Agility Dog 'Merlin' Receiving Nationwide Donations for Veterinary Care

An unknown lady walked up to Merlin's owner in the waiting room and gave $100 toward his veterinary care. In fact, since being attacked by a neighbor's dog in July, Merlin has received 72 checks from 11 states, totaling more than $3,200.

The 8-year-old dog's battle has brought out the best in friends and strangers alike.

"One of his veterinarians said his injury would be an eight on a scale of one to 10," said owner Dana Frick of Marietta, Ga. "Putting him down was not an option for me. He is strong-willed and I just couldn't do it."

A gaping seven-by-10-inch tear on Merlin's right side put him in Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine for 15 days, followed by numerous follow-up visits. His battle not only involved overcoming his injury, but also mounting medical bills.

Merlin, a 15-pound Sheltie, is as magical as his name suggests, though. He is part of a close-knit agility dog community that has spread the word about one of their favorite little competitors. 

"We have received so many donations and so much encouragement," Frick said. "I sent an e-mail asking them to pray for him and had no idea everyone would start sending money. They have held fund raisers and some events to help him. I want to thank everyone. It has been remarkable."

Merlin is one of the best-known agility dogs in the Southeast, having achieved the highest accomplishments by the American Kennel Club and the U.S. Dog Agility Association. He was on the 1999 AKC world team and has been on ESPN and the Animal Planet television networks. His official name is "MACH 3 Redfields Sterling Charm, CD" but is known by his nickname "King Merlin."

Agility dogs compete in timed events where they run and jump through various obstacle courses.

Auburn University surgeon Dr. Michael Tillson and senior students James Moore and Tiffany Krantz treated Merlin and performed reconstructive surgery to help close the wound.

"We did a flank-skin-fold procedure to advance the skin around the wound, but we could only reduce it to a two-inch area," Dr. Tillson said. "We thought he would need more surgery, but Merlin was able to complete the healing on his own with lots of attention and care from Dana. He is looking great and is getting back to being a little dog again.

"His initial veterinarian did a nice job of treating the trauma, but the damaged skin started to die and the wound was becoming infected. That's why he recommended Merlin be referred to Auburn."

Merlin has gone home now, but remains under evaluation by Dr. Robert Gillette, director of the college's sports medicine program, who hopefully can guide him back to competition-level agility.

"Merlin loves to run and jump, but even if he can't compete again, he will still enjoy life and bring joy to others," Frick added. "He is a remarkable little dog that has a lot of friends."