Below we have the story of a sweet girl that has captured the hearts of our members who volunteer at the Shelter.
Today we have a new chapter. This chapter is dramatic but gives us hope. The complication, and there seems to always be one, is that we are seriously running out of time.
As you can see if you read all the way to the bottom of this post, there were two, kind, wonderful families who answered the call and trusted us when we said that Pearl was a dog that they would want. They did want Pearl. They came to the Shelter and adopted her. Through absolutely no fault of anyone those two homes were not a good fit. The reasons could not be predicted. Ironically, the very fact that these two homes did not work out may have saved Pearl’s life. Whether or not that turns out to be true may be mostly up to you.
Where we are today, Wednesday, December 10,2025.
Last week a lady contacted us. She related the story of recently losing her beloved Great Pyrenees. She and her husband live near Memphis, Tn but they follow us (thank you internet) and saw the story of Pearl. (Below) They are totally familiar with the breed and have no other dogs. They know that the Great Pyrenees breed needs order and cannot be allowed to roam freely. They were perfectly aware.
We arranged for them to drive to Fayette last Friday. Pam Johnson was at the Shelter to meet the family and to shepard the process of adoption and to familiarize the family (Let’s call the lady “Wilma”) with Pearl and to reassure them that she was a sweet girl.
Understandably Wilma and her husband wanted to have Pearl checked by a veterinarian before making the considerable drive home. Wilma was still emotional about her recent loss and didn’t want to take any chances with Pearl. What could possibly go wrong?….Right?
Something went terribly wrong. Dr. Nichols discovered that Pearl was apparently healthy EXCEPT for heart-worms. As you may know heart worms can be deadly and can be undetected until the end. Wilma was devastated. Pam was devastated. The husband did not want Wilma to take Pearl despite the fact that they would have been the perfect environment for Pearl to recuperate. He was afraid that it would be too much to bear if Pearl didn’t survive.
The sad family left Pearl at the Shelter. They left a generous donation to help pay for the heart-worm treatment. They agreed that if Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter could harness the kindness and generosity of the community to see Pearl through her treatment and recuperation, they would be back to take her to a loving home.
Pam has since received pledges to cover the treatment, food and necessities for Pearl. We have members who are ready, willing and able to help make this happen. The limitation for us is that we have no one in sight, among our members, who has a home environment that is suitable for a dog to quietly recover.
We need a single person or couple who have no other dogs or VERY calm dogs. Pearl will need attention but gentle attention and a LOT of time to sleep and rest. Then, in as little as 4 weeks (to be determined from vet visit) she can go to where she will be well attended for he rest of her life. If the foster family decides they want to keep Pearl, they will have that option.
This is not complicated or forever. We are asking for the right person to offer this sweet dog the opportunity to be treated and to recover. It will cost the foster nothing.
If you might be the right home for Pearl during her treatment and recovery, do not wait. We want her to be treated this week so her survival chances are higher.
Call us 864 907 0014 ( A Fayette Alabama number) or message us through Facebook (Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter) or email Fayettefotas@gmail.com
We CAN and we WILL do this.
Below is the story of Pearl as it existed last week.. A lot has changed (read above)
PEARL NEEDS HER FOREVER FAMILY — TODAY 🐾
Pearl is a beautiful Great Pyrenees girl who wants just one thing: to stay by your side and be loved. She is sweet, gentle, people-oriented, and used to comfort and attention.
Twice now she has been adopted… and twice she has been returned for reasons that were not her fault.
Pearl must live indoors or have a very secure, loving outdoor setup — she is loyal, and she will go searching for the people she considers family. She’s just trying to get home. ❤️
✨ No adoption fee
✨ We will provide professional grooming
✨ We will cover her spay
✨ Fostering support is possible if you’re traveling to get her
If you are the one Pearl has been waiting for, please don’t wait another day — she deserves a soft bed and a forever person she never has to lose again.
📍 Visit: Fayette County Animal Shelter
635 McConnell Loop, Fayette, Alabama
📞 Call: 864-907-0014
💬 Message us: Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter on Facebook
Please help us share Pearl’s story — the right family is out there and every share gets her closer to home. 🧡
Pearl’s Journey So Far 💛
First, we want to say how grateful we are for every single adoption. When a family opens their home to a shelter pet, it is a gift. Sometimes, however, a particular home situation and a specific pet aren’t the right match — and that often isn’t discovered until the pet has already been taken home. As heartbreaking as it is, returns do occasionally happen.
🐾 Adoption Attempt #1
Last week, a very kind family from Tuscaloosa adopted Pearl. They adored her — even their chickens loved her! But Pearl was still searching for the people she once knew. As an owner surrender, she needed time to bond and understand that this new family was now her family.
Unfortunately, she was not kept indoors and there was no fenced yard. Twice she wandered off in search of familiarity, and twice good people helped get her safely back. The adopter realized that their setup wasn’t ideal for Pearl, and we respect their honesty and care in returning her quickly and safely.
🐾 Adoption Attempt #2
Because Pearl is such a favorite at the Shelter, Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter launched an urgent campaign to find her a more suitable home. The response was immediate — within hours, Mary-Kate and her little boy were on their way to adopt her.
Mary-Kate has experience with Great Pyrenees and knew how wonderful they can be. We were all thrilled. Pearl would live indoors with their family dog — a perfect plan.
Sadly, the resident dog did not adjust well to sharing their home. Mary-Kate tried everything—patient introductions, positive encouragement—before making the compassionate decision to return Pearl. She even gave Pearl a warm bath and returned her with tears in her eyes.
We are grateful to both families for putting Pearl’s wellbeing first.
⭐ We are 0 for 2… but the game is far from over!
Pearl is a loving, loyal dog who has been the center of attention her whole life. She deserves a home where:
✔ She is allowed indoors
✔ She has a secure yard if she goes outside
✔ The family is committed to helping her bond and settle
✔ Other pets are introduced thoughtfully and gradually
Shelter life is safe, but it is not a substitute for a home where she can rest, play, and love freely.
🐕 Tips for a Successful Match
To help reduce stress for all animals involved, we recommend:
• Introducing new pets to resident pets in a neutral location first
• Allowing several short, positive interactions before bringing the new pet home
• Considering a short-term foster period when travel or compatibility is uncertain
• Providing indoor comfort so newly adopted dogs can bond securely with their new family
Pearl is worth every ounce of effort. She just needs someone to give her the stability and love she craves.
❤️ Pearl Still Believes in Her Forever Family
This beautiful, gentle girl is still at the Shelter waiting to give her heart to the right person — and we believe that family is out there.
If you or someone you know can give Pearl the loving, safe home she deserves, please reach out:
📞 Call: 864-907-0014
📍 Visit: Fayette County Animal Shelter – 635 McConnell Loop, Fayette, AL
📩 Email: FayetteFOTAS@gmail.com
💬 Message us on Facebook: Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter
Please share Pearl’s story — the more people who know her, the faster she finds home.
Thank you for helping us help her. 🧡🐾