Merlin's Big Adventure
>>Takes on Sargeant Friday voice: What you are about to hear is true and no facts have been changed, only names to protect the innocent: Sunday night: 10 Pm Marianne hears son arriving home through the back gate: This is unusual as gate is 8 ft high and lock is not easily accessible and on the inside. Marianne thinks to self: I don't think I heard the distinctive click of the latch, I will check it in the morning. Son walks in and she questions him as to why he entered this way..he says that he has brought a friend home and wanted to warn her. Says, " don't be mad I know it's late but friend got in a fight with girlfriend and needs to hang out here for a while." He then goes to the front door and lets him in, now relieved I won't be asking embaressing questions as to why his friend is here at 10 pm. Monday: I go outside at 6:30 am to feed bunny and guinea pig whom are now in their "summer house" a large converted playhouse which they can roam, munch on fresh grass, have indoor area but is completely enclosed to safeguard against predators. I forget to check the latch but the gate is closed. The boys follow me to check I'm doing my duties for Puff and Squeak..Merlin gives them kisses. Both myself and my son leave within 1/2 of each other a few hours later. 10:30 am: The boys have outdoor access and somehow both or one at a time discover gate is not quite shut and can be opened by pawing motion. (This is still under investigation) and once again a lock shall be placed to prevent this from happening in the future. Activities of Merlin and Panda: As reported by over 7 neighbors apon further investigation: Merlin and Panda: "Wheeee we're free to roam the neighborhood..lets go over here and hang around on this dogs lawn since he does his business on ours all the time. " MinPin roams the neighborhood daily on his own and neighbor thinks it's fine. Neighbor sees them and calls them they follow her to my door and she knocks to tell me they are out. No answer. She walks back to her house. 1/2 hr later they are back and once again they follow her back to my house. MinPin is going crazy, I suspect Merlin and Panda are both smiling and may see it as form of payback. She doesn't think to put dogs in the back yard. Sargeant Friday reports:Marianne arrives home later than usual and immediately notices Merlin's big nose didn't stick out the cat door when key is placed in the lock. Heart racing she searches the house..knowing something is wrong. 3 mins later a post is made on OES. 10 mins later she reports absence to Humane Society. Told no reports of an Old English Sheepdog. Stops at neighborhood pet food store and draws cartoonish figure of sheepdog with felt with her number. She goes home to search the neighborhood alone..then longer walk with Blue. Unable to get through on son's cell number she is still unsure if he has Merlin but gut feeling says he doesn't as he planned on going job hunting for the day. Leaves frantic messages..please tell me you have him. Son arrives home at 6 pm and now it's known Merlin is missing but steps already in place. Humane Society, Pet Food Store, local vets and my own, immediate neighbors all alerted, walks around the neighborhood even tho up on till that time I wasn't 100% sure if he was even missing or my son had him. More expanded search continues when it's confirmed he's missing..knocked on over 60 doors in three hour period asking about him. Numerous people walking or driving around to assist. Marianne: Knocks on neighbors door at 6 pm and finds out the above..neighbor says sorry didn't think of putting them back in the yard, Mine roams all the time and he's fine. Marianne bites tongue and thanks her. Panda the obedient one..thinks okay I'm going home now and goes in the back gate, leans against it..locking the entrance back in for his brother. 12:30 pm:Merlin decides to explore: Visits a neighbors back yard and is overwhelmed by the smells coming from 8 garbage bags under her porch. He digs in for the "feast". Woman hears the noise and sees him, says in broken english "Poom Poom" to scare him off. He does his wiggle butt and digs in. She describes him as beautiful dog and know he belongs to someone and locks him in the wide enclosure. She forgets enclosure has two doors, the other door is still open and he goes out. 6:20 Pm:Marianne knocks on her door and women seems hesitant to answer. Explaining she is a neighbor and is looking for missing dog. Women says please go in the back gate. Gate is 8 ft high and entrance is not accessible from the outside door. Woman opens door and greets Marianne in broken english, says she just moved into the house last week and had a big feast on Sunday. Beautiful dog enjoyed many leftovers. She shows Marianne the shed..Marianne dissapointed dog is no longer there and apologizes for Merlin's bad table manners. Woman smiles and says I just move here from Holland, my name is _____. 