BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE: January 17th, 2022!

TO DONATE TO BHRR IN HONOUR OF A TRUE ANIMAL HERO: PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org OR Email Transfer contactbhrr@gmail.com

Even $5 would mean the world to the animals AND us!

Thank you in advance for any consideration to help us in 2022 to continue to help those in need of our highly specialised programs!

 

Double Digit Danes/Dogs!
 
This is BHRR’s Rain!
 
She turned a miraculous 10 years young in December 2020!
 
She now joins the incredible double digit Dane/Dog Club!
 
Miss Rain is one of our BHRR Haven dogs – her brother BHRR’s Beau was adopted March 9th, 2012.
 
She has lived an amazing life under our care.
 
She is a Saint that came back ~1.5 years ago for a number of reasons from a perma-foster home situation.
 
Members of the BHRR BOD were very happy to welcome her back to The Boerskins.
 

She had repeated thyroid tests while being perma-fostered due to continued weight gain – all results were normal – and much conversation was had re: diet and exercise. Regular concern had been expressed re: her weight gain, her ever growing senior age and how unhealthy this weight gain was.

Since she has come back, she has lost all of the weight that she had put on, she has muscled/toned up and is still going strong! She has remained a big BHRR fav for so many!

These days she sleeps a lot yet, still has playful moments!

Here is to 2021 and turning 11 years young in December!
 

My last post of my night!

Time for folks to think about what they plan on giving up for 14 days in our 9th Annual ‘Give it up 4 Autumn’ Fundraiser! 

Starts Thursday November 5th and we already have 4 people signed up to date! Be creative! Some people have even done a swear jar in the past putting money each time they or someone in their office swears and then donating the monies raised at the end of the 14 days.

All money raised shall go towards helping BHRR’s Symba and BHRR’s Coupe!

More details in the poster and please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you would like to be part of our 9th annual event!

Here are the blog links to BHRR’s Symba:

AND for BHRR’s Coupe

For those who wish to consider making a financial donation to their worthy causes, you can do so via PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com OR you can do so directly to Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966

We have many many many thousands of dollars to raise and we are now set back even further as sadly, BHRR’s Oslo has needed emergency care today…..

From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, the best of good night wishes are being sent!

 

NOTICE:

Unfortunately, we find ourselves having to address the below issues once again. Every few years it seems we must re-visit this despite being very clear on our website, Facebook and Petfinder as to how we operate.

This last 24 hours we have had not one yet, two extremely unpleasant moments.

Let us be extremely clear that if people continue to disrespect what is openly stated; we will involve legal and take the necessary action(s).

Our camera’s are running.

1) we are a foster based rescue that operates out of our home and our approved fosters. NOWHERE does it state that you can just drop by, visit or ‘get’ a dog because you want one.

It is NOT even ok to leave a voice message as a ‘courtesy heads up’ that you are on your way or will be on your way shortly to our PRIVATE property which is our home.

We would never do this to you; so do not expect it to be ok to do it to us. We get so little quality family time as it is and your blatant disregard for being mindful of our family time is not going to be tolerated.

We have a very thorough adoption process which is and has been posted over and over and over again in the last shy of 25 years.

All of the steps to be considered for a BHRR approved adoption is found on our websites and even in the application. We have done our job to have the information there. It is now up to you to read and follow the instructions.

We have posted many times over that only completed applications shall be considered/reviewed. We are NOT going to respond to ANY inquiries sent via email, text, voice message, Petfinder or Facebook. This is and has been posted many times over. So Stop. Spamming via email, text, phone, and/or Petfinder is not going to receive a response. They will be deleted and if you continue, marked as spam/junk/blocked.  It is equally NOT acceptable for you to come uninvited; to our home, private property with or without any completed application in hand.

As we also post, if a dog is listed on Petfinder, on our Website or on Facebook page as being ‘Available For Adoption’, YES, that dog is still available. We directly state that we work to keep everything up to date.

We have equally posted many times over that we are not going to make exceptions to our adoption contract, processes, policies and procedures.

2) the steps to surrender a dog is also openly stated on our website.

Do NOT leave a message and then only a couple of hours later show up at our home expecting us to drop everything and put your request above all of the other needy dogs that are equally ‘urgent’.

This is our home. This is private property.

AND do not say to one of us that you left many emails or voice messages re: said dog when we communicate closely with each other and know that this is a lie.

YOU are making our work more difficult that it ever should be and trust me, operating a highly r/q Rescue is damn hard.

BHRR is not about you; it is about the animals and please allow us to do our jobs; our non paying, 24/7, 365 days a year jobs.

We have been doing this since 1996; know what we are doing, are the experts in what we do from rescue to transport, to rehabilitation to adoption, from feeding to vetting, to training to behavioural modification and so much more.

If you want to adopt; please follow the process. If you have a dog in need; please follow the process.

The Boerskins
BHRR

BHRR UPDATE!

1) In having a discussion with several members of the BHRR BOD; we shall be open as of Septermber 1st – subject to change if need be – for the intake of completed applications ONLY to consider for approved adoptions.

BHRR ONLY places per right matched personality fits and has an extremely thorough adoption screening process.

2) Unfortunately, again….in 2020 we will not be doing a BHRR Calendar. The cost is too high for what comes out of our personal pockets when that is monies that are desperately needed to keep BHRR open.

3) ISO: Auction Items for our upcoming 9th Annual Dine with the BHRR Doggies Event. Human, dogs, cat, gift baskets, gift certificates etc. ALL are welcome!

We also need draw prizes!

Please do not post your kind offers here, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com

4) It is that time again! Time to think about being a special Secret Santa to the BHRR doggies! 2020 marks our 18th year doing this!!

As of today, we still have 21 deserving BHRR doggies in need of a special SS to call their very own!

To learn more and to sign up, please do visit the link!

