MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

6/30/07

The life and death story of Magic and Merlin has had a true fairy “tail” ending.  Their foster mom and her family have adopted the world-famous furry twins.  Forever after, Magic and Merlin will live happily in the only home they have ever known and with the people who have cared for these little ones since they were three days old.  At last report, eight-month-old Magic and Merlin are playing, romping, and eating well on their own.   All of us at Little Shelter wish Magic and Merlin and the Klampfl family a lifetime of love and joy.

Magic and Merlin are only two of the many dogs and cats with extraordinary needs who are rescued and rehabilitated by Little Shelter.  It is part of our mission to shelter and cure those extremely ill or injured companion animals who would be turned away elsewhere because the cost of lifesaving treatment is too high.  With your help, Little Shelter can accomplish this goal.  Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund so many more little guys will live happy, healthy lives in wonderful forever homes.

MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

4/17/07

Magic and Merlin's latest surgeries were successful - twice!  It seems that our precocious twins are very good at unstitching Dr. Karnik's work.  So, after a few days, it was back into the OR so special tape could be used to outsmart these little ones and help the cleft lip repair heal.  Merlin still managed to open his wound a bit, but a very patient Dr. Karnik took care of everything in short order.  As of now, Magic and Merlin are scampering happily around their foster home with all surgeries healing well!

Little Shelter is very grateful to Dr. Karnik for all she has done to make sure Magic and Merlin will live long and happy lives.  We also want to thank all of you who have donated to the Magic and Merlin Fund to ensure extraordinary medical care for all dogs and cats who require it.  Please continue to donate to the Fund; there are many, many more lovable pets who need our help.

MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

4/1/07

Great News!!  Magic and Merlin are scheduled to have their final surgeries on Thursday, April 5.  Dr. Karnik will close the few remaining openings in Magic's palate and correct the cleft lip on each twin's adorable face. Then both Magic and Merlin can look forward to a wonderful life in a loving forever home.

Please check back next week for the results of the surgeries and for photos of the puppies' new looks.  In the meanwhile, keep in mind the countless dogs and cats who do and will look to Little Shelter for help with their extraordinary medical problems.  Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund so that, together, we can provide surgeries, treatments, and therapies for these pets who have nowhere else to turn.

MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

3/9/07

It was a week of ups and downs for Magic and Merlin.  X-rays showed that our little girl Magic had some matter in one of her lungs.  Dr. Karnik aspirated the affected organ, and Magic tolerated the procedure very well.  We should have the test results in a few days.  In the meanwhile, the twins continue to run and play together and with the other little guys in foster mom Lindaâs household.

Soon Magic and Merlin will have another of surgeries that will allow them to live normal lives.  Even now, the first surgery is allowing them to eat soft food - and they love it!  Magic and Merlin are the fortunate ones.  Not only did Little Shelter rescue them but Dr. Karnik and Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists also offered to treat them free of charge.  However, there are still many desperately ill dogs and cats, and Little Shelter continues to take in those in need of extraordinary medical treatment.  It is for this reason that we established the Magic and Merlin Fund.  Little Shelter would never turn a way an animal in need, but we can use your help to pay for their care.  Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund and be part of Little Shelter's mission to save lives of all dogs and cats, even those with special medical needs.

MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

3/2/07

I t was another miraculous week for America's Sweethearts Magic and Merlin.  They continue to grow and get stronger, and they are more rambunctious every day.  The furry twins pay another visit to Dr. Karnik later this week, and she might be able to set a date for the next surgeries.  In the meanwhile, their foster Mom happily reports that Magic and Merlin are enjoying our latest snowfall and are scampering around their enclosed yard for a few minutes a day.

 Thank you to all who have contributed to the Magic and Merlin Fund.  Since its inception, Little Shelter has been able to make miracles happen for other dogs and cats who did not stand a chance in municipal shelters.  Our fondest dream is to continue to rescue and rehabilitate these lovable companion animals - but we do need your help.  Please continue to donate to the Magic and Merlin Fund; there are so many shelter dogs and cats who are awaiting lifesaving medical care.

MAGIC AND MERLIN UPDATE

2/22/07

Both Magic and Merlin are now feeding tube free!  They are eating totally on their own - and loving every bite!  A visit to Dr. Karnik showed that Magic's palate has a 4mm opening that will be repaired in March when the hair lip is corrected.  Merlin's palate is perfect! 

 The twins are really packing on the pounds:  Magic weighs in at 4lb 13oz while her brother tips the scales at a whopping 6lb 10oz!  Both puppies continue to be happy and playful.

"They just love to fun and play with my other dogs," says Linda, Magic and Merlin's foster mom.  "Maggie is still their favorite, however."

 Little Shelter wishes to thank everyone who has called and written to ask about these adorable puppies.  We believe that somehow they feel your love and concern, and you are helping them heal. 