7 neighbors reported seeing the beautiful dog hanging around just doors away. Two children reported seeing him on their way home from school. School is located down the street and gets out at 2:30. 2:30 pm: Merlin follows someone several blocks up the street, a few steps from the very busy heavily road. Perhaps knowing the danger he enters a driveway leading to a huge townhouse complex which is surrounded by tall trees and cement wall to cut out the noise. Man spots Merlin and thinks about tying him to a post in his yard. Old woman says she'll take him as she has a small fenced in enclosure. Woman calls the SPCA to report him found. 4:30 Merlin starts crying and whining a great deal. Old woman assumes it's usually the time his mom or dad arrive home. At that very moment , I drive down the street on my way to my house located several blocks away. Discover Merlin missing and visit the Humane Society in person, they say no reports about OES. 5:00 Merlin still whining a lot. It is now the time I am walking the neighborhood with Blue. I pass the complex but on the other side of the street, neither of us can see each other due to the enclosure but perhaps Merlin sensed us? 6Pm she feeds Merlin and he refuses to eat his veggies. Sheesh isn't that just like a kid? Merlin will not beg for scraps (ironically he did the best in the recent obedience class regarding this) think he prefers garbage duty when no one is looking. Plus he had that huge feast at lunch time. 10Pm- She lets him sleep on the backporch and since he's panting a lot she places a fan to blow on him during the night. Marianne's version: 6-9 PM: Another new neighbor whom just moved in down the street..gets in his car without Marianne asking and joins the search. His mother also described Merlin as "beautiful dog". He goes to the dog park and questions people there. Door #48 Lady with small dog whom says she knows the dog as she sees Marianne walking him nightly grabs leash to also search for him. Door #50 Lady says I know those dogs they are always in my backyard scaring my children. Only time Marianne is a bit huffy and says "no you must be mistaken, Merlin has never been out alone." Husband comes down the steps and says, No not the same dogs as I've seen her out with them. Lady becomes friendlier and says then sorry didn't see him. Door number #60 Now 9pm and getting dark. Neighbors are very welcoming and understanding as they have a little dog whom barks at Merlin nightly on our walks. They take my number and will call if they see him. Last known sighting of Merlin at 2:30 pm..then nothing. Marianne knows he's with someone as he's familiar with the neighborhood and knows he would have come home. Son and friends whom have been searching by car report no sightings. 9pm - 10 Pm Marianne walks frequent walking route with Panda. Calling Merlin's name. Now it's dark and she returns home. Falls asleep at 4 am..worried where her boy is spending the night..worried about who has him, traffic, coyotes, and wondering if he is hungry. Where is he??? Monday: Called in sick to work, planning on spending entire day contacting newspaper and tv, making posters, and other rescues. 6:30 am Suddenly wake up hoping it's bad dream. Nope Merlin not here and his absence is so noticable. Blue has been groaning, moaning all night searching the rooms for him and continues in the morning. Marianne, suddenly feel peaceful..gut feeling tells me he's okay but where is he? Marianne's version: 8:30 am Called Avid (microchip company) they will fax numbers to all vets. Called own vet again asking for any info..as Merlin is wearing rabies tag with vets number. Merlin's version: Old woman feeds Merlin and is astonished at his lack of urination and number 2. Then he does and she is even more astonized at the size! Yikes but then she has a old aged Chihuahua. She takes him to the dog park but misses the sign as there are several gates. (Marianne planned on pasting more notices at each entrance once flyers were made up.) Merlin is thrilled to be at the park and races around like mad since his mean mom hasn't allowed him to go there in a year as he was playing too rough. More obedience and he would return once again, actually planned on it this coming week. 11:30 get garbed message..person speaking to someone else..you found a dog? what's your number? then repeat it into the phone. I call several