Animal Rescue

Recently, I have had the opportunity to spend some time in Dallas, Texas!!  I had some free time one day and decided to visit some animal shelters in the area!  It was so astounding to me how many animals do not have homes, there were literally thousands!  As I walked through the aisles it was heartbreaking to see so many animals that have been mistreated, starved, abandoned, or surrendered.  I couldn't seem to get these places off my mind when I got home.  I decided the next day to make one last stop in Irving, Texas to visit the animals there.  My mom and I talked about the possibility of one day finding the perfect addition to our family and one our current Shih Tzu, Reno, would love.   We have thought many times after the loss of our beloved Dugan of owning another dog, but never took the idea that seriously until we met Dallas! We saw her and fell completely in love!  Dallas was super shy and very leery of humans, her coat was extremely matted and she just curled up in the corner of her pen shaking.  Little did we know under her matted coat, she was terribly skinny and malnourished.  Needless to say, she now lives in the Pearce household with her new sister Reno!

After her first haircut.  She didn't enjoy it too much. 

It has been so rewarding to see the transformation Dallas has made since her adoption.  When we brought her home she seemed apprehensive about everything. She had separation anxiety and was fearful of men.  Her first appointment to her doctor revealed she was suffering from a ear infection and required steroids and antibiotics for treatment.  It was a trying first couple of weeks, but was completely worth every second because now Dallas is a playful, vibrant, and healthy puppy.

She loves car rides :) PS: I am parked in my driveway, not driving! 

Miss Dallas is so energetic and seems to run everywhere.  Her favorite toy is an empty water bottle.  She makes so much noise for hours biting and chasing the bottle around everywhere.  When she isn't running around playing, she loves to cuddle.  It was a shock when we first got her because she would crawl on my chest and sleep there for a long time.  When she sleeps at night, I think she has some pretty crazy dreams because she will bark and growl like she is chasing something in her dream.  It's the cutest thing EVER!!  Another cute quirk of her's is that she loves watching the computer! When I'm on the internet blogging or scrolling through Pinterest, she tries to follow the mouse across the screen and bite it!  I am having so much fun with her and I am so glad we made the decision to rescue. :)

Yes, she's sleeping. Lol

(Excuse my no makeup face.  That's how I am 85% of the time.)

Following videos will not play on mobile devices

Here is Dallas trying to capture the computer mouse... (Sorry for the poor quality,  it was taken on my phone)

Here she is playing with MY water bottle.  I guess she thought it was her's...

Thanks everyone for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Miss Oklahoma USA/Teen USA Workshop

       For all who are interested in competing for the title of Miss Oklahoma USA or Miss Oklahoma Teen USA, there is an opportunity to learn more about the pageant as well as receive some helpful tips from the experts!  Vanbros and Associates is presenting the Reach your Goal Workshop on
Saturday, November 7th, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Riverwind Casino and Hotel (1544 State Highway 9, Norman, OK 73072)

       This workshop is featuring several guest speakers including Alex Miller, Miss Oklahoma USA 2015!  I will also be there! Alex and I are looking forward to answering any questions you may have about competing.  In addition, there will be presentations by several experts in the field of pageantry.  Brian Attebery will be there to speak about physical fitness and the importance of leading a healthy life style.  Serendipity Prom will showcase some of their stunning evening gowns and offer any styling advice questions.   Kim Forsyth Pitney will be available to give walking and modeling tips, and can schedule personal time if you desire.  You will also enjoy an Interview PowerPoint Presentation by the one and only, Valerie Hayes, leading pageant interview coach!

The cost per contestant is just $35 and includes one guest!

Please arrive 15 minutes early to pay at the door, (cash or check only)

Bring or wear a pair of heels!

To RSVP please call the pageant office at (913)381-7121

I hope to see you there! I am looking forward meeting all of the contestants as well as prospective contestants.

Sincerely, 

Cherokee Dawn Pearce

Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Wings of Hope Metamorphosis Fashion Show

       October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

       This blog post is dedicated to spreading awareness about domestic violence along with a personal story.
       I had the opportunity to speak at the Wings of Hope Metamorphosis Fashion Show which was such an honor!  Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services provides comprehensive and confidential services to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking. and child abuse or neglect.
       Many of you don't know but my Uncle Wayne Pearce was a victim of domestic violence and was killed by his girlfriend.
He was such an incredible person!  He was outgoing, so full of life, and missed terribly by all who knew him. He loved spending time with family, fishing, and going to the beach.  He was a devoted father, brother and a son. He certainly did not deserve to be taken from this world in such a brutal way.  He was only 29 years old when he was killed.

