COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
It's a case of animal cruelty most wouldn't believe.
The people at PETS, Inc. certainly couldn't fathom why someone would intentionally starve a dog in such an inhumane way.
"After 20 years of rescue, we thought we'd seen it all," wrote a representative on the rescue's Facebook page.
Pickles was taken to the adoption center Tuesday night. Someone discovered her with a large plastic jug stuck on her head.
"Someone had poked breathing holes in the bottom of the jug before forcing her head into it. She was being starved to death."
Representatives say by the time she was discovered she could barely stand.
"This is the first time in 20 years we've seen anything like this," said Jane Brundage with the adoption service.
The people who found her were unable to hold on to her or to provide the special diet she will need to help her be able to process food again, so she is staying with PETS, Inc. right now.
"Our veterinarian will see her in the morning and a plan will have to be made to find a suitable place for her to recover. She is extremely weak and can walk for only a very short distance."
The folks at PETS, Inc. hope that someone out there will be kind enough to offer Pickles a foster home.
As soon as Pickles' story went up on Facebook, support started rolling in. Offers to adopt were followed by donations.
Elaine Gillespie put out donation jars at her ad agency. She says she's already brought in more than $700.
"I don't care if it's a Girl Scout troop or another ad agency. Get out there and raise money because it's going to need a lot of help," said Gillespie.
Pickles had her legs back underneath her Wednesday. It was a long way from the pickle that almost took her life.
"She's doing progressively better by the hour, you can just watch her getting better now," Brundage said.
Contact PETS, Inc at 803-739-9333 if you are able to offer her a place in your home.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
This photo was taken a few hours after Pickles received food and fluids. Pickles (Source: PETS, Inc.)
