From Friday October 21st to Friday November 4th inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications. We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing.

We do not believe it is on the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.

During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need. 

BHRR's Apollo went to his new adoptive home today! CONGRATS!!!!

BHRR's Apollo had been moved under a PENDING ADOPTION! We shall not be taking any more inquiries on BHRR's Apollo at this time. We will update his blog as we can re: his status. Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience.

BHRR's 4th ANNUAL Dinner Boat Cruise & Live/Silent Auction Fundraiser is being held on Saturday October 1st! We ONLY have 7 tickets left AND you can pay via PayPal (gwen@birchhaven.org); email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (please ensure that we have the pw) OR Bank Draft! The boat is reserved ONLY for BHRR participants and their guests.

BHRR is still looking for items for our Live & Silent Auction for this Fundraiser. BHRR ONLY hosts 3 planned Fundraisers a year and this is our second fundraiser event for 2011.

BHRR does not receive any corporate or federal/provincial government funding.

If you have any items that you would like to donate to BHRR; pleae email! THANKS so much!!!!!

 

UPDATE: Sent September 7th, 2011 from BHRR's Apollo's Temp Foster Mom –

"Here are some picture of Apollo. Soooo he knows how to turn on the bathroom sink tap 🙂  he can’t turn it off. LOL. He has been socialized with the kittens and has taken quite the shine to X.  She was bullied quite allot last year at school so her first day was stressful for her and he stuck to her like glue.  It have her great comfort to know he was there for her. 😀  As always feel free to use any of the pictures."

I have added the photos to his slideshow #34 – #38. I have also added four of them below. BHRR's Apollo has always loved coming to the Hospital with me and drinking from the sinks there to the great delight of many! Proof is in the pictures of how he remains great with both children and cats/kittens PLUS drinking from sinks! 🙂


BHRR's Apollo with his Harlie Girlpal & BHRR's Apollo with a kitten – September 2011
*photos courtesy of T. Vaive

BHRR's Apollo and his 'little' girl – September 2011
*Photos courtesy of T. Vaive

Adoption Application Revisions

As of September 1st, 2011; the Board of Directors will be implementing some revisions to our BHRR adoption process. These changes involve age of children in homes for a possible BHRR adoption and the expansion of our adoption area to now include parts of New York, USA.

Revision #1:

As of September 1st, 2011; BHRR shall consider adoption applications to NOT only the whole provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada yet shall also consider homes in the state of New York, USA that are no more than 3 hours from BHRR. These areas in New York, USA shall include those listed below and all immediate surrounding areas AS long as the potential adoptive home is no more than 3 hours from the physical locale of BHRR in Eastern Ontario, CDA:
Oswego
Alexandria Bay
Massena
Watertown
Antwerp
Syracuse
Clayton

Revision #2:

WE DO NOT place any dog with a family with children under the age of 8 unless the below additional conditions/requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the BOD of BHRR. Only then shall the BOD of BHRR consider those homes that have children younger than the age of 8 yet they must be over the age of 5:
a) ONLY homes that have no more than 2 children shall be considered if said children are under the age of 8 and over the age of 5
b) ONLY dogs that BHRR deem most suitable for homes with children within these ages shall be considered
c) ONLY homes that have prior suitable breed type experience ie Great Danes for a Great Dane possible adoption or a Saint Bernard for a Saint Bernard possible adoption shall be considered
d) ONLY homes that have no more than one dog already and that dog must be a right matched personality fit; shall be considered should any children be under the age of 8 and over the age of 5
e) ONLY homes that have all family members in attendance for the home visit and only those same homes that have all family members come to BHRR to meet us shall be considered
BHRR stresses that children and dogs should NEVER be left unsupervised together!
NO EXCEPTIONS.
*This is a legal, insurance and moral obligation/responsibility that we will adhere to.

For complete details regarding the BHRR adoption process; please visit our Application & Fees page. BHRR shall continue to ONLY place per best matched personality fit and our adoption success rates were 100% for over 10 years of operating and as we are heading into our 16th year; our adopton success rates are 99%.

So, it has been a busy time for BHRR in the last 24+ hours for I brought home both BHRR's Hailey and BHRR's Apollo from their temp foster homes. BHRR's Hailey on Saturday and BHRR's Apollo tonight.

BHRR's Hailey had gone to her temp foster home on Friday August 5th and due to circumstances having unexpectedly come up; I brought her back on Saturday. We continue to wish her temp foster family all the best and BHRR's Barbed Wire is not able to be brought in at this time as the spot that BHRR's Hailey had opened up by being temp fostered; was to go to BHRR's Barbed Wire.

BHRR's Apollo had gone to his temp foster home on Friday July 15th and he shall hopefully, return to this foster home in about two weeks time. 🙂

BHRR wants to stress that NEITHER one of these situations involved something a BHRR dog did. Life happens sometimes…..

JUST some exerpts from BHRR's Hailey's foster home:

"and at one point both her and our black boy Oliver were seen sitting at the back sliding door…watching the sun setting together."

"We had some wonderful walks together today…she's enjoying discovering her new neighbourhood."

"The two of us went for a fun run through the park together which she seemed to really enjoy….all in all…IT WAS A BLAST!!!  She's very sweet and honestly, a very respectful girl."

"Hailey has been such a doll and you have trained her so well.  Fostering has been a breeze!"

"I wish that we could have kept her for longer."

BHRR's Apollo went to his temp foster home on Friday July 15th and here are some updates from his temp foster mom:

UPDATE: Sent Sunday July 17th from BHRR's Apollo's Temp Foster Mom –

"Another great night. He is all ours now. lol. If this is him unadjusted WOW!!!!! He is testing boundaries to see what he can get away with. The look on his face is priceless when he gets caught or told no way mister that is soooo not allowed. 🙂 He has the "who me" look down pat. He and Temple have gelled so nicely."

UPDATE: Sent Sunday July 27th from BHRR's Apollo's Temp Foster Mom –

"Thought it was time for an update on your “little” man Apollo.  I did have to laugh out loud today as I read his papers ect. 95% of it with the exception of outsourced obedience we are already doing. WHEW! 😀   He has settled in so well.  He does test as all kids do. Wink, wink. 

I have not had any issues with food at all. In fact both dogs leave some food maybe half a cup  in the dishes and nibble for about 15 minutes if I am not in the room I remove it just in case. But honestly they both respect each other’s space. They have traded bowls on occasion when I turned my back to load the dishwasher but I redirected them back with no fuss or muss.  

We have a bit of grumbling over footballs as they were a fav here before Apollo and he wanted to try to claim them as his own. We had a firm discussion about “manners and sharing”  gentle reminders keep things on track.  He has been exposed to tiny 7 pound terriers with no issues but reminded to be gentle. He plays well with our senior neighbours dog and it would seem we have the communal back yard this year with people, kids and dogs coming and going when we are home and he takes this all in stride.  He does look to me for confirmation that all is ok and being non reactional with him I have found is key. As long as you are relaxed so is he. 

We did a walk about and he and Temple did fab on the split lead.  We practiced in the yard first. LOL.  Hot pavement and sidewalks cut our  walk short as I am now more aware of Birch Haven pads 🙂 I have kept him in a room with Temple when I am not home. He will come for Gray before me. LOL.  He is doing so well and such a sweet treat. Everyone that comes over for a visit can’t believe he has not found his forever home yet. 

Never thought a “blond” would take over part of my heart but this boy sure is something special."


BHRR's Apollo with Temple – HE has a *thing* for those Harle females! – July 2011 & his football! HE loves soccer balls/footballs
*photos courtesy of T. Vaive
 

IF there had been a ramp at the Take The Plunge this past weekend, I would have brought BHRR's Apollo to compete! He will not do those many stairs. While there was a ramp in the pool for dogs to use to get out and some used it to get in; there were quite a few stairs to actually get up on the dock. BHRR's Apollo would have had no issues launching himself into that pool! There was one 'dock dane' there that competed last year as well and we would have loved to have been the second Dane yet those stairs did not make it possible.

AND to have brought him and for him to have heard, seen and smelt the water and not to have been able to swim; would have been hard on him. So, he remained at his temp foster home.

JUST two SLEEPIES until the 4th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being held at Kanata Animal Hospital – 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario on Sunday July 17th, 2011

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY & RAIN OR SHINE!

There will also be Pet Photos, Caricatures, Face Painting, Free Draws, Human Bake Table, Doggie Treats, Leashes, Collars, BHRR Bracelets, Tug Ropes and more!

Microchips$40 – For Cats & Dogs
Nail Trims$10 – For Cats, Dogs, Guinea Pigs & Rabbits

The Rogers Community Cruiser shall be on hand from 10:00 AM – Noon with free timbits & coffee

Complimentary Behavoural/Training Consult Sessions to be had with the Founder of BHRR & Animal Behavoural Student G. Boers

The microchips are from 24PetWatch and they meet the requirements of the revised Canadian standard for electronic identification of companion animals. These microchips are also accepted by the CKC. Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades.

Every year millions of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters, pounds, humane societies, SPCA's and rescue organizations. Of these animals only about 15% of dogs and 5% of the cats (estimated numbers) are ever returned to their homes. The primary reason that the statistics are so low is, because the pets are unidentifiable. Microchipping provides the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet(dogs and cats-especially outdoor one's!) and networking the animal back to their owners. If you want to improve your cat or dog's chances of getting home; microchipping is your best option.

Out of 20 dogs gone missing in our area, only 7 have been found to date; of which 4 were microchipped.

This is the largest Mircochip Fundraiser in CANADA!

After some more discussion with this one temp foster home, we are going to place BHRR's Apollo with them instead of BHRR's Benjamin. For a variety of reasons, including that BHRR's Apollo has had more training as he has been here at BHRR longer plus he no longer requires a crate.

We both believe that the age plus energy level of BHRR's Benjamin would be a better fit for their curent Dane in some ways yet with BHRR's Ava Marie having been adopted, BHRR's Apollo has been a bit lonely(I KNOW! Hard to believe at BHRR) and he is just now starting to become super fast friends with BHRR's Holden. Perhaps, while he will be providing amazing company and exercise to their current Dane; in turn, perhaps; she might make his step become a bit lighter again AND for sure; she is going to exercise him in turn.

AND BHRR's Apollo is much more settled with cats than BHRR's Benjamin. He is good with them yet can still be a bit curious.

BHRR's Apollo has been up for adoption longer and moving to a bigger place will give him more exposure to the public as well. 😉 We know that right matched home is out there for him….they just have not found him yet. 🙂

BHRR's Benjamin has many fast friends here and has not been going through an adjustment with one of his beds buds having been adopted and we are going to see how it works out. BHRR's Apollo shall go to his temp foster home on Friday July 15th! 🙂

 

 

BHRR wants to stress the following:

All of our adoption mandates, processes plus policies are clearly posted on both our PetFinder and Home Website. Additionally, our application is very detailed in respect to the same and each animals' blog on both PetFinder and on our Home Website; advises to become familar with our adoption criteria, before submitting an application to be reviewed.

If for any reason you do not agree to what BHRR requires of a BHRR adoptive home; pleae do not apply. This includes not being in support of our non-refundable application fee, our mandatory obedience clause, requiring a signed letter of permission from a landperson if renting,  no adoptions to homes with children under the age of 9, that we are a Special Needs focused based Rescue, that you refuse to keep pets safe, refuse to alter any non-show pets etc.

BHRR's requirements are written very specifically and are explicit in detail for anyone visiting our sites. We are always most happy to answer any questions, yet will only do so to those that are courteous in their manner plus approach.

BHRR is a highly reputable/quality registered NPO operated by an ALL Volunteer team, without any salaried employees and many of us have families plus full time Careers and other commitments outside of Rescue. I am deeply disturbed by what members of the BOD of BHRR had to address recently over an application that was submitted for review.  I feel for those BHRR members that took on the responsibility to continue to try and educate and be professional when this application was declined. Here I was sitting in emerg waiting to address clearly broken bones and am most unappreciative to witness what was sent BHRR's way after this application was declined in a professional manner with much explanation as to the reasons why their application could not proceed.

If they had just read and respected what was clearly posted, they would be well aware that we are not going to make ANY EXCEPTIONS on very important clauses, clauses that has given BHRR a second to none adoption success rate of 100% in over 10 years of operating and now is 99% as we are in our 15+ year.

In addition, your occupation as what has been stated before, is no indication that you are going to take proper care of an animal. BHRR's Lexi and BHRR's Hailey both came from a very bad domestic abuse situation where they were sorely mistreated and the one Owner is a promimant member of his own community. Abuse is not limited to specific Careers, race, colour or creed. It knows no boundaries. 🙁

You might believe you are a wonderful home yet the application process is our way of getting to know you and to determine if your home would qualify for a BHRR animal. All members of BHRR are part of our extended family and we are always seeking to have new approved Volunteers and Homes join us!

Please refer to:

BEFORE APPLYING &
APPLICATION AND FEES &
FOSTER AND VOLUNTEER

In summary; PLEASE DO NOT apply to be considered if you do not meet these very detailed and visible mandates plus clauses and respect them.

Rescue is hard enough in trying to save animals in need and their wellbeing remains one of our top priorities.

 

 

LAST Gentle Reminder: The FACEBOOK BHRR Discussion Group has MOVED to! – http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada

Hello,

This is just a last gentle reminder that our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Group has moved!

NEW FAN PAGE – http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada

With the 'upgrade' and 'archiving' of the current discussion groups on Facebook, we believe that the needs of our Rescue & Rehab organization cannot sufficiently be met any longer and hence the change to a BHRR FAN PAGE Format.

As of June 1st; the current Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Facebook DISCUSSION GROUP had all members deleted and then the group was permanently disabled and so as of the evening of Thursday May 5th, 2011 we have since moved to a Facebook Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE format instead.

http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada

Our BHRR FAN Page is very interactive, user friendly and fosters great networking plus social friendships and it also feeds into our BHRR Twitter account! We already have had some good discussions with insightful comments happening!

