Help ‘Pearl’ move to her ‘forever foster’ to live the best life for however long she may have left

In Los Angeles, California, a five-year-old very sweet dog was rescued from the Downey Animal Care Center in February 2023, after her photos circulated through social media. It took little time before Foxy and the Hounds decided they wanted to help.

What we saw, was a beautiful Pit Bull that desperately needed our help. It’s unfathomable to all of us to even imagine the pain and suffering she was forced to endure! It will only be love and kindness for this deserving girl from here on out!

A volunteer arrived at the shelter and immediately rescued the dog named Pearl and transported her to Mid Valley Veterinary Hospital. And now this “Foxy” dog would be receiving the best medical care possible, and looking forward to lots of love.

The mass on Pearl’s face was huge and distorted the side of her face and eye. At first, it was not known if the mass had been the result of an abscess or if it was cancerous. Multiple tests were run in order to confirm a diagnosis which could determine the dog’s future.

It’s unconscionable the pain she must have been feeling and that anyone could watch a dog get in this condition. Despite that, she is a sweet and affectionate girl. Pearl’s pain is being managed since she was rescued.

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Sadly, the mass had grown larger in just a few weeks while at the rescue and subsequent hospital stay, and biopsy results showed Pearl had a very aggressive bone cancer. Surgery was not an option because of the location, and it was feared the tumor would grow back. In the meantime, as everyone waited for some kind of hope to help this adorable and loving pup, Pearl was being spoiled and showered with lots of love and attention. Not a moment went by when Pearl wasn’t wagging her tail and acting just like any healthy dog – both eating and drinking.

Pearl’s oncology visit turned out better than expected. The tumor had not invaded her brain; it was only affecting her eye area where the mass had been pressing on her nasal cavity. Her lymph nodes were fine, and her lungs were clear. She was scheduled for radiation treatment which was hoped to shrink the tumor and extend her life.

If Dr. Quarterman had to give a percentage, she would say with steroatactic radiation that she would get a 70% response to stabilize and stop progression of the tumor. Now with CT results, she thinks it could actually shrink some as well. Wouldn’t that just be a miracle for Pearl!

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Pearl’s treatment didn’t come cheap, and along with the CT scan and radiation treatments, the costs involved had been expected to be about $11,000, and in mid March, Pearl began her treatments.

And now for the drum roll!

Pearl responded to radiation treatments. Even though her tumor remains inoperable, it has shrunk the most it possibly could, and everyone is thrilled. She is very sweet and not in pain and is now ready to move to her Forever Foster home where she can live the best life for however long she may have left. Foxy and the Hounds will continue to be financially responsible for all of the dog’s care.

You just need to provide a safe and loving home for however long we are blessed to have her; it could be 3 months, 1 year or 3 years. Only God knows!

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She is the sweetest girl; she is not in any pain, and most importantly, Pearl is so happy! That special person(s) just need to provide a safe and loving home for however long we are blessed to have her… it could be three months, one year or three years… only God knows!

Pearl would do best as the only dog in the home; she is not a huge fan of other dogs or cats. Really, she’s a princess, and with the best home – she will soon be living the life of royalty.

Pearl likes to chase lizards, is affectionate, and she would like you to give her endless belly rubs. If you can give Pearl a home to call her own, she promises to give you unconditional love, companionship, a best friend and make your heart smile.

If you are interested in making Pearl part of your family, email [email protected] for an application and please put Pearl in the subject line.

To donate for Pearl’s continuing care, please click here.

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