5) BHRR is in urgent need of the following items:
Garbage bags – all sizes
Laundry soap
Fabric Softner
Fabric Softner Sheets
Giants Sized Dog Toys
XL Costco Dog Beds
Blankets, Duvets, Towels
Paper Towels
Pinesol

6) Please do reach out if you or someone you know has a Great Dane/Giant Breed Dog in need. We are also a highly/strongly focused special needs rescue so take in other breeds as we can that are also: Deaf and/or Blind, Sick, Senior, Neuro, Injured, Pregnant, Palliative, Nursing, Other Medical, Orphaned & Behavioural

It hurts our hearts to see dogs being put to sleep when there is an organization – we have been around since 1996 – OR to see these dogs end up in disreputable places.

Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you or someone that you know needs assistance.

THIS came on my radar last night!

Nicki is making handmade bracelets to benefit our Giant Breed Rescue & Rehabilitation Programs!

100% comes to BHRR and she is doing this indefinitely!

HOW creative, thoughtful and generous is this?! 

I already bought mine!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & to purchase yours:

Gemstone

“This bracelet is to support the Ottawa Birch Haven giant dog breed Rescue and Rehabilitation centre. (BHRR).

The unakite beads are a stone that is believed to help with feelings of abandonment and separation issues – very fitting as a representation for dogs that have lost their homes for various reasons. The cost of feeding, medicating, and housing giant breed dogs is much higher than rescues for smaller breeds so every little bit helps.

Paw print charm is made of brass”

BHRR’s Rain says that she would like to shout out to all of the amazing folks that attended our 8th Annual Chain of Success Potluck, the biggest and most appreciative of THANKS!

We raised almost $140 for BHRR’s Caramel and will make another post re: him shortly plus we had 4 x 22 pound bags of his special food donated!

Thank you to Elaine for donating her portion – $50 – of the 50/50 back to help BHRR’s Caramel!

We had an incredible amount of delicious food brought to the potluck, awesome conversation with fantastic people! Though, we had a cancellation – we missed you! and a no show, we still had shy of 25 people make the drive out to hang with the big dawgs! 

People that have become a huge part of our own hearts in so many ways….

We are beyond humbled and grateful to all that brought their Secret Santa’s plus Empties to support our 2nd Annual Holiday Season Drive – I shall post a pic!! 

We are deeply touched by the Pinesol and the Paper Towels and the kindness shown to both the dogs and The Boerskins today!

Though, I shall not have a Holiday Season myself – working straight through until January 2nd, today more than filled my soul with so much Christmas spirit and joy! 

BHRR’s Burst rocked her first big social event as did BHRR’s Mollie! 

Sean & I just love this year end event….while it is a lot of prep….to be able to then relax and mingle with wonderful people and dogs is the best!

From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, beautiful good night wishes are being sent!

 

BHRR’s Winter Wonderland
November 11th, 2019

As always, they thrive best with consistency, structure and routine and are ‘on alert’ waiting patiently for Kinsley to come home from school. That time of day!

THAT we are currently receiving 15+cms of snow and it is a snow day, does not cross their minds!

AND there is always one or two that march to their own drum – Summit (Deaf/Blind) & Salt (Deaf/Visually Impaired) are the only SMART ones, realising that Kinsley is actually in the house and are facing the house! 

Nothing wrong with their noses and they have excelled with their scent training!  Summit & Salt win in knowing exactly where Kinsley is!

A great day for fun filled snow play and now all are crashed out by the fireplaces having nice snoozes!

Our 11th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction now has 109 amazing items up for bids!

We have just added our last wonderful 12 items!

Auction ends TOMORROW – Thursday November 29th @ 9 PM EST!

We have just added more of Kimberly’s incredible homemade vanilla and also Bailey’s fudge, kitchen towels, 3 x gorgeous The Crazy Dog House Key Chains plus a See Sawyer Run Web Master Harness!

Thank you’s extended once more FROM our hearts to Kimberly, Jan & Uta for their lovely donations!

To learn more and to bid on any of the wonderful gems up for grabs, you have to visit the Auction!

**NOTE: PLEASE note the pick up area(s) for any items you may be interested in. NOT all items can be shipped!**

For anyone that may have an item to donate, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com It is not too late to consider our cause. All monies raised shall go to the emaciated/severely neglected GD BHRR’s Char!

We remain so devastated that we could not save BHRR’s Bane yet are hoping that you may continue to consider supporting our rescue efforts so that we can help BHRR’s Char.

 

BHRR’s Rain(Haven Dog) with BHRR’s Sawyer(AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION) & Aurora(She turns 15 this year!) 

This photo is one I took when I went to pick up BHRR’s Sawyer from his Overnight Play Date! 

This amazing home has now fostered 6 dogs to date for BHRR and we remain so grateful to them! BHRR’s Rain is loving them as her perma-foster Family! 

BHRR’s Sawyer(Saint/Pyr) remains Available For Adoption to that right match personality first home! 

Thank you SO much to Bruce & Holly for all that they do for the animals of BHRR AS we could not do what we do so successfully without our fabu approved temp, emerge & perma-foster homes! 

BHRR’s Rain – 7+ years old
*One of our Perma-Fosters*

Her brother, BHRR’s Beau was successfully rehabbed at BHRR and then adopted March 7th, 2012.

Today, BHRR’s Rain was one of three BHRR dogs at the Vets…..fun times!

She is battling ear infections, so she was seen at LAH today.

AND while she was there, I was off with BHRR’s Booker and The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Murray to KAH – I will do another update on them….yet, poor BHRR’s Murray has taken a HUGE slide backwards as can happen with Puppy Strangles. They can and do often have a re-lapse. More on that shortly.

Also a small update on BHRR’s Rain from her perma-foster mom:

“Hi,
Here is a mini update on BHRR Rain.She had a blast on Christmas opening up her Secret Santa gift. She was spoiled again this year.

She has been loving the snow, hikes in the forest and checking on her chickens.”

Thank you to her amazing perma-foster home for loving on her and keeping her safe and happy!

 

This is Gwennie!

