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Nacho
First Adoption of the Year!
Nacho, the goodest chow mix with the baddest rap sheet… Picked up as a stray, Toronto Animal Services (TAS) couldn’t understand why his family wasn’t looking for this happy, handsome boy.After being overlooked on the adoption floor with no future home in sight, TAS reached out to us for help. We thought we had the perfect home for Nacho. The resident dogs met Nacho and all was good until they got home. Things went south fast and he was returned to the shelter the following day.
The second adoption also lasted barely 24 hours; the shelter received a call about a loose dog and soon discovered it was Nacho. This adoption was an “impulse buy”, but sadly a report was filed justifying the decision to not reclaim Nacho. With these strikes against him, TAS felt it best to deem Nacho as “rescue only.”
Back at TAS, the combination of Nacho’s good nature and bad luck made him a staff favourite. Their behaviouralist evaluated Nacho and reported that he was a great boy with no issues. Nacho’s behaviour was exemplary, so much so that he continued to be a TAS greeter/tester dog for their new arrivals. He was happy and safe there, but now because of being unadoptable to the public, he truly needed our help. Merlin’s Hope continued to network Nacho, looking for good fosters or adopters while keeping in touch with the shelter.
Even though the lack of a suitable foster had prevented us from pulling Nacho, our focus was very much on finding that perfect home for him. Merlin’s Hope filtered through several emails, messages, and applications to no avail. Then we received a lovely inquiry accompanied by a great application – it seemed too good to be true. The interested couple lived 8 hours away in New York, but were coming into town for a weekend away. They committed to meeting Nacho….but not necessarily to adopt him. We all went to the shelter together for a quick meet and greet before they headed to their hotel.
Nacho literally made a grand stand entrance as he pranced in carrying his favourite spotted cow stuffie, like he knew exactly what he was doing; he closed the deal with several doggy kisses and a slap-happy wagging tail. Nacho had his future family at hello.
They enjoyed their time in Toronto and barely discussed the adoption because it was a done deal from the second they met him. They did take a minute to call their groomer and to book their new dog in for a spa day. It was a fantastic weekend! We could not be happier for Nacho, now named Brooklyn, also for the opportunity to work with TAS again, and to meet such great people, now new friends. Congratulations to all!
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Truffles
Happy Monday! Happy Adoption!
A wee growly chow puppy landed in our local shelter. She was incredibly cute with her downey soft coat and tiny little paws but already had a big bad attitude! Anyone who saw her would likely want to adopt her on the spot based on her adorable looks. Thankfully, the diligent staff are well aware of the breed, and made sure she had the best chance of becoming a great dog by contacting us instead.
As expected, she received exceptional care and training while in our care. Truffles quickly learned lunging and biting was not acceptable behaviour, nor was snapping at other dogs for food. Now, she waits for her treats while sharing space with other canines and people. The dogs she lived with taught her good social skill including how to play respectfully.
Her first foster mom desensitized her at the vets office where she worked, so Truffles spent time impressing everyone with her patience and quick learning skills. She was growing into a confident but sensitive beautiful pup. She was also settling into this household whole heartedly and the thought of moving her on was becoming increasingly hard.
Her first heat came early, delaying her spay which meant more time attaching herself into our pack. This little fluff ball could only go to an exceptional home where I would continue to follow her progress.
My best friend who I trust to care for my chows whenever I’m away expressed interest in adopting her own fur-baby one day. She had been waiting patiently for at least a year for the right dog to welcome into her life. Since she lives out of town, she moved into our home for three weeks, one of which we were gone. Tina truly loves my chows and each of their “chowy” characteristics. Of course she adored the little munchkin who warmed up to her quickly, and even gained her trust! I watched them walk together and often overheard their their conversations, albeit one sided lol….
So who better to adopt to than a chow chow approved doggy-sitter and trusted friend?!
Truffles spay is scheduled in December. Until then, she is happily living with her forever mum and has become a welcomed member the family. She’s already adjusted to a new routine, enjoys sleeping on her pink fluffy dog bed, tired from all the extra walks and attention.
