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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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Keeva
Keeva’s Happy Ending!
— or perhaps better-named New Beginning — is simply that. This beautiful young chowette was an owner surrender who arrived at Merlin’s Hope a little leery, but quickly blossomed into a social butterfly. Full of puppy energy and waving her gorgeous plume of a tail, she was soon ready to find her forever home.
“When one rescue passes, they open a spot for another dog in need, just as they once were.” This rescue adage is certainly the case in Keeva’s new home where prior adoptee Sheen-waz had recently passed away. Her two dads needed time to grieve, but soon knew the emptiness in their hearts could only be filled by another rescue chow. They reached out to Merlin’s Hope and were immediately smitten by Keeva!
Starting at the meet-and-greet, Keeva attached herself to her new people and was happily ready to go and get settled. Her dad phoned in while Keeva (now Nalanda) was checking out her new residence. During this call, Nalanda picked up a toy and offered it by placing it gently in his lap. A little gift or perhaps a thank you message…
Congratulations Nalanda and Dads! -
Luna
A Happy Ending is a great way to start a week! We’re Super excited to share Luna’s story!
With Luna’s stunning Lilac- pinkish coat, it’s not surprising that she was bought to be bred. It was a twist of fate that landed her in a shelter after her owner became disabled. Sadly, her belly was full of puppies and were ultimately aborted during her spay. Five months later, her time there was up and she was next on the euthanasia list. We were contacted by a volunteer group whose mission is to save dogs at risk. They did an incredible job communicating information and arranging transportation from Quebec to Mississauga in lightening speed.
When Luna arrived, she darted out of her crate like a bullet and there was no getting near her. She hid under a chair and growled the moment you got close. We managed to secure a leash on her to take her outside for potty breaks.
Her coat looked as wild as she was in full blow mode. Dark tear stains ran from both eyes and a lump of stool hung from her pants. It took several days and gentle attempts before we could get close enough to her to at least remove the dried poop.
Every day we pulled her out from her safety zone under a chair and walked her around the yard. She came out to eat when nobody was around. We sat in the room with her and eventually removed the chair. In time, she learned to trust us, but the big challenge was going to be getting her to trust someone else. It wasn’t going to be easy so we constantly introduced her to new people and places trying to build her confidence. Luna would only let a very select few touch her making her less adoptable.
A promising application came in so Luna joined us for the home visit. A few days later, they came over with their daughter who took Luna for a walk. I knew then, Luna was likely going to bond with this girl. Though she was excited to meet Luna and welcome her into the family, she strictly followed instructions, stayed calm, relaxed and didn’t push this very scared dog. They were all willing to be patient and understanding of Lunas fears. Luna, was doing her part also! She did her very best to trust, and bravely sat next to her new friend. If that wasn’t a bright sign…less than a week later, she was giving her favourite person her famous Luna hugs! She made it clear, she was in her forever home. Congratulations Luna and your very sweet family! -
Duffy
WOOHOO! Happy Adoption!
Duffy was saved from a life of neglect. Animal Services pulled over 30 chows from a hoarder’s home. Some lived their whole life inside a crate while others such as Duffy had a room to move around in. None of the dogs were walked, vetted or fed properly. We committed to helping a few and CCRCNY committed to helping the rest of these poor dogs.
Unfortunately Duffy tested positive for hook worms and had a gapping gash where her spay incision was. We treated her, and the rest of the household dogs and healed up her opening. After several visits to the vet, she got a clean bill of health, so she was ready to move on.
A couple who adopted from us in the past, missed their beloved chow after she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Their application was perfect, they were chow savvy, lovely people with great knowledge. We always try our best to get good dogs into good home, and Duffy is a great dog and this was a great home. The oversight was, Duffy came from a hoarding house of 30 chows, landed in a home with a pack of five then moved on to be the only dog. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize, she needed to be with other furry friends.
This is exactly why it’s important for us to match up people and dogs correctly.
Duffy did not want to leave her foster siblings, she was happy right here. We could not afford to get it wrong again and the bar was set impossibly high.
Every application was carefully scrutinized including this last one. I expressed a concern I had, and was ready to move onto the next family when the applicant’s response made me pause. Her explanation was honest, and she had a corrective plan in place. What jumped through the phone, was her positive energy.
We decided to do a meet and greet. I was still leery until we were about to say goodbye. She got down on he ground and Duffy squeezed in under her arm, her big male under the other. She was in her glory so we decided to go inside. This gave her partner a chance to fall further in love with Miss Fluffy Pants…the dog he already told the neighbors they were adopting. She snuggled into him for all the attention she could get while their handsome boy sat patiently and watched without a care.
