She’s a GEM

by Jill Duff-Hoppes

Pearl Stockton looks adorable in a tutu and can twirl gracefully whenever asked.

The petite beauty isn’t a ballerina, though – or a person, for that matter. Pearl is an eight-year-old toy poodle who lives in Heathrow with her doting owner, Julie Stockton. And although the pup isn’t a dancer by profession, she was a scene-stealer in Orlando Ballet’s recent production of The Great Gatsby, an adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Pearl played the canine companion of one of the dancers, performing with panache.

For Pearl, being in the spotlight at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando was quite a change of pace. Her regular gig is working as a therapy dog for Orlando Health. With Julie by her side, the pooch makes frequent visits to Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, bringing comfort and smiles to patients and team members.

“She does a lot of tricks (i.e. twirling) that the kids like to see, none of which she’ll do without food,” says Julie, who always has treats handy. “She’s very food motivated.”

The Reviews Are In: Two Paws Up

When casting the canine role for The Great Gatsby, Orlando Ballet reached out to Orlando Health’s pet therapy program, which in turn asked Julie if she and Pearl would be interested. Julie brought Pearl in for an audition, which the tail-wagging pup nailed. She shared the part with Koda, a Pomeranian who is also an Orlando Health therapy dog. 

Pearl starred in the matinee performances and a VIP dress rehearsal for patients from Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, while Koda appeared in the evening performances.

Although Pearl didn’t have stage fright, Julie certainly did. The role called for Pearl to be carried around the stage in a basket and held in a dancer’s arms as she flitted across the floor. The basket is what gave Julie pause.

“I was very nervous,” she says. “My biggest fear was that she’d jump out. She’s not an actor, right?”

To prepare Pearl for the role, Julie bought a similar basket and rehearsed at home, toting the pup around to help get her accustomed to being carried that way. Julie needn’t have worried, because Pearl performed flawlessly in the show. Although the pooch had only a few moments of stage time, she made the most of it, stealing the hearts of her co-stars and the audience.

“Orlando Ballet really liked her a lot and treated her wonderfully,” says Julie. “They’re all so professional and nice and respectful and hardworking.”

Since Pearl’s stage debut, inquiring minds have been wondering whether more starring roles are in the pup’s future.

“A lot of people have told me to get her an agent,” Julie says with a smile. “That’s not what she does. She’s a therapy dog.”

Spread a Little Sunshine

And she’s a darn good therapy dog, at that. Pearl has the right credentials, including being a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry of certified therapy pups. In addition to her work with Orlando Health, she and Julie visit Seminole State College students, police officers, firefighters, and 911 call-center operators. With her soulful eyes and winning personality, Pearl knows how to brighten anyone’s day. For Julie, it’s especially meaningful to visit hospital patients and lift their spirits.

“They’re vulnerable, they’re sad, they’re scared, and Pearl walks in and their faces just light up,” says Julie. “Honestly, it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, besides having my kids.”

Heidi Gaumet, corporate pet therapy coordinator for Orlando Health, oversees 45 pet therapy teams – including Julie   and Pearl.

“People gush over Pearl,” says Heidi. “She’s just the sweetest thing. She’s so great with every interaction.”

It’s not just the patients who look forward to visits from Pearl and the other therapy dogs.

“It’s so wonderful to see how excited the team members get when the dogs are on the floor and walking around the hospital,” says Heidi, adding that the visits help reduce stress levels of the staff. “And of course, for the patients and the families, the dogs bring them joy.”

For now, Pearl is focusing on her pet therapy work and has put her days in the spotlight at Dr. Phillips behind her. Unless Orlando Ballet comes knocking again, that is.

“If they called me, yes, I would let her do it,” says Julie. “It was truly a privilege to be part of something so special.”

To follow Pearl’s adventures, search for ToyPoodlePearl on Instagram. 

To learn more about Orlando Health’s pet therapy program, visit OrlandoHealth.com/volunteer-services/pet-therapy-program.