We couldn’t be happier knowing she’s going to enjoy summer camping, lots of hikes exploring beaches and trails, or sitting in cafes where she is already popular and most welcomed.
Truffles quickly become a princess in her community admired by all, and treated like royalty when given the chance.
Congratulations Tina, I’m happily replaced by your new best friend! Congratulations Truffles, you are set up for such an amazing life, we are super happy for you little girl! -
Moochi
Moochi & Joey were surrender to the shelter together. Joey needed medical attention right away so was pulled immediately and Moochi join him the following week. (After being neutered) Moochi loved playing with his brother….but was NOT a fan of his new foster brother. This led Moochi to a new foster home… or more accurately, homes. His time is split between the city and a waterfront cottage. His routine is filled with meeting people, lots of walks, car rides and adventures.
He is kept busy and tired!
It’s clear he enjoys this new routine but what’s even clearer is how much his new mom enjoys having a fur-buddy to share her life with. Moochi has perfectly fit into her schedule and lifestyle. The two are happy and Moochi is “having a blast”!
Congratulations Moochi..your foster mom is your forever mom because she loves having in her life! -
Joey
When we went to the shelter to assess Joey, he came out to the common area with a wagging tail, happy to meet us. His poor eyes were dripping wet and looked very sore. It was clear he urgently needed entropion surgery so we pulled him on the spot. The next call was to our vets for the soonest available date. Joey stayed with his foster mom and met his new temporary brother, Teddy the Chow. The two boys got along okay even when Joey banged around with a cone around his neck when his eyes were healing after surgery. Once the cone was off and life went back to regular walks, foster mom and her boy realized it was really nice having Joey around and both would miss him dearly if he left. So, it was decided, Joey must stay as he was already a welcomed part of their family.
Congratulations Lise, Teddy & Joey, keep enjoying those lovely walks together! -
Theadore aka Lord Wellesley
Theadore was destined to die in a small wire crate in horrible conditions. A rescuer posted him appealing for help to find a foster and financial aid for his care. Two rescues worked together and saved him. They made sure his multiple medical needs were met and after a year of treatments and slow recovery, he was finally on the mend. Unfortunately, he laid around depressed and barely moved. Other rescue dogs tried to engage with him but he acted like they were invisible. The poor guy had given up.
One of the rescues reached out to us for help. We took him in. He cried a lot in his first foster home, even when foster mom skipped work to walk him all day….Sadly, nothing stopped the whining, it was heartbreaking. Theadore was returned to our immediate care where he would hopefully find comfort amongst the five chows. It helped a little but he still whimpered, was grumpy and clearly unhappy.
Things immediately changed when his new foster…FOREVER Dad came to pick him up. Literally….he scooped him up in his arms and put him in the back of his vehicle. I was shocked because he let out a warning growl when we tried previously.
Off they went with a busy day ahead, in and out of the car and each time, Theadore was lifted up into Daddy’s safe arms.
Finally they arrived home where he met the rest of the family and his fur-sister for the first time. Immediately, Theadore claimed a bed, made friends with everyone including his sibling, but best of all, he stopped crying! It gets better… In days to come, we received a video of him running! He was actually playing a game of chase with Lady Kensington! This was a completely different dog.
Poor Theadore stunk and it was getting worse. Yeast was so bad he had to be shaved and endure medicated baths several times a week. Daddy took great care of him but a round of antibiotics, probiotics and diet change also helped.
Theadore’s new name is Lord Wellesley and though he and Lady Kensington make a lovely pair, our boy is truly in love with his new Daddy.
Congratulations Lord Wellesley, you found your Daddy and are finally happy. -
Sophie
Another Happy Ending!
A shelter in Quebec reached out to us
for help with another female who landed in their care. The staff contact, was very invested in the well being of the last dog we pulled from them and was hoping for another successful outcome.
We have a few applications on file, most have current pets looking for a friend but this cutie needed to be an only dog.
