A five-pound toy poodle gave up his life to save a North Carolina family from a bear.
Early in the morning of September first, Tiffany Merrill and her two daughters let their dog Pickles outside, leaving the door open. Then a bear lumbered into their home — and they thought that they would be mauled.
Tiffany jumped behind a couch and shouted to her two children to hide in their bedrooms and shut the doors. The bear then became aggressive and started charging at her; but then, Pickles ran into the house and started to bark loudly. The bear’s attention was averted, and the aggressive animal followed Pickles outside where the feisty dog was severely wounded and died shortly afterwards.
In a Facebook post,Tiffany wrote that “we lost a big part of our family” and that they are “heartbroken.”
Overnight, the heroic exploits of Pickles were broadcast from coast to coast.
Pickles may have been small, but he was a true hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and unwavering love for his human companions.
What’s New…
So sad Pickles died. A true hero <3
God bless Pickles. He lived you with all his heart
R-I-P little Pickles, you’re a true hero…
RIP Pickles you are a brave little soul.
RIP Pickles you brave little boy.
What a brave little dog! Pickles gave his all to protect his loving human family, How brokenhearted they must be. Please always remember that he did what he felt he had to do to save them. He loved them so much! A very special dog!
Love You, Pickles ! What a brave little poodle you are to save the family from a bear attack. If they live in the country, they should not have left the doors open ! This could have prevented Pickles death, the bear would not have become aggressive because the bear would not have enter the house and been in a confined situation.
Re Pickles and the bear. There has to be more to this story that the family is not telling. Black bears don’t just become aggressive for no reason. I’m sorry little Pickles was fatally hurt, but this family did things that are just wrong. First and foremost, if you live in bear country, never just let your dog out (no matter the size) and never leave doors open. If a bear does walk in, yell and make tons of noise. Always carry bear horns and bear spray, too. It’s up to us to be responsible when living around wildlife. That way, all beings are safe.
Thank you, Ali. You are absolutely correct. If people choose to enjoy the wilderness, then they must be prepared to cohabitate with the wild. This poor, little life would not have been taken if people were more responsible and learn to understand and respect nature. Don’t let your pets or your children out of the house unsupervised if you live in bear, coyote, alligator etc. territory. If you don’t want to take a chance of being bitten by a shark, don’t go in the ocean. Simple.
Rest In Peace little one. He loved you so very much. So brave. GOD loves brave little Souls and will keep you close.
To the family who mourns you…don’t blame yourselves…be thankful that the love of this little dog for his family…….Pickles loved you all!
God bless you! My prayers go out to you and yours!
Your stupidity caused your dog’s death. Don’t leave doors open, trash containers available or any other lure for wild animals who already suffer from a lack of food caused by man’s encroachment!
We know a huge mistake was made — our hearts, along with yours, breaks — in the event you adopt another sweet, loyal dog, REMEMBER to HOLD ONTO him/her in the event of an intruder — KEEP the dog away from intruders — this all could’ve taken place very quickly and was a surprise for all, not having time to scoop up Pickles — also, I believe the bear did NOT intend to hurt Pickles, no less kill him — the bear was hungry and looking for food — for the next time, you can have food put aside and available for large wild life who may enter — throw the food in the opposite direction of family members, including pets, and then make a run for it to a safe place, ensuring bear does not re-enter.
PETRA YOUR ABOUT A HEARTLESS BITCH!!!!!!!!!!! DON’T YOU THINK THEY HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH FOR THEIR MISTAKE THEN HAVE SOME COLD HEARTED TRICK BITCH COME IN AND REEM THEM!!!!!! WHY DON’T YA PUT “ANOTHER” DICK IN YOUR MOUTH AND CHOCK ON IT SAVE PEOPLE FROM THE BS SLING YOUR SHIT RIGHT OUT YOUR MOUTH! THEIR BABY DIED BECAUSE OF THEIR MISTAKE THEY KNOW THAT ROT IN HELL COLD HEART $1 STORE WHORE! “YOU” ARE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD TODAY TO BUSY PISSING ON THE NEDDY HEART BROKEN AND UNDER DOGS TO HAVE ANY KIND OF COMPASSION FOR THE SAME! THERE IS A PLACE IN HELL FOR PPEOPLE LIKE YOU!!!!!!! DONE AND DON’T WASTE YOUR FINGERS DON’T GIVE A SHIT WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY IT IS WHAT IT IS “YOUR HEARTLESS TRASH”!!!!!!!
Another idiot making all the excuses in the world for people who should have known better. You are an idiot and learn some proper English!
Evelyn Ball I NEVER Said anything about weather or not they knew better Obliviously they should have known better! My issue is how F’ing Heartless it is to kick a person when they are down for the loss of something so precious because of that mistake THAT IS JUST LOW AS HELL! Let me know when your baby dies so I can kick shit all over your memories How the hell ya think that makes them feel Like I said LOW AS HELL!!! Period Heartless Bitch!!!!!!!!
Heartbreaking. Dogs are so loyal.
Rip liitle one xx
Pickles was a little poodle dog but for me the biggest hero to survive their family. How much love must be in this dog to help the family not getting to death. This I mean is selfless love.