times no answer. Noooo I missed the call!!! Will they change their mind? Person sounded like a sweet lady whom related her number. Merlin's version: Bosley's Pet Food Store!!! One of my favorite places! Mom took me there 2 nights ago but they were closing the doors as we arrived. When we walk by there we always stop in and buy those soft sausage thingies I love so much!! I see the lady and jump up and down - she thinks it's me but can't tell by the bad half finished haircut my mom gave me the night before I went missing. Old Lady: "This poor unkept dog, owner must be bad mom..look at the mat on his legs!" Old lady continues, "I need to have an appointment to shave him down".Lady at the store is suprised woman would do this and says sorry no appointments available. Lady at the store convinces her that his mom is wonderful and loves her boy, she's never seen him this dirty before and assures old woman he is well looked after." Woman at the store tries to convince lady to hand him over to them and they will keep him for me. Old woman says he's fine with her but she doesn't know what to do with him. She starts to leave and they both notice my cartoonish drawing of a sheepie with my number I placed the night before. Old Lady seems hesitant to call me as she seems intent that owner is baaad. Store lady becomes a bit alarmed and ask lady for her number (this is the garbled message I recieved and missed at the time on my machine). I pace and now don't want to leave the house in case they call back. What to do..print shop is now open..can't leave. Old Lady takes Merlin to the dog park once again. One woman recognizes Merlin but doesn't realize he's missing and Old Lady tells her about his mats and unkept condition. Bylaw officer arrives and checks park for licenses..Old woman tells him about Merlin and then admits to just getting my number at the store. He calls and I arrive within 5 mins. Bylaw officer calls..I have your dog. I'm at Freedom Dog Park. Whazzat??? Merlin hasn't been to that park in over a year!!! I say I'll be there in a few mins. I haven't showered, and only slept a few hours..been crying so much eyes are swollen, change into first available thing I grab - nice outfit.. I see him racing around with 4 other dogs, crowd of people around. I realize in my haste I don't have my contacts on. Is that really him? Ewww is he ever dirty!! I just bathe and half finished the groom job the night before he went missing. He was so white and "beautiful" like most described him. Looks like he's been digging in dirt and garbage. I call his name and he stops for a brief second and continues to play. I approach bylaw officer and old woman holding a Chihuahua. I burst out crying..thank you! thank you! By-law officer convinced he is licensed walks away. Old woman admonishes me.."are you sure you're the owner he doesn't even seem happy to see you. " "Look at those mats on his leg that weighs him down yah know!. Why did you cut his hair out of his eyes???? He's gonna go blind!! You never do that to a sheepdog! That goop is his eyes...look at that I had to wash his face this morning. Whaddya feed him..he doesn't eat much...is he sick? Look he doesn't even notice you are here..he loves his auntie better don't you boy? Oh look now he's throwing up? What do you feed him. I couldn't keep him yah know...was going to take him to the SPCA but don't know where it is around here. My friend lives in Oliver on a nice ranch he'd of been happy there. I try not to argue as I now realize whatever I say will come across as defensive. As quirky as she is underneath is all she is the reason that Merlin was safe for the night. I bend down and hug Merlin and burst into tears..Merlin looks at me as if he's in big trouble. Then jumps up and races around with the other dogs. I keep thanking her, clip Merlin to the leash and say I rushed down here so fast I don't have my purse but want to give her a reward. She says she is not interested in a reward but tells me where she lives and I realize how close Merlin was to the busy street. I tell her I'm so grateful she kept my boy safe..she now seems appeased after her beratement of my dog ownership abilities when I've relayed how much I've searched. We walk over to the car and she hands me a huge bag of crunchie bones she bought for him as they are much too big for her little dog. Merlin is so exhausted he's been sleeping all night except when he woke up for his dinner, then crashed again for the night. So that's Merlin's Big Adventure! Thanks to all of your thoughts and prayers as I know good thoughts were being sent to him. I'm so happy to have him home...even tho I'm a baaaaad mom. 
