The story goes that Merlin’s tail saved him. He was born in South Carolina, and just before his move to the Northeast, he lived in a cage in a barn with a bazillion other unwanted dogs. A dog rescue worker had been through the barn and made a list of the dogs she wanted to pull and send to rescue organizations. Merlin was on another list. The list for dogs to be euthanatized. He wasn’t even a year old. We don’t have the story about how he ended up there. I imagine that he was a handful and just wasn’t wanted. But the rescue worker noticed something about him that she couldn’t ignore.
His tail never stopped wagging.
He was hungry for attention and made it known that he was really a good boy despite his youthful energy and inability to pay attention for more than 3 seconds. She said to herself “I’m not leaving without this dog” as she was finally convinced of his good nature.
She was right.
He was a good and smart dog.
We named him Merlin.
He performed his final disappearing act today.
We’re aware of how lucky he was that day in South Carolina.
We’re also aware of how lucky we were to be part of his act for the last ten years.
“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.” – Aeschylus
Merganser's Crossing 
I’m so sorry for your loss. Merlin was indeed a fortunate boy to have lived with and been loved by you and Brian. As a big animal lover, I am familiar with the pain you are feeling.
Love you, friend,
Glynny
Thank you, Glynny. We move on. It’s the only thing we can do. We’ll continue to love our other animals. Love you.
Reblogged this on Trail Mix and commented:
As a rescue volunteer, stories like Merlin’s always touch my soul.
That he had a second chance is a gift granted by special people. I hope Dianes post inspires others to give another dog a second chance.
You’re so right about second chances, Deb. Thank you for all you do for the animals.
So sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose our pet companions.
You’re so right, Leslie. I’m flooded with nice memories of him, especially when we first got him. He was a ball of energy, but eventually fit right in with us. Thank you.