[kaylynn143]

Two weeks ago tomorrow Merlin went to the Rainbow Bridge in my loving arms. He had a short battle with liver failure...two weeks of being off his food and not quite himself when we found ou that his liver was giving out. We thought that he would have a few more months with me to be spoiled, but he went down hill Very quickly after the liver biopsy. He only had one 'bad' night that I feel he suffered...letting me know that it was time for him to go and be with Harley until I can meet them at the Bridge.

I am thankful that he didn't suffer for long or very much, but I miss my big magical Merlin sooo much. Draining the fluid from his abdomen and the prednisone did not help as we expected. He only had one troublesome night but it was more than I was willing to subject him. He passed to the Rainbow Bridge in my loving arms...his eyes calm, no fear or confusion in them...knowing the love and care that any rescue animal is so grateful to receive. He had a short 7 years on earth, but his 6 years with me were better than I could have ever asked for.

I will miss his terribly and will cherish the time that I did have with my 'heart dog'. He was one in a million. He opened doors for me that are beyond what I ever would have imagined. He led me into the pet therapy family that has been so rewarding for both of us. Going to the mall to promote the Humane Society and their wonderful Pet Therapy program. Visiting veterans at the VA, students at the university, sitting in the laps of the kids at Chileda, and of course proudly prancing his way though a few Oktoberfest parades. He loved all the attention and sitting on feet, being as close to a humane as he could get made his little nubbin of a tail go nuts. However, his biggest 'job' was just being my therapy dog. Following me where ever I was...looking to me when he was unsure...The big, bad, vicious evil scaredy dog that he was. He exposed me to the world of herding and although his body couldn't handle it, it was amazing to watch a dog experience what he we meant to do...he never looked so ‘right’. We explored the realm of agility where I was bitten by the agility bug while he did agility just to make me happy. Enduring class after class and even competing a few times. I will treasure those agility runs that he ran clean...if not slowly...AND without peeing in one of the tunnels. :o) ...he really did do it just for me. We had just started learning to be a tracking team...and he had a knack for it, unlike his handler.

We both grew into the beings that we were meant to be through our time together. He made me get out and experience things and meet people that I never would have with out him on the other end of the leash. He gave me confidence, determination, and the joy of watching simple things…playing in water, running full out for the first time in his own yard, grumbling at foster dogs and teaching a few good dog manners, herding airplanes and geese, chasing off trains and protecting the world from the vacuum. The joys of being a dog.

He made me proud to be owned by a Rottweiler, opening a dialogue with people who didn't like the breed...until they met him. That big ole head under their hands before they knew it, wiggling body leaning into them and usually a big rottie rump resting on their feet. His fan club kept growing and growing…educating people, healing some hearts, spreading smiles and making new friends along the way. Of course his biggest fan was me!

Love ya bubba! Mum