Merlot

Merlot,  age 1

AVAILABLE

WEIGHT: 65 pounds

Update 10/22/12:

Over the past several years, we have received many a wonderful dog from a shelter way, way down south, nearly at the Mexico border, so when an e-mail from the director arrived on October 1 with an attached photo of two bouncy young male dogs, we at once began to make intake plans. “They are real friendly and playful. Just happy kids. We had fun getting their pics. Very social boys,” read the note. She added, “We have some girls that I need to get pics of as well. I didn’t have time to hit our females section today in getting pics of the rescue kids but will do so tomorrow.” Sure enough, the next day pictures of three pretty girl Goldens came bouncing through. OK, time for the foster home hunt—we had just five days before FIVE young Goldens would come rolling up from the Valley! Intake director Jacki sprang into action—and on Saturday, October 6, the Golden group arrived in San Antonio for chipping and transport to waiting families.

The line-up: three blonde girls, all about aged 2 – Champagne, Chardonnay, and Spritzer; and the two boys, red-headed Merlot (about 1 year old) and caramel-colored Darnell, about age 3. Incredibly, all five are heartworm negative!

More about Merlot:

One look at that gorgeous deep-red fur makes it clear where he got the name! This young guy is as handsome as they come and will be a real stunner as a high-quality diet and cooler weather combine to make those wavy locks thicker, longer, and shinier.

His foster mom says:

Now that Merlot is settling into our home, his puppy side is really coming out. He is happy, silly, and bouncy! He  is all recovered from his neuter surgery, is comfortable in his new surroundings, and is just brimming with young-dog energy!! He wants to greet you with one big hug, but doesn’t follow you around jumping.He’s very playful if you engage with him.

He’s housebroken, but he did mark in the spot upstairs where previous foster dogs have done the same thing. It was just the one time; I guess it’s kind of like signing your name in the hotel guest register. We leave him free to roam when we aren’t home and there haven’t been any further issues. In fact, especially for such a young guy, he is really calm in the house. Settles down quickly, and has never pestered for food, even when we’re at the dinner table. He does like to be close by—but that’s to be near the people, not the meal! 

This young fellow pulls a lot on leash and does need some training there. He doesn’t like the harness—has made like Houdini twice to wriggle out of it! He rides calmly in the car, but he doesn’t like  to get in and usually needs to be hoisted.

Merlot is GREAT with other dogs. Likes to play, loves to retrieve, loves to tote things around in his mouth. He hasn’t been swimming yet, but I can’t imagine he wouldn’t love it.

I think Merlot would do best placed in a home with kids or with other dogs—but really, the most important thing is that he have someone who can be home with him during the day if no other dog is in the house.  Leaving this dog alone for more than a few hours just isn't fair to him. He’ll be happy just hanging out with you, too, but he does need lots of exercise and a way to get his teenager energy out! 

Update 10/11/12:

Watch this space for Merlot's story and more pictures as we get to know him better!

Adoption Procedures