So, to stay abreast of all things uniquely BHRR including requests for assistance, Event/Fundraiser Announcements, upcoming 'EXPERIENCE' Open Houses, GD & Honourary GD Walks/Hikes INCLUDING any Lost & Found Animals, interesting tidbits, Animal Welfare topics, courtesy postings for other reputable/quality organizations/groups, community events etc.; do come and 'LIKE' our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE –
http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada

Sorry for any inconvenience caused! 🙁

http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada is the URL to crosspost! As of now, we have 226 Supporters & counting! Thanks for joining the migration! 🙂

Thanks everyone for your understanding plus patience as we make this necessary transition to continue to have the best network in place to continue to assist animals in need of our programs with your strong 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' support!

The BHRR Team

So, BHRR's Apollo and BHRR's Hailey came with me on Saturday to do a hv and I brought BHRR's Apollo as he is good with cats and well, who does not love him! I also brought BHRR's Hailey for I felt she out of all the dogs at BHRR would be the best matched personality fit for this possible future temp foster home and this was clearly a case of the 'dog choosing the home' indeed when she met them!

While BHRR's Apollo was clearly not himself, BHRR's Hailey walked right up and claimed the family as her own! She made herself right at home and even decided that drinking from my water glass was much preferable to the doggie bowl laid out for her. BHRR's Apollo then followed suit! 😉 The family was very kind as to offer up another glass of water just for me! LOL

It is times like this that I just sit back in 'awe' and watch magic unfold!

So, should all go well, BHRR's Hailey will be going to this now approved temp foster home after our BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House on Saturday June 25th!

To learn more about how to be a BHRR Approved Volunteer/Temp Foster Home; please click here.

The more approved temp foster homes and the more approved adoptive homes that BHRR has, the more animals in need we can assist with your help!

I hope that they have a fantabulous foster experience and I also hope that BHRR's Hailey continues along her path of social networking, great experiences, making new friends, continuing with her solid foundation in obedience etc.

Going to miss this black beauty AND special thanks to the home that 'saw' past her colour to HER!

As for BHRR's Apollo, he needed some 'tough' love to enter their main area and to all that know who BHRR's Apollo is, how he was at their home; would have surprised you. It reminded me of when I adopted out DBB BHRR's Jenni. The home was interested in BHRR's Abbi yet I felt the right matched personality fit would be BHRR's Jenni and she proved that to be so very valid and true! Walked right in and made herself at home while BHRR's Abbi wanted to be anywhere but there. PROOF in point that yes, the dog often does choose the home! 😉

 

BHRR's Apollo and BHRR's Hailey are with me today to do a hv for BHRR.

BHRR's Apollo weight was 68.2 KGs(150.04 pounds) and BHRR's Hailey's weight was 46.7 KGs(102.34 pounds).

Will update more after the hv! 🙂

We are moving BHRR's Apollo BACK AS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!! The wonderful home that was under pending for him is going through some exciting times/changes in their own home at this time and all of us have agreed that we need to be most fair to their home and to BHRR's Apollo! This gives BHRR's Apollo the opportunity to be 'found' by his right matched forever loving home. 🙂

Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding as we went through this process.


BHRR's Apollo – Feb. 9th, 2011 – After a session at CWW and enjoying a donated Antler at KAH! – Thanks Rusty Dawg Products!

Since we have launched our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE , (see below blog); BHRR is going to be implementing some changes to our blog posts currently being made on here, our home website. With how wonderfully interactive plus informatively laid out our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE is, we shall no longer be doing as many posts on the Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services home website blogs yet instead posting on our BHRR FAN PAGE almost exclusively! Our BHRR FAN Page is very interactive, user friendly and fosters great networking plus social friendships and it also feeds into our BHRR Twitter account!

So, to stay abreast of all things uniquely BHRR including requests for assistance, Event/Fundraiser Announcements, upcoming 'EXPERIENCE' Open Houses, GD & Honourary GD Walks/Hikes INCLUDING any Lost & Found Animals, interesting tidbits, Animal Welfare topics, courtesy postings for other organizations, community events etc.; do come and 'LIKE' our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE

As of June 1st; the current Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Facebook DISCUSSION GROUP shall have all members deleted and then the group permanently disabled/deleted and so as of the evening of Thursday May 5th, 2011 we have since moved to a Facebook Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE format instead.

All 256 members of our current BHRR DISCUSSION Group have now been notified of the change to our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE and we shall send out another notice as a gentle reminder a couple of days before deleting all members from the old Discussion 'GROUP'.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused! :(

http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada is the URL to crosspost! As of now, we have 132 Supporters & counting! Thanks for joining the migration! :)

Please inform those you know that follow us on the BHRR DISCUSSION GROUP that this GROUP will be deleted as of June 1st, 2011. We have so many that still have not moved over, so please help us get the word out! Please re-direct them to our NEW FACEBOOK BHRR FAN PAGE! Please come on over and 'LIKE' us!

Thanks everyone for your understanding plus patience as we make this necessary transition to continue to have the best network in place to continue to assist animals in need of our programs with your strong 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' support!

 

 

As of June 1st; the current Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Facebook DISCUSSION GROUP shall have all members deleted and then the group permanently disabled/deleted.

Since the evening of Thursday May 5th, 2011 we have since moved to a Facebook Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) 'Like' FAN PAGE format instead.

The current DISCUSSION groups are going to be archived & even for those that qualify to 'upgrade', groups shall lose the ability to 'interact' with all members. We depend on that important function to save animals in need through our posts for urgent requests and to update our supporting members on BHRR news.

All 256 members of our current BHRR DISCUSSION Group have now been notified of the change to our NEW Facebook BHRR 'LIKE' FAN PAGE FORMAT and we shall send out another notice as a gentle reminder a couple of days before deleting all members from the old Discussion 'GROUP'.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused! :(

http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada is the URL to crosspost! As of now, we have 96 Supporters & counting! Thanks for joining the migration! :)

Please inform those you know that follow us on the BHRR DISCUSSION GROUP that this GROUP will be deleted as of June 1st, 2011. We have so many that still have not moved over, so please help us get the word out! Please re-direct them to our NEW FACEBOOK BHRR FAN PAGE! Please come on over and 'LIKE' us!

Thanks everyone for your understanding plus patience as we make this necessary transition to continue to have the best network in place to continue to assist animals in need of our programs with your strong 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' support!

 

BHRR's Apollo has now been booked for one CWW(Canine Water Wellness) Session for Saturday May 21st! We are seeking extra assistance with just one more session in May for him! 🙂

 

 

In addition to the other blog post(see below) re: play dates, day trips and play trips for our approved BHRR Volunteers to consider bringing the BHRR dogs out for extra FUN; here are the dates for our approved Volunteers to consider for BHRR's Apollo 'SWIM' time sessions at CWW! If interested, please email. I know that he would not only love to re-visit with old friends yet add more fans to his corner! ;)

I am hoping for some assistance in giving him two extra 'splashing & laughing' sessions for the month of May and thanks so much in advance to all for considering.

Tuesday May 2nd – Anytime between 3 PM – 6 PM
Wednesday May 4th – Anytime between 3 PM or 4 PM
Tuesday May 10th – Anytime between 3 PM – 6 PM
Wednesday May 11th – Anytime between 3 PM or 4 PM
Friday May 13th – Anytime between 2 PM – 6 PM
Saturday May 14th – Anytime between 9 AM – 3 PM
Tuesday May 17th – Anytime between 3 PM – 6 PM
Friday May 20th – Anytime between 2 PM – 6 PM
Saturday May 21st – Anytime between 9 AM – 3 PM*BOOKED
Tuesday May 24th – Anytime between 3 PM –6 PM
Wednesday May 25th – Anytime between 3 PM or 4 PM

Here are two photos of BHRR's Apollo when had a playdate on Sunday April 17th! I have also added them to his slideshow.

GONE is that poor boy who almost lost his leg!!!

HE was so coated in mud that I had to not only wash my car yet him when we arrived home later that day!!! LOL


BHRR's Apollo – April 17th, 2011 & BHRR's Apollo with his new play buddy on April 17th, 2011
*Photos courtesy of M. Kampman

 

Here are the May availability dates/times for play dates, day trips and play trips for the BHRR dogs for our approved BHRR Volunteers to consider.

Please email if interested in giving a BHRR animal extra BLAST of a time social/training experiences!

Monday May 2nd – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday May 2nd – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Wednesday May 4th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday May 10th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Wednesday May 11th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Friday May 13th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Saturday May 14th – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday May 16th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday May 17th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Friday May 20th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Saturday May 21st – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Tuesday May 24th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
Wednesday May 25th – Anytime between 2 PM – 8 PM
 

BHRR's Apollo had his annual tonight and was given an A+! He weighed 68.3 KGs(150.26 pounds) and I do not desire to see any more weight on this boy at this time. His Vet concurs. I always find it very difficult to see some of our previous adopted dogs with how fat they had become in their new homes. As I have blogged about more than once, they are not being done any favours in being fat. One should always be able to faintly see that last TWO ribs on their Great Dane and their Dane should have a clear waistline.

BHRR's Apollo made everyone giggle as he drank right from one of the sinks in the prep room more than once! He is always such a HUGE hit at KAH and even had a play session with his Vet's Dobie.

There was more than one comment about how happy he is and what a great dog he is! AND more than one person also indicated how much they would love to have if their own circumstances were different.

His Rabies + DAPP are now good until 2014 and in 2012, he shall require another HWT.

Saturday is his next CWW swim session and then after a rest, he and I are going for a walk/hike with some of our wonderful BHRR Volunteers. He is going to have such a grand day and I am really looking forward to this social human and canine interaction myself.

Until such time as we determine if this home is a right matched fit for them and for BHRR's Apollo, we are placing him under a 'PENDING ADOPTION'. During this time we shall not be taking in any more inquiries or applications on him. We will update his blog as we can and thanks in advance for your patience as we go through this process.

BHRR's Apollo is now booked with an approved BHRR Volunteer for Saturday April 16th for a session at CWW & then after a rest will be headed on a small walk with them plus myself!

His other CWW 'splashing & laughing' swim dates/times available are:

Tuesday April 19th – Anytime between 1 PM  -6 PM
Saturday April 23rd – Anytime between 9 AM – 2 PM
Tuesday April 26th – Anytime between 1 PM – 6 PM*NEW DATE AVAILABLE
Friday April 29th – Anytime between 1 PM  – 3 PM*NEW DATE AVAILABLE
Saturday April 30th – Anytime between 9 AM -2 PM

His other Play Date, Day Trip and Play Trip available are:

Monday April 11th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 13th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday April 15th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday April 16th – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday April 18th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Tuesday April 19th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 20th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday April 23rd – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday April 25th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Tuesday April 26th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 27th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday April 29th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Saturday April 30th – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM

Please email if you are interested in taking BHRR''s Apollo out for new experiences and fun!

In addition to the other blog post(see below) re: play dates, day trips and play trips for the approved BHRR Volunteers to consider bringing the BHRR dogs out for extra FUN; here are the dates for our approved Volunteers to consider for BHRR's Apollo 'SWIM' time sessions at CWW! If interested, please email. I know that he would not only love to re-visit with old friends yet add more fans to his corner! 😉

Friday April 1st – Anytime between 1 PM  – 3 PM
Saturday April 2nd – Anytime between 9 AM – 2 PM
Saturday April 16th – Anytime between 9 AM – 2 PM
Tuesday April 19th – Anytime between 1 PM  -6 PM
Saturday April 23rd – Anytime between 9 AM – 2 PM
Saturday April 30th – Anytime between 9 AM -2 PM

Here is a video posted below of BHRR's Apollo's incredible journey/progress at Canine Water Wellness. My continued and deepest of grateful thanks being extended to both Jen & Lianne of CWW for all that they do! I honestly know that if it were not for them coming on board my/BHRR's Apollo 'Team for/of Success' that he would have lost his leg. He challenged my almost 25 years in medicine & rehab and taught me so MUCH! When this boy is adopted, so many are going to well up and bawl; myself included!

My continued heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our BHRR Volunteers that have assisted me in taking BHRR's Apollo to these leg saving sessions. With your generous hearts, you are equally as important as a part of the "CHAIN OF SUCCESS" making those links that much stronger! I am indebted. Going back to one of my common phrases and it holds no less weight now; 'there are not enough words in the dictionary to express the word of thanks!' To his current CWW ANGEL 'team' of Don, Allison, Amélie, Holly & Melissa plus Raine; I THANK you! AND I know BHRR's Apollo THANKS you too. He loves his sessions and he loves the loving and I am sure even he would admit the ice cream treaties you buy for him after he works so hard is not too shabby either! 😉 Your dedication, belief in not just BHRR BUT BHRR's Apollo touches my soul deeply. If I have missed  anyone, my deepest apologizes and please please please let me know!

To EVERYONE that has donated funds, time, blankets, his new swim vest, a comforting word and the list goes on and on; YOU also are part of that "CHAIN" and I am humbled by the unselfishness of your hearts! You truly are all of 'BHRR's Apollo's Angels':

OTHER APOLLO Angels: 

Lynda
Anonymous
Karen & Alex
Don & Allison
Anonymous
Lisa
Martin & Michelle
Mary
Suzanne & Chuck
Paula
Simone
Jacqueline
Dana
Nairn
Marilyn
Alex & Karen
Vicki & Lorna – Donation towards his Canine Water Wellness Sessions

One can only do so much on their own, but together we have ALL saved a life and I think in turn, BHRR's Apollo has saved a few of us!

For those who have not yet read his whole blog(start from the bottom up), it is believed that he had been hit or kicked with extreme blunt force trauma(shovel or steel toe boat for example) for his PCL(Posterior Cruciate Ligament) & Meniscus to be torn with the meniscus completely shredded per the surgeon.

 

Here are the April availability dates for play dates, day trips and play dates for the BHRR dogs for our approved BHRR Volunteers to consider. BHRR's Lily Belle is not on this list as she is currently under a "PENDING ADOPTION" and we should know by end of Monday April 4th, that status of her application. Thanks everyone for your continued patience!

