Pickles is my soul dog, and he has taken care of so many humans and animals. He comes to work with me at a pet crematory, and he helps comfort grieving clients. He also lets scared, abandoned cats know that everything is okay. He gives them space and lets them come to him.

Pickles had a mass in his large intestines, near his colon, that ruptured. It caused bacteria-filled fluid to leak into his abdomen and contaminate his organs. He was in the early stages of going septic. He was in so much pain, but he didn’t want to give up — he was clenching his eyes shut, trying to push through it, shaking and whining.

The emergency doctors told me he only had 24–48 hours to live. I was going to choose euthanasia because I couldn’t stand the thought of him leaving the world in pain without eating his favorites.

Pickles told me he wasn’t done. So we chose to fight with him. This is my job to be his voice, his protector, and best friend.

He needed emergency surgery to save his life, and he made it through.

Post-op, the first 72 hours are critical, and after that, it’s day 5 that's the real test (when stitches/sutures melt away).

Pickles is now recovering with close monitoring, medications, and post-op care. The cost of the emergency visit, surgery, ICU stay, and follow-ups has been overwhelming, so if you’re able to donate or even just share, we will be forever grateful.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and keeping Pickles in your thoughts. ❤️