AN ELDERLY dog has finally found a new home after spending an astonishing 15 years waiting for the right owner to come along.
Merlin had alegedly been with his breeder for well over a decade when he was handed into the Many Tears Animal Rescue shelter in Llanelli, Wales.
The shelter took to social media last Wednesday in a desperate attempt to find the pomeranian a home in what is likely the twilight of his life.
Amazingly, Merlin has now finally found an owner in 75-year-old Margaret Milburn from East Riding, Yorkshire, who says she fell in love with him at first sight.
Merlin had been with his breeder for fifteen years, with no potential owners coming to adopt him and no true place to call home.
In a last gasp attempt for Merlin, the shelter’s team decided to put their advert up for him last Wednesday.
They wrote: “Meet Merlin. He came to us with a passport that says he is nine years old but we believe this little dog is around 15 years old and if you don’t read about any other dogs today, please just stop, pause for a moment and read about Merlin.
“Merlin is a handsome Pom who has been given up from his breeder after a whole lifetime of being there.
“Is he bitter and resentful? No. This wonderful little dog is grateful. He is delighted with the attention he is being shown and he can learn so much from him.
“Merlin enjoys a fuss and has been a gentleman with the dogs here.”He won’t be house-trained yet or understand anything of living in a home, so he needs some time and patience of course.
“Please don’t make him wait any longer, he has waited a whole lifetime to find his happy ending and we don’t know how many days he may have left and we have promised him we will make them the very best we can. Merlin has a passport.”
Margaret’s daughter Adele Thorpe, 35, had initially seen the Many Tears Rescue advert on social media and immediately called her mum about little Merlin.
Margaret had also lost her 15-year old Pomeranian, Toby, last year, and wanted another dog to keep her Chihuahua Chloe company.
Within less than 24 hours, Merlin had finally been given a home and on Wednesday, he and Margaret started their seven-hour-long journey from Llanelli to her home.
Images shows the pair resting in Margaret’s armchair, as well as Merlin resting on a pile of warm blankets in his new bed, looking very much at home and happy in his surroundings.
Daughter Adele, posted the beautiful moment on social media on Monday.
She wrote: “Happy #gotchaday to fifteen year-old Merlin. I promised I would update you all (updates will be from me as my mum Margaret Milburn isn’t as technically-minded bless her).
“After an extremely long drive home (six to seven hours – decided to go back to Yorkshire via North Wales, didn’t we) he was as good as gold.
“No accidents in the car, three wees [sic] as soon as he explored his new garden.
“He decided he didn’t need hand-feeding (he only has two teeth, bless him) and gobbled two bowlfuls straight from the bowl and it honestly was like he had always been there.
“Didn’t bat an eyelid with the cats (in fact, he was loving one of them on night one).
“His new sister, 14-year-old Chloe wasn’t bothered and as I left he was pride of place on the sofa, getting love and snuggles from his new mummy – look at those legs hanging down. Perfect start to his happily ever after.
“Thank you all so much Many Tears – you are all amazing and for those who shared – we would never have seen him if it wasn’t for Facebook shares so thank you too.”
The post has received more than 1,400 likes, and over 150 comments from users who expressed their delight at seeing Merlin finally secure a happy home for himself.
Tricia Jones said: “Thank you for giving Merlin more than a home, you have clearly given him all the love he has missed.”
Linda Clifford commented: “I am so happy to have read this, thank you very much. I saw him last week and[he] has been on my mind.”
Suzanne Thomas said: “This has made my day. So thrilled that Merlin has found his forever home.
“Bless you for opening up your heart and home to this adorable boy. Go live your best life, Merlin.”
Peta Cofi added: “Ah, I’m so happy for your mum, but I’m more happy for Marvellous Merlin. Here’s to the start of the rest of his life (which already sounds amazing).”
Speaking today, Margaret said: “I thought [when seeing the advert] what a beautiful boy, he doesn’t deserve the life he has had. How can people be so cruel?
“The application went through really quickly, I think, because I already had a little pomeranian that certainly helped. It was a matter of days.
“We picked him up on the Sunday from Wales. It was a long journey but well worth it. When I met him for the first time he just stared at me.
“He was so beautiful with a lovely nature. The rescue place were really kind and made sure he got on with our little dog before we left.
“[My other pets] are getting on really well. He loves everyone and even kisses the cats.
“He is still unsure what to do and I have to show him. He couldn’t believe the garden when he first saw it.
“He’s eaten a lot and slept a lot, we have read that excess sleep in the early days is common in rescue dogs. They can finally have a peaceful sleep without being on edge.
“He’s such a beautiful boy. Finally in a quiet, peaceful home.”
Many Tears Rescue, based in Carmarthenshire, takes in foster dogs from all across the UK, protecting them from being put down in pounds after owners and breeders can no longer look after them.
