Man Rushes to Shelter to Save Dog with Only 5 Minutes Left

Alan Calimbas, a realtor with a big heart for animals, was heartbroken when he learned about Pearl, a dog facing euthanasia at an overcrowded shelter in Riverside County, California. With the shelter needing space for new arrivals, Pearl was scheduled to be put down the next day. Desperate to save her, Alan contacted the shelter and was given just 24 hours to reach her, no exceptions. Without a transport option, he quickly booked a flight from Toronto to Los Angeles.

Upon landing, Alan immediately rushed to the shelter. The heavy traffic made every second feel like an eternity. He called the shelter repeatedly, reassuring them he was on his way, fearing he wouldn’t make it in time.

With just five minutes to spare before the euthanasia deadline, Alan arrived and took Pearl outside for her first taste of freedom. Her joy was instant—her tail wagged uncontrollably, and she could barely contain her excitement.

Though thrilled to save her, Alan was heartbroken by Pearl’s condition. She was severely underweight and exhausted, yet her eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and curiosity. Alan decided to celebrate her freedom with a special treat: her very first burger.

After savoring her burger, Pearl’s adventure continued at PetSmart, where she explored the toy aisles with boundless excitement. She had never experienced toys before, sniffing everything with wonder. Alan, eager to spoil her, bought every toy she showed interest in.

At the pet-friendly hotel, it became clear Pearl had never known a real home. She gazed at the TV in fascination and cautiously explored the room. When Alan tossed some toys onto the bed, Pearl finally let loose, jumping onto the bed and playing like she had no worries in the world.

For the first time, Pearl appeared relaxed and happy, wagging her tail and resting her head on the bed. The next morning, though a bit nervous, she was ready for her first flight, unaware that she was about to meet her forever family.

At the airport, Pearl’s new family awaited her with open arms. It was love at first sight. The instant they saw her, an unbreakable bond was formed, and Pearl greeted them with endless kisses. Before heading off to her new home, Pearl gave Alan a heartfelt goodbye kiss—a silent thank-you for the second chance he gave her.

Now, Pearl is living her best life with her new family, enjoying hikes, breathtaking views, and most of all, the love she longed for. Each day is an adventure, but her favorite moments are spent snuggling with her humans. Thank you, Alan, for rescuing this sweet girl!

To witness Pearl’s incredible journey, click ‘play’ below!