since I was a child and always will. Even then, she spoke to me as if I were an adult,  but always with kindness. It made me feel important. Now days, it is rare that you see anyone, much less a woman, with the confidence that Debbie has. I have always wanted to be like her, and I still do! I'm not there yet, though. 

The Fulton Post Office 

So what does this have to do with good taste in cars being hereditary? A month or so ago, Debbie's daughter, Leslie, contacted me to help her find a car for her son, Malikhi, for graduation. I am always thankful when anyone reaches out to me for a car deal, but this was special because of the impact Debbie Jones has made in my life- sporty cars included.  Leslie and I are close in age, but I don't know her as well as I know her mom. From the little that I have been around her, though, I know that she is also a strong woman. When she started listing the well-researched specs provided by Malikhi, I knew the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. I was so proud and excited for him! I still am! 

This is so exciting- the sales consultant is showing Malikhi the features- exciting for both of them!

With the automotive market and shortage the way it is now, they were able to find the right car for him at a dealer of the same brand. It worked out perfectly, as they made the trip on his 18th birthday. Leslie sent me a walkaround video with the car running so I could hear the engine rumbling, then a photo of Malikhi with his car after the deal was done. It is a 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line. It is super-sharp, and one of my favorite things about it is that it is unique. I work in the car business, and I have never seen one. I think it's cool to be the only one with something. He is sure to turn heads in this! 

Malikhi, Happy 18th birthday, congratulations on graduation, and congratulations on the purchase of your beautiful new car! I am very happy for you!

Leslie, thank you for considering me in your car search, and thank you for including me. I have been so happy and excited for him!

Debbie Jones, aka, World's Best Post Lady, thank you for the amazing example you set as a strong, confident, independent woman. A little girl in Fulton was watching. She is grown up now, but she still remembers. 

"Have a firm handshake and look them in the eye." -Daddy

 "Have a firm handshake and look them in the eye." Those are the two things my dad has always told us to do, and those are the two things that sealed the deal in landing my first teaching job. I was in my last semester of college, which is student teaching for those in colleges of education. I applied for a position in the public high school where I was student teaching, and in a prestigious Catholic high school in the same town. I had a lot of experience working with the public for someone my age, as I had been a bank teller since I was 16. During college, I worked in the drive thru in a busy bank on Dauphin Street in Mobile. When it came to teaching, though, I was as green as a shamrock in a leprechaun's hat on St. Patrick's Day. I remember going to the interview that day. I ended the call with my dad as I drove up. Before saying "I love you," the last thing he said was, "look them in the eye and have a firm handshake." He had told us this all our lives, but it really stuck with me that day. 

                                                 My dad and me after my college graduation

I wanted to learn and gain as much experience as I could, so I also applied for a Summer job at Sylvan Learning Center. I got the calls on the same day that I was hired at the Catholic school and at Sylvan. I was ecstatic! This was the Friday before my graduation on Saturday. I was so excited about this news and the new chapter in my life that I didn't rest well for days. I remember being absolutely exhausted, but unable to sleep. We had a family cookout after graduation, and my husband, Jason, surprised me with Jack, our now 15 year old dachshund. It was such a wonderful time in my life. I spent my graduation money buying the things Jack needed, then my dad and I vacationed at the river in the camper for the next week. 

                                                    Jack at the river right after I got him

I taught at that school for three years. I would probably still be there had we not moved out of state for an upward move in Jason's career. I made lifelong friends among the faculty there. The department chair who hired me later told me that another applicant and I were equal. He was having a hard time deciding between us. There were two factors that led him to choose me: I looked him in the eye and had a firm handshake. My eyes had to have been as big as saucers when he said that. I couldn't tell my dad fast enough! The chair and I had grown close at this time, and I shared it with him. He was aware of the relationship between my dad and me. He thought it was as cool, special, and wise on my dad's part as I do. 

