Amputee Woman From Ohio Adopts A Shelter Cat Who Shares The Same Challenge
Lola Pearl’s heart matches her vibrant personality in every way. This lovely dilute tortoiseshell calico didn’t have the easiest start in life, but her story is truly remarkable.
Born with twisted back legs, she came into the world fragile and in need of someone to give her a chance.
When Juanita Mengel heard about her, she immediately knew this tiny kitten was worth fighting for – and from that moment on, everything started to change for the better.
Mengel’s friend helped transfer Lola Pearl from a Missouri shelter to the Animal Lifeline of Iowa, which focuses on helping animals with special needs.
From the moment Lola Pearl arrived, the shelter staff were determined to find a way to help her.
After examining her closely, they discovered she was missing bones in her ankles, which initially led to the difficult decision to amputate both of her back legs.
It was heartbreaking, but the vets believed it was the only path to a better life for her.
Thankfully, after months of splints and physical therapy, her condition began to improve. To everyone’s relief, they realized that only her back left leg would need to be removed.
For Mengel, who uses a prosthetic leg herself, this felt like it was meant to be. She understood Lola Pearl’s struggle in a way most others couldn’t, sharing:
“She just had to have the one back left leg done. It’s funny because it’s the same leg I had done… They wanted to find somebody that knew about prosthetics, and of course, I’m an amputee that knew about prosthetics.”
For Mengel, choosing to adopt this extraordinary cat came naturally, and she knew in her heart it was the right decision.
A few months later, Lola Pearl joined her in Amanda, Ohio, ready to begin a brand-new chapter surrounded by love and care.
Lola Pearl adjusted beautifully to her new home with Mengel and her six other cats.
Right from the beginning, her mom made sure she felt secure and guided her as she learned to use the prosthetic that allowed her to move with ease, just like any other cat.
Together, they formed a remarkable team – two amputees sharing life’s journey, offering strength and comfort to one another along the way.
When Mengel took Lola Pearl to an amputee conference, it became clear that this cat was destined for something greater. The attention she received was overwhelming, as Mengel shared:
“I took her down there, and she was wonderful. People loved her. They were fascinated that she had a prosthetic too. It was just great.”
It didn’t take long for Mengel to see that Lola Pearl’s gentle and affectionate personality made her perfect for therapy work. Soon after, she officially registered her as a therapy cat with Pet Partners.
With her friendly nature, Lola Pearl began visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and various other places, to provide comfort to those who needed it most. Mengel shared:
“We’ve gone to extended care facilities. We’ve visited people with mental health issues. We’ve done some hospital staff visits… Amazon wanted Pet Partners to come in, and we did a project with them.”
Lola Pearl has a remarkable gift for understanding people’s emotions. She seems to know when someone is feeling low or overwhelmed, and she has a natural way of brightening their day with her presence.
She’s also become a big hit with kids when they visit schools. There’s something about her that instantly calms everyone, from the little ones to the elderly. Mengel shared:
“You can see people’s faces relaxing. It’s very rewarding. I get as much out of it as they do.”
It really makes you think – how many lives could be brightened if each of us offered even a fraction of the kindness that Lola Pearl so naturally shares?