One approved applicant had enjoyed chow-love for over 9 years until her fur baby passed. Now her home felt too quiet, empty and a bit lonely. It was time to add a furry friend back into her life. Sophie and our applicant seemed like the perfect match.
Instead of moving Sophie to Mississauga, we took a less stressful approach and arranged a meet and greet directly with the shelter.
The day they met, Sophie put her best paw forward and won the affection of her new Mom! Together they left the shelter and headed home! The first day/night, Sophie happily settled in and enjoyed a quiet nights sleep. The next day she wasted no time asking for attention and belly rubs. Sophie’s met several people and has been an absolute “gem”. She’s perfect except not being dog-dog friendly so her mom will have a bit of work ahead of her, but this sweet furry friend is definitely worth the effort! The house is once again filled with the fabulous love from a chow as is her heart. Congratulations Sophie and her new mom! -
Honey
Best way to kick off a week! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
Honey was picked up by Animal Services emaciated with a severe urinary tract infection and diarrhea. She weighed a mere 9kg! She was so weak, she could hardly walk. They put her on antibiotics right away and contacted us for help. Together we got some of the basic vetting done such as blood work and vaccines. There was a kennel cough outbreak in the facility that delayed our visit but gave her time to build her strength up. When we arrived to assess her, she met us with an affectionate wagging tail. Unfortunately we were full and couldn’t pull her until we found a reliable foster. The pressure to move her became critical as her name was on the euthanasia list but we were determined to make something work. Honey had a guardian Angel, a past adopter agreed to temporary foster her. They definitely got more than they signed up for….Honey started her heat! Thankfully they endured, and several weeks later she was spayed. (They managed to survive the cone of destruction!) Once healed from her surgery, she would be ready to find her forever home….except she was already there. Life with Honey was as sweet as it can bee but this little household star already had a new name, Ginger! Congratulations Ginger, you will be forever treated like a movie star! We are grateful for the support for this lovely little girl and thrilled she’ll always have exceptional care! Congratulations! -
Chance
BEST WAY TO START THE WEEK! Chance is HOME!
Chance, what an ironic name for this poor boy. Late December 2024 a benevolent social worker reached out to us regarding a chow when the elderly man she was checking on needed to be hospitalized. An ambulance arrived and intended to drop Chance off at the shelter on their way to the hospital. When the paramedic tried to help him into the vehicle by coaxing him with food then pushing his back end up, he nipped her hand. Animal Services were called for assistance and deemed Chance aggressive as they too had difficulty lifting his rear up and into a crate. As a result, they put him on a bite hold for ten days and scheduled him to be euthanized immediately after.
The social worker followed up with the shelter and our rescue hoping for a miracle. This was a 10 year old dog, grossly neglected with a bite against him.
His life with his owner likely started off pretty well but sadly deteriorated over time. He went several days without food, his water source was a broken toilet bowl, there were no signs of dog dishes or time outdoors. Chance had no choice but to use the very small living space as his bathroom and sleeping area. He had a piece of a blanket and leash matted into his fur along with urine and feces. This poor dog had huge bald spots where fur should have naturally been. The shelter’s vet suggested he had dermatitis or alopecia and noted how thin his body was. The vet also noted how aggressive Chance was as did the shelter staff when we followed up.
Once Chance’s bite hold was over, we acted quickly to ensure his safe release. We arrived at the shelter hoping they could put a harness on him before he left. No one was comfortable handling him in that manner and Chance wasn’t exactly making a good impression on anyone. The girls had serious concerns about my safety managing him and gave me every guilt free reason to just walk away… even encouraged us to go for lunch and think about it. We left but didn’t feel good about leaving him there even though we still hadn’t met him. Respecting their advice and experience we concluded that; if Chance actually got into our car… but was as difficult and unadoptable as they claimed, we would feed him a delicious roast beef dinner and humanly euthanize him with kindness and dignity.