 

Friday April 1st – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Saturday April 2nd – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Wednesday April 6th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Monday April 11th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 13th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday April 15th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday April 16th – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday April 18th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Tuesday April 19th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 20th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday April 23rd – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday April 25th – Anytime between Noon – 8 PM
Wednesday April 27th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Friday April 29th – Anytime between 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday April 30th – Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM

Please email if interested in giving a BHRR animal extra BLAST of a time social/training experiences!

HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES! AND YOU CAN TOO!

'HELP SCORE FOR THE BHRR & DiD ANIMALS' HOCKEY TICKETS – High Bid 'War' – CLOSED!

Thank you to all that helped raise much needed monies for both of our Rescues!

WINNING BID: $265
WINNING BIDDER: K. Shields

 

Two Ontario Great Dane Rescues – Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) & Danes in Distress(DiD) have come together to host this 2011 High Bid "War" to benefit animals in need of both of our programs.

These amazing pair of Hockey Tickets are to the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. the Ottawa Senators game being held on Saturday April 2nd, 2011 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa starting at 7:00 PM.

These seats are in the 100L- Section 109 Row C and are fantabulous seats! The value on these pair of tickets are $400+ CDA.

TOTAL VALUE: $400+

The ‘HELP SCORE FOR THE BHRR & DID ANIMALS HOCKEY hig' Bid 'War' began on Wednesday March 23rd @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end on Tuesday March 29th @ 9:00 PM EST.

Tickets can be couriered at no cost to the winner for their convenience to their place of business or home.

To bid on the Sens vs. Leafs tickets, please email contactbhrr@gmail.com with your full name, address, phone number including area code, and please indicate your bid amount.

Bidding shall start at $100 and the website shall be updated regularly.

Note: Payment for the winning bidder must come direct to BHRR and BHRR will ONLY accept a payment of M/C OR VISA OR AMEX OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (please ensure that we have the password).

Danes in Distress(DiD) shall NOT be accepting any payment for these Hockey bid tickets and will be directing all interest to BHRR. Any payment made direct to DiD shall be considered a donation and not as payment for these Hockey tickets for this Fundraiser.

Note: BHRR shall NOT accept any PayPal payment per their rules & regulations. Any monies sent via that method will be considered a donation.

Note: BHRR shall NOT accept personal checks.

Note: NO REFUNDS GIVEN

After confirmation of receipt of payment sent to BHRR, BHRR will make arrangements to get your winning tickets to you ASAP.

Our deepest thanks being sent out in advance to everyone for your consideration in participating to help both BHRR and DiD continue to save animals in need of assistance! By showing your support, you are representing a wonderful effort to a great cause!

  • The BHRR Auction will begin at 8:00 AM EST on Wednesday March 23rd, 2011. Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
  • The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Tuesday March 29nd, 2011. The highest bid on these tickets will be determined based on the time of the email sent as recorded by the time marked by our ISP.
  • High bidders will be identified each day ONLY by their first name and last initial.
  • All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
  • Bids must be done in $5.00 or Greater increments.
  • When bidding please include your first and last name plus a phone number that you can be reached at if necessary.
  • All Bidders must be at LEAST 18 years of age or older.
  • All bids are considered final and binding, please do not bid if you do not intend to follow through on payment. Also, please do not bid on behalf of anyone else without their explicit written permission. The owner of the email will be considered the bidder and responsible/accountable for the bid/payment should their email be the winning bidder.
  • High Bidder will be posted every day of the BHRR Auction and on the final Auction day; the bids shall be updated with postings made regularly until the BHRR Auction closes.
  • If you wish to leave a "maximum" bid as you will not be around to monitor the auction closely yourself, please indicate that in your email when making your bid. Only emailed bids will be accepted.
  • FULL payment is required within 24 hours of being notified of being the winner.
  • Should you be in default of not honouring your bid(which really affects the animals the most), the next person with the highest bid shall be offered the Tickets as the winner.
  • There are NO Returns or Exchanges and BHRR is not responsible for the condition of the Hockey Tickets upon receipt to the winner(s).

About Taxes: You are not actually buying these tickets in this online auction. What you are doing is making a donation and then receiving the item in turn as a thank you. All taxes have been paid on the items you are bidding on.

PERMISSION GIVEN TO CROSS POST!

The BHRR & DiD Teams

BHRR's Apollo shall have his annual on April 13th. He was sooooooooo happy to see BHRR's Ava Marie after I picked her back up from her fun time at her temp fosters!

In over 15 years of operating, BHRR has only ever placed 2 animals at one time in 2 homes yet if the right matched home did come along; we would seriously consider placing both BHRR's Apollo & BHRR's Ava Marie in the same home. They are the best of best of friends. They will also be fine on their own in separate homes with at least one other dog already in that home; so; this is not a necessary requirement. Just something that we have noted that both of them are so very close to each other.

 

The ‘BHRR’ Experience – One Volunteers Blog

Below is a note that the approved BHRR Volunteer wrote on her fb wall about her BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' in taking care of BHRR/our home while I had my first family vacation in almost 6 years. With her permission, it has been posted below. As I say so often to others plus posted this as a response to her fb wall post:

"AND I would love to 'share' your note with others interested in BHRR – either by adopting, volunteering, learning more about our stellar programs etc. – with your permission. I could never say any words better than what those themselves that are involved could say about the BHRR 'EXPERIENCE'. It is all of you that are the 'voice' making that 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' so strong…"

 

Day 12 – Novice in Rescue , My Adventure at BHRR – Home coming for all

by Suzanne Desjardins on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 9:13pm

 

Is there ever anything sweeter than being home ???? I am very certain Gwen,Sean and kids feel the same…I have made some personal journeys in life but this is one for the bucket list 4sure …

I  will never think of rescue in another way except wow, the work involved is just staggering ….and i wasn't even training or rehabbing…..just reinforcing.  BUT the REWARDS are PRICELESS………

If anyone reading this note or my prior notes wonders how they too could be involved…DONATE DONATE DONATE…The amount of food that i fed over the 12 days was mind boggling …FOOD is life for this small respectable,reputable ONE OF A KIND rescue ….so the next time time you are in the pet store or grocery store , buy a bag and and let Gwen know you have food……..Towels, sheets, comforters, pinesol, treats, ALL very much needed …………..

I had tears in my eyes as I left today… there are several that I loved prior to this, and they have cemeted themselves in my heart forever…Potter, Soul and Albert, his trust in me was moving….Bleach is AMAZING for a deaf/blind puppy ….the way he motors around is nothin short of WOW………

 Gwen…. I thank you …………

HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES! AND YOU CAN TOO!

'HELP SCORE FOR THE BHRR & DID ANIMALS' HOCKEY RAFFLE – ONLY 350 Tickets available – *ENDS Wednesday @ 9:00 PM EST
 

*CONGRATULATIONS TO D. Harbin of Ottawa, ON & to all in participating to raise funds for GD Rescue!*
 

Two Ontario Great Dane Rescues – Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) & Danes in Distress(DID) have come together to host this 2011 Hockey Raffle to benefit animals in need of both of our programs.

These amazing pair of Hockey Tickets are to the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. the Ottawa Senators game being held on Saturday April 2nd, 2011 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa starting at 7:00 PM.

These seats are in the 100L- Section 109 Row O and are excellent seats! The value on these pair of tickets are $400+ CDA.

Furthermore, a Parking Voucher for free regular parking is included for the winner's added bonus!

Furthermore, Linda @ PJ Quigley's located @ 250 Greenbank Road donated a pre-game dinner for 2 (up to $25) to the winner!

TOTAL VALUE: $450+

We shall ONLY be selling 350 tickets and they are $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00.

The ‘HELP SCORE FOR THE BHRR & DID ANIMALS HOCKEY RAFFLE’ ticket sales began on Monday February 21st @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end on Wednesday March 9th @ 9:00 PM EST.

The draw shall take place on Thursday March 10th @ 8:00 AM EST and the tickets can be couriered at no cost to the winner for their convenience to their place of business or home.

To purchase your raffle tickets, please email contactbhrr@gmail.com with your full name, address, phone number including area code, number of tickets you would like to buy and please indicate your method of payment.

Note: All payments for raffle tickets must come direct to BHRR and BHRR will ONLY accept payments of M/C OR VISA OR AMEX OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (please ensure that we have the password).

Danes in Distress(DID) shall NOT be accepting any payments for these Hockey raffle tickets and will be directing all interest to BHRR. Any payments made direct to DID shall be considered a donation and not as payment for Hockey raffle tickets for this Fundraiser.

Note: BHRR shall NOT accept PayPal payments per their rules & regulations. Any monies sent via that method will be considered a donation.

Note: BHRR shall NOT accept personal checks.

Note: NO REFUNDS GIVEN

Note: Odds of winning are based upon total number of raffle tickets sold.

After confirmation of receipt of payment sent to BHRR, BHRR will email a copy of your raffle ticket(s) in a pdf format with your individual raffle tracking ticket number(s).

Our deepest thanks being sent out in advance to everyone for your consideration in participating to help both BHRR and DID continue to save animals in need of assistance! By showing your support, you are representing a wonderful effort to a great cause!

 

PERMISSION GIVEN TO CROSS POST!

The BHRR & DID Teams

BHRR mourns the February 18th, 2011 loss of a treasured friend to many – Victim to Bloat/Tort.
Trice, beloved best friend of BHRR Board of Director member Barry.
As per Barry's wishes, Trice has been laid to eternal rest at BHRR, missed by all.
May all those that have been touched by Trice, cherish the incredible gifts that he has bestowed upon them.

Though Barry has requested that any donations in honour of Trice's memory be sent to BHRR; I would like to respectfully ask of each and every person that has had the special pleasure of being blessed to be touched by Trice; to share a photo and/or memory Barry's way. AND to please pass along your support of heart plus caring.

This was not the week it should have been for either one of them when they travelled up from the east coast earier that day. Trice was to come to BHRR for training/tweaking and the week was to be full of fun GD/Human hikes/walks, good training sessions, fantastic play dates, lots of laughter and tons of great memories with friends to warm the heart plus soul. 

I am blessed myself to have been called and upon directing all to meet me at AVAH; to have had the 'gift' of opportunity to pass along my good-byes and tears of heart ache on the night of his passing. This is a dog that I very much adored, has made me a better behavoural expert/trainer plus person and he has touched me very deeply since he plus Barry first crossed my path many years ago. To say that I love the 'Trices' of the world is putting it lightly. I live with a "Trice", I understand/accept the 'Trices' of the world and I feel truly fortunate to have had my life touched by this special Trice!

His loss has affected so many and I know that CH. Dyceman is completely crushed not to have had the opportunity and experiences that should have been theirs during the week that Trice was to be at BHRR. Trice was truly Dyce's best of friends and it has been a week of deep mourning for all……


A portrait of Trice by Barclay Guinn Fine Arts (an example of Barclay's work that had been shown at our 2009 BHRR Boat Cruise Fundraiser)
& BHRR's Kingston with Trice – August 28th, 2009(one of my fav pictures).

Honouring my 'promise!' 2 Pictures of BHRR's Apollo from February 2nd, 2011 – 'WINTER WONDERLAND DAY' @ BHRR!


BHRR's Apollo with BHRR's Benjamin

I have had not one, not two but THREE people email me to 'make' a deal! LOL AND that deal is that they will purchase tickets to our currently running BHRR/DiD Hockey Raffle Fundraiser in exchange for me posting new pictures of the dogs! Let me think about this…..UHMMMM! OK! YOU are on!!! Let the picture posting and raffle tickets sales go on! 😀

Perhaps, it might make others consider participating such that we can raise much needed funds NOT just for BHRR yet also for another Ontario GD Rescue – DiD(the oldest operating GD Rescue in Ontario at that!). Each penny that is raised is so desperately needed by both of our organizations and please, please, please do consider participating. Even if you are not  a Hockey Fan or would be able to attend the game on April 2nd yourself, purchasing a raffle ticket or two or three; MAKES a great gift for another!

These are fantastic tickets – 100 L, a Parking Voucher is included PLUS a very generous $25 pre-dinner for 2 at P.J's Quigley's on Greenbank in Ontario has been donated by Linda Price. We shall be selling Raffle Tickets until March 9th, 2011 @ 9:00 PM EST.

 

 

ISO: Temp Foster Homes from March 9th, 2011 – March 23rd, 2011 for if all goes well, I might be able to have my first vacation in almost 6 years. Please email if any of our approved foster homes are available and interested in assisting. Sean plus wee ones go on vacation twice a year while I stay here to love on dogs plus horses and this could be my first opportunity to not only have a vacation yet a family vacation in almost 6 years myself!

BHRR's Apollo weighed 64.3 KGs(141.46 pounds) today. WAHOOO! WTG!!!

He had another fantastic session at CWW and now has a few more 'fans' to his credit. 😀 He was also taken out for an ice cream treatie after his session and then to Starbuck's! Mr. Social Butterfly.

As per even the Volunteers that took him today to his session, they, too; cannot believe that he has not yet been adopted. We remain patient.

AND BHRR's Apollo sure took a shine to these two BHRR Volunteers!!! He did not want to leave them.

BHRR's Apollo is having his 'date' tomorrow and shall be headed to CWW for a swim session!  I will also obtain a new weight on him as he shall be coming to KAH with me.

In honor of Gwennie, the Founder of BHRR, wishing her a most wonderful and special of birthdays today – February 3rd, 2011

If you believe in BHRR; enjoy all the blog updates, pictures, open houses, GD hikes, Gwennie novel posts, her educational articles plus links; please make a donation in support of her rescue efforts. This fundraiser shall run through until 11:59 PM today – Thursday February 3rd, 2011

This blog post was made without Gwennie's awareness, so imagine her surprise when she sees this later today!

