for merrick — our newest scruffy, rescued from a puppy-mill situation, used as a breeding dog for the first six years of his miserable life — the sentiment “adopt, don’t shop” means many things … from a good home at last and a new lease on life, tons of love and good food, to a warm bed (well, our bed to be exact) and owning absolutely every corner of our hearts.
but this little guy definitely pays it forward, applying the adopt-don’t-shop maxim himself by adopting most of his predecessor morley’s toys.

no need to go out and buy a slew of new toys when there are so many great ones close at hand to enjoy and give love to. you’ll notice that ms. fishlips was well loved by morley, took a beating, saw some minor surgery, and is now thriving with great doses of merrick-love …

but with merrick, there’s a very fine line between love and pure chaos …





so merrick says, adopt, don’t shop! … because there’s nothing better than a pre-owned, pre-tested, pre-slobbered-on, pre-squeaked, pre-tattered and pre-loved toy.
19 Comments
Oh, Merrick – you sweetie!!! I love all of these, but especially the last one, the way he’s gazing out into space so absent-mindedly. Whoever kept all this joy and love locked up in a cage should be put into Merrick’s empty one and left there!
I know #1 is a traditional shot, but I love it. He has just blossomed….
Rescue/rehoming is the finest form of recycling…..with so many fringe benefits!
I don’t know how you can stand such overload of cuteness. I would kiss and hug and squeeze Merrick all day long. Gosh, he is too cute to be true!
I love all the pictures (as always) and love to see how Aslam is absolutely impassive in all pictures, even when Merrick gets mad at Ms. Fishlips. :>)
Obviously Morley didn’t beat the stuffing out of this fish so Merrick is has to try to finish the job and whip it into submission.
Hilarious shots illona. are you sure that cat isn’t stuffed?
Maggie’s toys have been recycled to Ralph and Izzy, though Ralph got new stuffies since Maggie desqueaked, unstuffed and shredded all of hers!
omg you sweet little thing merik what a lovely guy you turned on =0] so glad you save him and he knows you saved him … loved
LOVE how much his coat has thickened out and grown! He kind of looks like a cute muppet. Also, really digging your blog’s new title photo up top. Shows just how dedicated you are!
he’s adorable! And wow his hair is getting *long*! I think you’re right about the PBGV or at least something else in there mixed up with the JRT. He’s going from scruffy to fluffy…
Sweet! I love your rich tones and beautiful low lighting. Merrick is an awesome dog.
hahaha classic mad-dog loving his toy action! great set!
it’s just too much cuteness for a sunday morning. i can’t take it……
Great! yeah it was worth the CLick – thanks for sharing (:
Outstanding and beautiful captures of Merrick. The second one (fish toy 23) is my fave, his shining eyes and expression just tug at my heart.
man, he’s disgustingly cute! How do you not squeeze the life out of him every day? It’s so uplifting so see Merrick thriving in the wonderful life you’ve provided for him. LOVE him!
Merrick, you are such a cutie…I just want to reach into my computer screen and give you a squeeze. Awesome pics….I love fur babies!!
Wow, these are amazing. That first picture is just wonderful.I have fallen in love with Merrick, just as I did with Mr. Morle. He is so lucky to have found you!
Merrick is gorgeous! Looks like he’d be my little sibbling
Bocci
Oh you don’t like, this boy is just too darn cute for words. What a great series and a perfect way to make a strong stance on “adopting”. You really picked a winner with this little guy!
Merrick…tell your owners to give you a special hug and kiss from this fan…you are just too cute ….great photos…
i adore the second one!