Many of you may not know this face for she is always hiding from the lime-light.

Today is a very special day for today is Gwennie’s Birthday! 

If it were not for this truly amazing woman, BHRR would not exist and thousands upon thousands of animals/people would not have been helped over the past 22+ years.

The truly broken physically and/or behaviourally…Danes, Giants and Honourary that have been saved thanks to her. Dogs & Horses that many others would not or could not help. 98% of the dogs that come to Gwen are special needs for this was her mandate for BHRR and are often the dogs’ last chance at having a future. AND Gwennie delivers. She gives these dogs the best of everything.

Many friendships would never have been formed if it were not for this great woman either.

She has not only brought many dogs and people together, she is the glue that keeps those links on her BHRR Chain of Success so strong and stable.

She is often giving credit to others, even when it should come to her….content to stay in the background and let others be the focus of attention. Humble, generous, thoughtful and caring, nothing Gwennie would not do for anyone she felt was worthy.

Loyal to a fault and though trust is hard earned, once earned it is steadfast and solid. Break that trust and that is a whole different story! 

Where Gwennie does not take a back seat is when it comes to the animals and people in need. She has no hesitation in standing up for what is right, takes a zero tolerance approach and will go toe to toe in any situation that there is a need.

She has never once waivered in her vision over the past 22+ years for BHRR and has kept BHRR being a highly reputable, responsible and quality filled rescue. No animal lacks for anything and corners are never cut and she has kept BHRR small, personable with having second to none success rates.

She creates miracles every day…..many have born witness to this. She has never shied away from the difficult, heart wrenching and financially demanding animals in need. Even knowing that her heart will be ripped to shreds again and again, Gwennie continues to find strength and heart to save the next in need of her.

These animals are treated like cherished family members and anyone that visits BHRR has seen firsthand how the dogs follow and look for Gwennie. People can see how they look at Gwennie, the trust, the mutual respect, the love that they have. It is a beautiful and humbling thing to witness as these animals learn to be dogs and blossom plus grow under her care.

Time and time again, Gwennie has worked magic and has successfully rehabbed dogs to either be placed up for adoption or kept safe in BHRR’s Haven Program. She has given life to so many, great life.

Gwennie does without to ensure that the animals get everything…the big joke is how Gwennie does not even own a winter coat or boots!

It would be lovely if we could come together as her village and community and donate some funds to help Gwennie continue the extremely important work that she does.

**Email Transfer or PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org**

Do also join us in wishing her a wonderful day as we celebrate her!

HAPPY Birthday Gwennie! 

Your Loving BHRR Family/Team

**$410 Donated To Date**

ISO: Human and/or Doggie Treatie Bakers!
 
Our 5th ANNUAL ‘Breaking Bills Bake Online’ Auction is coming up fast! Starts Saturday January 20th!
 
Last year we had 67 incredibly donated yummy items and $1,158 was raised to help Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson! ??
 
Monies raised in our 2018 extremely unique & 1-of-a-kind annual event shall be divided up between BHRR’s Booker(DDB Puppy with the back broken leg) & our FCE Puppy, The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Carlsberg. ?
 
If anyone may consider donating an item or more of either a Canine and/or Human baked goodie – does not need to be made until after the fundraiser is over – so is fresh! – please do EMAIL
 
We only host five planned fundraisers a year and this is our first one of 2018.
 
Thank you deeply from our hearts if you may consider their worthy causes to support!
 
More details re: our amazing fundraiser can be found in this LINK.
 

As we head into New Years Eve, here is Sean’s end of year statement.

Sean is Co-Founder and a BHRR BOD Member of BHRR. This photo is of him and BHRR’s Daffodil from our traditional XMAS Even Photo shoot – December 24th, 2017! She remains Available For Adoption!

In Sean’s Words:

‘Here we are again – at the end of another year. Time to reflect on the great, the good, the bad and the ugly and set our sights on the year to come.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t specifically take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made a positive contribution to BHRR. I couldn’t possibly name everyone – but you certainly know who you are!

The contributions you’ve made through time and effort, vet bills, food, auction donations, cleaning supplies, transport, etc. is precisely what allows us to do what we do! We are a community – and stronger because of it. I offer my most heartfelt thank-you to all of you. I count our interactions with all of you as part of the highlight reel.

So many wonderful people have come into our lives.

Together we’ve done a lot of great things in 2017. There are so many BHRR dogs in forever loving homes, there have been successful events for awareness, education and fundraising. One of the most significant and recent successes for this year is The Bakers Dozen and demonstrates perfectly how everyone came together as strong links on the BHRR “CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ when needed.

This was a huge outpouring of support!

It blows my mind to contemplate the amount of puppy formula that was donated and consumed! This would not have been achievable without the enormous outpouring of support given. Seriously – the amount of formula we went through would make several mortgage payments look like chump change!

And the ugly…… I’m not generally one to dwell on the negative – but I think it is important to acknowledge and address what I feel is a growing and unfortunate trend. Let’s address something that is very real yet seldom openly discussed.

A trend not just with us, but across the internet, business and personal interactions all around. Over the past several years, we’ve seen an increasing amount of destructive and abusive interactions.

This year we were subjected to a new low – as at least one person out there already knows – BHRR was subject to a malicious attack. In the end, we were proven/validated to be operating a stellar, highly responsible, excellent and much needed organization for the animals. As this was not based in fact or naive ignorance, they received a cautionary warning and we are now investigating possible further legal venues.

However, our initial response from the actions of this vindictive individual was a ‘Wow – never saw that one coming…’

We have hosted regular BHRR events here – 6 a year for over 2 decades – for people’s benefit and for the animal’s of BHRR.

We open up our home to the scrutiny of strangers and, we have done so gladly, and, openly for we have nothing to hide………..

We commit to giving up what could be very precious, valuable coveted family time for the sake of our guests. We feel it is so important for people to witness firsthand what we do and, why we do it and, that we are not like ‘every’ other group or org. out there…..