You can help ease her stress and concerns a bit today about always worrying about money to save those in need of the programs she has worked so hard for. You can help ease her stress and concerns a bit today about coming up with funds for food and other essentials for the animals. You can help ease her stress and concerns a bit today about the mounting bills for BHRR. Together let's make that BHRR 'chain of success' for Gwennie even more strong today!

Email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org, PayPal (account gwen@birchhaven.org) or even call Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 and make a donation on to the Birch Haven Rescue account with your Visa, Mastercard or Amex. A receipt will be mailed to your attention. As Gwennie states so often, there is no amount too small.

I recently asked Gwennie what she wanted for her birthday and not once did she mention anything for herself. Always her family, friends or animals. Help us make a birthday very special today for Gwennie by making a donation to BHRR.

Total Raised to Date$385 & 14 Days of Dog Food & New Logo for Behavoural/Training/Gwennie's Dog Boot Camp Programs
*PayPal took $1.03 in fees

Gwennie's BHRR Believers & Supporters:

Anonymous
Sean
Mason*donated his bi-weekly allowance
Kinsley*donated her bi-weekly allowance
Alex & Karen
Global Pet Foods – Kanata – 10 Days of Dog Food
Simone – On BHRR's Potter Bills @ Kanata Animal Hospital
Lisa – 13 KG bag of Natural Balance Dog Food
Mary
James – Bag of Dog Food
Jan & Her Boyz
Michelle
Luanne of Rusty Dawg Pet Products

Today was 'WINTER WONDERLAND' Day at BHRR on our almost 148 acres after receiving 20 cm of snow and 10 more cm on the way! Below are two pictures! I will post all the individual pictures on the dog's own blogs ASAP. I was out with them myself on three different occasions for about an hour each time. WHAT a blast of a day! Now, that nighttime has come, the temperatures are dropping and the snow is turning more to ice pellets. Time for some nice warmth in front of the fireplaces and snuggles!


BHRR's 'WINTER WONDERLAND' Day! – February 2nd, 2011 – Name the dogs? LOL

Now, that things are becoming a bit more settled at BHRR, if any of our approved BHRR Volunteers are willing to take a BHRR animal for a Playdate, day trip or play day; here are the February 2011 Dates/times available:

Friday February 4th – Between 4 PM & 8 PM
Saturday February 5th – Between 8 AM & 4 PM
Monday February 7th – Between Noon & 8 PM
Tuesday February 8th – Between Noon & 8 PM
Wednesday February 9th – Between 9 AM & 4 PM
Monday February 14th – Between 4 PM & 8 PM*DO YOU WANT TO BE A BHRR Animals' 'Valentine' today! 🙂 😉
Friday February 18th – Between Noon & 8 PM
Monday February 22nd – Between Noon & 8 PM
Wednesday February 23rd – Between 9 AM & 4 PM
Friday February 25th – Between Noon & 8 PM
Saturday February 26th – Between 8 AM & 4 PM

 

*Note: BHRR's 'Big' Ben is NOT AVAILALBLE at this time for Playdates. New Arrival to BHRR on January 29th, 2011*
 

Please email if you are interested in helping give a BHRR animal more social experiences plus a great time!

BHRR's Apollo is now booked for a time on February 9th at CWW AND another approved BHRR Volunteer has reserved a 'date' with BHRR's Apollo for Saturday February 26th to take him to CWW! Just waiting to confirm a time for that day. YAY! For BHRR's Apollo. Below are two pictures from his December 29th, 2010 session that I took him to. As mentioned in a previous blog or two, I am going to book him in for sessions here and there until he is adopted as he LOVES the water, the attention, the special loving from all and it is only going to provide additional benefit(our pool and spring fed pond are obviously closed for the winter! LOL) to his knee/leg. He is ready for his forever loving home, much to the dismay of many that wanted Sean/I to keep BHRR's Apollo as one of our own! BUT, he does not need us any longer and we need to continue to adopt out those that no longer need us to continue to help those that do. 🙂 I am just going to well up when it is time to hug him and let him go to his new forever loving home BUT the good news is that in having had almost 310 adoptions, almost all those homes are in regular contact with BHRR and remain happily part of the BHRR extended family….so, it is not a forever good-bye, it is a new beginning for him and we cannot wait to watch him continuet to flourish(he will make a great therapy dog!) in his great loving forever home!

This boy is POPULAR yet sadly, the right matched personality fit inquiry/application has not yet come in for him. One person even wanted to know if it would be really expensive to dye him lilac as they felt it would be a great colour to match his black muzzle!!!! Needless, to say, that was one inquiry we declined to proceed further with.

 


BHRR's Apollo at CWW – December 29th, 2010 – HE LOVES it & Jen/Lianne LOVE him!

Now, that things are becoming a bit more settled at BHRR, if any of our approved BHRR approved Volunteers are willing to take BHRR's Apollo to a 'maintenance' swim session at CWW(Canine Water Wellness): here are the dates/times to consider! While we are awaiting his forever loving adoptve home, we would like to take him to some extra sessions AS he just loves them and he can only continue to benefit from more time spent swimming. 🙂

Friday February 4th – Between 5 PM & 6 PM
Saturday February 5th – Between 9 AM & 2 PM
Tuesday February 8th – Between 1 PM  & 6 PM
Wednesday February 9th – Between 10 AM & 2 PM*RESERVED
Friday February 18th – Between 1 PM & 6 PM
Wednesday February 23rd – Between 10 AM & 2 PM
Friday February 25th – Between 1 PM & 6 PM
Saturday February 26th – Between 9 AM & 2 PM*RESERVED
 

Please email if you are interested in helping to take BHRR's Apollo to some extra sessions.

BHRR's Apollo is now reserved with a BHRR approved Volunteer for a CWW 'fun/play' swim session for February 9th, time yet to be determined. This shall be Session #1 of 5 more planned sessions should his right matched forever loving home not come along! Many more dates still available for February and please email if you are open to assisting BHRR's Apollo!

BHRR BOD Member Barry's 'Special 30th Birthday Request for BHRR' –

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services Board of Director Member, Barry Cole is celebrating his 30th Birthday today. Here is his posted request:

"Can't believe I'm 30 today!! Not that im expecting presents but would appreciate Donations to www.birchhaven.org help a GREAT rescue continue to do their amazing work!!"

Will keep a running public total of all monies raised in his honour to continue to help animals in need of BHRR!

Thanks in advance for the consideration!

Total Raised to Date: $165 – PayPal took $2.34 in fees

 

Barry's Birthday BHRR Buddies:

Stephanie
Chelsea

Mason*donated his bi-weekly alllowance
Kinsley*donated her bi-weekly allowance
Carbon/Digby(Mary)
Suzanne & Chuck
Barry
LT & Lil Linus(Jan)

BHRR's Apollo is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!!

Below are two pictures from one of his CWW sessions(November 20th, 2010) that one of our approved BHRR Volunteers took. He LOVES their two soccer stuffies!


BHRR's Apollo – November 20th, 2010 @ Canine Water Wellness
*Photos courtesy of H. Surman

BHRR's Apollo had his last session at CWW today. He shall go up for adoption in January of 2011. Until his right matched home comes along, I shall be bringing him to CWW here and there as it is so good for his leg and he also just LOVES it. At KAH today, he weighed 62.6 KGS(137.72 pounds). GO BHRR's Apollo GO! I took some pictures today and also have some from when one of our Volunteers took him at the end of November. I will add them soon.

BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of a new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many. Our XMAS Shutdown period for this year is from Saturday December 18th, 2010 to Monday January 3rd, 2011 inclusive.

I have scheduled 2 more CWW sessions for BHRR's Apollo – Tuesday December 14th & Thursday December 16th. This will make his last two planned sessions and after that, he should be ready to be placed up for adoption yet as we do not adopt out during the Holiday season; we shall not place him up as 'available' until January of 2011. This will give us a couple more weeks to ensure that he truly is ready. We shall keep his blog updated. So many mixed feelings as we reach this stage of his journey!

BHRR's 3rd ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' ONLINE AUCTION

ENDS THURSDAY DECEMBER 2nd @ 9 PM EST!

The BHRR ONLINE Auction shall END on Thursday December 2nd, 2010 @ 9 PM EST

This is BHRR's last organized Fundraiser of 2010 and our next planned organized Fundraiser at this time is not until July of 2011, so each penny raised will be desperately needed to allow us to keep helping animals in need of our BHRR programs.

*To donate gift certificates, baskets, handmade crafts or any other items – Email BHRR (contactbhrr@gmail.com)

*We have 153 Items to date!!!!

Permission to Cross Post is given!

BHRR's Apollo shall be going with one of our BHRR Approved Volunteers on Saturday November 27th for his 3rd of 5 extra CWW Sessions in what we have called 'round 2' with his rehab. We will be doing his last 2 in December and from there evaluating (AND things look good!) as to whether he shall be ready to be placed up for adoption! Exciting times yet also I am a bit sad for like so many others, the journey that BHRR's Apollo has taken me on has been one of amazing lessons plus I have met and been touched by so many incredible 'angels' reaching out in their efforts to assist us in making BHRR's Apollo the best healthy dog that he can be!

To learn more about how to become a BHRR approved Volunteer; please visit our Foster/Volunteer Section.

Today, BHRR was also contacted to see if we would be participants along with BHRR's Apollo at Canine Water Wellness within the next couple of weeks at their locale when Regional Contact shall be filming. Will post day/time for our BHRR approved Volunteers to consider should they be interested in attending that day! This is a great Media & Commnuity Opportunity for BHRR!

BHRR's Apollo is off today for a CWW extra swim session & his weight today was 61.3 KGs(134.86 pounds).  🙂

Many thanks to a wonderful BHRR Volunteer that shall be assisting BHRR's Apollo to extra CWW sessions on November 20th, November 27th & November 30th! I shall then do a session in early December and after that BHRR's Apollo, IF everything goes as I am seeing with him now; he shall be placed up for adoption!!!! THANKS so much to all that have stepped up to help me with BHRR's Apollo in getting him healthy to have that opportunity to have a right forever matched loving home for the rest of his life!!!!

New Canine Water Wellness Dates for our approved BHRR Volunteers to consider if they are interested in assisting me in getting BHRR's Apollo to some extra sessions.

Saturday November 20th – anytime between 9 AM and 2 PM
Wednesday November 24th – anytime between Noon – 2 PM
Friday November 26th – anytime between 9 AM and 3 PM
Saturday November 27th – anytime between 9 AM and 2 PM
Tuesday November 30th – anytime between 1 PM and 7 PM

Please email if you can assist!
 

BHRR is still looking for some more approved BHRR Volunteers to assist in getting BHRR's Apollo to another round of extra sessions at Canine Water Wellness. Please email if you can assist. I am hoping that after this latest round he might be ready to be placed up for adoption. We are hoping for 10 sessions yet as we are splitting funds between both BHRR's Bean & BHRR's Apollo right now from what was raised at our last fundraiser; we still could use some more donations for their Canine Water Wellness sessions funds.

I am also adding below a picture of BHRR's Apollo from August 26th, 2010 in his new assist vest that was donated so kindly by A. & K. Twaddle. Doesn''t he look so handsome!

Please consider assisting! PayPal(account gwen@birchhaven.org) or email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or a check to 'Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services' and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
CANADA

 


BHRR's Apollo – August 26th, 2010

From Friday October 22nd to Friday November 5th inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications. We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing. We do not believe it is on the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.

During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.

New CWW(Canine Water Wellness) Dates for our approved BHRR Volunteers to consider taking BHRR’s Apollo for a session if you are interested! Please email if you can assist! With our recent 3rd ANNUAL BHRR’s Boat Cruise/Dinner & Live/Silent Auction Fundraiser; we can now afford to do another 5 -10 sessions for BHRR’s Apollo!!! YAY! If you would like to contribute to his CWW fund:

PayPal(account gwen@birchhaven.org) or email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or a check to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
CANADA

Saturday October 9th – between 9 AM – 2 PM
Tuesday October 12th – between 1 PM – 6 PM
Tuesday October 19th – between 1 PM – 6 PM
Wednesday October 20th – between 1 PM – 6 PM
Friday October 22nd – between 1 PM – 6 PM
Saturday October 23rd – between 9 AM – 2 PM
Monday October 25th – between 1 PM – 6 PM
Friday October 29th – between 1 PM – 6 PM

BHRR is in its 3rd food crisis of 2010. We only have about 30 days worth of dog food left and we currently have 23 dogs under our authority between our BHRR Rescue/Rehabilitation Program, BHRR Adoption Program, BHRR Haven Dog Program & BHRR Foster/Perma-Foster Program.
BHRR is currently going through 600 pounds of dog food a month at a cost of a minimum of $825.00+ tax for the food.
Please consider donating to assist…. PayPal(gwen@birchhaven.org) or email transfer or check to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
CANADA

September 19th, 2010$262.24 Donated to Date & 1,422.50 pounds of dog food since August 2010

ISO: BHRR Volunteer(s) to assist me in getting BHRR’s Apollo to extra CWW sessions on any of the following dates/times:

Thursday September 9th – Anytime between 3 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday September 13th – Anytime between 10 AM – 2 PM
Thursday September 16th – Anytime between 3 PM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday September 21st – Anytime between 3 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursday September 23rd – Anytime between 3 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday September 25th – Anytime between 9 AM – 2 PM

Please email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can assist!

With the wonderful support of two wonderful Volunteers, I am able to get in 2 extra sessions at CWW this week for BHRR’s Apollo! THANK YOU! We have had $315.00 donated to date to assist us at BHRR in paying for his sessions at Canine Water Wellness and we are planning at least 2 more at this time. BHRR will do as many sessions as required to help us in ensuring that we do not have to amputate that leg and we might have to do as many as 20 or more for the momentum derived from attending these sessions has greatly assisted Apollo’s ‘AT BHRR’ rehabilitation program with the obstacle work, Hydro work, sand and hill work in addition to his massage plus chiropractic treatments we are doing here with/for him.
Regular Pricing For 10 HydroTherapy Sessions at CWW is: $599.99+tx

Please consider assisting! PayPal(account gwen@birchhaven.org) or email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or a check to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
CANADA

I have also added photos #18 – #25 to his slideshow and am putting two of them below. These are from August 21st, 2010 after one of his extra CWW sessions and he was back hanging out with myself and my fellow staff members. He also got to play with one of the Vets Doberman and one of the most amazing cats I have ever met, Romeo!

