You’ve probably heard the saying, “Adopt, don’t shop” many times. While this advice makes sense for many reasons, the most important is the opportunity it provides to prevent neglectful breeders from mistreating dogs.

Thanks to backyard breeding, hundreds of dogs end up on euthanasia lists every year. Tragically, only a few lucky ones survive to find a new home.

Pearl, a twelve-year-old Poodle, was one of those unfortunate dogs. After she was no longer able to ‘produce puppies,’ she was heartlessly abandoned on the streets.

Pearl’s Heartbreaking Backstory

For over a decade, Pearl ‘served the purpose’ of a breeder dog in Florida, filling the high demand for Poodle puppies. Once she could no longer have puppies, she was discarded and left with numerous health problems.

“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.

Along with deafness and partial blindness, Pearl’s abdomen was covered in mammary tumors. She was found as a stray in Miami, Florida, and was taken to a shelter at risk of being euthanized.

Fortunately, True & Faithful Pet Rescue, based in Venice, Florida, stepped in just in time.

Pearl was rescued from being put down, though she faced a lengthy recovery. Over the following months, this sweet girl underwent several surgeries. After the removal of her mammary tumors, she was finally ready for adoption.

But, due to her age and the fact that she was in the autumn of her life, finding a family for Pearl proved to be a challenge.

That’s when Ryan, her new mom, stepped forward.

A mother to three senior dogs – Bogey, Phantom, and Lacey – Ryan was more than willing to open her heart and home to Pearl.

She couldn’t bear the thought of Pearl spending her last years without the love of a family. As soon as Ryan learned that Pearl was available for adoption, she quickly sent in her application.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

The Sweetest, Most Fashionable Senior

When Pearl arrives at Ryan’s home, she immediately charms everyone with how effortlessly she settles in! Her sweet personality had her new siblings and her mom smitten in no time.

Then, Pearl decided to show off her ‘Poodle’ flair. She loved her new sweatshirts, coats, and boots, strutting around like the most fashionable dog ever.

Despite her age, Pearl transformed into a brand-new dog.

Today, Pearl is in perfect health. She barks with joy, enjoys playing in her large yard, and makes new friends every day.

One of her favorite things in the world is snow!

Though she never got to experience it in Florida, Pearl is now living her best life as The Snow Princess.

And she couldn’t be happier!