We have even had people from approved Volunteers, the curious, the interested, stay here overnight, for days and even weeks at a time.

We have always remained full of disclosure and have shared the ups, the downs, the good, the bad and the ugly with all of our followers, supporters, friends and family.

But to the individual responsible for a baseless complaint – thank you so much for putting our family on edge and under the microscope. I can’t tell you how much we appreciated the surprise and shock instead of an open dialogue with anyone who may have had questions or concerns.

So much better to lob a hand grenade from the bushes and run away. This doesn’t feel constructive, or motivated by the best interests of the animals – this feels very personal and malicious. We are very proud of what we’ve done with our lives – can you say the same?

While I’m also not prone to extolling our own efforts – we have dedicated almost 22 years of our life to the protection of animals, particularly the special needs dogs and the giant breeds – those least likely to be picked up by high turnover rescues. Animals others cannot or will not assist. 99% of those we help are the truly medical and/or behaviourally broken, We are small, personal and dedicated. We’re not trying to be dramatic when we say this – even those who know us have absolutely no idea the level of personal commitment and sacrifice this has taken from our family. The sheer amount of physical work, the hours night and day, the successes and the heartbreaks.

Responsible/quality rescue is 24/7. We do not ‘dabble’ in rescue, only do the ‘fun’ things, hang out, visit and then get to go home to relax and enjoy 9 hours of restful sleep. The stress, lack of sleep, financial drain and complete lack of freedom for something as simple as a family vacation – or even a movie or dinner night out is our lives day in and day out and we have done this gladly! The cyberbullying endured, the tens of thousands of pounds of food transported and stacked. Hydro bills – OVER $1,100/ month and enough laundry – up to 12 loads daily – to choke a laundry mat.

We’re not looking for the thanks, the praise, the accolades, or parades in our honor. We do this for the dogs, not the recognition or for any ‘pats on the back’.

At the same time, we have grown even less tolerant of the abuse, the hand grenades thrown from the sidelines, the armchair quarterbacks who find it so easy to second guess and criticize – to judge, without ever actually seeking to understand or becoming involved.

Cyberbullying is a very real problem and after much research and conversations held with cyberbullying experts, professors and lawyers, note that regardless of the occupation, paid or volunteer, everyone has the right to work in an environment free from personal threat, free from worry about emotional and/or physical harm and the right to not be bullied. This is punishable by law.

Social media is an amazing thing, it is also an awful thing that so many spanning across a vast amount of businesses, non-profits, other professional venues and personal arena’s have been enduring some level/form of bullying.

Those who want to blame, point fingers instead of learn and understand, shame on you. Those who want to take shortcuts and then foist their problems on us, shame on you. Those who want to be coddled and told they are doing everything properly when in fact they are the issue, not the animal, shame on you. Those who are turned down for an adoption and respond by spewing accusations, sour grapes and names, shame on you. Since our inception in 1996, we have retained a zero tolerance approach with the amount of nonsense, armchair quarterbacks and negativity endured.

Setting our sights on the year(s) to come – what’s next for Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services? Same wonderful people – same Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services – same strong rescue mission. Absolutely nothing will change 
overnight – we will continue to do what we have always done. We continue to help the next dog in need – we continue to place adoptable dogs into their right matched forever homes and we continue to provide a safe haven for those animals that need us.

Over the coming years – we will gradually transition to our long held vision of more of a haven program (which is already a large part of what we do). We will always focus on the giant breeds and canines/horses with special needs. These are the ones that need us – these are the ones we feel we can provide the greatest benefit to with our education, experience, knowledge and heart.

As of January 2018, one of our changes shall be to our adoption area’s covered – we will adopt up to an including the Barrie and Cambridge, Ontario area’s from our location and into Quebec, we will cover up to the Montreal area. We will still rescue all across the world.

Over the next year, will also be implementing an ‘Advisory Round Table Board’ of like-minded BHRR approved Volunteers in addition to our BHRR BOD Team.

We will be adding two more BHRR approved Volunteers to our Community Education Liaison Member Team too.

I look forward to working with all of our supporters in 2018 – let us do as many wonderful things this coming year together as we were able to accomplish in 2017!

Sean
BHRR Co-Founder
BHRR BOD Team Member’

NOTICE:

BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.

Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for 2 decades.

Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 22nd, 2018 to Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 inclusive.

Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Thursday January 4th, 2018!

During this time, BHRR is always available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need and we shall then network accordingly for as the local Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue since 1996, the welfare of the animals are our top priority. We do not wish to see any animal end up in a disreputable place of which sadly there are far too many out there. 

Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team

AND thank you to Xandria for surprising us so wonderfully wiith this fabu photo! 

*NOTICE*: 
BHRR shall be closed for the intake of adoption applications and shall not approve any adoptions from Monday October 23rd to Wednesday November 1st inclusive.

We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many other Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.

We do not believe it is in 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 and will network these requests to r/q organisations for we remain closed for intake. 

This photo is of BHRR’s Navy. 

Sunday July 9th @ Pet Valu Stittsville – Our 10th Annual Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser AND So Much More!
*No appointments necessary

2017 marks our 10th year of hosting this exciting event!

BHRR has been precedent setting in the community in seeing more cats & dogs microchipped to give them the best chance possible to get home should they be lost or stolen.

More information in link above and in poster!

Look who is also doing great in her own foster home!

BHRR’s Rain!

Thanks so much to her fantastic foster fam for sharing this photo our way! They have now fostered 6 BHRR dogs to date helping these fabu dogs become that much more well rounded plus balanced!

They love her to bits and is so wonderful with their cats and own dog.  I heard the two dogs love to snooze in the sun beams together….

Busy times at BHRR!

BHRR’s Ani was at KAH last night for a quick exam and repeat bloodwork as we prepare for her third epulus ligament surgery.

Today BHRR’s Rain, one of our amazing Haven dogs went to her approved temp foster while BHRR’s Rickards left that same approved foster home to come to me. Thank you to them for stepping up to be his emerge temp foster for the last just shy of 6 weeks!