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August 21st, 2010 – Romeo the Cat & BHRR’s Apollo

I am also looking for BHRR Approved Volunteers to assist me with taking BHRR’s Apollo to an extra session during the following date/times:

Tuesday September 7th – Anytime between 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

BHRR’s Apollo had his 6th session yesterday with me at CWW and I hoping that we can get at least another 4 sessions in, possibly up to another 14, whatever Apollo needs and I am looking at the following dates at this time should any of our BHRR approved Volunteers might be willing to step up and help me bring him to some extra sessions.

Monday August 30th – A time between 3 PM – 5 PM
Tuesday August 31st – A time between 3 PM – 5 PM
Friday September 3rd – A time between 3 PM – 5 PM
Saturday September 4th – A time between 8 AM – 2 PM

The other thing that I am looking for are BHRR approved homes that have carpeted stairs – not a steep angle or slope that we can get BHRR’s Apollo doing some ‘stair’ work. We are a bungalow built into a hill and we have some wide sweeping steps going up the outside to our home yet not what I am looking for and also only have a few steps into the entrance way to the house. So, if anyone has this type of set-up and would be open to having BHRR’s Apollo(I am optional! LOL) to come and visit to do some controlled stair rehab/therapy; please do email. Any of the dates above would be ideal. THANKS!

BHRR’s Apollo had another great session at CWW today! He has another session tomorrow and thank you to the Volunteers that have offered to take him on August 28th for another session. That means he shall have two at CWW next week and YAY!

I am attaching a small slideshow of BHRR’s Apollo at CWW yesterday with me! AND I am going to add two of those photos below as well. We are also working on a video to post. I wish to send out the biggest of thanks to Alex & Karen for the donation of the LIFT AND ASSIST Harness for BHRR’s Apollo & I also with to thank Suzanne for the donation offer email of one as well that I received after coming home from a work shift at KAH! BHRR’s Apollo is one very lucky boy and I know he knows how much he is loved plus cared for/by so many! I want to also publicly thank Lianne & Jen of Canine Water Wellness once again for the assistance of coming on board as some of BHRR’s Apollo’s Angels and for anyone wishing to donate monies to help us pay for his very beneficial sessions at Canine Water Wellness; you can donate by PayPal(account gwen@birchhaven.org) or email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or write a check to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0

I cannot stress enough that without them coming on board, we would have seriously had to look at removing his leg and there is no price tag in world that can be put on that. I just could not bear to think that we might have to amputate that leg when there was not any medical reason why he would not use that leg and I truly was ‘failing’ him in not being able to ‘broach’ that barrier. AND as I have said over and over; I have possess no big enough of an ego or am so proud that I remain ‘blind’ to that sometimes bringing in ‘new’ resources into your current repetoire and team of current ones can be so beneficial. The newness(based upon Apollo’s habitual refusal to use that leg) of others coming into the picture has really helped me create some new momentum with his leg and every night around 11:30 PM or so, Apollo and I can be seen in our fenced in area, doing hill work, sand work and obstacles! After that, comes massage and cuddling and a snack for BHRR’s Apollo! I know I have said this before, that I am in no position to ask others to continue to give of themselves for sooooooooo many have given BHRR so much yet I am not above begging, pleading and grovelling when it comes to the animals and I would embrace anything that came BHRR’s Apollo’s way to help us pay for these sessions. Look at his face below, isn’t he one of the happiest of boys you ever saw???

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BHRR’s Apollo – August 19th, 2010 with Lianne & Jen at Canine Water Wellness

I have added two new pictures to BHRR’s Apollo’s Slideshow #16 & #17 from August 15th, 2010. I am adding both of them below and I have added one on his ASKING FOR APOLLO Fundraiser page from July 16th and one from August 15th so that everyone can see his leg healing progress. I am also so excited for him that he shall be having three CWW sessions this week! WOOHOO! First one is tomorrow and as I was packing up his ‘bag’, he was so excited! He knows the word ‘swimming’ as I have him in our pool sometimes up to twice a day and progress is slow but it is there and I keep thinking ‘WE CAN DO THIS APOLLO!’ He is another one that I am just going to well up in saying good-bye to when it is his time to go(ok, who am I kidding, I well up over all of them, just in various different degrees!) 😉 AND just for the record, I have no regrets over assisting BHRR’s Apollo either per my August 18th post on Ava Marie’s blog….  😉 I paid $2,700+ out of my own pocket to assist this amazing boy and it was worth every bit of the little sleep I got as I worked so hard to save up the pennies and if it were not for all of his fans, his bills never would have been paid as they needed to be paid for him to have this so important and necessary life changing surgery! ONE person can only do so much, yet together, WOW! what so many can do as a united front is so emotionally powerful and truly lifechanging! THANK you on behalf of BHRR’s Apollo for being there for him in his own time of need and in remaining there for him as he still continues his rehab to a happy healthy future laying in wait for him! He could still use the LIFE & ASSIST HARNESS – Size Large and it remains on his wishlist.

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BHRR’s Apollo – August 15th, 2010 – almost 6 weeks post-op on his left PCL/Meniscal repair surgery

If I were to hand out ‘NAIL TRIMMING’ Awards of Excellence, it would have to be BHRR’s Storm first with BHRR’s Apollo, BHRR’s Albert, BHRR’s Ava Marie and BHRR’s Hamilton The Newf all being a close second. OMG! These dogs are extremely easy dogs to do….what a dream! Bringing up in third place would have to be BHRR’s Shiva & BHRR’s Dana and just a smidge behind them would be BHRR’s Potter. If all the dogs were that easy, I would be doing nails every week and not every 2-3 weeks! LOL Coming in 4th would be BHRR’s Windsor, BHRR’s Koop and them BHRR’s Lily Belle. BHRR’s Porridge is still a ‘work’ in progress since he had his really bad experience with that tech student. BUT, I can now do his back feet myself most days and I know in time, he will be ‘ok’ again.

This week should be a great one for BHRR’s Apollo for we shall be able to get in THREE CWW sessions for him! THANKS so much to everyone that has been stepping up to give me an extra hand to continue him on this momentum that we have going to get that ‘habitual’ mind set he has retrained! HE just loves his special water time there with the very special owners!!!! I am still seeking and hoping for some extra hands for the following dates for BHRR’s Apollo to have some extra sessions at CWW and please email if you can help out.

August 23rd
August 28th

BHRR’s Apollo had another really good session at CWW today and other than one moment of tucking up both hind legs when he first got into the water; he really used both to swim. In fact, it was hard to keep him on the bench as he just wanted to swim after their stuffed soccer ball over and over and over again. I have been giving him some treats when he will put that foot down and I will say ‘good leg’ and ‘use your leg’ and I can now get him to weight bear on that leg at a very slow walk, anything faster up to a lope and he will go back to being a tripod BUT baby steps of success here! If he is loping or going faster, he will utilize it again but I do not want him going too fast for the pounding the other leg will take is not good for him. They took a video of him and I hope to see it posted and they also said they would send a copy to LAH. I also parked my car in the furthest spot I could find so that we could practise walking on pavement(it was hot today though and that is tough on his pads as we are a sand/grass foundation here; let alone on a foot that he has not really used since his surgery on July 2nd) yet mostly on the grass areas. BHRR’s Apollo could really use a ‘gift’ of the LIFE & ASSIST HARNESS – Large Size for the biggest harness they have at CWW really rubs under his arms and he has a bit of a ‘raw’ spot from today’s session. Should we have any excess funds from BHRR’s Ava Marie’s ONLINE AUCTION that is ending on Friday August 13th, 9 PM EST; then as posted previously; we shall have those funds go towards his bills at CWW and possibly to purchase this harness for him yet he honestly, could use the harness sooner rather than later for we do not know how many sessions he is going to require. I was asked today by the kind owners how many do they think I will need for BHRR’s Apollo and I said that between all of us; we shall work together to best determine this and BHRR’s Apollo shall call the pace. I will do what it takes for this boy to starting retraining his brain to USE that leg and I will continue to make the long drive out to CWW for as long as it takes. I committed to this boy and I even told the owners today that I was going to ‘well up in my deep gratefulness to them for being willing to come on board as part of his ASKING FOR APOLLO ANGELS Team to get him healthy to then be placed up for adoption and to go to a great matched home’. As so many know, I have lost much sleep over thinking of everything I could to get him to use that leg and what is now working best is my continued daily rehab work in the sand here, my hill work with him, small obstacle courses, treats/praise in very close word training with ‘good leg’ and ‘use your leg’ when working him in different paces of slow walking, faster walking, trotting etc., swimiming in our pool and adding sessions at CWW. I do not desire to ‘fail’ Apollo in having to remove that leg and I will work around the clock 24/7 if I have to in order to find what is going to make things ‘click’ for him. He is so well liked at CWW and they treat him so wonderfully and he just soaks up all their attention with the biggest tail wags and yes, some drool too! LOL He knows the word ‘swim’ and he gets so excited so his new forever loving adoptive home might want to know that he is a swim demon now! LOL The comments I was receiving today about how strong of a swimmer he is and even from last week to this week; he was just that much more comfortable, happy and he could not get enough! He is now associating the swimming not with being uncomfortable or unsure of his balance and swimming skills but with actual more fun involved, which keeps his brain off NOT using the leg and hence he uses the leg and WOOHOO! He was even doing some tight turns in their pool and his balance was really not too bad. I AM SO proud of you Apollo! After his swim and treat session for he loves that too at CWW; we dropped by LAH as I needed to drop off a file there and though I was did not get to see Dr. Liston for he was just stepping into an appointment; I did get to see one of their techs and she noticed how much muscle wasting he has had but also noted that he is FINALLY using that foot/leg more consistently now! The other thing that I have noted about Apollo at last weeks swim session and then today’s is that if a strange dog approaches him calmly and does not bark, growl, lunge or act in any manner remotely to give Apollo the impression that they might be aggressive; he is superb! BUT, if a dog acts in a manner that is inappropriate; Apollo will back up, keep wagging his tail a mile a minute yet will make a ‘whine’ or a bit of a bark back and what he is relaying to me in body/verbal communication is that he is unsure of the other dogs body language/communication and is thinking about possibly needing to feel a bit defensive. Calming words/touch works fantastic to ‘ease’ his tension and then he appears very sad that the other dog does not like him or want to play. Most of the dogs that we have encountered at CWW are older dogs, very arthritic and have no interest playing with a 2 year old Great Dane pup! He has been just amazing with the daycare doggies that hang out there and I just say ‘be nice’ ‘be gentle’ so as to not ‘splat’ the other dogs there! If Apollo gets too excited, those paws of his can fly and that tail….the welts! We also dropped by today at the home of the GD pup that we have been temp fostering here for a visit as that GD pup’s mom is back from CR this past week and so her pup went to her mom’s house as she was staying there for a visit. The GD pup was very happy to see me and especially Apollo as she likes to ‘push’ the big boyz around and Apollo is happy to be pushed and sat on and almost layed upon. He had a very busy social day today and had a treatie on our way home. He is going to make someone an awesome addition with his temperament, personality and as long as people ensure proper integration so that he does not become too excited(we do not want those cruciates hurt!) or feels worried about other dogs that bark/lunge/growl at him; he is going to mature/develop into a fantastic boy fit for Therapy work etc.

For those that might not be aware, BHRR’s Ava Marie is a Great Dane that came into BHRR on March 7th weighing 191.80 pounds and had two blown cruciates. After losing almost 40 pounds, BHRR’s Ava Marie had her first cruciate repair surgery on May 21st, 2010 at Liston Animal Hospital. After then battling a case of pneumonia since June 30th; Ava Marie is now well enough to have her second cruciate repair surgery, which has been scheduled for Friday August 13th @ Liston Animal Hospital.

With all the kindness shown to date with direct donations; we now ONLY have another $1,289.25 left to raise for this surgery.

To help BHRR’s Ava Marie; she is hosting an Online Auction which began on Saturday July 31st @ 7:00 AM and will run through until Friday August 13th @ 9:00 PM EST.

Louise Peterson, Lindsay Claire, Longaberger and many other items up for grabs! To date, we have 75 items and if you would like to donate an item, please do email Gwen. The more items we have – gift cards, gift baskets, throws, custom creations or work etc., the more $ we could possibly raise for BHRR’s Ava Marie.

Funds raised shall go towards the remaining $1,309.25 needed for Ava Marie’s 2nd cruciate surgery!

Permission given to cross-post!

Should you prefer to make a donation instead to her Bills; even $5.00 is not too little; you can donate by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or by PayPal(account is gwen@birchhaven.org) OR you can write a check/MO or Bank Draft out to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ with BHRR’s Ava in the memo section and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0

OR you can call Liston Animal Hospital at (613) 591-0966 to pay on Ava Marie’s Bill directly by Visa or M/C – Ava’s bill is under the account name of ‘Ava Boers.’ Dr. Liston was the Vet that also performed both BHRR’s Jaxson’s and BHRR’s Potter’s leg amputations in 2009 plus did BHRR’s Apollo’s own cruciate/meniscal surgery on July 2nd, 2010.

Thank you so much in advance for your consideration!

BHRR’s Apollo is having another session with me at Canine Water Wellness tomorrow and we are still looking for some extra BHRR Approved Volunteers to help him get to more sessions as this is his ‘last’ resort as part of the huge team of specialists, vets etc. that we have on board to try and get his mind working to use that leg and I just do not want to even contemplate that it might need to be amputated. 😥 Apollo is also in need of the following:

 Life and Assist Dog Harness – $54.95USD – Size Large

The additional dates that I am seeking for a Volunteer to assist with taking Apollo to more CWW sessions(and NO, you do not have to get into the water yourself!) are:

August 14th
August 17th
August 20th
August 21st
August 23rd
August  28th

Please email Gwen if you could assist myself in getting Apollo to as many extra CWW sessions as possible!

