Merlin

16/11/2018

At Maheno for the weekend with my new gun dog friends!

11/11/2018

Such a happy day being looked after by our lovely neighbours Merryn and Dave!

21/10/2018

Amazing walk up Sugarloaf this morning!

26/07/2018

Merlin enjoyed meeting pet lamb Annie on his visit to Avonlea this week!

11/05/2018

Residents at Admatha loved celebrating our therapy dog Merlin’s 2nd birthday yesterday, taking great delight in admiring his birthday present, a squeaky tiger, which he brought in to show them. A rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” was followed by a solo rendition of “Why was he born so beautiful …” from one of our gentlemen, which was met with much laughter and applause. We share so many happy times here in our home.

12/03/2018

Hi Merlin, lovely to meet you today! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your walk! 💕🐶 Cooper

07/03/2018

It is important for Merlin to have a good balance between his therapy work with our residents and the natural exuberance of a young, energetic dog.
With this in mind we have started Agility training, which is proving the perfect outlet for his energy and drive, as well as great bonding for the two of us as we learn and have fun together.
Yesterday was our third class, and he bounced joyfully around the whole course, including successfully navigating the Collapsing Tunnel, the Hoop and the Long Jump, winning Dog of the Day Award. Not bad for a therapy dog!

19/12/2017

It's all in a day's work for Merlin in his job as the therapy dog at Admatha Dementia Care in Christchurch.
Whether it's dressing up in Christmas outfits to amuse the residents, helping with the shredding up in the office, or hopping up onto someone's bed when they're feeling poorly, Merlin brings smiles and happiness wherever he goes.

11/09/2017

At the Cashmere dog park this weekend Merlin made a rather large new friend, Adamas (Diamond). Chatting to Adamas's owner, we discovered that he is also a therapy dog for the elderly. Showing off their training, the two therapists posed for this special photo.

29/08/2017

We recently experienced a wonderful ‘magic moment’ with a resident at Admatha, who specifically asked for Merlin, saying: “Where’s the dog? I want the dog!”
We went to where the resident was waiting, leaning on his walking frame watching the door expectantly. When he saw Merlin his face broke into a delighted smile. He spoke with Helen (Home Manager) about ‘liking the puppy’, and gestured for her to stroke Merlin, which she did while he looked on, nodding and smiling approvingly. (Though he has often interacted verbally with Merlin, he has never shown an interest in touching him.) We gave Merlin a treat while the gentleman watched with interest.
We were joined by another resident who encouraged Merlin to jump up and give him a kiss, which made the first gentleman roar with laughter.
A few days later the gentleman saw Merlin in the hallway, walked straight up to him and gave him a stroke.
It is so lovely to see how accepted, familiar and loved Merlin has become here at our home.

09/07/2017

As Merlin becomes calmer and more settled, Rambo is showing increased confidence in allowing him close. It is lovely to see the bond between them growing stronger every day.

21/06/2017

Merlin so enjoyed his weekly visit to Avonlea yesterday, approaching people with gently wagging tail and loving the attention he received. He was happy to settle at people's feet when we stopped for a longer chat. It is wonderful to see how at home he is among his special friends, and the joy he brings.

06/05/2017

Just four days away from his first birthday, Merlin and I celebrated by walking from Victoria Park up round the North side of Sugarloaf. It's a circular walk which takes around an hour and a half at a leisurely pace, with narrow tracks, good gradients and spectacular views. Here he is at the highest point of the walk, loving every moment!

26/02/2017

It is wonderful to watch the developing bond between Merlin and Rambo, his red zone rescue cat 'brother'.

19/01/2017

An Arbroath woman has spoken of how an assistance dog trained in Angus has helped her and her husband, who lives with dementia. Glenys Will said...