Marianne and the boys |
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OMG  How scary!!!
I am glad he was returned to you safely. |
Oh my what an adventure Merlin Had, sounds like he had a wow of a time, poor marianne, so glad he is home with you after all that time missing. Thank goodness for the nutty women that she took him in before he had time to walk to a busy road. You are so lucky too that Panda decided to come home even though he shut the gate (good training to have a security dog that can close gates  ) and you did not have the worry of searching for 2 kids.
Hugs to Merlin, hope you all had a peaceful nights sleep now you are all united together again. Hugs for you too you deserve it with the harrowing time you had. PUT A LOCK ON THAT GATE |
| Yay Wizard Merlin, the Wandering Minstrel of Greater Vancouver!
Yay old lady! Yay Marianne! |
  What an experience. So glad Merlin is home safe and sound. |
What an adventure!! Yuki wants to put a blanket over tired Merlin! Poor thing. Well, poor you too! You must have been stressed. I'm glad Merlin is home!  |
| I knew there'd be a good story. Phew!
What a scare. I'm so glad that lady kept him safe. Although her comments sounded mean, she was clearly looking out for Merlin's best interests, even if she didn't really know what they were (nothing could be better than life with Marianne!) Your neighbor, on the other hand-- I can't believe that she didn't hold onto the dogs. I suppose I can't expect her to treat your dogs better than her own, but still. . . Anyway, I am thrilled that he is home, safe and sound. |
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Wow!!! Merlins GREAT ADVENTURE, Marianne's NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!! So glad he is safe and sound!!!!!! |
Oh, what a happy ending!!  SO glad Merlin's home safe and sound and is none the worse for the wear! I'd still be ticked at the Humane Society, though.  |
| What a story!
I'm just so glad he was found safe & sound.
(Even if the old lady doesn't believe you.  ) |
I am so happy that you found him again - even if that woman was being weird. People did the same thing when I found Momo - they looked at me like I was a terrible owner because she was covered in ticks. 
I hope Merlin had some fun on his adventure. Don't do it again Merlin! You nearly gave your mama a heart attack!  |
| Hi,
It's so good to have him home! 
What struck me is the irony of how we kept missing each other and other twist of fate: The night before he went missing (Sun) for the first time in ages it was just Merlin and I on our evening walk as my son took Blue with him. Merlin and I stopped at the pet food store on our return at 7pm but they were just closing their doors. Merlin kept tugging the leash and whinning as we always stop at the store for treats when we pass. The woman showed up with him Tuesday at 11:30 am at the same store. Old Woman buys Merlin four large crunchie bones. Returning home, I gave him a bath, attempted to clip him myself for the first time and gave him a bad groom job. Half way finished, I decided I should take him in for professional grooming, wishing I knew where my friend the groomer moved to. His collar is now hanging loose due to his half finished puppy cut. Strangely enough - Friend/Pro Groomer ironicially visits my house unexpectedly 1 hr later. I haven't seen her in over 6 months but she was in the area with several people and happen to drive by my house and stopped to give me her new number. We chat outside while dogs are inside so she doesn't get a chance to see them. Promise to call her within a day or so for appt. I decide not to continue with the half finished haircut. We also make plans to visit the offleash park close to my house with Merlin and her dog for the first time in over a year. Merlin goes missing the next day. This is the same park that the old woman visits twice the day after with him!! Old Woman called the Humane Society at 2:30 to report she had found him. I showed up in person a few mins after 4:30 to report him missing and was told nothing had come in. The woman at the desk didn't put two and two together. But who knows what description the old woman gave them? I drove by her place at 4:30 on my return from work (although unable to see the complex by the trees and gates, when Merlin was whining on her back porch. I was across the street at 5pm while searching with Blue, and again at 9pm with Panda. (I normally get home between 2:45 and 3 but had errands to run.) Another 8 days and I'm off for the summer. 