We have a wishlist for BHRR’s Apollo should his fans plus supporters might consider making a donation gift for him!

Life and Assist Dog Harness – $54.95USD – Size Large

Yesterday, I did another round of hill and ankle sand work and had a similar level of success and then today, BHRR’s Apollo and I made the one hour journey to Canine Water Wellness in the east end of Ottawa to see if by getting some ‘new’ hands on him, we could get him to use that leg. This dog makes my heart just swell with the best of emotion with his calm, accepting temperament and though his eyes were a bit worried as unlike our pool, this pool does not have walk in steps, he did amazing! As I told the owners, he did so much better than I could have hoped for and all the hydro work we have done to date in our own pool plus springfed pond has made him that much more comfortable in the water as he was chasing after this one ball toy and did not want to stand on the shelf yet wanted to keep swimming after the toy! He also liked standing on their shelf and eating treats out of the dog bowl!!! LOL The underwater camera showed us that in the beginnng, he would use the leg every two strokes compared to his other leg or tuck it under and then cross it in front of his right knee yet by providing some support on his haunches, he would be more balanced and could really get the legs moving well together. He had some moments of doing this on his own too and after we got out, you could tell he was one step away from wanting to jump back in himself! We also used their ramp to do some walking up and down and he would use the tip toes yet not fully weight bear. He had some nice ROM and flexion work done on his knee and leg and when we were walking back to the truck, which I deliberately parked a piece away from CWW,  he was using that leg/foot almost full toes down about 50% of the time. This boy is a thinker, smart, stubborn and I love the way he will turn his head away to ‘ignore’ something that is being asked of him! He is so honest!!! I think he charmed the heck out of the two owners for he was given many many kisses  😉 and I have scheduled another session next week. I am now seeking for an approved BHRR Volunteer that might be open to assisting me in bringing BHRR’s Apollo to some extra sessions at CWW(located on Canotek Road off Montreal Road) up and beyond what I have planned/scheduled. I am looking at August 9th, 10th, 12th, 17th and August 20th at this time. If someone is open and willing to assist me in getting him to some extra sessions, I would be so appreciated. I am working at KAH most of the days myself and could have him at KAH for pick up and drop off after his session. Please do email me if you might be able to assist! BHRR’s Apollo cannot go up for adoption until such time as we can get him using all four legs and even today it was noted again that the more fun and distracted he was, the less focused he was on NOT trying to use his leg and believe me, this boy is hard to distract as he is used to living in such a large and busy multi-dog household! As I told the owners, sometimes getting a dog into other hands than what the dog has habitually become used to can be of benefit(just as dogs come to be for retraining along with their owners in regards to behavours) and I was very upfront in saying that I do not have a large ego and am not above asking or reaching out to others when it comes to my dogs or those in my program(s) to do ‘right’ by them. I am even more hopeful after today after this water session PLUS doing another sand/hill session with myself on the outside of the fenced in yard; that we are going to save this leg. I do not desire to see BHRR’s leg deteriote to the point that his circulation etc. begins to be deeply affected and that would mean that we would have to seriously consider removing that leg. So, we have now added another two lovely members to our ‘arsenal’ team of Apollo’s angels to get him up and literally running! AND as we were walking to our truck, we had two ‘monster’ comments….sigh…I was just fbooking on someone’s wall about this within the last 24 hours and now, more coins have been added to our jars that we make donations to each time we are exposed to comments such at this. At the end of each year, we make a sizeable donation to a Charity and use the rest towards the BHRR animals. So, we turn those comments into something ‘positive’. AND I cannot forget to mention that on our way home, BHRR’s Apollo went through the Timmie’s for a special treatie and then went to the Dairy Barn(a local ice cream/Chip stand place) and had his very own ice cream while he was being literally adored on by so many. This one little girl about 4 did not want to let go of his long tail. She kept using it to very gently tickle her neck and behind her ears and Apollo thought this was great and kept wagging it making it harder for her to hold on and her mom had to then hold on to her as Apollo’s strength was swaying her back and forth. The giggles from her and the crowd and the smiles and BHRR’s Apollo was sooooooooooooo happy; just made me feel so warm inside. He is such an awesome dog!!!! NOT just any dog would allow a small child to hold on to their tail and derive a lot of delight in seeing them giggle.

Today, I am going to say that I have had some success, not the ‘off the roof screaming and jumping of joy’ success yet success that makes me feel hopeful. Drawing upon my whole life of a background ranging from Fitness/Personal FT to Medical to Therapy to Rescue and so on; today; I had a moment of something that ‘clicked’ for BHRR’s Apollo! NOW, I am not sure with all that sand and hill work and trotting, loping and running WHY I have not suddenly dropped 10 pounds but HEY! I got BHRR’s Apollo to use that leg and foot some! I had two separate small training sessions and put myself on the outside of our fenced in area and kept BHRR’s Apollo on the inside and if you have been here, you will know that we have quite a few sloping hills and sand and natural obstacles with fallen trees and branches. Soooooooooooooooo, I left Apollo on the inside with some of the dogs and put myself on the outside and walked the perimeter(Apollo along with all of the dogs wanted to stay near me and followed) and then trotted and then ran and BHRR’s Apollo, while walking, would not like to use that foot; would begin to use his tiptoes to stand if he was in the sand(which the dogs have sure flung far and wide with their attempts to get to China!) and when he moved into a trot, he would ‘push’ off those tips and when he began to lope; he would move from a bit of a bunny hop in the backend to using more of that foot and leg! AND if I got him excited and he was in the sand; he would literally ‘forget’ that he is trying NOT to use that leg and he would push off and run on it and then he sometimes would get into a ‘game’ of chase with one of the younger dogs and WOOHOOOOOOOOOO! Then, upon occasion, he would get some zoomie action going on his own in the sand and run up and down and up and down and if I went towards the house; he would also use it BUT as soon as he stepped on a twig; he would lift that left/foot right back up for without it being used since July 2nd, it has become so soft and tender like a newborn pups. BUT, SUCCESS and I will embrace it and when I told him ‘good leg using’; he was so proud of him yet as soon as we were back in the house or walking; he would not use it…..So, I am going to work on this some more PLUS have him on the underwater treadmill etc. at Canine Water Wellness this Thursday and see where it leads. When he lays down, he will not stretch it out fully and we need to get him back into a full ROM and flexion for it I massage it; I can manipulate it but he will not do it on his own. So, baby steps and I remain hopeful that we are going to get this ‘fixed’ in his brain for I do not want to take that leg off; especially when there should have been no medical reason to do so BUT as mentioned in previous blogs; if we cannot get this ‘resolved’ in his mind; there will be no turning back with that leg. As many know, I am not sleeping well at night(well, ok with what little sleep I do take!) over trying to find ways to rehab Apollo. Today, was very limited with success but I will take it!!!! WTG Apollo!

So, we are no further ahead with BHRR’s Apollo and getting him to use that leg.  😥   We have done harnesses, weights, acupuncture, massage, T-Touch in addition to so many other things some of what is listed in his one other blog and we still cannot get him to shift his weight to use that leg. If we cannot get this resolved in Apollo’s head that he can use that leg; at some point there will be no possibility of saving it and we will have to amputate it. It has become habitual for him. At this time, I contacted Canine Water Wellness in the east end of Ottawa and discussed the use of their underwater treadmill etc. and I have an appointment set up on Thursday August 5th to bring BHRR’s Apollo in to see them. I am hoping that with the addition of Canine Water Wellness to my team, we shall get this sorted out for Apollo. Even after almost 25 years, I still see some new things and Apollo has become a big puzzle to all of us at BHRR and his current team of Specialists plus Vets that I have onboard trying to get him to use that leg. Even in my attempts to do hydrotherapy in our pool as we do as part of our regular rehab programs for animals in the summertime, Apollo refuses to use that leg. I am a bit worried about his leg at this time. It shall be one month on August 2nd since his surgery and as I told the Vets within a few days after his surgery; I saw the ‘pattern’ that he was not going to use that leg and that has become more truth than ever right now. His bills are going to be very costly coming up as from my discussions, sometimes it can take at least 7 sessions before seeing even a small improvement and should there be any extra funds left over from what we are hoping to raise with BHRR’s Ava Marie’s ONLINE Auction; we are hoping that the public might be in support of utilizing those funds towards BHRR’s Apollo and his future impending Bills. Please think of Apollo for I do not wish to have to amputate that leg. 😥 He also shall not be placed up for adoption until such time as we have Apollo where we feel comfortable that he is ready.

We look forward in seeing many of our BHRR supporters and fans of the BHRR animals attend our 3rd ANNUAL Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being held tomorrow – Sunday July 18th!  8 AM – 5 PM at Kanata Animal Hospital located at 440 Hazeldean Road! *RAIN or SHINE! Pet Photos, draws including a $350USD Bracelet, Tug Ropes, Leashes, Collars, Homemade Dog Treats all part of the BHRR/KAH Experience!

I brought BHRR’s Apollo to see Dr. Liston tonight for a recheck. When I arrived, I meant to get a new weight on Apollo yet it did not happen. When BHRR’s Apollo did see Dr. Liston who came out to the reception area to greet us, Apollo was laying down and upon seeing Dr. Liston, he pivoted his body such that his back was turned to Dr. Liston and also turned his head away! IF that was not a snub!!!! OH MY! 😛 Dr. Liston ruled out all medical reasons why Apollo is not weight bearing on that leg of his. I had to continue Apollo on antibiotics for a longer period than originally planned as one spot on his leg became a bit inflammed and Dr. Liston feels that his leg has healed just wonderfully and in fact, one of the best that has done so in all the dogs that he has operated on for BHRR and us. The knee is solid and smooth and the ROM is wonderful and there is no physical reason why Apollo is not wanting to use his leg. I had called Dr. Liston earlier this week to discuss this for we have had many a past experience that due to sutures or staples the dog will not weight bear until they have been removed. Dr. Liston has also seen this often in the past yet usually with smaller dogs in his vast experience. To date, I have tried socks, hydrotherapy, tape on the good toes to see if I could get him to shift and also in trying to move his weight from one to the other with no success. Dr. Liston had no other suggestions that what we had discussed and tried and felt that I should continue him on the Deramaxx to see if maybe there still might be an uncomfortableness in him not wanting to use that leg.  I did have Apollo on the Deramaxx for last Saturday/Sunday he was running a bit of a fever as he was battling that bit of infection on a small area around some of his staples. When Apollo runs he can put BHRR’s Potter to shame as a tripod he is so good at just tucking up that one leg of his to either his belly or stretched out back YET he will not use it. From the moment I got him home after surgery, he would only place his tiptoes down and most often, he will not even do that. So, the challenge is on to find that ‘incentive’ trick to get him to begin to use the leg. I told Dr. Liston I was so sad to see how much muscle wasting that leg and hip has done since he had surgery and the more he does not use it, my concern is that the harder it is going to be when he begin to use it and what is this doing to his other knee. Yet, no cart before the horse and one day at a time! I was so pleased to hear how well Dr. Liston has said he had healed and how the incision looked! Anyone who has any resourceful ideas for Apollo, feel free to send them my way! I am soooo sorry Dr. Liston that BHRR’s Apollo does not wuvs you but I know he is so grateful for your assistance in giving him a better future and he shall be bringing in lemon merangue pies shortly.  😀 AND we cannot place BHRR’s Apollo up for adoption until such time as we have him not only using that leg yet packs on the lost muscle and regains some of the weight he has lost since surgery and had to be confined and on forced rest.

A picture of BHRR’s Apollo’s surgical site on July 7th, 2010 – 5 days post-op is posted below. He is still only putting very light weight on his tips toes on that one foot. He is eating and drinking well yet you can see that he has dropped weight and muscle. If the weather holds out as hot as it has been, BHRR’s Apollo shall not be coming to our 3rd Annual Microchip/Nail Trim/BBQ Fundraiser on July 18th, 2010 to hang out for the whole day as the Fundraiser is 8 AM – 5 PM.

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BHRR’s Apollo – July 7th, 2010 – 5 days post-op

UPDATE:  ‘ASKING FOR APOLLO‘ – Required surgery due to a meniscal tear/affected cruciate – Updated Total: $1,161 Raised To Date
*ONLY $225 more needed to pay off Apollo’s Bills – Due to some extra Hospital shifts, this bill is all PAID off! THANK you so much to everyone that has sent support his way! As of today, he is sporting a very non fashionable e-collar as he has wanted to go for his incision area. I took new pictures today of his surgery site and will upload as I can for I had to rush off to Liston Animal Hospital with BHRR’s Hamilton The Newf for a nasty laceration he received by getting caught on something while swimming. I am currently now working a shift at KAH and will update all blogs as I can. Donations for BHRR’s Hamilton can be made:

**Cash, Checks/MOs or Bank Drafts, Email Transfers to gwen@birchhaven.org or PayPal
**OR you can call Liston Animal Hospital at (613) 591-0966 to pay on his Bill directly by Visa or MC – account name of ‘Hamilton Boers’

BHRR’s Apollo had another nice long pee and finally pooped around 12:45 AM! YAY! He is now drinking some more water before I settle him down for the rest of the night.

BHRR’s Apollo had a good night. Just a couple of restless times and around 6:00 – 6:30 AM; we had him up and out yet he could not yet figure out how to pee on that leg. Offered him a very small bit of food to get down his meds and he ate it with gusto. I gave him his 2nd injection of hydromorphone and he is resting comfortably again with some nice snoring! His incision site is looking awesome and we have counted 27 staples.

