AUBURN -- An unknown lady walked up to Merlin's owner in the waiting room and gave $100 toward his veterinary care. In fact, since being attacked by a neighbor's dog in July, Merlin has received 72 checks from 11 states, totaling more than $3,200.

The 8-year-old dog's battle has brought out the best in friends and strangers alike.

"One of his veterinarians said his injury would be an eight on a scale of one to 10," said owner Dana Frick of Marietta, Ga. "Putting him down was not an option for me. He is strong-willed and I just couldn't do it."

A gaping seven-by-10-inch tear on Merlin's right side put him in Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine for 15 days, followed by numerous follow-up visits. His battle not only involved overcoming his injury, but also mounting medical bills.

Merlin, a 15-pound Sheltie, is as magical as his name suggests, though. He is part of a close-knit agility dog community that has spread the word about one of their favorite little competitors. [...]