After a few more meets, walks and cuddle time not to mention the many messages of heartfelt excitement, we let her go to her forever home with paws and fingers crossed. We were kept updated with photos and positive messages. If this amazing home didn’t work, Duffy would stay with us forever…it couldn’t get better than this. By day three, Duffy knew she hit the jackpot. She was enjoying the many walks, cuddles, premium food and her new fur-brother was fun to play chase with in the huge backyard! Life just got a whole lot better for this incredibly sweet little girl. Congratulations Duffy, you will never be neglected in ANY way ever again! Enjoy your adorable new family. -
Dolly
Dolly was a senior girl who looked decades older than she likely was. She appeared completely shut down and defeated at the back of her crate in the shelter. The wounds and scars on her body told story of a rough, hard sad life. Riddled with so many issues and looking so broken, she was close to being humanly euthanized out of compassion. We agreed to take her pending the vets assessment. Once we had the go ahead, her spayed and dental were scheduled. After surgery, Dolly was left with 14 out of 42 teeth because they were either rotten, cracked, or had exposed roots. 16 weeks later, she underwent entropion surgery.
We placed Dolly in the best foster home where she would receive incredible care. Her red raw ears got better with medication, she had her first bath to wash away the smelly past and was able to sleep in comfort with her very own stuffy. Everyone routed for this sad girl to feel joy, and she did. Slowly she healed, slowly she he came out of her shell and slowly she looked brighter. Not one, but two special families followed her journey and were ready to welcome her into their lives. It came down to her being an only dog. We felt certain Dolly had shared enough of herself with other canines, and now was the time to lavish in all the attention by herself. Her new family was thrilled and couldn’t wait to meet her. They didn’t hesitate to drive from Nova Scotia to Ontario when they got the news. Dolly landed in a dream home with gentle caring humans. They loved her well before they met her. This old girl has blossomed into a beautiful healthy Pei, who knows what it is to be an important member of a family. Congratulations Dolly and our new family…enjoy living your best life ever!
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Jasmine
Jasmine landed in our rescue because she badly beat up a smaller resident dog over a treat…not once but twice. The little dog needed extensive medical care and her owner was heartbroken. Jasmine’s vet recommended euthanizing her and an appointment was booked. Poor Jasmine had no idea how upset she made her parents. Right before her appointment, Merlin’s agreed to take her into rescue.
She was an absolutely lovely girl. A very pretty girl, sweet as she could possibly be…especially after we got her groomed. Sadly, she desperately wanted to go back to go home to her family. While in rescue, she did enjoy MANY long exhausting walks and much attention, but nothing stopped her incessant stress. She panted, barked and cried day and night. Weeks passed and she still hasn’t settled in. Her previous parents emailed regularly to check up on how she was doing. One day they called and could hear her barking in the background. They were already missing her and hearing her broke their hearts. It was an emotional decision to let her go. They asked for her back. We discussed what happened, and what measures would be in place to make sure it never happened again. They agreed to keep Jasmine and the little dog safe especially with treats. Jasmine couldn’t be happier to see her parents again. It was a joyful reunion. Poor Jazzy was exhausted from being away from her family and slept peacefully the whole ride home.
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Havoc
Havoc and his siblings were dumped loose in a remote area by a puppy mill breeder once they were not sellable. One by one they were trapped, vetted and either adopted or turned over to rescue. Our wonderful transport gal had been waiting for the right chow to add to her family. While picking up his sister to bring to rescue, arrangements were made for a meet and greet for Havic and her girl Fury. Havoc quite liked Fury right away and our transporter fell for his puppy dog eyes the minute she saw him. Needless to say, it was the right fit, and her next transport was bringing her new fur-baby home! Congratulations Havoc, Fury, your new family and home!
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Humbert
Humbert was one of 27 dogs condemned to life in a small crate had the authorities not busted is in a horrendous hoarders house in the USA. Thankfully Humbert was only a puppy and will quickly put his sad life behind him. A volunteer transported him to the boarder where we met him and his new future family. They are previous adopters who missed their beloved chow Mandy immensely. After her sad passing, and much time to heal, they felt ready to open their hearts to another pup in need. Humbert was definitely in need. He has no idea how lucky he is to call this incredibly sweet family, HIS! Along with a new home, and a new life, he has a new name.. Aramis. Congratulations Aramis and family to a happy future together!
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Ben
Ben was one of 27 dogs seized in a horrendous hoarding situation in the US. This poor boy lived his entire year and a half life in a crate with no exposure to the outside world. A volunteer transported him to the boarder where we met him for the first time. Ben stayed curled up in the back of his kennel, smelling foul, covered in his own waste. Thankfully our benevolent groomer squeezed him in right away. His filthy matted coat was shaved away…along with his pitiful past. Ben was immediately welcome by one of our amazing previous adopters. Sadly they recently lost their big beautiful beloved boy to bloat. Their hearts were crushed, their home seemed empty and they both felt lost. They understood what broken felt like, so when they saw the defeat in Ben’s eyes, they knew he needed them as much as they need him. Together they will mend, grow and bond. Ben has a safe happy and patient place to learn how to be a dog…. His family have the most irresistible sweetest boy possible. His teddy Bear looks have earned him a new name, Yogie Bear. Enjoy your new life little one…a Happy Ending for all, congratulations.