Updated: July 3rd – 7:30 PM: YAY! BHRR’s Apollo finally figured it out and had one of the biggest pees I have seen in awhile. I always wish I could ‘do’ it for them yet they all have to figure it out and they always do and I bet he feels sooooooooo much better now. We just kept presenting opportunities for him to pee and he put it all together! He has not yet pooped but I will be taking him out again in a couple of hours. He ate a nice afternoon small meal and the bruising is beginning to set in. He is doing so well and gosh, what a great temperament this boy has! He was not so fond of me cleaning that one ear of his last night though! 😛 I have to still do the other one and all in good time. He had a nice long drink of water and is now back in the triage area resting. I had him in his crate for a bit this afternoon for some ‘quiet’ Apollo time as in the triage area BHRR’s Ava Marie does not want to leave his side! She is such an awesome nursemaid yet we did not wish to see her accidentally step on Apollo; so while neither Sean nor myself could be in the triage area with the tending to of other BHRR house chores; Apollo happily layed in his crate for a snooze. Picture below of them both and BHRR’s Ava Marie also likes to keep re-arranging the blankets around the monkey! I meant to also post that Apollo’s weight was around 150 pounds at the time of his surgery and he still has another 10 pounds or so that I would like to see on him at this time.

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BHRR’s Ava Marie & BHRR’s Apollo – July 3rd, 2010 – 18 hours post-op

I dropped BHRR’s Apollo off for just after 9 AM today and in Dr. Liston examining him, it was agreed that when Apollo is under, he will take a look at both the meniscus and the ligaments and if he feels that at this time, only the meniscus needs to be removed that is what shall be done. He does hear a faint clicking upon flexion of the knee. If Dr. Liston feels that the anterior cruciate ligament needs to also be removed and replaced by the nylon; then that is what he will do. Yet if he feels that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not affected enough to require repair or if it is not affected at all; then he shall not perform a procedure on the ACL. The reality is that yes, it might well need to be repaired possibly in the future yet the putting the ‘cart before the horse’ thought process is not one that he nor I feel is necessarily in the best interest of BHRR’s Apollo. The bottom line is if the anterior cruciate is affected in that it should be repaired, then absolutely it shall be done. Even the one other Vet plus Dr. Philibert stated that until Apollo is under, it is not going to be a ‘for sure’ in knowing just what is going on in that knee of his. So, Dr. Liston is going to look at the whole knee. I leave all in his very expert and capable hands.  While Apollo is under, I asked to have the goober boy’s nails also trimmed up.

Update: July 2nd – 1:34 PM: BHRR’s Apollo is out of surgery and Dr. Liston said that his ACL was strong and large and looked great without any abnormality or injuries discovered. However; it was Apollo’s PCL(posterior cruciate ligament – back) that had a partial tear along with a small tear in the meniscus. Both tear/damaged areas have been ‘trimmed’ off and repaired along with nylon placed such that it runs across the knee per standard procedure. Dr. Liston indicated that usually this type of injury in his experience has been related to severe trauma such as being in something like a car accident whereby the knee can take a terrible pounding. Then one can often also find injuries to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) yet the rest of Apollo’s knee looked very sound. There is no longer any ‘clicking’ sounds after Dr. Liston was done with surgery. Dr. Liston was a bit surprised by this PCL tear findings when he opened up Apollo’s knee yet things went wonderfully and all has been repaired and I shall be bringing him home later today.

Please consider supporting BHRR’s Apollo during his time of need.

Our ASKING FOR APOLLO goal – To raise $300 more for Apollo’s Vet Bills
**Cash, Checks/MOs or Bank Drafts, Email Transfers to gwen@birchhaven.org or PayPal (account name gwen@birchhaven.org)
**OR you can call Liston Animal Hospital at (613) 591-0966 to pay on his Bill directly by Visa or MC – account name of ‘Apollo Boers’

Update: July 2nd – 8:36 PM: BHRR’s Apollo is now home! His incision area is much smaller than BHRR’s Ava Marie’s due to how much arthritis/swelling she had so Dr. Liston had to make a much larger incision with her. He is wearing his pain patch and that should ‘kick’ in within the next 24 hours. He has come home with Novo-Clav 375 mg(2 Tabs BID). Thanks Dr. Liston and Dave for assisting myself in getting him into the car. Dr. Liston managed to get him to lay down, surgical site up so that his back was to the back of my carseat, so no risk of him ‘rolling’ in the wheel well. Unfortunately, the poor soul could not make it all the way home and peed all over the backseat on the two blankets I had there. NO worries Apollo! He felt so bad. With some encouragement, Sean helped me get him into the house(I had his hind end slung) and after settling him into the triage area; I gave him his first of 2 hydromorphone injections. Thank you as well to Dr. Liston and Staff for allowing me to carry a small balance as I did not have enough funds myself today to pay for more than the $2,417 I did on his upcoming bills; so that nothing else would be owing on his Vet bill at LAH. We NOW only owe $300 more and we woud be so humbly indebted for any additional monies to help us to finish paying off his bill at LAH.

**Cash, Checks/MOs or Bank Drafts, Email Transfers to gwen@birchhaven.org or PayPal (account name gwen@birchhaven.org)
**OR you can call Liston Animal Hospital at (613) 591-0966 to pay on his Bill directly by Visa or MC – account name of ‘Apollo Boers’ I am adding two pictures from his post-op at BHRR below.

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BHRR’s Apollo – July 2nd, 2010 – Post-Op at BHRR – Left knee meniscus & PCL(Posterior Cruciate Ligament) repair

Update: June 15th – 2:40 PM: I talked with LAH and due to a surgery shift change; Apollo shall have his surgery with Dr. Liston on Friday July 2nd, 2010.That gives us 17 days to try and raise $245.00 for his surgery. Everything crossed for Apollo.

I left a message at LAH to discuss with Dr. Liston to confirm the surgery date for BHRR’s Apollo – looking at Friday June 25th and to see if he would like to have a pre-surgical visit with Apollo beforehand. THANKS so much to everyone for their continued support as we attempt to raise another $245.00 by Friday June 25th to be able to put down a ‘goodwill’ deposit for Apollo to have this surgery. This gives us 10 days to raise those funds. We shall continue to keep ASKING FOR APOLLO in the hopes that we shall be able to raise the much needed monies for him.

BHRR’s Apollo’s presurgical bw came back normal and it was faxed over to LAH. We do understand that times are tough for everyone and we are eternally grateful to those that have donated to date for his upcoming TPLO surgery. We continue to stay positive that perhaps more angels might come forward to help us and THANKS so much to those that have emailed and phoned us sending him their best wishes! Apollo reminds me so much of BHRR’s Mr. Parker Paws for he can just ‘nail’ you with those feet of his and such long reaching legs he has! LOL AND the double whammy is that he will get you with both feet at the same time!!!! To those that came out to our PHASE II Fencing for the BHRR animals this past weekend; they had the opportunity to meet the big goofy in person and get smacked by that happy tail and feet! 😛 His charming personality won all over and he was feeling so good; he actually was out and exploring the newly fenced in area and had some energy and spring in his step! The most active he has really been since his arrival and we quickly stepped in to get him to slow down. DO not need any more damage to be done to that leg of his. 😥 Such a nice boy and he was soooooooooooo affectionate to everyone!

*Goal – Raise another $405 more by Friday June 25th to put down a ‘goodwill’ deposit – Tentative Date of Surgery June 25, 2010

My heart and soul feel so heavy in writing this blog. Dr. Philibert has confirmed that BHRR’s Apollo shall require a TPLO surgery. He spent some time last night doing a detailed physical exam on Apollo and then reviewing the X-Rays as a consult for BHRR. He feels it is best to do the meniscal repair and while Apollo is under surgery; to also do the TPLO as to have the meniscus torn or even partially torn, it is inevitable; if it has not already happened by now that Apollo’s cruciate will also become affected as he is growing boy(not yet done maturing) and quite a large Great Dane. We have been told that there is no other best treatment option for Apollo; which I knew in my own heart was the situation yet hearing it just made me want to 😥 for Apollo and I feel just wrenched for him. We shall begin to actively fundraise for BHRR’s Apollo and his Fundraiser will be called ‘Asking for Apollo’. I have discussed this with Dr. Liston(who also did BHRR’s Ava Marie’s first cruciate repair on May 21st and will be doing her second one in July) and he also did BHRR’s Jaxson’s and BHRR’s Potter’s leg amputations. One quote we were given was just over $3,700 and we are planning to have Apollo’s surgery done on Friday June 25th, if all goes well. I have made a CD of Apollo’s X-Rays and Sean will drop them off to Dr. Liston today to view and I had blood drawn last night for Apollo’s pre surgical bloodwork. I will also ensure that Dr. Liston has a copy of all of Apollo’s vaccines and the results of his HWT that I recently did. What we are ‘Asking For Apollo’ is some assistance/help in putting down a goodwill deposit of $750 at LAH. As with all the wonderful dogs at BHRR; I honestly feel that the public and supporters of the BHRR animals have been BEYOND generous and kind and I would not ask this on my behalf yet I am truly asking on Apollo’s behalf to please open up your hearts to perhaps extend your warmth his way too? We have our annual Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser coming up on Sunday July 18th at Kanata Animal Hospital; yet it is not advised to wait that long(and we would not do so as is) and hopefully; we might raise enough to help pay for BHRR’s Ava Marie($2,532.21 left to raise) yet also help with Apollo(goal is to raise $3,700). Our 2009 Microchip/ Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser raised just over $3,000 so it we were equally blessed, that would go a long way to helping both of these gems. I shall also be picking up what shifts I can and possibly an additional training/behavoural client to help these two sweethearts that came to BHRR and are in need of a helping ‘leg’ to be able to be adopted to forever loving homes. I am so very humbly reaching out and ‘Asking For Apollo’ for some love to be sent his way.

A file has now been set up at Liston Animal Hospital for BHRR’s Apollo.

You can donate by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or by PayPal(account is gwen@birchhaven.org) OR you can write a check/MO or Bank Draft out to ‘Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ OR to ‘Gwendilin & Sean Boers’ for his Vet Bills with BHRR’s Apollo in the memo section and mail to:

Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0

OR you can call Liston Animal Hospital at (613) 591-0966 to pay on Apollo’s Bill directly by Visa or M/C – Apollo’s bill is under the account name of ‘Apollo Boers.’

*Our goal is to raise $750 by 8:00 AM Friday June 25th as a ‘goodwill’ deposit for BHRR’s Apollo to have the necessary surgery to have his own quality filled great future*

BHRR’s Apollo’s Vet grabbed me tonight at work to say that he had talked to Dr. Pilibert and we then made arrangements for Apollo to see Dr. Philibert at KAH where he shall be on Thursday doing a TPLO surgery on another dog. His Vet thought yet again from having spent more time reviewing the X-Rays and thinking about the exams he did on Apollo that day and he is really leaning towards a partial meniscal tear. I will bring Apollo in with me on Thursday and will update his blog as I can.  Even his Vet said today ‘WHAT’ a nice dog he is. Think positive thoughts for Apollo and as mentioned while we are not actively doing any special fundraising for Apollo at this time, his current Vet Bills are over $1,000 and any assistance towards them would be so heartfelt. Thank you!

I wish to thank those that stayed late with me on Saturday at KAH to review BHRR’s Apollo’s X-Rays. The diagnosis for Apollo ranged from possible Pano, HOD to the eventual possible diagnosis of a partial tear of his meniscus. Per the Vet, the recommendation was to refer his case to one of the top ortho specialists in Ontario, Dr. Denis Philibert, DVM to see what his expert opinion might be. It is thought that perhaps if it is a partial meniscus tear, that Dr. Philibert might be able to do arthroscopic knee surgery for Apollo. In discussions with the Vet on Saturday; my worry was confirmed that though we can continue to try and use rest/Deramaxx over the next 2 weeks or so for Apollo, the great risk is having this tear(if that is what it truly is) affect his ACL. 😥 I do not desire to see this deteroriate to the point that his ACL is also affected. Before BHRR begins to fundraiser in earnest for Apollo, we are going to see what Dr. Philibert has to advise on his case. I also called to discuss his case with Dr. Liston of LAH and he also recommended that Dr. Philibert could do possible arthroscopic knee surgery if it felt to be necessary. The wonderful news is that Apollo’s hips are GREAT and there is not any arthritis, bone spurs or calcification in either one of his knees!!!! His Vet Bills to date are close to $1,000 and any assistance would be so appreciative. Until we hear back from Dr. Philibert, we are going to keep him on the Deramaxx 100mg and rest. I have added new pictures to his slideshow from May 20th, 2010 – # 11 – 15 and have put two below. PLEASE consider helping BHRR’s Apollo. He shall not be placed up for adoption until such time as we better determine his diagnosis and best treatment plan/prognosis. I also forgot mention the ‘happy’ tail this boy had at KAH! It is amazing he did not split open that tail as he banged and knocked it on things in his sheer joy of being loved on by everyone. THERE is something to be said about living in such an open concept home!!!! As I am trying to type this blog, he is determined that I must be petting him instead as he shoves his cold wet nose under my arm and into my side! SUCH a loving boy! I keep trying to tell him that I need to have just a bit of time so I can update his blog to get his story out there for people to fall in love with him as we have at BHRR and that maybe they will perhaps then consider helping him with his bills. That did not seem to work, so I gave him a big bowl full of water to snorkel in and he much preferred that and is happily making a mess now! LOL I am not looking to the him wanting to share the ‘aftermath’ of that with me though! 😛

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BHRR’s Apollo – 21 months- May 29th & Apollo with BHRR’s Ava Marie(2 years) giving him a kiss for she understands his pain….

