09/24/2026
Sharing a very special obituary for a very special dog-
“Merlin “Merl” Drummond-Sanchez
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. A battle that ended September 23rd, 2026.
Merlin was born in Fruitport, Michigan on February 20th, 2021, and was a litter of 7 born to Thor and Stella. Out of the final two puppies remaining, his dad chose Merlin, and from that moment on, he was family.
One of Merlin’s littermates, Mash, went to live right next door, where they grew up running the yards and playing together.
They spent their puppyhood running between the yards, playing, always looking for one another whenever they went outside. Those days with his brother were some of the happiest of Merlin’s life.
Merlin loved lots of things. But he especially loved his mom. He was her protector, her shadow, her best boy.
He loved teasing his sister Piper and cuddling with his cat brothers.
He spent his weekdays at work with his mom where he made it his personal responsibility to make sure everyone stayed in line. He was known as the Police dog or Sheriff because he tattled on any dog being naughty.
In his weeknights and weekends, you could find Merl running around the farm or sunbathing on the deck. He loved chasing squirrels and rabbits out of the yard, watching for motorcycles, trying to eat the vacuum, chasing any ball he could find, and of course looking in the neighbor’s yard for his brother.
In October of 2024, Merlin was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. He underwent a leg amputation to take the cancer away. Merlin never let losing a leg take away his spirt. He went on to have a wonderful year and a half cancer free.
When Merlin crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he was met by so many beloved pets who went before him, especially Norman, Willlie, and Ladybug. We can only imagine the reunion that was waiting for him.
Merlin will be deeply missed by so many, but especially his mom. He was more than a dog. He was family, a best friend, a protector and a once in a lifetime kind of love. Merlin was the best boy she could have ever asked for, and there will never be another him.
Merlin is survived by his parents Mikele and Kawika, dog sister Piper and cat brothers Stuie and Stanley, his dog brother Waylon, dog cousins Cedar, Miles, Phoenix and his beloved grandparents. He also leaves behind countless friends and people whose lives were made better simply because they knew him.
Run free, sweet boy. Chase every squirrel, find every ball, soak up all the sunshine and keep watch over your mom until you find each other again.
You were so loved. You always will be.
Merlin was the best boy who will never be forgotten.
I love you, sweet Merl ❤️”