BHRR’s Rickards had a recheck today, we also did repeat bloodwork, he had his booster and another refill on antibiotics was given as his face/muzzle are battling some new area’s of rawness….he had finished his last round of meds February 8th. He was fawned and loved on by many and what a Mr. Nosey he is!! LOL It is great to finally meet him myself….I had been hearing from quite a few how fabu he is and he sure is!

Tomorrow, after work at the Hospital, I am making the long drive to Blue Mountains, Ontario with Mason and BHRR’s Baby Kaos to prepare for his home-visit for a possible approved adoption on the Sunday.

Thank you as well to Kelley for the donation of empty wine bottles and other goodies our way that Sean picked up today on his way home from work!

This picture is of the beautiful BHRR’s Rain in her approved temp foster home!

From our home to all of our friends and family, we hope that all of you have a most wonderful good night!

 

 

BHRR’s Rain shall actually be heading to her perma-foster home February 17th.

This approved Volunteer home stepped up in our time of need to emerge temp foster BHRR’s Rickards from January 7th until the 18th of February(he is now coming the 17th to our home) and they will then take BHRR’s Rain.

This shall be their 6th foster for BHRR!

 

 

As of January 2017, BHRR’s Rain shall be off to be perma-fostered. This shall be a wonderful experience for her! This home has temp fostered 5 times for BHRR in the past and she will be in excellent hands!

Gentle Reminder!

We are at Pet Valu Hazdeldean this Saturday November 26th from 10 AM – 4 PM for our last community education and public awareness event of 2016!

We are looking at bringing BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Whisper for our famous Red Carpet Pooch Smooch Sessions!

We will be doing nails, ear cleanings and dog baths – ALL inside too!

More details in poster!

november-2016-poster

 

*CORRECTION: Location Address is: 5919 PERTH STREET, Richmond, Ontario*

Our next microchip clinic is being hosted with Dr. Zak at Pet Valu Richmond on Saturday September 10th!

Dr. Zak has now been with us for 8 microchip clinics to date and this is #9!
*No appointments necessary
*We are inside so rain or shine!
*10 AM – 4 PM

Our accreditation per CVO requirements to host this microchip clinic shall also be posted.

We shall also be doing dog baths, ear cleanings, nails for cats & dogs and will have some merchandise for sale! Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! More details in poster.

All monies raised shall go towards helping to pay off the bills for BHRR’s Dyson’s partial tail amputation that is scheduled for September 8th.

BHRR has been precedent setting/instrumental over the past almost 10 years with our Microchip Clinics in our efforts of having more dogs/cats hopefully find their way home should they become lost or stolen by being chipped.

IMG_1494 CVO_Temporary_Facility_Certificate (1)

We are just 5 SLEEPIES away to our biggest Fundraiser Event of the year. 🙂 July 10th!

Thank you to everyone that is making this a most promising and exciting event again for 2016!

What has traditionally been the largest microchip fundraiser in Canada!

Kanata Animal Hospital’s 9th ANNUAL Microchip, Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!

There shall also be ear cleaning, a silent auction table, baked goodies for humans, doggie treats, Canine Water Wellness shall be there, Pet Valu shall have our dog cooling/treat station again in 2016, Pet photography, Face-painting and so much more!

Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! 😀

No appointments necessary!
Rain or Shine!
9 AM – 4 PM
440 Hazeldean Road

Here is an update on what we are still needing:

BHRR is in search of the following items for our event for 2016!!!
Thank you in advance for any consideration!!
STILL ISO:
1) Volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities, work, friends, family, neighbours etc. Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
2) Donations of pop, bottled water, & small bags of chips.
3) NEED DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
4) Bags of ICE! ICE! ICE!
5) Silent Auction Items
6) Human Bakers
7) Dog Treat Bakers
8) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
9) Coolers to borrow for pop/juice/ice
10) Tables
11) Chairs
12) 1 more Tent – I have three, PV Stittville will have one, CWW will have one, Doogie will have one, The Maracle Family will have one.
***This event is such a great time!***

Here is the Facebook Event Page to join and stay updated! 🙂

microchip2016 (Medium)

***UPDATE: 27 NEW Items Added Tuesday March 22nd to the Facebook Silent Auction***

The detailed rules of this Silent Auction are posted in the first photo in this album.

As many are now aware, Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.

The current size of it is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.

A short medical summary:

His third CT scan, this one on his chest has come back at this time clear of any enlarged lymph nodes and metastasis. His MRI not only confirmed that this was a complex surgery yet was even more complicated than once thought – ONLY two surgeries like he needs has ever been done to date by his two expert surgical oncologists.

His surgical team shall be upwards to 20 people now including his two surgical oncologists, his urologist and his ortho specialist plus supporting nursing team. His surgery is expected to be ~10-12 hours in length.

We now have a surgery date set of March 23rd.

We know that his one ureter is compromised, and that he may lose his one kidney. We know that he will have part of his colon removed and that his femoral nerve is at high risk of damage and./or removal. He will need to have his Psoas muscle completely removed and his Iliacus muscle will be partially removed.

He will also need to have the hernia repaired – the mass/tumour has herniated down his thigh and into his groin area.

They will send the whole mass/tumour off to histiopathology.

While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.

All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.

Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.

One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com

If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.

*The BHRR Auction will begin NOW
*The BHRR Auction will end at 9 PM EST on Sunday March 27th, 2016
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.

Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279

As many know, BHRR is a Great Dane & Giant Breed Rescue that focuses strongly on the special needs and has been around since 1996. We are federally registered and are an all Volunteer Rescue. We also work with Equines.

We have a second to none adoption success rate and also provide a safe haven for animals that are deemed unadoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons. BHRR also has a program that works with the homeless and their pets each XMAS – Operation D.O.G. – Donating our Goodness plus we have a Helping Haven of Hope and Happiness that works with women/children and their pets in domestic abuse situations. We have been operating these two programs for over 15 years as part of our way of continuing to help animals and people in our community.