I have brought BHRR’s Apollo in with me today to have his hind end, especially his left side/knee looked at. As of last night, he was even more stiff on that side and after standing for a period of time, would lift his toes up off the ground. This has been a gradual and slow decline since his arrival on May 17th until Thursday night whereby, he really seemed to become much worse so much faster. His weight was a ribby 63.5 KGs (139.7 pounds). I would like to see another 10-15 pounds of weight/muscle on this boy at this age. We sedated him(cocktail of Dormitor/Torb) to do X-Rays of his hip, stifle, knee and hock after the Vet did an exam on him. When he was under the Vet examined both legs again and the suspicion is that he might have HOD, OCD or a partial ACL tear. He definitely was showing some signs of pain/discomfort upon deep manipulation of that left knee. HE was so good for me while I held him. I keep reviewing the time that has passed since he arrived to BHRR and as explained to the Vet, he is past the settling in time with being quiet etc. and that I began to become more than somewhat concerned when he was continuing to be a bit slow on getting up and down and how things have progressed. I had put him on Deramaxx 100 mg (1.5 – 2 tabs SID) without any significant improvement and said that I just was not going to wait any longer as of Thursday night when things became really noticeable. I felt the waiting/monitoring period was more than over and time to get him in. The Vet assured me that it was a good protocol on the monitoring and Deramaxx and then making the decision when I did to bring him in. Once we have time to review the digital X-Rays, we shall have a better idea. While he was in la la land, his nails were done and he just LOVED everyone and everyone has loved him!!! What a ham. What has caused the most giggles is people seeing him drink from one of our sinks at the Hospital! On the drive into the hospital, he was so snuggly. He just nestled his head into my rib cage and blew warm air all over me as I drove! LOL I will update his blog as I can.

I will be making an appointment to bring BHRR’s Apollo in to see one of my trusted Vets. When he arrived to BHRR, Sean and I noted that he appeared to be a bit stiff/slow with his hind end – pretty  much the left knee side – when attempting to stand and took his time getting up yet within the last day or so; he has really had a much harder time getting up even from laying on a thick dog bed. He is not whimpering, crying, has no noticeable swelling, heat, has not been hurt here etc. yet I am not comfortable with how much ‘harder’ Apollo seems to find getting on his feet. It is not normal for a dog this young to act this way and I have given this 10 days of observation and that is more than enough time. I also have not liked how hard it has been to put weight on him since his arrival. He has put on about 7-10 pounds max and while that is not bad by any means in the time he has been here; he just does not seem to be loving to eat. His HWT came back negative yet I might run a full CBC on him to be sure that we are not looking at anything else yet it could be the discomfort of that side/knee that is bothering him. In respect to his microchip, as oft can happen, ones gut feeling on how hard something might turn out to be; can come true. After much effort on our part and plenty of legal documentation sent to the Microchip Company, we finally have the microchip transferred to BHRR. I shall be confirming this to be the actual case(did receive an email confirmation) within the next day or so. I am also going to place a call to a much higher up authority within this microchip company as some of their ‘processes’ regarding a situation like this leaves me quite concerned(and I expressed this concern) of which seemed to be a bit lost on the one Supervisor that I was escalated to in seeking successful resolution with this microchip. The one representative at the microchip company that I had conversed with before this Supervisor was AMAZING and thank you for your time in trying to assist BHRR. We had moved to this microchip company at BHRR a few years back ourselves yet this experience truly has made me think that I might need to re-visit this with my BOD. In the past three years, BHRR has over 250 microchips bought and used through them(the BHRR animals, our own plus 200 bought for three Microchip Clinics Fundraisers held or being held at KAH. What I have done in the meantime, is re-vamp our O/S form somewhat to be even more explicit on the ownership of any microchipped dog including that we shall not take physical control of any dog moving forward without all documentation and proof given to us at the time of surrender. We were not told until I was there to pick up Apollo that he had a microchip(owner said they had trouble sending the forms for our review yet would have them for me when I picked him up) nor that this microchip was not under their current name until I asked upon my arrival at their home to get Apollo. I had explained the situation at the time of surrender about the possible difficulties over this microchip and when I did a gentle follow-up with them about a week+ later as I had not heard back and I am so thankful for his previous owners assistance in contacting his previous owner and having their email still on hand. THANK YOU so much!!!! I had seen over the past few years quite a few posts on various Rescue forums about the complexities other legitimate and registered organizations have had in microchip matters yet this was our first time and I hope to make it the last.

Last Thursday, I brought in blood to do a HWT on Apollo. As I had not heard back, I did called KAH today and it was negative. I also followed up with his previous owner in regards to his microchip for I had also not heard back. I was then cc’d onto an email with the person that this home purchased him from. It appears he was microchipped in Barrhaven. From the sounds of things, he has moved around a bit as I picked him up from my area; I was told this home bought him from the Smith Falls area who had been living in the Nepean area and was originally purchased from a Breeder in the Montreal area and his microchip was done at an animal hospital in Barrhaven(Ottawa Area). I often wish animals could speak to tell us their story. Once I have the microchip properly handled; after some more evaluation time, BHRR’s Apollo can be placed up for adoption. He is one BIG sweet ol’ GOOBER! AND he really really really loves the fenced in area. He will spend hours just laying or strolling a bit in the area enjoying himself. He is an interesting mix for he loves his play time while laying down yet he can also be a bit of a ‘loner’ and spends his share of quality time by himself just watching those pretty clouds float on by. He truly is one mellow, calm and fairly confident boy. I would like to see him eat better and more for he is still thin. With a death in the family last week plus Ava Marie’s surgery; I did not get the opportunity to do his nails as of yet to see how he handles things and that is on this weeks agenda. I have had no issues with him sharing or grumping in his crate any longer. He is quite mindful of the rules here. High value items continue to be given to him as it is with many of the dogs here; in his crate and he cannot get enough of the soccer balls here! LOL I say ‘bring me your toy’ and he will get one of the soccer balls and bring it back to me to play!!!! I can handle his food without any issues as can Sean and he takes treats quite gently. Right now, he is flaked out in the sunroom with PPSS, Potterman and BHRR’s Albert. He is still not overly fond of my two bluez show boyz and we are working on that. I do not expect all dogs to like all other dogs yet I do expect a certain level of appropriate behavour to be displayed in my home/at BHRR and we are getting there. He is not overtly aggressive towards them and that is really positive. As mentioned previously, he was recently neutered himself and it will be some time before his own hormones are at an ‘altered’ state. I know that I would like to see him in a home with at least one other dog; female preferred yet a neutered male would be ok. He is living in absolute harmony here in our home with 19 other dogs. He has loved every human to date that he has met and even has shown no prey or play drive to the two guinea pigs my son owns.  His new home shall need to be sure that he continues to know that ‘sharing’ is good and that he should ‘wait’ his turn if another dog is drinking etc. We shall continue to expect him to share water bowls, dog beds etc. here. He also has had no more issues with resourcing over myself. He knows he shall get a piece of the ‘Gwennie’ just like all the others and he is most content in knowing that he is not going to be left out! SMART boy! He also knows he has ‘size’ and he likes to try and use it sometimes, the big lug with those ‘body’ bumps and leans!

Just a quick update on BHRR’s Apollo. As of last night, he has been fully integrated with all but my show Bluez Boyz and doing awesome! He has just spent three hours this AM roaming and walking in the fenced in yard and he is definitely a ‘ladies’ man and loves those girls! AND still Porridge! LOL He is beginning to eat a bit better now that he is settling in better and is sharing much better already! He has only had one minor ‘grump’ while in his crate and other than that, is becoming a model ‘asset to community/home’ boy. We shall see how things work with the bluez boyz later this week. YAY! BHRR’s Apollo! What a good boy! I will be taking in blood for his HWT most likely today and later this week, we shall do our first nail trim to see how that goes. I had been told he was fine and I would like to work on training those quicks to go back a bit further as I love really short nails on the dogs. The more he understands ‘rules’ plus expectations the more wonderful he is becoming. One cannot fall for his charm or allow him to resource or set him up for failure. I am so loving this dog to date. AND he is sharing the Gwennie much better now!  😛 AND OMG! One of his most fav toys is a soccer ball and he can actually get it in his mouth and he just prances plus dances with it. He will play ‘soccer’ with me and will even retrieve the ball if I roll it a bit away and bring it back and he wrestles with his mouth and he is so gentle!

Well, it has not taken long to learn that BHRR’s Apollo is a bit of a resourcer so NILIF and back to basics with this boy. He has wanted to resource of me in regards to the other dogs and then he is completely resourcing over his collosal crate(taken over from BHRR’s Barkley now that he is adopted!). In our house, we ‘share’ and so he will under extensive training with this. High value items like the smoked dinosaur bone is given to him in his crate and during quiet time in the house. He had been integrated with PPSS, BHRR’s Potter, Kona and Guinness not long after his arrival to BHRR and he did fine. He then was put into his collosal crate to settle in a bit and after he ate his supper and before Sean went to bed; we had him out to see about doing some more integration and he then grumped at Potter and I quickly moved in(poor Potter who just loves EVERY dog) and as he was just recently neutered in April; I observed him extremely closely as he interacted with my own two intact show bluez boyz and Apollo is no wall flower. He has his own bit of ‘Napoleon’ syndrome and while he LOVED Porridge and wanted to play with him; he took ‘exception’ to my Big Blue and puffed up and grumped. Poor Big Blue, who just wants to be friends with everyone. So, Apollo was corrected and without too much prompting went right into his crate. He has since been grumping just a bit at the dogs as they file past him in and out of the house. The more Apollo settles in and becomes comfortable, the more we are going to see the ‘real’ him and BHRR believes in full disclosure. Already, I feel that when he is ready to be adopted, he is should go to a home with at least one other dog and for that dog to be female OR Porridge! LOL He just loves that boy! Apollo would also do fine as the only dog yet I truly do feel that most dogs need at least one other canine companion in the home. So, Apollo just as with BHRR’s Barkley or any other resourcer to our home is going to learn how to share by having to share dog beds and water bowls etc. He is not lacking in self-confidence and it is very clear that his lack of obedience has gone to his ‘head’ just a little. If I leave the sunroom to fill up dog water etc., he will make small soft ‘cries’ for me and he is passively ignored. This is one dog that has ‘gotten’ his way more than once in the past with the types of behavour he is already demonstrating here. He oozes a nice level of comfort in his skin and with those around him, which lends to his very laid back attitude and what I have learnt in the couple of hours he has been here now ‘AS LONG AS THINGS ARE GOING HIS WAY’. He is super sensitive and loud noises makes him ‘look’ like he has been punished. He has been very quick to begin to bond to me yet you HAVE to share the Gwennie! 😉 While I feel that ALL dogs should be trained and have clear set expectations laid out for what is required of him; this is even more true in Apollo’s case for his is ONE big boy. I am really liking this boy!

I picked up BHRR’s Apollo today and what a NICE looking boy! I will have to measure him yet I would say around 36″ – 37+” or so and last weight is not really known. I was told around 165 yet he looks to be no more than 140 pounds. His mask is not a full black mask and I have added 10 pictures of him from when he arrived at BHRR. I am going to add two below. He is a handsome dude! The owner told me that he will chase squirrels, has not been tested around cats and about half an hour before I arrived, pooped out yet another sock. I will be drawing blood to take in for a heartworm test soon and I have his Vet records from when he was neutered(April 8th, 2010) plus his vaccine history(Bord, Rabies & DA2PPL on April 8th, 2010) from his this home when they got him in April. I will put him on Sentinel and he is microchipped. His previous home is going to contact the home they got him from to ensure the microchip information is transferred to BHRR. He was living with another dog, a lovely flashy Boxer and a three year old child. I so appreciate his previous home telling me some of the reasons why they are surrendering him. While they were training Apollo to stay on their property(they have invisible fencing); he went off the property and greeted a young man(around 20) who was walking a Doberman and though nothing happened from either dog – Apollo wanting to greet in puppy exurberance; the young man went home, talked to his mother and a complaint ensured causing stress/worry. It is often the ‘big’ dog that is blamed for things and it is most unfortunate. They are worried that what if Apollo accidentally bumped a toddler on the road what would happen with complaints in their subdivision and did not wish to put him on a chain in their yard. They also just found it a bit too much with such a giant dog in their home. I was told that they added Apollo to their home when they lost their other dog and wanted a second dog again. They found him due to a family in the Montreal area wanting to rehome him due to a medical condition(undisclosed to me). They were very responsible and caring with Apollo and made a very generous donation to BHRR for his care. They also donated Apollo’s dog bed and a couple of other dog beds they were no longer using. This home was the one that gave him his vaccines and neutered him. I was told that years ago they had found BHRR and felt that we were a highly responsible/quality program with our very stringent mandates in regards to placing our dogs. I invited them out to our next BHRR Mini Open house in June so that they can see in person what we do and if BHRR’s Apollo has not yet been adopted, see how he is faring. He will not be placed up for adoption until such time as I have done his heartworm test, provided more obedience(leash manners, recall & distraction work etc.) plus get to know him much bettter including a full assessment/evaluation. Right now he appears to be one mellow boy and we shall see what happens as he settles in! AND what a great traveller in the truck. Ideally, we like to keep them here up to a month+ before placing them up for adoption. He is a young boy and quite ribby and we shall work on putting some more pounds on him as he matures / develops. I am also am going to be watching his hind end, in particular the left side for the next while as he seems a bit stiff. WELCOME TO BHRR Apollo!

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BHRR’s Apollo – May 17th – arrival to BHRR – 21 months old(August 1st, 2008)

BHRR’s Apollo to arrive tomorrow. I shall be picking him up around 3:00 PM. He is a Fawn with black mask, utd on vaccines, neutered, 21 month old(August 1st, 2008) Great Dane that is being surrendered to BHRR. He has been in at least 3 homes to date(Breeders, Smith Falls Home and the one that has contacted us to surrender him to BHRR). What has been sent our way about Apollo:

He is a very healthy, gentle, friendly 21 month old male. Pure bred and lovely. We are unable to manage him due to our family situation and our subdivision. It is not the best life for him, and he deserves that. He has always lived with young children and other dogs. No aggression what so ever. He has been fully vaccinated and neutered. We received him from a family in Smiths Falls a few months ago who could not keep him due to a medical condition in the family. He was originally purchased from a breeder (non CKC registered) somewhere east of Montreal. I don’t have any details about that, but I know he has been well cared for since birth, and has never bit any person. His only bad habit, and I’m not sure why he does this, is he eats socks. You have to be very careful not to leave any within reach, because he really does eat them, and then throws them up. Not too good for the system, I’m sure.