Merlin is gone...

[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

[AngelBunny]

Merlin was such a lucky dog to be loved, treasured, and cared for by you.

[jlaack]

I am so sorry to hear about Merlin. I hope you will treasure the memories of such a wonderful companion.

[bessy-senior]

I am sitting here at my desk in the office reading your wonderful tribute to your even more wonderful boy.

And I would like you to know that as I am typing this, I am crying away for your loss. I can only imagine the emptiness you feel now that your Heart Dog has gone.

[Denise L.]

Your tribute to Merlin is so touching and I bet he is telling all our other departed friends how lucky he was to have had you.

I am so sorry.

[Bucky's Mom]

I am so sorry

[Burnsway]

Im sorry to hear this.......

[livertw]

Run free, Merlin. You were much loved and will be missed forever.

[Sam's Mom]

My condolences on the loss of your very special boy.
Merlin's magic is still a strong force now watching over you and waiting till the day you are reunited. He was a very lucky boy to have had such a devoted person to call his own.

[bessy-senior]

I read your tribute again to your boy, and suddenly remembered this wonderful poem a friend sent to me. I think it describes perfectly the beautiful relationship you had with Merlin

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.


I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.


Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.


Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.


If, by your love, you've managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

[marya]

What a nice tribute you wrote to your dog Merlin. You really loved him a lot and that counts for a great deal. Its so hard to say goodbye to our furry family. They aren't with us as long as they should be. Merlin touched your life and the lives of others he met. He was an ambassador for his breed, and we thank him for that!

[Inga]

I am sitting here at my computer crying for I so understand the feeling of losing my furry best friend. I know what it is to have that one in a Million "heart dog." I am so sorry for your loss. We are all so lucky to have these wonderful dogs that so many people deny themselves the pleasure of knowing. I am so glad that I found a forum where We can openly speak of the love we feel for these dogs and be understood by others. Rest in Peace Merlin. I hope he is running and playing in fields of flowers with others that have gone on before him. I have no doubt he has a special place in God's heart.

[MaCaNs]

You lost a true champion, my prayers go out to you.

[Rottlva]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your special boy Merlin. While his body may be gone, his memories, skills he has taught you, and relationships he helped you gain will be with you forever. Love is a journey. It has not ended here, rather started a new chapter. Rest assured that he is still with you, just in a different form.....

Also know that with you, many of us shed tears in rememberance of our special rottie friends that have passed. You are never alone in your grief.

[Debbie Ervin]

What a tribute to a wonderful dog! His life on earth was full and he did many things to prove his breed very PROUD! You should be so very proud of him as I know you are. Merlin, I am sure Harley was waiting for you as my Thor was for Ceasar. God Bless you all and I hope yous are all together playing. I am very sorry for your loss of such a special boy. Debbie Ervin