Rescuers celebrate Mr. Pickles

Thursday, the people who saved a dog's life came together to celebrate it.

A group of people just doing their jobs on a day in May not only saved a dogs life, but proved that life can go on and that hope is possible.

Chatham County deputies were called to a home in northern Chatham County for a welfare check back in May. When they arrived, they found the homeowner deceased. They also found three dogs inside.

But one dog stood out.

The dog, later named Mr. Pickles, was trapped in a closet beneath 12 pounds of matted fur. And a protective cone had become embedded in his neck.

When deputies brought Mr. Pickles to VEG ER for Pets in Chapel Hill, emergency veterinarian Dr. Anna Taylor was the only doctor on duty that night.

"It was honestly the most shocking thing I've seen in my career," Taylor said. "I couldn't even see where his face was. I couldn't see his feet. He was completely matted."

Taylor immediately became emotional, knowing this dog had been through so much.

"I think he knew, in some way, that we were there to help," Taylor said. "He never showed any form of aggression towards us, he was just really scared."

At one point, Taylor said it was all hands-on deck to help Mr. Pickles. Everyone pitched in, trying to shave away the 12 pounds of matted fur. It wasn't just Taylor and the veterinary staff-- even the deputies who brought him in put on gowns and helped clip away the mats.

"At one point, it almost seemed like it was going to be impossible," Taylor said. "We used almost every set of clippers in the hospital. They kept breaking, so we had to rotate them."

Everyone in the room was emotional, but no one gave up.

Taylor said she believes they were meant to help Mr. Pickles that night. In an emergency veterinary hospital, she said there's always another patient coming in, another emergency, and the phones are constantly ringing. But that night was different.

"The entire 12-hour shift, not a single phone call came through," Taylor said. "All of the time we had that night was dedicated to Mr. Pickles."

Mary Lucas, founder of Longleaf Animal Rescue, said Chatham County Animal Control contacted her and asked if she would be willing to take in the dog. At the time, she knew nothing about him. And since then, it's been a long road.

Lucas said the first few days were spent quietly earning Mr. Pickles' trust. She would toss treats across the room, letting him come to her. She didn't try to pet him; she just gave him the time and space he needed to feel safe again.

She said one of the first things Mr. Pickles trusted again wasn't people, it was other dogs. Today, he loves being around other dogs.

Looking back at where he started, Lucas said the transformation has been unbelievable.

"He was quiet, very shy. His tail didn't wag," Lucas said. "Now, his tail is always wagging."

When it came time to name him, Lucas said a trip to Costco inspired the name.

"It's a funny story. I had just gotten back from Costco, and I had this giant thing of pickles in my fridge. I was stuck on what to name him and I was eating a pickle and I was like, Mr. Pickles."

Lucas said if there's one thing she wants people to know about Mr. Pickles, beyond his incredible resilience, it's that he was loved.

When Mr. Pickles story first spread on social media, Lucas said many people were quick to judge his owner. But she hopes people will look beyond the heartbreaking condition the dog was found in and recognize that the situation reflects a larger mental health crisis.

"Somebody at one point was in crisis and could not get the help they needed, and that is something that is tragic," Lucas said.

Lucas knows its possible to have compassion for Mr. Pickles while also recognizing that his owner was someone who needed help, too. 

Today, Mr. Pickles has a second chance. Surrounded by people who fought for his recovery, Lucas said he is ready to find the forever home he deserves.

If Mr. Pickles' story inspires others to help, Lucas said Longleaf Pine Rescue and other rescues are always looking for foster families, volunteers and donations.

"Without donations, we couldn't have done what we did for Mr. Pickles and what we're continuing to do for Mr. Pickles," Lucas said.

Lucas said she is grateful to everyone who stepped up to help.

"I am really grateful for everyone that stepped up in our community. This was not just me fostering...it's a huge team effort."

Anyone interested in fostering, volunteering or making a donation to help animals like Mr. Pickles can contact Longleaf Animal Rescue through its website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for support.