Alan Calimbas, a dedicated realtor and dog rescuer, felt his heart shatter when he stumbled upon Pearl’s story on social media. The sweet pup was trapped in an overcrowded shelter in Riverside County, California, and was scheduled for euthanasia the very next day.
Pearl was miles away from Alan, and he had only 24 hours to save her life. With no time to spare for transport arrangements, this compassionate man made a promise: he would personally rescue her. Without hesitation, he booked a flight to Los Angeles, fueled by a determination to save Pearl.
Upon landing, Alan rushed to the shelter, his heart racing with anxiety. The traffic was chaotic, and with every passing minute, the weight of urgency pressed down on him. He called the shelter staff repeatedly, assuring them he was on his way, praying he wouldn’t arrive too late.
When he finally reached the shelter, a wave of relief washed over him as he cradled Pearl in his arms. With just five minutes to spare before the dreaded deadline, he took her outside for her freedom walk. The moment Pearl felt the sun on her fur and realized she was free, her tail began to wag furiously, and she jumped around with pure joy.
Yet, as Alan looked closely, he was taken aback by how malnourished she was. Despite her exhaustion, a flicker of hope shone in Pearl’s eyes as she gazed up at her rescuer. Determined to celebrate her newfound freedom, Alan decided to treat her to her very first burger.
“A lot of people say you shouldn’t feed that,” he said with a grin. “But there’s no way I’m not giving her the best life has to offer!”
After devouring her burger, Alan took Pearl to PetSmart, where her happiness radiated. She dashed around, curiously sniffing everything, her excitement palpable as she discovered toys for the first time. Alan watched with a smile, buying her everything that piqued her interest, reveling in her joy.
When they arrived at a dog-friendly hotel room, it became clear that Pearl had never experienced the comforts of a real home. She gazed in wonder at the television, her eyes wide with curiosity. As she explored, circling around the bed, Alan tossed some toys onto it. In an instant, Pearl leaped onto the bed, rolling around and playing with her new treasures. For the first time in ages, she looked carefree and happy, resting her head on the soft bedding and wagging her tail in bliss.
“She just laid out, rolling around and having a good time,” Alan recalled. “You could see she felt safe for the first time in a long time. It was amazing to witness her happiness.”
The following morning, as Pearl prepared for her first flight, a hint of nervousness flickered in her eyes. She had no idea she was on her way to meet the most important people in her life—her forever family.
As they awaited her arrival at the airport, Pearl’s new family fell in love the moment they saw her. The connection was instant, and she showered them with kisses, her gratitude pouring out in joyous affection. Before heading to her forever home, she turned to Alan, giving him a gentle kiss goodbye, a silent thank-you for the second chance he had given her.
Now, Pearl thrives in the loving embrace of her family, each day unfolding as a new adventure. She delights in hiking with her humans, soaking in breathtaking views and basking in the beauty of the world. Above all, she cherishes the moments spent cuddling, wrapped in their love—a love that she now knows is boundless and forever.
