Hi, my name is Sarah. I'm the Cofounder of Mutt Luv Rescue and the human lucky enough to call Merle my heart dog. Please help us help Merle get the lifetime she deserves.

Merle's story is tragically beautiful. We rescued Merle and her family from Mexicali when she was just two months old. From the very beginning, she stood out — gentle, soulful, and endlessly LUVing. There’s something magical about Merle. She has a way of connecting with everyone she meets. people and dogs alike. Her empathy shines through in the smallest moments, like the day she calmly comforted a nervous child at a pet store, making herself small and still so he could feel safe enough to pet her. That’s just who Merle is, a healer by nature.

Not long after her rescue, Merle’s health began to decline. At just 2½ months old, she needed emergency GI surgery, and soon after, we discovered the cause: an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) — a serious congenital condition where her liver can’t properly filter toxins from her blood. Only a handful of surgeons in the country are qualified to perform the complex procedure she needs.

Before her diagnosis, Merle spent months in and out of emergency care, showing frightening neurological symptoms and struggling to gain weight. There was even a point when the vet gently told us to brace ourselves and prepare for the worst. But Merle had other plans. Through medication, a strict diet, and sheer willpower, she’s stabilized, but this is only temporary. Without corrective surgery, Merle’s life will be cut heartbreakingly short.

Despite everything she’s endured, Merle’s light hasn’t dimmed. She greets every day with joy, playfulness, and boundless LUV. She’s touched countless lives already. My dream is to see her grow strong and healthy enough to become a therapy and service dog, so she can continue to share her magic with those who need her most.

Merle has fought so hard to get here. Now, she needs us to fight for her. With your help, we can give her the life she deserves — one filled with health, happiness, and LUV.

Thank you for learning a bit about Merle. We're so grateful for your support.

with Mutt Luv,

Sarah, Merle, and the Mutt Luv family