Chance did get into our vehicle but neglected to show us any signs of aggression! Instead, Chance tried to show us what a good boy he was by leaning in for attention, pawing us for pets and patiently waiting for his leash to click on. We gave him a couple weeks to show his true “aggressive” nature, but he poured on the charm wagging his bald tail non stop. It wasn’t easy for him at first. He wanted to be outside but with no fur coat, he was freezing and whined….Chance got a fancy new jacket. Initially he rationed his food by dumping his bowl and hiding it under his blankets. When it kept getting cleaned up and fresh food appeared regularly, he finally stopped and only buried his chewy bones. Chance met several people who dropped by, greeting them with the same happy wagging tail and often offered “Chance hugs”. He walked like a dream prancing happily along clearly enjoying the outdoors. Everyone fell in love and hoped that someone would give Chance a chance.
We did everything we possibly could to make his life better from a well needed bath to nose to tail vetting. His skin is fine, it was was scrapped and tested and with excellent nutrition, his fur is visibly growing in. Chance had a major tooth pulled during his teeth cleaning and blood rechecked. His only, and biggest problem was, he was desperately lonely. He whined to be petted and was torn whether to enjoy the outdoors or our company. He needed more…and deserved more…..and now he has it all.
A previous adopter just lost her beautiful girl unexpectedly leaving her devastated and bewildered. Her empty home was a constant reminder of how lonely life is without your best friend. She reached out to us and asked if it was too soon to consider another dog. We replied, “the best way to honour a dogs life, especially a rescues, is to open your heart and home to another dog in need. You’re not replacing your dog, your honouring your dog, expanding your heart and filling it with love”.
We discussed Chance knowing she followed his story and had a huge soft spot for him….but it was still early and there were many things to consider especially with an older dog.
After many texts, calls and messages, we knew Chance was pulling at her heart strings. We as a rescue committed to supporting him financially for any major vetting for whatever time he has left to enjoy his new life.
Saturday morning Susan picked up Indy’s ashes and brought her home full of mixed emotions. That afternoon, Chance walked through her door and right into her heart.
After a nice walk, he curled up on his dog bed and had a very peaceful nap…he was relaxed and exactly where he was supposed to be. In case Susan had any doubts, they faded quickly when she received her first Chances hug.
Thank you Indy for giving your mum signs to move forward…she is in good paws, he will take care of her.
Congratulations Susan and Chance who rescued each other.On a side note, Chance’s previous Dad is still in the hospital. He asks about his dog and has been assured he is in the best care.
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Lovely
Happy Ending for lovely Lovely!
A dedicated employee from a shelter in Quebec reached out to us for help with a chow. She came into their care from a puppy mill right after having a litter of puppies. Her name was Lovely. She was described as a shy girl who liked cats more than people or other dogs…although clearly she won the heart of the staff who advocated for her. When Lovely arrived into rescue, we knew immediately she was going to live up to her name! The perfect home was already anxiously awaiting for a chow who would be happy to share space with their two cats.
Lovely, now named Pepper met her new “Mom & Dad” and within minutes gave them kisses. She settled in quickly and they love her to bits! Congratulations Pepper and your new family! -
Seth
Happy Adoption! Seth & his new family!
The Kingston Humane Society reached out to us when a chow was surrendered to their shelter. Apparently his previous owner’s work schedule changed, leaving Seth alone for 14 hours a day and complained that he was destructive in the home. The KHS took great care of this boy until he was safely transferred to us. In our care, Seth was a happy energetic boy who desperately needed to learn leash manners. He learned quickly, eager to hear what a good boy he was. He even played gently with his stuffies.
A lovely couple who have been patiently waiting for the right dog to fit into their family, hoped it would be this delightful guy. They quickly contacted us for an update and followed his progress. Seth was nothing but love, and these folks had a ton to give. It was an easy adoption for a sweet boy to move into a chow loving home. Seth will never be left alone for extended hours but instead enjoy wonderful walks, a basket of toys, lots of cuddles and people who can’t get enough of his goofy attention. Congratulations Seth and your new forever family!
