When Animal Control picked Ollie up off the streets of New Jersey he had a horrible and painful tumour hanging from his eye. Upon further vetting they found another apple size tumor inside his eye. The Liberty Humane Society removed both tumours and gave him some much needed TLC. This gentle bundle of wrinkles would not be adopted out easily simply because he was old and blind. So of course we stepped up. When he arrived, it was immediately determined that his good eye needed entropian surgery right away. Ollie made an impressive recovery and was zipping around with his foster brother and sisters in no time. They say that timing’s everything. A very special lady who has adopted 8 rescued dogs from us, mostly either blind, seniors, or challenging Shar Pei’s had recently lost one of her angels making room for another dog in need. Just reading about Ollie and seeing his cute photos posted on line was enough to help mend her broken heart. So as fate would have it, they met during a visit to Montreal. Maybe Ollie knew something we didn’t. He nuzzled right up to who would be his future mom, leaning on her wherever she sat…There was a connection she couldn’t deny. Blind little Ollie waltzed into her heart and home joining his two sisters Moo-Shu and Nena in what will be a the best days of the rest of his life. “One angel doesn’t replace another, it just expands your heart.” (Erica Jong) Congratulations beautiful sweet family with ginormous hearts

Nasty, dirty, matted, and incredibly painful are a few words to describe Jack and Jill’s coat when they were surrendered. The shelter did the humane thing and shaved them immediately. Jack’s skin was crusty and itchy, both felt greasy so off to the groomers they went to be bathed and pampered. A good diet and constant brushing helped their skin and growing coats. Feeling better was a start but they had many challenges ahead and so did we. Adopting them out together was going to be tough and we along with our loyal followers did not want to split them up. Jack and Jill were wild on the leash, excited by every smell, sound and movement. Jill had major trust issues particularly around her head, doorways and small spaces. Both worked hard at learning house rules, leash rules and good doggy manners. Jill worked even harder at letting her guard down to trust people. These two little chows had everyone routing for them. Little did they know, their forever parents were following their journey and already smitten. After a couple visits, adoption day arrived. Jack and Jill were happy to see them, hopped in their vehicle and never looked back. They arrived home, and by everything they did, they communicated loud and clear, they were HOME, Happy and Grateful. We’re thrilled to have helped these two special little dogs stay together and find the best people to care for them and love them Forever! Happy Tails and a new beginning to you Jack and Jill congratulations!

When Sophie was surrendered to a shelter they immediately had to shave most of her coat off due to severe matting. Deemed “rescue only” her options were limited… so we stepped up. She arrived in desperate need of a bath so she was groomed right away which we’re sure made her feel as good as she smelled. This little girl had a nervous bladder. We wanted to rule out the possibility of any underlying disease, conditions or ailments so off to the vets she went. Sophie toughed through several wellness tests including one for a possible UTI and Cushing’s disease. Thankfully her blood panel and all tests results proved her to be healthy….just nervous. Her foster mom knew exactly how to help Sophie cope with the changes until she finally settled in. Meanwhile, her future family patiently waited with fingers and paws crossed that she was healthy and ready to go. The next challenge was if her potentially new doggy brother would approve. For two weeks, “Sophie” became a household name in preparation of the meet and greet. Mom and Dad were already in love, now it was in Rocco’s paws. They met, they walked, they sniffed, he liked her a little too much and she told him so. It was a perfect beginning to the typical male female relationship! Mom and Dad are thrilled to welcome Sophie into their family. Rocco’s minding his manners and Sophie has a forever home. This sweet family is not only picture perfect…they are as kind and dedicated as their fur-babies are cute. Congratulations from all of us at Merlin’s Hope to you Sweet Sophie and your adorable new family.

Bella’s story started when she was surrendered to a shelter in Dubai. Being adopted out would mean once again struggling to survive the desert heat. Bella was lucky to have someone determined to find her a rescue in a country with a cooler climate. Merlin’s Hope was happy to help and equally thankful for a benevolent volunteer who traveled with her. Once safely in Canada, we had her cleaned up and groomed for her fresh new start. This shy little girl was happy to run and walk in the winter cold! A lovely couple and their beloved kitty had been waiting patiently for seven months for a new addition they could welcome into their family…and Bella arrived. Bella will be spoiled with attention and enjoy many long cool walks for the rest of her life! Congratulations little Bella and your new family! Enjoy your winter walks!