God bless that family for what it went through and most especially for Pickles. Take comfort in knowing he crossed Rainbow Bridge and is no longer in pain. He is patiently awaiting the time when you will all be together…
Sp sorry for your loss.. your baby was a hero.
Pickles was truly a loving hero to your family. I am heart-broken for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Pickles was a true hero!!
God Bless Pickles!
Your dog was truly a hero, loyal to the end. I am so sorry for your loss but glad that you and your children are safe.
RIP little sweetie. You are a true hero!
What a sad story, my thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Pickles, you were a real hero taking care of you humans! I’m so sorry you lost your life!! You will be missed!!
xoxox
That poor dog! It breaks my heart to think how he stood up to the bear, thinking he was protecting his family, when he was really just sacrificing himself. Dogs have no sense of size; it never occurred to Pickles that the bear was hundreds of times bigger than he was; all he knew was that this creature was menacing his family and he had to protect them. There’s a special Heroes Haven reserved for dogs like Pickles on Rainbow Bridge. Only those dogs and cats who have saved their family members in some way are allowed to go there to await their beloved family members. Pickles is there now, young and whole again, waiting to be reunited with his family. For his was a heroic death.
I am so very sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family and just know pickles is watching over you all and he is a hero
I’m 62 yrs old . . . . . . a retired Police Officer . . . . . I’ve seen . . . . and dealt with some stuff in my time . . . you might’ve thought I’d be quite hard ? This story of ‘Pickles’ has had me in tears . . . . . . his unconditional love for his family shone through that day . . . . . what a shame he couldn’t have made it . . . . . what a guy ! ! !
OVER-population > OVER-development > bear defends ITS encroached-upon territory > poor sweet Pickles the PooDoo defends HIS! A well-established pattern of hubris-infested HUMANS ruining Mother Earth and the harmony and balance that COULD be…
Well said! — You hit it right on the nail.
THE DEAR LITTLE FELLOW. HOW TERRIBLY SAD THAT HE LOST HIS LIFE. GOD REST HIS SOUL THE BRAVE LITTLE SOUL.
Sweet, brave Pickles. You will have golden memories of him and how he saved your lives. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sorry for the tragic loss of Pickles. May he rest in paradise at the Rainbow Bridge. We’ve rescued feral cats for many years and lost 5 since Christmas 2017…..due to old age cat illnesses..and it’s heartbreaking. They will be there to greet sweet Pickles….and he is truly a HERO.
I’m so sorry for your loss Pickles was a hero R I P
Bless you Pickles. May the Angels watch over you.
Rest in peace, Pickles.
The sky has lost a star.
God…i dont know what to say because i am crying…the sweet pooch is in heaven now…and perhaps playing with my 3 beloved pets who are also now in heaven..❤❤❤
Rest in peace.
The sky has lost a star.
o very sorry for your loss, Pickles was a real hero!
I could not watch the video cuz I just knew it would stay in my head forever what a brave little dog Pickles was.
Take care Coreen
So sad that Pickles died but so glad you and the girls are alive to remember him. RIP Pixkles
It’s not better that Pickles died over them.
Humans are animals, and no more special than any other creature.
That poor little puppy. RIP Pickles
What a brave little dog.
How there are still people saying that animals are not sentient just defies belief.
Safe journey over the Rainbow Bridge little one.
Obviously animals are sentient. Humans are sentient.
And other animals are obviously sentient. But all life is equal. Sisi ni sawa.
Humans are humans, and no more special than any other creature.
How sad! Poor little Pickles! What a hero!!!!
Precious. Always care.
What a precious little dog. Very sad.
I am so sorry that Pickles is gone from your life forever. He put up a brave fight to protect your family and I know you will always have precious memories of him.
How sad. The dog knew the bear should not have been there. Pickles was very brave, such a tiny creature compared to the huge bear.
God Bless you Pickles! RIP sweetie! Your family is safe and you did that and you will see them again one day! I agree with other comments – a memorial should DEFINITELY be set up in the community!!!!
I hope your community sets up a memorial for Pickles. B. Maurnee
My Heart Felt Condolences Rest Easy Sweet Boy Your Unconditional Love For Your Humans Was Marked Forever On The Hearts Of Your Humans! Prayers And Hugz To The Family He Is A TRUE HERO!
Heartfelt condolences for your loss of Pickles. A true HERO, PROTECTOR & FAMILY MEMBER whose LOVE & DEVOTION knew no end.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
RIP DEAR PICKLES
Sorry your family lost pickles but take comfort in knowing that pickles love you guys very much too, and did his job to protect you guys. Just remember that.
I’m sooo sorry for the loss of Pickles, but he gave his undying love for you and the girls, he will ALWAYS be a part of your life even though his body isn’t here. No one will ever take this unconditional act of love from your memory. I hope your hearts heal from your loss, but you were loved UNCONDITIONALLY!
What a bittersweet story. May you RIP Pickles. You were a great animal.and a true hero besides being beautiful dog. You looked like an Angel.
Pickles went to the beautiful side of the RAINBOW BRIDGE.