Pearl’s party for future pets
HERALD PHOTO BY BARBARA BEAN-MELLINGER
Port Charlotte resident Pearl Slishman, center, holding puppy, asked guests to to bring gifts for cats and dogs instead of her for her ninth birthday party, held at Franz Ross YMCA. Pearl’s mom, Jackie, is in back next to Pearl’s stepdad Benjamin, holding a bag of dog food.
HERALD PHOTO BY BARBARA BEAN-MELLINGER
Pearl Slishman, her stepdad Benjamin, and Animal Welfare League volunteer Steve unload the shelter’s gifts from the car. Friends brought the donated gifts to Pearl’s ninth birthday party.
HERALD PHOTO BY BARBARA BEAN-MELLINGER
Pearl Slishman stands in the lobby of the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County on June 4, with her “birthday gifts” for the animals.
HERALD PHOTO BY BARBARA BEAN-MELLINGER
Pearl Slishman’s ninth birthday cake carried a picture of her at the zoo, with a giraffe peeking over the fence.
HERALD PHOTO BY BARBARA BEAN-MELLINGER
Even the chocolate candy pops, which Pearl Slishman and her mom, Jackie, made for ninth birthday party, were in the shape of animals.
For most kids, inviting 25 friends to their birthday party means presents, presents and more presents — the latest toys, movies, music — whatever their wish list holds.
For Pearl Slishman, who turned nine on May 25, her birthday party on June 3 meant presents, presents and more presents for the dogs and cats at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.
