Originally named Brick, I renamed him Merlin (after one of my favorite shows, and because he had this adorable beard!). He was from a litter of 9 puppies found under a porch in Atlanta, Georgia, and a wonderful rescue organization, Atlanta Canine Adoption Project brought him and his brothers and sisters all the way up to New Jersey to find them "furever homes." As soon as I met him, I fell in love. He had rolled onto his back and let me rub his tummy, and showed me how trusting and loving he was. He became my little ray of sunshine. I will always miss my childhood best friend, Lassie, a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog who will always have a permanent place in my heart forever. (We had to make the difficult decision to put her down in November 2012.) Merlin helped console my heavy heart, and now has a permanent place in my heart, too, right next to my wonderful Lassie girl.