Merlin
For Merlin, that moment happened the instant Anna and her husband met him at the rescue. Although they originally expected to adopt a smaller dog, Merlin’s gentle spirit, soulful eyes, and quiet affection made the decision effortless. In just a few months together, he’s blossomed into a confident, playful companion who reminds his family that happiness is often found in life’s simplest moments. Join us as we sit down with Anna to talk about Merlin’s journey, the special bond they share, and why choosing thoughtful, high quality products matters just as much as choosing the right forever home.
Tell us a little about Merlin. How would you describe his personality, and what makes him so special?
Merlin is a 5 year old standard poodle. When my husband and I were looking for a dog we were expecting to adopt a smaller dog.
Once we met Merlin at the rescue in February, we knew instantly he was meant to be part of our family.
Merlin is the sweetest dog with the most beautiful eyes. He's so loving and gentle. What makes him special is that he doesn't crave attention from random strangers. He really thrives around his family. He's gets spooked easily by the most random things. He is silly, and loves to have fun with his friends at the dog park!
Looking back, what was your first impression of Merlin, and how has he grown or surprised you over the years?
Merlin is a 5-year-old standard poodle and we've only just adopted him in February! When we first met him, he was immediately very loving and gave us the poodle poke right away. He was more shy and timid when we first got him as he was still figuring out the world around him. Now that we've had him for almost 6 months, he is more courageous, confident, and shows more of his personality.
How has your bond with Merlin evolved, and what has he taught you about love, patience, or living in the moment?
Merlin loves the simple pleasures in life! He's always just happy to be involved. Whether it's lounging at home or out and about with us, he's happiest when with the people he loves. He's taught us that there's something to be happy about everyday.
As Merlin’s mom, what do you look for when choosing products for him, and why is quality so important to you?
When choosing products for him, I want them to be clean and simple. Quality is important for me because I know what I give him when it comes to food or products ultimately impacts his quality of life.
What does supporting small businesses like Peony Celeste mean to you, and why do you think it’s important to invest in brands that truly care about pets and their people?
I love supporting small businesses and Peony Celeste! I feel the quality is much higher with Peony Celeste products compared to other brands I've used in the past. With small businesses, I find it easier to learn more about the founder and mission of the business which is important to me. I care about people and animals, so it was important for me and Merlin to represent a business that does the same!
More Than a Portrait
I’m honored to create studio portraits for the dogs who have become the heart of our community. Each portrait celebrates their unique personality, love, and joy. These photographs are more than keepsakes—they’re a tribute to the bond that inspired Peony Celeste from the very beginning, and memories families can treasure for years to come.
Every ambassador has a story worth following. If you’d like to see more of Merlin's journey, visit @merlinpoodlela on Instagram and say hello from the Peony Celeste family.
The Ambassador Portrait Project
This little project is my way of saying thank you to our incredible brand ambassadors and the humans who love them.
Every dog has a story. Some have helped their families through life’s hardest moments. Others have inspired new adventures, brought laughter back into a home, or simply made every day brighter. Those stories are the heart of Peony Celeste.
When I photograph your dog, I do my best to capture more than just how they look. I hope to preserve their personality, their spirit, and the little expressions that make them uniquely yours.
I truly believe these portraits are one of the most meaningful gifts I can give to our ambassadors. It’s my way of celebrating the bond you share and thanking you for being part of this community.
I feel incredibly grateful for every dog and every family I’ve had the privilege to photograph, and I can’t wait to create many more memories together.
— Misa, Founder of Peony Celeste & Creator of Pet Portraits
All photographs are presented by Peony Celeste LLC. © All rights reserved. Images may not be used for commercial purposes by any uninvolved brands or organizations.
