Ok confesstion time. Merlin was gotten for me so I wouldn't get empty nest feelings(smart hubby) Merlin gets away with much more than the kids ever did(makes them a little upset) Hubby says I spoil him (true) but as he (hubby)was recoveing from cancer surgury ,I would come home and have to see the newest trick we had learned to day. Merlin is 4 years old and only been alone for more than 4 hours one time.He his the combination of suls of two of my previous dogs, I see them in him , I saw it as soon as I saw him at the breeders home. So I get the best of all my worlds.