We are a unique one of a kind program out there like none other.

While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.

With our wish to ensure that every penny that comes to BHRR goes direct to them for food and Vet bills or items of comfort like dog beds, Sean & I have been covering 100% exclusively all the rescue hydro bills -$1,040/month, Phone, Gas for transports, home-visits and vet visits etc. We cover almost 50% of all the food bills out of our own pockets – BHRR goes through almost 120 pounds of dog food a day. Vet Bills are the same.

As some are now aware, in September of 2015, my husband Sean was found to have a mass. It took until January of 2016 for the experts to diagnose said mass for he has an extremely rare cancer.

Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.

The current size of his mass is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.

To further complicate matters, this mass has herniated down into his thigh and groin severely compromising his ureter and femoral nerve. He has had three CT scans of which his latest has shown that to date his chest remains clear of metastasis and his lymph nodes are not enlarged. His MRI has shown that his case is extremely complicated and the surgery he shall specifically require, scheduled for March 23rd has ONLY ever been done twice before by the two expert surgical oncologists assigned to him.

All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.

Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.

One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com

If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.

Since Sean’s mass was first discovered in September, BHRR has remained operating with top notch quality hosting successful events such as our annual creative ‘Dine with the Dogs’, BHRR mini Open Houses, BHRR ‘Private’ Experiences, community education and public awareness events and even our annual XMAS ‘Chain of Success’ Potluck.

We have successfully rehabbed and adopted quite a few dogs and assisted many other groups also during this time.

The quality and stellar standard of care of the animals’ in our care has continued without interruption and as the date nears for Sean and I to stop work as he prepares to head into his 10-12 hour surgery on the 23rd of March, it is time to now ask the BHRR village and our community to please consider helping us continue to help those in need of our programs so that we can get through the next 12 weeks.

We want BHRR to be around another 20 years and we hope that people will consider a donation to help with the expenses of the next three months.

BHRR has only taken in three new deserving dogs since January 2016 and hopes to continue with assisting more dogs once Sean’s surgery is over etc.

Thank you in advance for reading this novel….

This is a picture of my husband Sean….BHRR would not be here today without him and please do keep him in your best wishes.

We sincerely hope we can host a couple of successful auctions on with your help!!

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NOTICE:

BHRR shall be closed from Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 to Sunday April 3rd, 2016 inclusive to the intake of adoption applications for processing.

Any applications received during that time will be reviewed in the order that they were received as of Monday April 4th, 2016.

Thanks for your understanding!

COMING up in four sleepies! Saturday February 13th & Sunday February 14th!

BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Flame shall be with us on Saturday and Sunday’s BIG DAWGS are as of yet TBA!

This is our FIRST Community Education and Public Awareness event of 2016! We have not been out since November of 2015!

No appointments are necessary and we are microchipping Saturday and Sunday and more details can be found in the poster below.

Cats and Dogs have to be minimally 8 weeks of age.

Thanks Regan and PV Kanata for hosting us that weekend! So touched as always to have your support!

BHRR Poster (Medium)

 

ISO: Bakers! Our 3rd Annual “Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction begins Saturday January 16th, 2016 and shall run through until Sunday January 24th, 2016!

We are in search of bakers for human and/or doggie treats for this unique online auction!

All items do not need to be baked until the end of the auction to ensure freshness!

Last year we had 41 amazing goodies up for grabs! We are hoping for an equally wonderfully successful fundraiser to help a most deserving dog in our Great Dane Rescue.

If anyone may consider donating a baked goodie to our creative fundraiser, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do NOT post on this thread for your kind and generous offer may be missed!

All monies raised shall go towards BHRR’ Mavie’s Vet Bills. He was back at KAH on the 14th of December for a post op recheck and to exam the swelling that has begun to develop again on that left front leg of his.  He was back to not eating as well and dropping weight again. Clear signs that something is brewing…..

His had swollen lymph nodes yet was not demonstrating a fever. He is back on the Baytril 150 mg – 3 Tablets BID and that is a cost of almost $300 for just over 8 days. We are also running more bloodwork.

So, our Iron Man is not yet out of the woods………..

Thanks in advance for any consideration………

bakingbills2015 (Medium)

BHRR’s Rain’s Accuplex – Tick Borne Disease panel came back negative as did her Heartworm test! 🙂 We keep the dogs on Sentinel or Revolution year round yet we still do proactive testing every 2 years just to be sure. 🙂

BHRR’s Rain had her annual tonight! I cannot believe that she is now 5!!!

She weighed 92.4 pounds – Her Vet thought she looked good! 🙂 I think she is just beginning to lose her waistline and losing even a pound or two will make her look better in the waistline department. 🙂 So, we will monitor her treats and food intake a bit more closely to ensure that at least she does not put on any more weight and loses a tiny bit.

She was a super star at the Vet Hospital! We also did a Accuplex – HWT and Tick Borne disease testing.

She has some mild yeast in one ear and moderate in the other and we are going to have her on some Burrow’s for the next 10 days or so.

She was such a great girl at KAH! 🙂

NOTICE:

BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.

Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.

Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Thursday December 17th, 2015 to Tuesday January 5th, 2016 inclusive.

Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 6th, 2016!

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

Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team

BHRR’s 8th ANNUAL ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction has now begun!

Runs through to Thursday December 3rd @ 8 PM EST!

Over 50 items listed to date and some more to come!

Please consider helping us help BHRR’s Mavie!

If anyone has any items that they would like to donate, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org FOR we would be so appreciative. We only host 5 planned Fundraisers a year and BHRR’s Mavie is going to deeply benefit from all money raised in this auction.

He has his surgery scheduled to remove that left front leg implant on Tuesday November 24th with his wonderful ortho specialist. He had a sudden rejection/infection to that left implant recently and now that the Baytril(almost $600 for 16 days worth of treatment) has worked its magic on the infection, he is ‘good to go’ for surgery!

