Meet Merlin

Merlin has one mission in life and that is to cuddle.

If he isn't in your lap, he's hugging you.

Lucky for him, he's the perfect compact size to do both.

It's hard to believe this is the same dog who was failed by people more than once.

After ending up in a shelter, Merlin's owner chose not to reclaim him because neutering meant he could no longer be used to produce puppies for profit. He was later adopted, only to be neglected, starved, and left living in a kennel soaked with urine, his coat stained from being forced to lie in it.

And somehow...

None of that changed his heart.

Whether he's quietly working his way into your lap, wrapping you in one of his signature hugs, proudly carrying one of his favorite toys, gazing at you with pure admiration, or dramatically launching himself off the last few stairs like he's putting on a performance, Merlin has a way of making everyone around him smile.

The Promise We Made to Merlin

When Merlin came to Made a Promise Rescue, we made him one promise.

No one would ever have the opportunity to neglect, abuse, or take advantage of him again.

We promised him full meals instead of hunger. Soft beds instead of hard floors. Kind hands instead of disappointment.

Most of all, we promised him that the rest of his life would finally match the heart of gold he's always had.

At a Glance

Energy: Low to Medium

Training: Knows the basics, is very food motivated, and seems to understand potty training.

Dog Friendly: Could maybe live a female dog, but would likely do best as an only dog.

People Friendly: Absolutely.

Kid Friendly: Unknown.

Cat Friendly: Unknown.

Personality

Merlin is, quite simply, a lover.

He has mastered the art of looking at you like you're the greatest thing that's ever happened to him. Those soft eyes somehow manage to say "thank you" without saying a single word.

Merlin doesn't just enjoy affection. He wants to be part of it. If you're sitting down, he'll happily climb into your lap. If you're standing, he'll lean in for one of his signature hugs. He's always looking for a way to be just a little bit closer, and he's convinced there is no such thing as too many cuddles.

When he's not soaking up affection, you'll often find him proudly carrying around one of his favorite toys. He's just as happy entertaining himself with a toy as he is cuddled up with his people.

He's affectionate, goofy, incredibly sweet, and almost impossible not to fall in love with.

In the Home

Merlin has settled beautifully into his foster home and thrives on a predictable routine.

His days are filled with all of his favorite things. Rolling around in the grass with his belly pointed toward the sky. Proudly carrying his favorite toys from room to room. Finding every opportunity to climb into a lap or wrap his people in one of his signature hugs.

One of his funniest little quirks is running down the stairs, then skipping the last couple with a dramatic leap like he's just stuck the landing in an Olympic gymnastics routine.

With Other Dogs

Based on what we've seen, we think he'd likely enjoy being an only dog. He could maybe share a home with a calm female canine companion.

With People

Merlin has yet to meet a stranger.

He happily accepts love from everyone he meets, although if his foster mom is nearby, she's still his first choice.

What's most remarkable isn't that Merlin loves people.

It's that he still does.

After being used, neglected, and starved by the very people who should have protected him, Merlin still greets the world with trust, kindness, and an open heart. His ability to forgive without hesitation is something truly special.

He is resilience wrapped in fur.

With Kids

We don't have firsthand experience with Merlin around children.

With Cats

We don't know how Merlin would do with cats or other small animals.

Training & Care

Merlin knows some basic commands and is very food motivated, making him eager to learn.

He also seems to have a solid understanding of potty training and has done well following his foster home's routine.

Ideal Home

Merlin simply deserves the life he should have had from the very beginning. A family that adores him, welcomes him onto the couch, returns every hug, tosses his favorite toy across the room, laughs at his dramatic stair performances, and never lets him wonder if he's loved.

We have a lot of lost time to make up for, and Merlin is more than ready.

A Note from the Foster

The more time you spend with Merlin, the more you understand why he's become a neighborhood favorite.

People genuinely get excited when they see him and go out of their way to say hello. It's impossible not to fall for a dog whose entire heart is focused on loving the people around him.

Promise Pup Highlight

Merlin is either in your lap, hugging you, or proudly showing off one of his favorite toys. There really doesn't seem to be much in between, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

The Promise Moving Forward

We promise Merlin a life full of everything he was once denied.

A full belly, a home overflowing with love, a yard where he can roll in the grass, a toy box that's always full, and a family whose heart matches the one he's so freely given despite everything he's endured.

We'll keep that promise until the day he finally goes home.