UPDATE: Aug. 3rd, 4 p.m.: “Merlin fought a hard battle. I’m super sorry to say that he didn’t pull through. Pneumonia and a kidney failure took his sweet little life today. Thank you all for the support. You are all such lovely people.” -Ryan Henry Ward
The beloved canine companion of local artist Ryan “Henry” Ward fell ill and had to be hospitalized this past Friday. Anyone who has had the chance of seeing Ryan around town– or while painting his distinctive, friendly murals– knows that the black-and-white Border Collie, Labrador and Irish Wolf Hound mix “Merlin” is rarely not seen at Ryan’s side
So when Merlin stopped eating three days ago and had to be connected to fluids and breathing tubes, Ryan “Henry” knew he’d have to do what it took to help his best friend.
Merlin’s blood pressure stabilized on Saturday, but he began coughing up blood that evening and was diagnosed with pneumonia. He was transferred to a specialist veterinarian in Kirkland via ambulance where Henry updated us that as of 15 hours ago, Merlin was under anesthesia and the care of “the best available critical care specialists available.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Henry with the expenses associated with this emergency care. Over 166 people have contributed within one day raising an impressive $6,895. If you wish to check on Merlin’s progress or donate to his Hospital tests, redirect to the GoFundMe account here.
“Dear Merlin, just breathe,” writes contributor Jayme Nimick. “Dear Henry, you too.”
