Merlot

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Updated 9/23/06: Merlot had his follow-up visit with the vet. His second urinalysis showed “low specific gravity” and no sign of blood in the urine, all great news. His Lyme treatment is complete, and all seems fine health wise with this happy guy.

He now goes on bike rides with his foster mom, running ahead on his leash as she tries her best to pedal as fast as Merlot runs. When Merlot feels tension on the leash, he shifts into lower gear so she can keep up. He spends hours at the front window, on the lookout for the occasional frog or lizard that crosses the front walk. Merlot loves running through bushes, hot on the trail of various critters. He also LOVES swimming and fetching sticks. Recently he visited a nearby lake where he ran in and out of the water, retrieving sticks for an hour. He is always ready and waiting for a game of chase, tug-a-war, or fetch. He also really likes to “dance” with people.

Merlot now has the whole house to himself when left alone. He does not get into any trouble whatsoever in the house. He barks when people come to the door but is otherwise a fairly quiet pet who sleeps contently next to his companion, with one eye open, always ready for a spark of action.

Merlot walks or runs around with a constant “smile” on his face and a constant wiggle in his tail. He likes carrying balls and an occasional stuffed animal around in his mouth. One of his favorite pastimes is to sit close to his people, listening intently as they tell him what a good boy he is. Merlot is one sweet, action-loving, people-loving dog. He will be the perfect companion for a family who wants a dog to share active, leisure activities with them and who will love on him at the end of each and every day.

Original: When Merlot’s owner failed to pay the dog license fee, a New Jersey shelter took him in, and from there, he moved right into his foster home. He weighs 46 pounds, all of which is muscle and enthusiastic energy. He was recently neutered and is recovering beautifully. He tested positive for Lyme disease and is presently on a 30-day course of antibiotics for treatment. At his vet exam, bleeding from the penis was also noted. A urinalysis showed some irregularities which could be related to the Lyme disease. It is hopeful that the Lyme treatment will clear this up too. A retest will be done in a month to determine if additional meds are indicated.

Merlot is an energetic and loving dog. He would likely enjoy agility training as he loves to run and jump and be involved with people. He knows the commands for “sit,” “stay” and “come.” He loves to chase and carry balls and stuffed animals in his mouth. His tail is always wagging. He accepts correction happily, with his tail still wagging. His eyes seem to say, ” OK., I’m sorry. Now, what shall we do next?”

Completely housetrained, Merlot has not had any accidents in the house. He doesn’t counter surf or beg for food. He probably could be trusted to stay alone with full run of the house; however, his foster family crates him when they leave because he doesn’t mind sleeping in the crate and he has a tendency to sleep on couches whenever given the chance.

Merlot would like nothing more than to spend his days chasing squirrels, birds, and any other moving objects. When he’s not running after things, he loves to sit next to, or on top of, his human friends. He also loves to lay stretched out on his back – best way to get a good tummy rub! When Merlot first arrived, his family thought he was extremely hyper, because if you even looked at him, he would jump up, run to you, and wanted to play. Now, it is evident that while Merlot is always ready for fun, he is also capable of relaxing. If a person simply ignores Merlot, he will calm down and lay quietly. He’s always ready for action but is content to just be around people. He has been good with all people and dogs he has met since in foster care. He allows his food to be handled and is completely non-aggressive. The 4-year-old limit with children is only due to his energy and enthusiasm and a thought that he might accidentally topple smaller kids.

Merlot LOVES riding in cars. He even likes just sitting in cars. The other day, his foster mom let him into the garage to get a drink, leaving the door back into the house open. Then she continued chores. After about 15 minutes, she went to check on Merlot, since he had not returned from the garage. She cracked up, laughing hysterically, because there was Merlot, sitting up nice and straight in the driver’s seat of the station wagon. Mind you, the doors were not open. He “let himself in” through an open window. He continued to sit there, as if waiting for a driving lesson. His family travels with all dogs in the rear of the station wagon. Merlot has been fine with that but, apparently, he’d REALLY prefer to do the driving himself.

One important thing to note is that Merlot will run off if he is let outside into a yard without a fence. He just wants to follow all those good smells, even if the chase takes him into neighboring yards. While he may, or may not return when called, he does come back. Because of this, Merlot needs a house with a yard or a family that will take the time to train him to stay in the yard.

Merlot is a bundle of sweet, energetic love. He does not know that he is looking for a forever home, because he loves where he’s at and whoever he’s with, whatever he’s doing, and whenever he’s doing it. He is a wonderful companion and has much to offer everyone!!!