Bubba’s owner dumped him off at a shelter in the U.S. where he had little chance of a future. Everything was against him…he’s black, old, blind and almost deaf. Bubba doesn’t know any basic commands, nor does he know he’s different. The shelter’s volunteers reached out to save him because of his sweet demeanor. True to their word, Bubba was a welcomed guest at his foster home. Against all odds, Bubba had the perfect application and we were thrilled for him and his bright new future. BUT, unbeknownst to us, Bubba had already found his perfect home, and made it dangerously clear that he was not thrilled nor about to celebrate. He lasted less than 24 hours and was brought back with his familiar foster pack. His siblings greeted him with excitement and all his furry friends celebrated his return. Bubba is now a permanent resident of Merlin’s Hope and Dawn’s lovely family. Congratulations Bubba, you’re happy, home, safe and LOVED!

Lucy’s owner abandoned her. Thankfully she was left in the hands of someone who cared enough about her to do the right thing and surrender her back to our rescue. It was a hard decision since Lucy won his heart, but long work hours and circumstances prevailed. Still young and as beautiful as ever, Lucy caught the eye of many admirers. The right fit was with an equally young and beautiful gal who was looking for a partner in crime. Together this duo will jog, hike, walk and travel. Lucy has met her match and we look forward to following their adventures. Congratulations girls! We couldn’t be happier for you both!

One of the worst cases of neglect the vet has ever seen regarding this dogs eyes. Poor Mooshu suffered for 9 years of being bred almost to death before her owner surrendered her to rescue. Weak, blind and shut down, Mooshu could barely walk when we accepted her. Upon medical assessment, it was determined she needed at least a month of good care to build up her body strength before considering surgery. Not only did she get excellent care in her foster home, but enough love to build her confidence up as well.
Once her body and spirit were ready, Mooshu was scheduled for entrophian surgery, spay and to have a tumor removed. Again she needed rest to recuperate. Her foster Mom was anxious to get her home and start caring for the girl who was once terribly broken. She watched her heal, inside and out. Her coat started to shine, fur grew in, her eyes opened and she could see. Mooshu was happy, pain free and had a reason to live…to give her foster Mom love filled thank-you’s for the rest of her days. Thank-you foster Mom for being a “foster-failure” and winning the trust and love for this desperately needed girl. A true rescue story and happy ending for one little dog.
Happy adoption day…

Animal Control was called to pick this boy up after he bit someone in the face. He was scheduled to be euthanized in ten days. Echo took that time to prove to the staff that he was a good boy… and he succeeded. However, He was still deemed “unadoptable” so they contacted several rescues but his bite history made his chances slim to none. They reached across the boarder and we agreed to give him a chance. While in foster care, Echo continued to work his charm, this time on his foster Dad and a pretty female chow named Gaia. The two were inseparable and for the first time, Gaia had a playmate. Foster Dad finally had his “fun-dog” and threatened to stop rescuing if Echo left. Don’t worry, we’ve taken three more dogs in need…I was out numbered 4-1, Echo’s staying. Foster Dad and Gaia are happy, Echo’s happy and I’m happy helping chows. Echo still has no idea how hard he bites but we’re working on that. He rarely air snaps now… now that he has his forever home. Congratulations Echo, you’re officially part of the pack!

The Human Society was called to pick up Bruno and his girlfriend. Together they resided at the shelter for the next six months while Staff patiently worked with them to help make them adoptable. They also
diligently tried to find them a safe place in Rescue for a hopefully future. We suggested they split them up for a better chance of adoption and they did. Finally we committed to Bruno and shortly after to his friend Zooey who quickly found her forever home. Bruno however was a senior male making him a less appealing to adopt. Life so far has been about abandonment. His original owner left him, the shelter staff come and go, his girlfriend disappeared…he put on a tough face, but he was scared. He walked proud on a leash, but over reacted when seeing other dogs making his adoption option even slimmer.
Good thing he’s as cute as a button. When his new family took one look at his photo, they knew he was their boy. Before he could be adopted, Bruno needed his teeth cleaned and sadly a few pulled. His new Mom and Dad anxiously waited. When it was time to go, it was a family affair. Bruno got a big welcome and a perfect start to his new life. We’re happy Bruno has a perfect home, his own bed, yard and best of all his own people! Finally he has what every dog wants…attention and love. What makes this even more amazing… Zooey’s only 10 minuets away! Congratulations To Bruno-Bear…you are finally are home.

Zooey’s owner died and left her and her brother in the care of someone who clearly disliked and disowned them.  By the time animal control was called to “take them away” they were pretty neglected and wild with fear.  A staff member at the shelter was willing to give them a chance and they came around.  For six months, staff searched for a rescue where they would find them safe happy homes.  Merlin’s Hope stepped up and was thrilled to introduce a wonderful lady who was waiting for a special companion to this sweet girl waiting for a forever home. Zooey will have all the attention and love she deserves and will give it back to her new Mom with puppy dog eyes and dedication.