Pearla, CGC, TDI's Web Page

American Pit Bull Terrier : : Female (spayed) : : Adult : : Medium

Sex: Female Good with dogs: Yes Good with cats: No Good with kids: Yes Microchipped: Yes

Name/Nicknames: Precious, The Blond Bombshell, Fatty, Little Gem

How did I get to ARLP: October, 2009 Good Samaritan found me bleeding, hairless, emaciated & freezing in FrogTown. This good person took me to the Emergency Room where they stitched up my gashes, kept me a few days, then brought me to Dr. Kate An Hunter, Carver Lake Vet. The good doctor kept me at her clinic for four months, while I battled various ailments, regained my strength, and slowly came back to life. Once I was healthy enough to leave the hospital, Dr. Hunter called ARLP to help my forever home find me.

Hobbies: I chase whatever moves. I love whatever you will throw for me--kongs, ropes, Jolly Balls (personal favorite), dirty socks, hats, gloves, towels, dishcloths, and even blankets. Of all the naughty (am I too big for "naughty" to be called "cute"?) things I chase, I love your socks the most. And I am, as they say, a power chewer. The biggest baddest rope knot does not stand a chance with me. I autographed the coffee table with my teeth, but was prevented from writing the full novel I had planned. Squeaky toys sometimes startle me, sometimes are the best toy in the house. Whatever I have, I will give up freely for something else of equal or higher value (except dirty socks - I keep those). I can jump straight up in the air for a ball, but I have yet to figure out how to jump into the car.

Tricks/Commands:

Hand Signals: Sit, down, stay, wait, come, heel, front, finish

Verbal Signals: Kennel up, Sit, down, wait, stay, come, heel, let's go (informal loose leash walking), front, go potty, OK (my favorite)

I PASSED the AKC's Canine Good Citizen exam on April 19th, which means I am well mannered in public.

I also PASSED the Therapy Dogs, International test on April 25, which means I am now a certified therapy dog. I can visit hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, libraries, schools, or any place therapy dogs are welcome to help humans feel better.



Crate Trained: I used to hate my crate, though I never cried when you put me inside. Now, however, the humans have finally caught on that I love my food so much, I will do anything for it, including going into and STAYING in my crate. Stuffed kongs are the best, but since I became such an expert at emptying (stuffed frozen) kongs at record speed, now I find only one item in my kong that takes real work to remove. I spend the weekdays and overnights in my crate and even though I already said I'm a power chewer, I have not destroyed any of my bedding.

Size in pounds: 49lbs of stocky specialness.

Activity Level: Medium/high? I have these funky legs that don't always do what I want them to, but I sure do keep trying. For example stairs are sometimes a challenge for me, and I have been known to narrowly miss large trees while performing zoomies. When the Jolly Balls come out, I lose all sense of dignity and decorum, chasing down these beauties like kids chase an ice cream truck. Inside, as long as I've had my morning/evening workout as well as walk, I will reside near you while watching for errant socks. If no socks appear, I like to collect my chew toys around me and give each a few seconds of care, so none are neglected. If you change rooms, however, I will leave them all behind to be with you. If outdoor activity is not available due to that cold white stuff, I do best with very challenging mental stimulation-this prevents me from writing that novel I started on the coffee table.

Fun things I do: I smile. I lean on your hand when you scratch my chin. I tap tap my front feet when I am excited (Dr. KAH calls it pattie cake). Outside if I just can't wait for what you'll throw, I run through all my tricks as fast as I can to help you decide to toss the item for me.