When we first met Chilli, we saw a very scared girl who had zero trust in people. Unfortunately, her inexperienced owner inadvertently enabled this by “protecting her” from strangers. We worked with the owner and Chilli for weeks, educating Chilli’s mom and exposing Chili to simple challenges like walking outside on a leash and visiting the local feed store. In January she had entropion surgery and was spay. She healed well but was still a nervous wreck around people. It was heartbreaking to watch, but past her eyes, we could see a smart girl hiding behind all that fear. Despite our efforts, she was still getting very limited exposure to the outside world.
In the best interest for this dog, and financial challenges, it was decided that Chillis greatest chance for a bright future was with Merlin’s Hope.
One of our trusted and experienced foster homes had room since the sad passing of her beloved Octavia …a Merlin’s Hope alumni.
Chilli moved in, shut down, refused to eat and was clearly out of sorts. All three resident male dogs gave her the space she needed but let her know, she was somewhere safe. Once she settled in, the goal was to help her cope with new people, walk confidently on a leash and enjoy being a dog.
Patience paid off but even better, something amazing happened. Chilli came alive and blew an unexpected energy into the otherwise quiet and sedate household. Dogs began to play, toys were being tossed around and relationships were developing in the best ways possible. Foster mom’s heart is full watching all her dogs enjoy puppy-like antics and the endearing cuddles and snuggles. A new routine includes an evening of wrestling followed by mutual grooming…all thanks to the newest addition to the pack, Princess Chilli.
There’s no going back to life without her.
Welcome home and congratulations to the new normal!

A Happy Valentine’s Day Adoption!
At just three months old, we happily welcomed Walter into rescue. Walter White was fearless, full of spunk and eager to explore the world. The one place he explored most often was the vets office. The poor little guy had big tummy issues and bouts of cherry eye. When we finally got him stable, he was adopted by truly wonderful couple. Family complications quickly followed the adoption, and in Walter’s best interest, he was returned.
Back in rescue, Walter quickly settled in with his new foster sister and brother. Life was a party for this pup until he woke up one day pawing his eye. Off to the vet he went, the first of several visits. His cherry eye came back, which was the least of his problems. One eye lid was starting to curl inwards but he was a growing puppy and his eyes were still developing. The prognosis was to lube, administer drops, watch and wait.
Foster mom monitored him like a hawk and as soon as it was determined safe to do so, Walter had surgery.
Meantime, we received a lovely application for him which included photos of their two, stunning shar pei. They became approved adopters for Walter and expected to have their newest family member home for Christmas.
Walter’s eye had other plans. His cherry eye healed nicely but the entropion eye suffered complications. Many more vet visits followed as did the healing process which continued weeks into the new year. Foster mom followed a strict schedule of drops and medication, sending photo updates for the vet’s review. Walter’s potential family also engaged with the updates and fell further in love with their boy they hadn’t even met.
Everyone was routing for Walter’s eye to heal including the staff at the clinic.
Eight long weeks later, the vet preformed a dye test…we held our breath…and it came back clear! Finally we got the go ahead to move him along. What a relief and exciting news for Walter’s new family who have been patiently waiting to meet their pup they already adored.
Today the world celebrates love on this Valentine’s Day. Today we celebrate his long awaited happy ending. For Walter, it’s a new beginning and adventure. His family finally gets to welcome this furry bundle of love into their lives and enjoy cuddles and kisses as if every day were a Valentine’s Day celebration!
He is absolutely the sweetest gift of all!

Bunnie’s story
It wasn’t her time to die.
Dramatic? Nope
…That’s the reality when animals with behavioural or medical issues are surrendered to a certain shelters in Quebec. Dogs in the condition Bunnie was in, definitely do not make it out alive. So how did Bunnie-the Shar Pei survive? Fate, A miracle, A guardian Angel? You decide…..
A woman was going to adopt/save a cat from a horrible shelter but was turned away, because it was close to closing time. As she was heading to her car, this little mess of a dog was being walked towards the door. Bunnie’s owner was on their way in to surrender her.
The kind hearted woman quickly asked about the dog knowing it’s fate would be sealed once inside. …. Yes…The shelter’s dark reputation is well known to locals and rescues.
Her tenacity to save an animal paid off and the person surrendered their dog to her in the parking lot!
Bunnie’s saviour contacted us for help and we immediately stepped up.
Our initial assessment quickly determined she had visibly neglected skin issues, she was grossly under weight, her sore looking eyes needed entropion surgery and her body indicated she’d had multiple litters…she was unfixed.
She arrived near the end of June. Her first day with us was spent at the groomers degreasing her coat and reliving her itchy skin. After a day of rest, she saw our vet for a full nose to tail examination including blood work, stool to check (for parasites), a skin scrap and more.
We began a strict routine of medicated baths every other day for the next three weeks. Her diet changed, she was on several different medications including ear treatments. This poor mess of a girl was such a trooper, every time we thought she was healing, something abnormal would pop up. Our catch phrase became, “Bunnie can’t catch a break”.
She was in and out of the vets for several different issues and endured multiple surgeries…none of which were for her eyes. We had to get her healed up and stable before putting more stress on her tired body.
When we had the opportunity to move forward with her spay and entropion, she had further complications and two extra surgeries.
(One for spay, one for unexpected mass removal, another due to complications of the removal, and finally her entropien)
After four months of intense care, Bunnie made a remarkable turn around. Has it been easy? HECK NO! It’s been exhausting for both of us, physically and emotionally. Has it been worth the hard work? ABSOLUTELY!
Along this medical journey, Bunnie was the most amazing girl with a happy vibrant disposition. During her final healing process, she spent time relaxing in a calm quiet foster home with another of Merlin’s Hope sweethearts. Most folks remember him as “Little Dude”. He was also a medical nightmare, now happy and healthy. Prior to him, they adopted Arielle, who barely survived a puppy mill. This family knew how to care for “special” dogs. Needless to say their devotion helped Bunnie’s transition and her healing process. Along the way they saw how truly how special she was, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love with her gentle soul. They couldn’t imagine Bunnie leaving their family and made it clear she was home for good. We are super thrilled! When we say she hit the jackpot, it is not an understatement!
Congratulations Deborah,Cliff & Little Dude ♥️🐾

Dawn pulled two puppies from the shelter (along with their mom Nell who settled into a foster home). Both pups were absolutely adorable, a ongoing concern and a lot of work. They had some medical issues that were addressed and stabilized but everything takes time. During their stay, she got a personal insight on their developing personalities. They were complete opposites. Both were good loving boys, but Walter was far more vivacious and was adopted into an equally stimulating home. Winston proved to be more of a potato and affectionately earn the nic name, Tato. His calm, carefree character has become a welcomed part of Dawn’s day. Watching him sleep, purr or snore is a therapeutic break that brings a little balance to her otherwise stressful work day. He isn’t broken, she isn’t “stuck” with him, he is not a challenge or work. Tater is simply pure happiness that she most certainly deserves in her life. I can’t imagine a better place for him to be, then at home with his buddies and Mum whom he brings so much joy to. I’m happy to announce that Winston the Potato has already settled nicely in his forever home. He will continue to give Dawn a daily dose of Pei love, and remind her why she continues to rescue dogs in need.