14/01/2017

We had a very special moment during our weekly visit to Avonlea Dementia Care in Christchurch on Friday. There is one gentleman we make sure to spend time with during every visit, because Merlin's presence clearly means so much to him. Although he never speaks, as soon as he sees Merlin his face lights up into an enormous smile, and he reaches down to stroke him.
On Friday, as he was stroking Merlin, he whispered, "Thank you."
I said, "Merlin loves visiting you."
He replied, "Is that his name?"
"Yes," I said. "Merlin."
"Merlin," he repeated clearly.
It was lovely to see Merlin lying so happily at his feet, and the joy on the gentleman's face.

14/01/2017

An important part of Merlin's training is learning to be calm and sensible in any situation. This will make him 'bomb-proof' and reliable in his interactions with residents, and predictable in his response to any situation which may arise.
Here he is being introduced to the ponies on a farm-stay weekend over the holidays, and lying patiently beside me despite all the distractions at the NZ Blood Service.

02/01/2017

Merlin loved his first Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. It was a late night for a pup, with lots of firsts: first time in central Christchurch, first big crowd, first experience of a microphone, and first experience of the strong and joyful energy of that very special night. His wide-eyed alertness soon mellowed to his usual calm, focused acceptance of the new experience.
For Merlin, being with the people he loves - which is all people - is a place of safety and happiness.

29/12/2016

It was wonderful to see the smiles and laughter that greeted Merlin's presence in his Santa hat in our lounge at Admatha this Christmas!

13/12/2016

Merlin will definitely be doing this, Louie!

I have put my Xmas wish list in with Santa.
This year I am asking that everyone donate some food for their local animal shelter at a supermarket.
Not all animals are as fortunate as me so lets share the love xx

06/12/2016

Merlin had a great time at the Christchurch Dog Training Club Christmas party on 4 December, and covered himself in glory by coming 3rd in the Retrieve and also the Musical Sit! He did pretty well in the Sausage Retrieve (i.e. Eating!), and loved the Recall and Fancy Dress! Not bad for a 7 month old puppy.
We have joined the club and will be attending on a weekly basis to work on obedience, 'Rally-O' and socialisation.

03/12/2016

A memorable day out exploring Cheviot and Gore - those off-grid gems one often drives past without noticing on the way north.

17/11/2016

Merlin had a wonderful experience today at Admatha Lodge. While he was interacting with a resident, I noticed another gentleman watching us intently, smiling. I asked whether he'd like us to come and say hello, and he nodded.
We went over and Merlin greeted him with more than usual exuberance, licking his hands. The gentleman bent over and Merlin gave him a lick on his chin, which made him laugh.
I asked him whether he had ever had a dog, and he said 'No.'
Once Merlin settled a little, the gentleman sat smiling, stroking his head. 'I have never known such a placid dog,' he told me clearly.
I asked him if he would like to give Merlin a treat, and he nodded. I put a little piece of Cheerio into his hand and showed him how to hold it out. Merlin took it gently.
'Have you ever given a dog a treat before?' I asked.
'No, I don't believe I have,' he replied.
I promised that we would visit him again soon, and he waved goodbye.
It was only afterwards that our diversional therapist told me this gentleman very rarely speaks, and it is usually almost impossible to understand what he is saying.

10/11/2016

6 months old today

24/10/2016

Labour Weekend saw lots more firsts for Merlin. First long road trip, first time on a boat, and first up-close encounter with a group of friendly horses. His reaction to the horses was interesting and characteristic: he sat stock still staring at them for a few moments, then crept closer commando-style, tail furiously wagging, and rolled over with his paws in the air when they bent to sniff him, Merlin-speak for "I think you may be higher in the pecking order than me, so best I show some respect!"
He is a perfect balance of courage, curiosity and caution!

02/10/2016

We went to the Eukanuba National Dog show this weekend to catch up with some of the special people in Merlin's life: his breeder, his mother Sarasota Didya See Me (Dallas), and his sister Kendal.
It was 'experience overload' for Merlin, who loved all the other dogs and people, especially the interaction with the many children who asked if they could pat him.
There was definitely recognition between him and his mum Dallas: he greeted her with characteristic joy, but also a certain respectful 'something' that was different from his normal response to dogs he is meeting for the first time.