Some sad news to report in Missoula this week - the Humane Society of Western Montana has revealed in an Instagram post that Pearl the Beagle, a beloved dog whose story made the rounds on national television, passed away this week.

Here's what they posted on Instagram:

Pearl's story is an inspiring one - she came to the shelter in 2018 and was severely overweight (you can see it in a few of the pictures they posted). She couldn't walk, couldn't exercise, and all seemed lost... until one of the shelter employees, Jessie, decided to take Pearl in herself.

Thanks to her regimen of exercise and healthy snacks, Pearl lost 32 pounds, and her story caught the attention of Good Morning America. Pearl was 12 years old when she appeared on the show.

Pearl was also featured in People Magazine due to her epic weight loss journey, and even got the chance to meet Will Smith!

The loss of Pearl has been deeply felt by the Humane Society, and there is an outpouring of love in the comments of their Instagram post. Some didn't know her but are inspired by the story; others have seen Pearl walking around town, telling stories about meeting her at First Friday and other outdoor events.

One commenter mentioned that they would be donating to the Humane Society in memory of both Pearl and her own dog who recently passed. If you'd like to do the same, you can visit them at their website.

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