Merlin's Story

Home

Our Mission

HB Video

The Sanctuary

Map & Directions

Available Goldens

Adopting

Adoption Application

Fostering

Surrendering Your Golden

Donating

How You Can Help

Volunteer Application

Shop Our Golden Mall

Membership

Events

Golden Stories

Newsletters & Articles

Junior's Blog

Pet Resources

Contacts

Email Us

Merlin

Farewell to Merlin - January 29, 2004
Despite all the well-wishes and support Merlin received, Merlin lost his brave fight with cancer on January 29, 2004. He was just three years old and was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with this mom and Homeward Bound siblings. In his short life he had many adventures but none compared to the thrill of finding his forever home and knowing what it was like to be a beloved family dog. He truly appreciated his second chance at life and lived it to the fullest. Though not rich in worldly possessions, Merlin's wealth was in the friends he made and the people who loved him. He will be missed by many and leaves behind a legacy of courage and determination.

His golden sister Sandi preceded him in death on January 26, 2004. Merlin is survived by his mom, Lynn Pihera; brothers, Bud and Spencer; sister, Sadie and countless friends.

Services where private and in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.

Cancer Treatment for Merlin, November 2003

Dear People,

They call me Merlin, like the magician. Nothing magic about me, just a dog nobody wanted. When I finally ended up in doggie jail I figured my suffering was over, I heard the other street dogs talking about that needle they put in you and all your worries and cares are over. The Warden said I wasn't adoptable, something about a lump on my back leg. Well, yah, it was hurting something awful. Lets just get on with it and let me go, not like anybody cares anyway. Oh no, just when I thought it was going to finally be over, here comes some goodie two shoes from Golden Retriever Rescue.

First thing they do is haul my sorry butt off to the vet. I get a needle all right but only to sleep while the doctor removes the lump. Biopsy comes back and sure enough, big bad lump is cancer, no surprise there, now maybe they will just let me go. No such luck...they come up with the bright idea to remove my leg, only before that happens they find a lump on my front leg. Surprisingly that lump was not cancer and I hear everybody talking about how they are going to save me. Yup, just what I didn't need to hear! So what if I am a bona fide Golden Retriever - doesn't mean I want to be rescued, nothing about this life has impressed me so far. I do have to say the bath felt really good, brushing may have been nice too if it didn't pull my hair so much. Nice folks, they just don't realize they got a loser on their hands.

Now I am in what they call a foster home, must mean a place where dogs not good enough for a real home go. There are other dogs here and you aren't going to believe this, they like me! I get to live inside, where it is warm and I get two meals a day. If this is a foster home, I can only imagine what a real home must be like!

Now I have a big problem - my foster mom loves me! Yup; I heard her say it and she wants to do what ever it takes to keep me alive. There was a time when I would have laughed this off. Imagine, somebody loving me! Now I hear that there are other people who also love me and want me to live. Wow, if this is really what life is about, maybe I ought to rethink that checking out thing.

My foster mom took me to a place called UC Davis. The other dogs there were really surprised to hear I was a rescued dog, they thought only cherished family members where allowed there. My doctor wasn't surprised to see me and he treated me just like all the others. He said if I had a series of radiation I could beat this cancer thing and best yet I get to keep all my legs! Then he told my foster mom it was going to cost about $3000.00. When we left she was really sad, I thought she would be happy I had a chance to live, sure can't figure people out! That's when I found out there wasn't $3000.00 laying around for me to use.

Here is where you come in. In order to beat this cancer thing, I need these treatments and that means that thing called money. I don't have any of that stuff, I understand only people get to have it, so if I could, maybe borrow some, I would be really grateful. You see, now I know what it is to be happy and most of all, to be loved, and I have decided I really do want to live; I want to live for as long as I can.

Sincerely,
Merlin

Sweet Merlin

Update December 29, 2003

Dear Fan Club,

Thanks to you, I was able to have my radiation treatment. Boy, was that an experience! Worst part was that I couldn’t have breakfast. Now that I am learning what it is like to be a loved family member, meals are very important to me. My foster mom would drop me off at the hospital on her way to work; then pick me up on the way home. Would you believe she even packed me a lunch that I could have after my treatments, this love thing sure is wonderful! I just know that I am going to be totally cured. When my foster mom would pick me up in the evenings, I was so excited to see her; I couldn’t wait to tell her all the things I learned and how nice everybody was to me. My treatments were over just in time for Christmas and you are never going to believe this; I got Christmas presents. The other dogs I live with were really excited and it was so much fun to watch them play with their toys. I am not sure how to play with my toys, but I sure like having them. All this time I thought Christmas was only for the people.
I am so grateful for all the money you have sent to help me. I don’t know how I will ever be able to pay it all back. I still owe about a fourth of my bill, but the hospital says I can make payments. I was hoping they would let me wash dishes instead, that would have been fun! I will keep you updated on my adventures and new experiences.

Your Friend,

Merlin


	7495 Natomas Road, Elverta CA 95626 \| TEL 916-655-1410 \| FAX 916-655-3410 \| 501(c)(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID #68-0442702