It SOON shall be time! You have been asking and patiently waiting…..get your thinking caps on! 

It shall soon be time to sign-up for our 4th(FOURTH) ANNUAL GIVE it ‘UP’ 4 Autumn Event!

The deserving BHRR doggie in 2015 to benefit from this one-of-a-kind unique Fundraiser is BHRR’s Baby Kaos. Past years have seen BHRR’s Lord Stafford, BHRR’s Breen and of course, BHRR’s Autumn benefit from the kindness of others!

This Fundraiser shall run from Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 @ 12:01 AM to Tuesday November 17th, 2015 @ 11:59 PM.

WHAT will you consider to ‘give up’ for 14 days to help BHRR’s Baby Kaos?’

Please do EMAIL us contactbhrr@gmail.com with what you are ‘giving up’ to participate! We hope you may join us in ‘giving something up’ to help raise monies for BHRR’s Baby Kaos!

In the past some have given up treats or coffee and put that money away to donate, others are giving up what the money they would have spent on lessons such as riding or tennis(or putting the equivalent in a jar to donate!) AND, others have put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have – chocolate, cigarettes etc. Feel free to be creative!

More information to be found on the poster below and here is the link with all the details!

Thank you Barry for this outstanding poster!

give it up for autumn - 2015 (Medium)

Come VISIT us at PV Stittsville(1250 Main Street, Stittsville) for some HOWL-O-Ween Fun!

Saturday October 24th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM & 
Sunday October 25th 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dog Baths $15, 
Nails $10, 
Ear Cleaning $10, 
Microchips $40 including registration – Cats/Dogs must be minimally 8 weeks of age
Merchandise for Sale! 
Visit some of the ‘big dawgs’ of BHRR! Dogs TBA
*No Appointments necessary! 
RAIN OR SHINE!

**BHRR is still in search of a few approved Volunteers to lend a hand Saturday and/or Sunday! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you can help!**

All monies raised shall go towards paying off our current accumulated Vet Bills for amazing deserving dogs like BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Raven and just this past week BHRR’s Porridge.

howlween (Medium)

NOTE:

From Monday October 19th to Monday November 2nd, 2015 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.

………………………………………

We do not believe it is in 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.

NOTICE: BHRR shall be closed from today to Wednesday September 23rd, inclusive. Our facebook page shall also be unpublished during that time for thanks to an incredible angel dream team network of our solid top notch beautiful strong village and community, we are making a dream come true for an extremely special young lady.

Any adoption applications that come in during this time shall be processed in the order they arrive upon the re-opening of BHRR.

ONLY urgent requests for assistance shall be replied to as we are here 24/7 to help the Danes and other Giants in need! All non urgent matters will be addressed upon the re-opening of BHRR.

Requests can be emailed to gwen@birchhaven.org or contactbhrr@gmail.com or text to 613-725-4279 or calls can be made to the same number.

For any offers of items for our September 26th Annual Dine With THE BHRR DOGGIES Event, – looking for brochures, pens, pencils, key chains, promo materials for 40 Loot bags – AND more auction items, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org We would be beyond grateful for any consideration to our cause.

We are a small group and host very few planned fundraisers a year and would embrace any gift certificates or other items for human, animal – cat, dog, horse, bird etc. – with such sincere gratitude plus appreciation. Thank you from our hearts in advance!

We are also going to stop our unique 2016 BHRR calendar sales at this time. If you have not yet ordered yours, we shall see if we have any left when we re-open to be purchased.

I leave all with this great photo of BHRR’s Salem below from her special picnic play date with the Maracle family! Thank you for the photo!

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This Saturday!

Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg very kindly asked if we would do one of our popular mini microchip clinics at their location and we shall be at their lovely location

Saturday August 22nd from 10 am – 4 pm!
*No appointments necessary

*Microchips $40 includes registration
*Nails $10
*Ear Cleaning $10
*Face Painting and Feathers by the ever talented and kind Dee Dick
*Famous Pooch Smooch Red Carpet Sessions $5
*Merchandise from sale
*Some baked goodies

We are still ISO: Three approved BHRR Volunteers to help out this day! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if interested!

THANK you Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg for this great opportunity to see more cats/dogs(minimum 8 weeks of age) microchipped!

All monies raised shall go to BHRR’s Kaos’ mounting Vet Bills. He is the 6 week old Great Dane puppy that we were asked to assist that has a growth plate fracture and a knee concern.

AND here is the event page to join!

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HERE is the poster! To our 8th Annual KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being hosted at Kanata Animal Hospital on Sunday July 12th from 8 AM – 4 PM.
*No Appointments necessary
*Dogs/Cats need to be minimally 8 weeks to be microchipped
*Bake table
*Silent Auction
*Photography
*Face-Painting & MORE!

microchop2015 (Medium)

 

Microchips $40 includes registration – for cats, dogs – minimum age is 8 weeks
Nails $10
Ear Cleaning 410

Saturday: BHRR Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Herbie-licious, The Love Bug, BHRR’s Angel Noelle and BHRR’s Riot
Sunday: BHRR’s Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Salem, BHRR’s Liberty and possibly BHRR’s Hercules – the third dog is not yet 100% determined.

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GENTLE Reminder:
BHRR's Gretta's angels have been working quietly plus hard behind the scenes on a special Fundraiser event to help raise some much needed monies to help her with the bills from her cruciate repair surgery and rehab journey.
Thanks is appreciatively extended to Pet Valu – Manotick for helping us, AND, for hosting this event on Sunday February 15th, 2015 from 10 AM – 4 PM
This is the 'Grooming For Gretta – Sweetheart Spa' Fundraiser!
No APPOINTMENTS necessary!
BHRR is still ISO: two more approved BHRR Volunteers willing and open to helping lend a hand that day! 
This is not a community education or public awareness event for BHRR yet, we will have some merchandise for sale such as our signature leash sleeves plus magnets. smile emoticon
Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
THANKS once again MUST be shouted out to BHRR BOD member B. Cole for such an amazing poster!

sweetheart spa (Medium)

Winter Wonderland At BHRR
February 3rd, 2015
It was time for a new and updated Photo!
All of them are waiting for the kids to come home from school – what they do not seem to realize is Mason was already home! 😉
Part of how I got to spend my Birthday….many of our approved temp fosters have come to spend the day to play and visit – my own car would not start – darn cold! – and, so, instead of meeting at a local 'best kept secret' walking place, they came here to play on our 148 acres!

