Well Merlin just came back for dinner this evening and when he turns to the side you can see just how much of a tummy he does
NOT have. He is very, very skinny through the tummy area. I made a little more progress with him tonight...I was able to give him a slight touch on the top of his head. Of course he went running a few feet away but came right back within seconds. I figured I had touched him twice and that was enough so I called it a night and let him have the rest of his dinner in peace.

He is sitting in my bird garden watching the birds. He seems very content.