With a crushed heart, Tiffany Merrill, a mom of two and a North Carolina resident, shared on Facebook her feelings about her dog’s heroic act which led to his demise. She said that her family is grieving over losing their beloved pet. The tiny Toy Poodle perished after saving them from a 200-pound bear that intruded into their home in the Black Mountains.
The tiny pooch may have just weighed five pounds, but he never backed down. His courage and loyalty made it possible for Tiffany to escape without any injuries.
A cherished family member
Pickles joined the Merrill family four years before the tragic experience. Tiffany’s daughter, an adorable little girl named Emily, quickly fell in love with the small black pup and gave him his name. The two became best friends, and the dog became the young girl’s shadow. He would follow her wherever she went and join in whatever she was doing.
They could see that the young pup was very loyal and protective, and this was ultimately proven one early morning.
Tiffany shared on Facebook what happened that fateful day.
The unlikely hero
Like any other day, Tiffany opened the door to their backyard at six in the morning to let Pickles out to do his business and walk around. The homeowner left the door open so that the dog could go back in when he was done.
However, just a few minutes after Pickles went out, a huge bear started lumbering inside their home. Tiffany was shocked and started yelling. She told her kids to run away. In the meantime, the bear focused its attention on the frantic mom and darted toward her.
Tiffany froze in fear and thought it would be the end of her life. But suddenly, Pickles appeared and went between his owner and her attacker. The dog barked furiously, and it got the wild animal’s attention. The brave pup then ran outside the house, with the bear following closely.
Unfortunately, the wild creature caught up and caused Pickles severe injuries. He died on the way to an emergency clinic.
Tiffany credits Pickles for saving her life. If it weren’t for the brave dog, the bear would have killed her and her kids.
Source: Tiffany Merrill via Facebook