Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Pearl's Legacy


This is the Mama.  I have some sad news to share.  Pearl went to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.  Pearl started getting a cold a week or so ago.  Since she isn’t very social and runs from me, I knew it would be hard to medicate her.  I procrastinated taking her to the vet.  On Monday, while I was eating lunch, Pearl jumped up on my chair.  I could tell she felt awful.  I called the vet that day.  At the vet, we discovered she had lost 4 pounds since she had been there last May.  I knew she was thinner but given that she doesn’t let me hold her, I had no idea how much thinner.  We decided to do blood work and x-rays.  She was also very dehydrated, so they gave her subcutaneous fluids.  The x-rays showed a weird pattern.  They couldn’t see her liver or kidneys.  They suspected she had a mass but thought it could have been an anomaly due to her dehydration.  We waited for the blood work to come back.  It showed that her white blood cell count was very high.  The doctor recommended that I take her to Blue Pearl Emergency Vet for an ultrasound as soon as I could get her in.   

Emergency Vet visits in the time of Covid-19 is a new experience. First, I had to have my vet call and speak with a vet there to get her transferred.  Once we arrived at the hospital, I had to call to check in Pearl where they gave me a kennel number. They wouldn’t let me in the hospital with her.   I had to put Pearl in a kennel and then wait in my car.  A technician called me to get details.  After a very long wait in my car, the vet called me with the results.  He said Pearl had a large mass.  It was inoperable.  We could do a biopsy, but it was more than likely cancer.  We could also do extreme measures like radiation or chemotherapy, but it didn’t sound as if the odds were in her favor.  I decide to take Pearl home.  I then had to wait for the office staff to call me to check-out.  Then I had to wait some more for the technician to call me with discharge instructions and to tell me what kennel Pearl was going to be placed in.

I took Pearl home and spoiled her as much as could.  I made sure the heat was on in her heated bed, I gave her kitten food, and lots of treats.  I pet her as much as she would let me.  She also spent part of the morning in her favorite bed by the window with the sun beating in.

This afternoon I took her our regular vet where he humanely euthanized her.  I was worried I wouldn’t be allowed in with her, but I was by her side when she passed. 

I adopted Pearl in October 2008 from Purrfect Pets.  She was 9 weeks old.  What I didn’t realize was that she was woefully under socialized.  I didn’t know what to do and I feel like I made many mistakes raising her.  Pearl became bonded with Gus and would only run from me.  Vowing I wouldn’t let that happen again, I read everything I could about cat socialization.  It was years later that I realized I could take that information and help shelter cats.  I began volunteering at Great Plains SPCA.  Pearl was my inspiration to begin fostering.   Since then I’ve fostered over 100 cats and kittens.  My heart is breaking at losing Pearl but I know her legacy is going to live on in each and every one of my fosters.  I started fostering because of Pearl and I will continue to do so in her memory. 

Pearl was preceded in death by her human Grandpa, her adoptive sister, Daisy and her adoptive brother Freddie. 

Pearl leaves behind her human mom who loved her unconditionally and her grieving brothers Gus and Jaq.  She is also survived by her human grandma with whom she had an amazing connection. 

Memorials, while are not necessary, can be given to Purrfect Pets or Great Plains SPCA.


22 comments :

  1. I'm so sorry to hear about Pearl. I know your heart is breaking. Please know my thoughts and love are with you

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  2. I am sorry you lost Pearl. She has been a huge part of your life and changed your world hasn't she. What a blow to lose her. Her legacy is immense, think of all those lives saved. Thank you Pearl.

    Yes this virus stuff makes vet visits a PITA I had to take Dot Kitten a few days ago. No fun. * hugs from us here *

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  3. Oh Miss Jenny we are so very sorry. Junior is like Pearl and it is so hard. But what a legacy she leaves behind...

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about Pearl. But her legacy will live on in all the good work you do fostering and helping other kitties. Sending much love and hugs. ~The Mom

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  5. We share your sadness, though Pearl has left many wonderful memories and more ...

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  6. Hugs and purrs to you; this is too sad.
    Rest In Peace, Angel Pearl.

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  7. We are all so very sorry to hear about dear Pearl, it's never ever easy. We send purrs, hugs and love to you.

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  8. Angel Pearl what a fitting and purrfect name for such a beautiful house panther.
    My condolences to your loving family.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  9. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Pearl. XO

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  10. We're so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, Pearl. We know you're a beautiful angel bringing your mama peace and comfort.

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  11. We are so sorry to learn of Pearl's passing. How well you have honored her by helping so many other kitties. She will still be keeping an eye on you. Purrayers to all who love her.

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  12. We're so sorry to hear about Pearl. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

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  13. I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending purrs of comfort and love your way.

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  14. We are so sorry about Pearl. I am sending lots and lots of purrs your way. <3

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  15. I’m very sorry to read this. I too feel that I made many mistakes when I was in a new situation with a cat. There is always one whom we think we hurt because of our inexperience. But cats are very forgiving, and I think in her last days Pearl showed that she loved you. It was clear that you loved her. And her legacy is indeed one of love and caring. Godspeed, Pearl.

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  16. This is a beautiful tribute to Pearl. We're all deeply sorry for your loss. Amy and family

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  17. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Pearl, what a beauty and I know how deeply you will miss her.

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  18. I'm so sorry of the loss of your beautiful beloved Pearl😿Soft Pawkisses to comfort you🐾😽💞
    Fly free beautiful Soul💗

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  19. Pearl sure was bootyful. We're so sorry fur your loss and so glad you could be with her. We're sendin' hugs and purrayers.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  20. We are so sorry to hear of your beloved Pearl's passing. Thank you for loving her so much, and so well. Hugs, and gentle purrs to you.

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  21. Sorry you lost your lovely and sweet Pearl. She is a beautiful Angel Kitty now.
    Rest well, Pearl, then fly all over the catnip meadows at the RB.

    Sending you tons of purrs, and hugs.
    Pipo & Petcretary Ingrid

    (I made a memorial card for you, I will add it in a message on your FB page, since I do not have your email. I will post it in my blog, too if you wish rather to snag it from there...either later on Sunday or Monday.)

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  22. May she be resting now with the angel's and all that met her at the Bridge.

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