About Me
MerryBelle was rescued by CBHR in December 2011. She was used during her first 5 years as a backyard breeder to make money for her owner by having litter after litter. She came into CBHR heavy with the puppies that would be her final litter. She birthed her litter in her foster home through New Year’s Eve 2011. Merry’s personality matched her name because she was always happy and merry even with her pain and special physical challenges. Merry’s puppies were all adopted but due to her crooked legs, arthritic spine and hips and limited mobility, Merry was a special needs basset and required a special home.
She was finally adopted after about a year in foster care and she moved to Myrtle Beach SC with her new Mom. Merry lived there until March 2016 when her Mom was diagnosed with a serious illness and returned Merry to CBHR’s care.
Over her last 3 years Merry had many teeth extracted, 2 surgeries for 5 mammary tumors, probably caused as a result of being over bred and not spayed until after her rescue. Through all her health challenges Merry didn’t let anything slow her down. She enjoyed short walks, meeting the neighbors and watching the activity outside her foster home. In her last 2 years Merry required 4 medications daily to keep her comfortable and pain free. She always kept her foster Mom and sister on a strict potty, treat and food schedule, no changes allowed!
She had some adoption interest over the years but required a home without stairs and someone home with her all day. She had frequent vet visits and a strict medication schedule to keep her as comfortable as possible. The CBHR officers decided Merry would become “a forever foster” and remain in her foster home to live out her days with her foster Mom. Merry made me laugh everyday at her antics or stubbornness. Merry made the most of every day no matter how hard it was for her to walk. She followed me around like a shadow. She would nose bump me when I wasn’t preparing her meal fast enough because I had to wrap her 5 medications in cheese.
In early February, her rear legs stopped supporting her again and despite vet care her body finally couldn’t recover anymore. She went to the bridge on Feb 7. Merry was about 12 years old and her body was shutting down. She is terribly missed by her foster mom and sister Jazzy, and the neighbors who enjoyed seeing her roll over for a belly rub. Anyone who met or knew Merry always referred to her as Sweet Merry” because she was.
– Jeri Small