We also want to thank all of you who have donated to the Magic and Merlin Fund.  Although medical care and surgeries have been provided for them, Little Shelter continues to rescue dogs and cats who have extraordinary medical needs.  Your contributions help us provide the best treatment and care for these precious pets.  Please continue to donate so we can save even more animals' lives. 

IMPORTANT NEWS BULLETIN 

MAGIC AND MERLIN DOING WELL

AFTER FIRST SURGERIES TO CORRECT CLEFT PALATES

1/30/07

 The news is in and it is spectacular!!  Magic and Merlin, Little Shelter Animal Adoption Centerâs cleft palate puppies, have come through their first corrective surgeries with flying colors.

 ãI am very delighted with their excellent condition after this first surgery,œ states Dr. Priti Karnik of Atlantic

Coast Veterinary Specialists.  ãMagic and Merlin are both receiving pain medication and are wearing medical collars so they wonât scratch their mouths.  Pretty soon, they will be eating on their own for the first time in their

lives.  I am just delighted.œ

 Little Shelter rescued both pups when they were three days old and weighed barely five ounces. 

Because their cleft palates did not allow them to eat normally, they have been tube fed around the clock by

 Linda Klampfl, Little Shelterâs canine manager and a registered nurse.

 ãI cannot tell you the joy I feel knowing these little babies are doing so well and are now on the road to normal,

happy lives,œ says Linda. ãI cannot wait for them to come home.œ

 Dr. Karnik will soon determine how many more surgeries will be necessary to ensure complete closure of

Magic and Merlinâs palates.

Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists as well as Dr. Karnik and anesthesiologist Dr. Kramer have donated their expertise and services to correct Magic and Merlinâs cleft palates.  We thank them for their incredible generosity to Magic and Merlin and Little Shelter. 

 Because our mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose lives are in jeopardy, Little Shelter will always have

dogs and cats who will require extraordinary medical care.  We will never turn our backs on sick and injured

pets, and  we are asking you to support us in our mission. 

Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund so Little Shelter will always be able to provide emergency

and exceptional medical treatment to those in need.

It seems to be ready, set, go for our adorable Magic and Merlin to have their first surgical procedures on Tuesday, January 30.  Magicâs X-Rays are clear, and she continues with her injections, nebulizer, and antibiotics. As for Merlin, he has had his feeding tube re-inserted ö much to his dismay.  Both little tykes are wearing rather preppy sweaters to keep those lifesaving tubes in place. 

 We are all praying and holding good thoughts for the twins as they face the first of what could be three operations to correct their cleft palates.  While Dr. Karnik, Dr. Kramer, and Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists are donating all medical procedures and care to help Magic and Merlin live a full life, many other dogs and cats may not be so fortunate.  Please donate to the Magic and Merlin Fund to help Little Shelter care for more companion animals with serious medical needs.

This week, foster mom Linda Klampfl happily sends along her heartfelt update· 

All I can say is thank you for all your prayers.  Magic is doing just wonderfully and should be coming home this week.  She is able to tolerate long periods out of the oxygen cage, and her blood work is returning to normal.  In addition, her chest x-ray is showing clear lungs. Best of all, she is back to sucking on my fingers and acting like a puppy.  She had to have an esophageal feeding tube inserted to provide her with the nutrition she needed to help her fight the infection.  The tube will remain until after the cleft palate surgery.  Actually, Merlin will have one put in as well because neither one of them will be able to eat by mouth until they heal. 

 I want to send a HUGE thank you to Dr. Karnik, Dr. Kramer, and all the wonderful vets, vet techs, and staff at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists.  Their caring and amazing efforts pulled our little Magic through. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

 IMPORTANT PS:  Magic came home on January 10 and is her lovable puppy self!

 So many dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens need extraordinary medical care to live long and happy lives.  Despite the cost of this care, Little Shelter does not turn away any of these needy pets.  Please join with us to help all companion animals who need these expensive procedures.  Donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund so we can continue to provide special veterinary care.

These past two weeks have had their ups and downs for our tiny twins.  On Christmas morning, they loved playing with all the wrapping paper ö just like any other kids.  But then the little ones came down with colds.  Their doctors immediately put them on antibiotics, and Merlin improved quickly.  Magic, however, is another story.  The little girl is feisty, but she cannot seem to shake the pneumonia.  She is being given oxygen and medication around the clock, and we all hold out hope for her complete recovery.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Magic and Merlin are getting ready for their very first Christmas.  In Lindaâs home, little stockings are hanging on the mantle for our famous twins.  Certainly, their Santa has already come as Doctors Karnik and Kramer and the millions of people who have fallen in love with them and are seeing them through their long road to a joyful life.  Right now, Magic and Merlin are 2.5 pounds apiece, and the doctors say they are on target for surgeries early in the new year.

