Merlin is a 4-year-old cattle dog with a good brain, a good heart, and a not great backstory. This handsome little wizard was on the loose for almost a year before anyone was able to catch him. We cannot prove exactly how he ended up that way, but our best guess is that Merlin came from a known backyard breeder in that area and was dumped because he is deaf. Their loss. Truly their loss because Merlin is not broken, he is brilliant. Merlin is smart, quick to learn, eager to please, and probably capable of doing your taxes if you show him where the receipts are. His hearing issue does not slow him down much. It just means his people need to communicate with him a little differently, using visual cues, consistency, patience, and common sense. Merlin is good with other dogs and cats, and he would love a friendly dog in his forever home. He absolutely must have a fenced yard. This is not optional. A deaf cattle dog who once spent months making his own life decisions does not need to be tested against an open gate and good intentions. Because of his hearing, Merlin needs a home without young children. Teenagers and adults are a better fit for him. He is a bouncy, happy, athletic boy, and he needs people who understand that cattle dogs are not decorative throw pillows. They are smart, busy, loyal little employees who would like a job. Merlin is crate trained and potty trained. He would be thrilled with walks, hikes, yard time, car rides, dog friends, cat friends, and people who appreciate a smart dog with a slightly complicated resume. If you are interested in adopting this dog, please apply online, at https://bigfluffydogs.com/dog-adoption/. Our main website, www.bigfluffydogs.com has more information about us and the rescue process. NOTE TO EMAILERS FROM PETFINDER: WE DO NOT RESPOND TO EMAIL INQUIRIES WITHOUT AN APPLICATION. WE REGRET WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY EMAIL, BUT UNLESS YOU FILL OUT AN APPLICATION, WE DO NOT KNOW YOU EXIST. All known information about an individual dog is provided in its listing. We do our best to provide accurate information, but adopters should understand that each home is different and the dog may behave differently in a new home. Dogs are creatures of their environment and you help make the dog what it will be.