        We love and miss you always Uncle Wayne!  This post is dedicated in your honor!

     
       It is important for me to educate people on the signs of domestic violence and here they are...

       I ask you to please encourage men to seek help, most of the time these instances are not reported because men sometimes feel embarrassed that they are being hurt by a woman.
If you know anyone that is a victim please speak up, you could be saving a life.
If you are a victim, here is a 24 hour helpline, (405)624-3020

Thank you Tres Jolie for dressing Alex and I for this event!

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

Miss USA Homecoming!

       As many of you already know, Olivia Jordan (my pageant big sis) won the title of Miss USA 2015!  Her Homecoming Week was the first time she was able to travel back home to Oklahoma since she won Miss USA!  She immediately was flown off to New York City the day after she captured the title and moved into her new apartment that she shares with Miss Universe!!

       I was lucky enough to attend a few of Olivia's Homecoming events, so here's the scoop:

       The first event I was able to attend was Olivia's first homecoming party at the Riverwind Showplace Theater in Norman, OK!  I was able to catch up with some former Miss OK USA's and Miss OK Teen USA's which was so fun!  There was also an Olivia Barbie cake (that was way too beautiful to eat), a DJ and h'orderves.

YUM!!

Terrible quality, but I love these two <3

With Haley, my Miss OK Teen USA Roomie!! :)

SO happy Allison Brown (Miss Teen USA 1986 from Oklahoma)  joined us!

Former and current Oklahoma Titleholders 

        The next day, Alex (Miss OK USA) and I attended the OKC Jazz Fest and listened to some incredible music and had a great time jamming out to some good ole Jazz music!  Olivia had the opportunity to speak at this event and talked about her duties as Miss USA and the causes that she is passionate about.  Olivia is such an incredible role model and the epitome of a Miss USA.

       On Thursday night, Olivia finally got to have a homecoming celebration in Tulsa, her hometown!!  Alex Miller and I attended this amazing event at the Woody Guthrie Museum!  I love museums and history so I loved checking out their new exhibit.  It was such a pleasure joining Olivia's family and friends to celebrate her big win!!  Everyone is so incredibly proud of Olivia for all that she has accomplished thus far in her reign.  It's only the beginning and I can't wait to follow the rest of her year (and hopefully another year as Miss Universe!)

With my director, John Vannatta! 

Of course we had to take a goofy one! Hehe :P 

       To see more of Olivia's Homecoming, here's a video...

Thanks for reading! <3 

Sincerely, 

Cherokee Dawn Pearce

Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015

New York City!!

      Wow!! New York City was such a blast!  This was my very first time in New York City and it was such a fun adventure!

       The first thing in my agenda was the Sherri Hill New York Fashion Week Show!  At the Miss Teen USA Pageant I was one of the winners for the Sherri Hill Fashion Show along with Miss Arkansas Teen USA, Miss Kentucky Teen USA, Miss Missouri Teen USA, Miss Pennsylvania USA, and Miss Vermont Teen USA.  We had the opportunity to sit front row at Sherri Hill's show!!  The show was absolutely flawless and the designs were incredible, just as expected!  I enjoyed every second.

       After the show, a lot of us Teens went out to dinner at Junior's for some amazing burgers, milkshakes, and desserts.  Everything was so tasty!  Melanie (CA Teen), Caroline (KY Teen) and I got to know each other so much more and really bonded this night at dinner.  I seriously couldn't love these girls more!!

       The next day Christina (MO Teen) and I had such a fun day together!  We went to a diner for breakfast and then made our way to The American Museum of Natural History.  (That's when I got to experience the subway.)  All I have to say about that is, "WOW!"  The museum was SO amazing!  I am such a history nerd so museums are like a playground to me.  We both learned so much about the world and America's history.

       After spending several hours at the museum, Christina and I walked around the upper west side and found a pizzeria (YUM!)  I can definitely say that New York City "pies" are the best I have ever had.  To work off the pizza we ate, we went shopping!  We found some amazing deals.

       Later that night I met up with Olivia Jordan, Miss USA!  (I never get tired of saying that.  Lol!)  We went to Serendipity and caught up on each other's lives over some Frozen Hot Chocolate (again, YUM!)  I had a blast hanging out with Olivia and getting some great life advice :)

       The next morning I had the opportunity to shoot with the AMAZING, Chad Cosper!  It was so fun working with Chad, the photos turned out great!  I am so grateful he took the time to shoot.

       That was the last thing on my agenda, so then it was time to head to the airport to go back to Oklahoma!  My New York City experience was so fun and super eye opening!  I can't wait to go back!!

Thanks everyone for reading!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Dawn Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015