 In 2007, Little Shelter will rescue many, many more dogs and cats with extraordinary medical needs.  These little guys are looking to all of us to make their miracles happen.  Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin Fund and help Little Shelter provide the surgeries, therapy, and medication that will ensure these lovable companion animals long and happy lives.

 Happy Holidays.

It is too soon to reveal all the details, but we can say that a book deal is in the works so the world will be able to read the incredible story of Magic and Merlin.  A noted author heard about our famous pups and immediately felt that the love, generosity, and teamwork that it took to save their lives are lessons that should be immortalized. 

 During the six weeks they have been with us, the news of Magic and Merlin has spread pretty much throughout the United States.  Just do a Google search, and you will be amazed at the media coverage these little ones have received.

 In the meanwhile, Magic and Merlin are oblivious to their fame but still growing by leaps and bounds.  Dr. Karnik says they weigh in at 2 lb. 4 oz. and are looking great.  In fact, the furry twins took their first long trip when they accompanied Linda and her family on their Christmas tree weekend.  They traveled upstate, stayed in a hotel and had the time of their lives!

 So many miracles are happening to Magic and Merlin every day, and we are so grateful to all who have help us make it all possible.  Little Shelter wants to be sure that many other dogs and cats who need extraordinary medical care and treatment will be given all they need to survive.  Please donate now to the Magic and Merlin fund so Little Shelter will always have the funds necessary to provide special surgeries, medication, therapy, or whatever is needed to help these companion animals heal.

Our tiny cleft palate pups are growing bigger and stronger every day.  Linda, their foster mom, reports that Magic and Merlin are playing more and interacting more with her other dogs.  (However, Maggie still thinks sheâs their mom!)  This week, the famous furry twins will begin feeding from a special cleft palate baby bottle.  Each day, the miracle continues.

 And Magic and Merlin received a vote of confidence and support from a celebrity fan.  Screen, stage, and television star John OâHurley heard about the little pups while signing his latest book, Itâs OK to Miss the Bed on the First Jump: And Other Life Lessons Learned from Dogs, at Huntingtonâs Book Revue.  Knowing Mr. OâHurley is a devoted dog lover, Little Shelter volunteers brought a few Shelter residents out to meet the actor turned author.  As soon as the discussion turned to the cleft palate puppies, he made a generous donation to the Magic and Merlin Fund and expressed his hope that others would do the same.

ãDogs are great examples of how we all could live,œ states John OâHurley.  ãThey teach you a sense of responsibility you canât get any other way.œ

 Little Shelter would like to return the favor to many needy dogs ö and cats. The Magic and Merlin Fund helps Little Shelter provide extraordinary medical care not only for our cleft palate pups but also for all companion animals who come to us with severe injuries or life threatening illnesses.  Your support will help Little Shelter provide the treatment and care these little guys need to survive.  Please follow John OâHurleyâs lead; donate now to the Magic and Merlin fund to ensure long and healthy lives for dogs and cats who would otherwise be in danger of death.

It has been a miraculous week for Little Shelterâs cleft palate puppies.  Magic and Merlin are almost two pounds each ö quite an accomplishment for two little tykes who were at deathâs door just 4 weeks ago.  While they are still hungry little babies, Magic and Merlin are able to wait 4 hours between tube feedings of 35ccs of motherâs milk replacement.  They continue to scamper around Lindaâs kitchen and play with regular doggie toys.

 And there is more great news for our famous twins.   At a huge press conference covered by radio, television, and print media, Little Shelter announced that Dr. Priti Karnik of Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists in Bohemia, New York will begin the lifesaving surgeries as soon as the puppies are old enough and strong enough.  Dr. Karnik, who is donating her services and expertise, discovered her exceptional love for animals as a teenage volunteer at Little Shelter. Her extensive training in the field of cleft palates and her previous surgical successes led the board of directors to choose a hometown hero.   In addition, Dr. George Kramer, a veterinary cardiologist and head of Atlantic Coast Veterinary Services, is also donating his services and all the hospital care the pups will need.  Both veterinarians were chosen from more than 40 generous doctors, specialists in both the human and animal surgeries, who called and emailed their willingness to donate their services. 

 Finally, the press conference closed with an amazing surprise announcement.  Bayer Animal Health Representative Susan Fowler revealed that her company was starting Little Shelterâs Magic and Merlin Fund for Extraordinary Medical Care with a donation of $12,000!  Through the Fund, Magic and Merlin and all dogs and cats who come to Little Shelter with life-threatening conditions will be assured of the special and oftentimes expensive treatment they need to cure them, care for them, and place them into loving forever homes.

Please help Little Shelterâs Magic and Merlin Fund for Extraordinary Medical Care to grow.  Every day, dogs and cats come to us with incredible life-threatening conditions.  Little Shelter does not ever turn them away, but we can use your help to pay for the high cost of their treatment.  Donate now to ensure that Magic, Merlin, and all sick and injured animals will realize their medical miracle.