10pm my last stop of the night, was the offleash dog park on Monday night, where I spoke to the last remaining people in the park. She was there at 8:30 am on Tues and again at 12:30 in the afternoon. Our paths kept crossing by several hours. How I beat myself up as couldn't find suitable photo of Merlin with half finished groom job, loose collar and returning home later than usual that day. How strange for the first time for months, I was able to spend some one on one time with Merlin for hours the night before, as usually it's with Panda alone and walks with Blue and Merlin. Merlin and Blue rough house daily and taking Panda to the dog park gives him a chance to play with others. That night I realized how much Merlin doesn't get much one on one attention. I spent a lot of time petting him and talking to him, thinking he might be suffering from the middle child snydrome. Panda and I had earlier spent a lot of time together at a different offleash park. Swearing to myself I would also spent more time from now on with Merlin, and only another 8 days of work and I'll be off all summer. The next day he was gone. The old woman said maybe he did it on purpose so you can see how much you'd miss him. Perhaps she's right..that Merlin boy is pretty smart! Marianne and the boys |
| What an (not so awesome) adventure! I'm just glad he found his way home! Breathing a deep sigh of releif for both of you Marianne! |
Quote: I drove by her place at 4:30 on my return from work (although unable to see the complex by the trees and gates, when Merlin was whining on her back porch.
He probably heard your car. Dogs are great at recognizing the distinctive sounds of particular engines, and they always know the sound of their loved one's cars! I'll bet he heard you go by! Isn't THAT wierd! Well, PTL he back safe and sound! |
Quote: The old woman said maybe he did it on purpose so you can see how much you'd miss him.
Was she a gypsy woman? Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it. He didn't do it to punish you. Dogs don't think like that. They LOVE their owners! He was just out having a Grand Adventure that he can dream about for months! Be glad he's safe, and be glad the old woman was there! <eerie Twilight Zone music begins> |
| What a crazy adventure Merlin went on! I'm so glad he's home, Marianne! |
What a nerve-wracking story!! I am so glad that Merlin is home safe and sound. I am sure he missed you all terribly and has promised to never wander off again  or at least learn how to make it back home My parents first sheepdog couldn't find his way home from two doors down the block  |
| Oh my gosh. What a story! And it has a happy ending although you've probably got several gray hairs because of it.
So much could have gone wrong... he could have ended up at that ranch and you never would have known what happened. 
Yikes! You sure caught it didn't ya? But at least the woman was looking out for his best interests and kept him with her so you could finally catch up with him. Since he's so friendly, I can't believe people didn't put him back in your yard, tie him out front or call animal control. I know AC sometimes gets a bad rap but they can also reunite families with their dogs. I guess this is a wakeup call for us to have pictures of our dogs in their different hairdos... shaved down, puppy-cut and full coat... front and side views. You never think they'll be needed but it's good to be prepared. Just thinking about this makes me queasy. |
| Wow Marianne...what a story....I am SOO glad that he is back safe and sound....I understand about those stupid gate latches too...I took the garbage out one night knowing that the gate didnt latch...but heck the garbage can is right there....well, as I was opening the garbage can a gust of wind blew the gate open and panda girl went racing past me....what if she had raced the other way??? My heart stopped (only for a second) and called her..she came back thankfully.....but oh I just cant imagine 24 hours of pure hell.....give that boy a big hug from us and a tweek on the side of his nose! |
| WOW!!!, He had an amazing outing but worried his Mommy sick.
I'm glad he's safe. |
| Yikes. Hopefully that's an adventure they/he won't repeat! |
| I am so glad it all worked out, the things these guys put us through.
Remy's grandfather, lives in a smaller town and he gets to walk to the school everyday on his own to walk the kids home. He's such a landmark now and it's expected to see him. It was nice to know how your neighbourhood came together to help you. Make me thinks of Mr Muggs and his adventures. are you sure you can't put this into a book. You have enough going on to keep me reading. I loved the happy ending the best, but I was literally on the edge of my seat. |
| A truely happy and great told story! |
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