                    Part of the McT SS Dept when I met them at a PD conference one Summer

                McT Peeps- Angelo, me, Mr. McAtee, and Kirk (the dept. chair who hired me)

My teaching career lasted 12 full school years and part of 13. My nerves and the rapid decline of society got the best of me after that. I was a social studies teacher during my tenure, and I taught US Government, Economics, US History I and II, Ancient and Modern World History, Career Prep, Current Events, and I think that's it. I had hundreds of opportunities to share my dad's wisdom and that story with my students. I was 23 my first year, and those students were juniors and seniors. The oldest are now in their early 30s, and my last students are seniors this year. I've been out of the classroom three years now, and I am still contacted to write letters of recommendation, help with resumes', etc. I am always happy to do so. One mom even called me this school year to see if I could help motivate her son to make better grades. I was, again, happy to do so and to have been remembered. I hope "my kids" will always remember the good things I taught them and learn from mistakes they saw me make. I also hope they will know that Mrs. Noble will always do what she can to help her "kiddos."

                                                Me at school on Read Across America Day

Back to my dad. The first serious conversation I remember having about the firm handshake and eye contact is when I was in 7th grade and he told me that I needed to address a coach about playing time. My parents didn't hassle teachers and coaches, but my dad wanted me to ask this coach why I wasn't playing much and what I needed to do to see more playing time. This was a woman, so I don't remember a handshake being involved, but he reiterated "look her in the eye." I was terrified, but now I am thankful for that experience. When I coached, I respected the kids that came to me (although I tried to be fair) because I remembered the guts that took. 

I am pushing 40, and I still talk to my parents on the way home every day. I value their wisdom so much. My dad no longer tells me about that handshake and eye contact because he knows I'll remember. He tells me other things, though, and I can't imagine where I would be without either of them. 

                                                    My parents and me on Easter this year

This is in honor of my parents, Jody and Donna Daniels, 

and

my department chair, Kirk Powell, who recognized an ambitious applicant with good parents.

Pearl: The Little Rescue Dog Who Made a Big Difference

In memory of Pearl Noble, November 2005 - April 5, 2021

This pic of Pearl was taken by Gary Horton at a GH Christmas parade. It was the headline on AL.com one year.

With the exception of the brief time between Charlie and Jack, I've always had a dog. Pearl, however, was my first rescue dog. Mine and Jason's first baby was Jack. A year later, we got Bruiser, aka Bee, to be Jack's buddy. Both of them came from the same breeder because we were ignorant about the importance of adopting versus shopping. I've blogged about this before, but Voice for the Animals started one day during a Government class I was teaching when a student was reading a newspaper story aloud about an abused dog. Although Jack and Bee had always lived lives of love and luxury, that dog's suffering started something in me that made me want to do all I could to change the lives of animals in need. 

Pearl and her doxie brothers, Bee (L) and Jack (R)

A couple of years later, a coworker from the school mentioned above found a white dachshund on Dauphin Island with a note tied around her neck that said she was deaf and needed a home. I love all dogs and cats, but they knew I had two dachshunds and was into rescue, so they called me. It just so happened that I was going South that weekend to run an animal rescue race. The ladies from the school made arrangements for Pearl (named for her color and my great-grandmother) until I could pick her up. After the race, my dog-loving cousin, Cindy, and I drove to get her. That was December of 2009. 

The note that Pearl was wearing when she was found, and our cousin Cindy with Pearl on the day of rescue

Since I was a teacher, this was during Christmas break. We took Pearl to the vet immediately. She tested positive for heartworms. Pearl had the most beautiful blue eyes, but the vet said that one had been damaged due to a hard lick on the head. We had her heartworms treated, had her spayed, and she was as good as new. Voice for the Animals and the Clarke County Animal Shelter Task Force were just getting underway at this time, and I took Pearl to every function possible. We participated in Christmas Parades and spoke to school children, Boys and Girls Clubs, civic organizations, and anywhere that would listen to us talk about being the voice for animals in need, spaying/neutering, and adopting/not shopping. I still see random people who call me "the dog lady" or "Pearl's Mom," both of which I love. Pearl has done so many cool things to be the voice for animals in need like being on the radio numerous times, going to Vacation Bible School, nursing homes, 5Ks, car shows, shelter shopping at Tractor Supply, and countless other appearances. I can't fail to mention that she loved to dress up. As soon as I dressed her, she knew she was going somewhere. She didn't just wag her tail, she wagged her whole body! She had necklaces, shirts, bandannas, jackets, vests, costumes, hats, you name it. Jack's girlfriend, Imogene, even gave her a real strand of pearls. 

