Meet Merlina

Safe in Foster Care and Blossoming-Now Merlina Is Ready for a Forever Home of Her Own ❤️

Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog / Terrier Mix

Gender: Female | Age: Approximately 2 Years | Weight/Size: 35 lbs (Medium)

Good With: Dogs ✔️ | Cats: Unknown | Kids ✔️

Medical: Spay Status: Fixed | Vaccination Status: Current | Microchip Status: Not Provided

Location: Los Angeles, California

Transportation: Ozzie and Friends Rescue coordinates safe transportation for approved adopters throughout the United States.

❤️ Personality, Breed Information & Merlina's Story

Merlina's journey has already taken an important turn for the better.

After being found without a permanent home, Merlina was fortunate enough to be welcomed into a loving foster home. Instead of having to wait in a rescue environment, she has been able to experience the comfort and stability of living with a family while she waits for the one thing she still needs-a forever home of her own.

Life in foster care has given Merlina the opportunity to show everyone what a wonderful dog she truly is.

Merlina is outgoing, loving, and incredibly friendly. She enjoys meeting people and has an open, social personality that makes her easy to connect with. She's the kind of dog who wants to be involved in what's happening around her, whether that's heading out for a walk, spending time outside, playing, or simply relaxing with her people.

At approximately two years old, Merlina is at a fantastic age. She has moved beyond the earliest puppy stage while still being young, active, and ready for plenty of adventures. At 35 pounds, she's also a manageable medium size that can fit comfortably into many different lifestyles.

Her time in foster care has helped prepare her for family life, but moving into a permanent home will still be a transition. Merlina needs someone willing to give her the patience and consistency every rescue dog deserves while she learns that this time, she's truly home.

As a Catahoula Leopard Dog / Terrier Mix, Merlina may have many of the intelligent, energetic, and loyal qualities associated with these breeds. Catahoula's are known for being bright, athletic dogs that form strong bonds with their families, while Terriers often bring confidence, curiosity, and a fun-loving personality. Merlina will benefit from a home that provides both physical activity and opportunities to keep her mind engaged.

Merlina would thrive with a family that offers:

Plenty of love and companionship

Daily walks and regular exercise

Positive reinforcement training

Interactive toys and mental enrichment

Continued socialization

Consistent household routines and boundaries

Plenty of opportunities to be included in family activities

A safe indoor home where she's treated as a cherished member of the family

A lifelong commitment

Merlina's foster home gave her a safe place to land. Now she's ready for the family who will give her a permanent place to belong.

Training, Adjustment & What to Expect

Living in foster care gives Merlina valuable experience in a home environment, but adopters should remember that every new home brings different people, routines, sounds, expectations, and surroundings.

Please remember the 3-3-3 Rule:

3 Days to decompress and begin feeling comfortable

3 Weeks to understand her new household routine

3 Months to settle in, build trust, and truly feel at home

Her future family should be prepared to continue working on any household manners, leash skills, boundaries, or other training she may need.

Merlina's intelligence and outgoing personality can make positive reinforcement training a wonderful way to build a relationship with her. Consistency, praise, treats, games, and clear expectations will help her understand what her new family wants from her.

She will benefit from:

Continued positive reinforcement training

Daily walks and physical activity

Interactive games and enrichment

Consistent routines

Continued positive socialization

Plenty of family interaction

Patience during her transition from foster care

With structure, affection, and time to adjust, Merlina has everything she needs to become a wonderful lifelong companion.

Owner Responsibilities & Veterinary Care

Adopting Merlina means making a commitment to care for her throughout every stage of her life.

Her future family should be prepared to provide:

Routine veterinary wellness examinations

Vaccinations as recommended by a veterinarian

Flea, tick, heartworm, and parasite prevention

Routine dental care

A nutritious, balanced diet

Healthy weight management

Daily physical exercise

Mental stimulation and enrichment

Continued training and socialization

Veterinary treatment whenever illness or injury occurs

A safe, comfortable indoor home

We recommend establishing care with a veterinarian shortly after adoption so Merlina can have an ongoing wellness plan tailored to her individual needs.

Adoption Information

If you are interested in adopting Merlina, please complete an adoption application at:

https://www.ozzieandfriendsrescue.org/adoptions

Thank you for considering adoption through Ozzie and Friends Rescue, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to giving deserving dogs another chance at safe, loving, permanent homes.

Although we are based in Los Angeles, California, we proudly coordinate safe and reliable transportation for approved adopters throughout the United States.

Merlina has already found a safe place to stay, but a foster home was never meant to be the end of her story. This outgoing, loving girl is ready for something permanent-a family to adventure with, a home to settle into, and people she can finally call her own. ❤️