Pearl on school visits

Pearl made everyone feel special. It was like she was born for the job. She was such a good dog. She was calm, never barked during appearances (although she had gas sometimes, and pooped once, lol), and was gentle with everyone. When we visited schools and the kids were seated on the floor, she would literally walk from child to child, greeting each one, then move on to the next. It was if she had been trained. I did not train her to do that. She never acted tired or fussy. 

Pearl went to VBS and got her own certificate, an appearance at the Jackson library summer program, participating in a 5K with me, and shopping for the shelter 

Pearl not only befriended strangers in audiences, but she was part of our family. She and her brothers all have their ways and personalities. When my brother died, Jason lived in Louisiana. Jack, Bee, and Pearl were physically there for me during that time. They comforted me like no other, and that's just one example. She was my well-behaved side kick and nap buddy. 

Pearl at school with me on the day before a race, at a race celebrating her rescue, Pearl kisses, Pearl with her dad, chilling at home in her Hawaiian hoodie

Eventually, one of her eyes changed. The vet said it had stopped functioning, therefore, had become a target for infection. We had it removed, but that did not slow her down one bit. In December of 2020, I could tell that she didn't feel well. I thought she was dying. I took her to the vet, expecting the worst. Fortunately, it was a few bad teeth. She had her teeth cleaned and a few bad ones pulled. In a couple of days, she was good to go. 

Shopping for the shelter, and Pet Costume Contest at the nursing home- we were Slash and Axl and we won 1st place!

About six weeks ago, Pearl developed stomach issues. She stopped eating as much. We made several trips to the vet and took several medications. She was always cooperative, although she lost a lot of weight. Last week, she started eating more, which was very encouraging to me. 

Radio appearance

Then, this weekend happened. Pearl stopped eating, but when she stopped drinking is what scared me. This was the first time she had stopped drinking. When she had the scare with her teeth, my friend Lisa prepared me. She told me that Pearl would let me know when it was time. Over the weekend, Pearl became weak and "floppy," as I described her. She wouldn't hold her head up. She also had a different look in her eye. Last night, I knew that she was dying. Our vet is a friend of mine, so I messaged her and made plans for today. I slept on the couch with Pearl, and held her. I held her a lot this morning, and she sat in my lap all the way to the vet. As much I as know I will miss her, I don't want her to suffer. 

Pearl and me in a Christmas parade

I once read an article on social media written from a dog's perspective. It talks about a human not wanting to be present as the dog is euthanized, but the dog talks about all the love it gave the human and how the human is all it has. The dog says something like "you're my whole life, please stay with me." The staff at the clinic was very sweet and sympathetic. I was with Pearl the whole time, and they gave me time with her without my having to ask. This was on my way to work, so I will pick her up on my way home. We are going to bury her at home and make a nice gravesite that is Pearl-worthy. 

What to wear?

I am sad, and I will miss her, but I am so proud of her. She represented needy animals with no voice. I have no way of knowing how many lives of humans she touched, but I saw her bring smiles to hundreds of faces. I hope that after hearing her story, that many people have chosen to adopt, not shop and to spay/neuter their pets. If Pearl had been able to speak last words, I know they would've been along the lines of how rescue pets are not flawed, they've just been let down by humans. 

Last moments with Pearl

Rest in peace, my Pearl Girl, and I hope you enjoy the sounds across the Rainbow Bridge.