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Back in December, Fran from Global Pet Foods Bank Street (1176 Bank Street) phoned plus emailed us to inquire as to our thoughts in being the rescue to benefit from the annual Global 'Show Us Your Heart' Campaign.https://www.facebook.com/GlobalPetsBank
Fran said that they have been following some of the great work that BHRR has been doing and, wanted to direct funds raised during their annual campaign in 2015, our way. 
To say that we felt humbled and deeply honoured, was putting it lightly. We feel so privileged to have been chosen by Global Pet Foods Bank Street, out of so many out there in the community doing such much needed and essential work helping animals…….
This exciting campaign begins January 31st and shall run through to February 14th, 2015
If you visit their store, you can make a donation in any amount you desire, and, you can write your name or that of your beloved pet(s) on a beautiful red heart and, it will be displayed with such pride and thanks at their store!
All monies raised shall go towards BHRR's Gretta's Vet Bills – she took a bad fall at her approved temp foster home and, we have to now repair the cruciate in her back left leg. Her surgery is January 29th at Liston Animal Hospital. It was the first surgical date we could get…….
Thank you Global Pet Foods Bank Street AGAIN for selecting our small r/q Rescue to support……be it $5 or $50 or more that is raised during your annual campaign, it will mean the world to us!!! AND, to BHRR's Gretta!
Barry, thank you SO much again for working with me on this poster. It is gorgeous!

showusyourheart - new (Medium)

Our 2nd ANNUAL 'Breaking Bills Baking' Online Auction' starts TODAY – Saturday January 17th, @ 7 AM EST!


We will have 40 extremely generously donated and, delicious items. THANKS to all the baking angels that are making this annual event possible!!!
All monies raised in this Annual Fundraiser shall go towards BHRR's Maverick's Vet Bills. His current Bills are over $15,300.00 which includes three leg surgeries.
To read more details about the auction(those darn rules!) and, to view the items up for grabs so far….please visit the below link and scroll down the page…….Our latest new delectable array of items include Rice Krispies, Macaroons and, at least 5 l of the special pasta sauce that we served at our annual September "DINE WITH THE BHRR DOGGIES' event.

If anyone else would like to donate a baked goodie or goodies, it is NOT too late…all items do not have to be made until the auction is over to ensure freshness for the winner(s), please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com


Already 2015 is shaping up to be another extremely busy year for the special animals in need of us, as we have the Male Blue GD with the untreated broken leg and, have another Dane – BHRR's Gretta that will require a cruciate repair(Surgery is on January 29th) NOT to mention The Lord Stafford and his continued mounting Vet Bills.


We were able to assist 16 dogs in 2014, and, 24 dogs in 2013. We will assist as many as we can responsibly take on with quality and, resources in 2015.


THANK you Barry for working with me on this gorgeous poster!!!!
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BHRR's Rain – Traditional XMAS Eve Photo Shoot
Female Saint Bernard
December 24th, 2014
BHRR Haven Dog
She was not happy being woken up from her nap! With the warmer weather, she does not like to be too active in these temperatures….

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We will be out to visit around 11 AM on Saturday ourselves to get some photos' and, I am hoping to bring BHRR's Ichabod Crane, BHRR's Zayna and BHRR's Salem for their very first XMAS photo's!
I heard a rumor that BHRR's Mav 'could' also put in a celebrity appearance!

Poster - Message (HTML) _2014-11-24_23-41-11

NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Monday December 15th, 2014 to Tuesday January 6th 2015 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 7th, 2015!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will do intake.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team

How blessed are we that Chuck Desjardins Photography and, Pet Valu Innes & Belcourt(3838 Innes Road, Orleans, Ontario) chose our group as one of the two(Collie Rescue Network is the other r/q group) to benefit from their Christmas Photo's Fundraiser!
Photo's $15 Each OR 2 for $20
Date: Sunday December 7th, 2014
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
***This is not a community education event yet, we shall be heading on our to just hang and bring some of the BHRR dawgs to thank people!

Xmas Photo Campaign 2014 brochure final

TOMORROW!
BHRR's Stafford will be ready on his red carpet with roses in paw to hand out to his first 24 smoochers! I even heard that he may wear a bow tie!
BHRR's Maverick and BHRR's Ichabod Crane are also coming.

pet valu poster - stafford (Medium)

BHRR's 3rd ANNUAL unique 'GIVE IT UP 4 AUTUMN' Fundraiser shall benefit BHRR's Stafford!

WHAT will you 'give up' for 14 days to help BHRR's Stafford?'
Please do EMAIL us with what you are 'giving up' to participate! Some are giving up chips, wine, coffee, another is giving up chocolate, AND, one person is going to even put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have for the chocolate they are giving up. Feel free to be creative! 🙂

UPDATE: We have 21 participants so far!
Starts November 4th! Please consider 'giving something up' for a 14 day period and, then donating the funds saved to BHRR's Stafford's bills!

YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS HERE (You do not need a PayPal account either)

A file is set up at Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 and they will take Visa, M/C and AMEX over the phone under the account of ‘Birch Haven Rescue’ for ‘Stafford’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario

You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:

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

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (please use the ‘gift’ option OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees

give it up for autumn - stafford (Medium)

Please consider going to the Helping Ottawa Fur Kids Facebook Page and, 'liking' our photo and, then putting in the comment section 'this amazing rescue gets my vote!' Contest ENDS Wednesday October 22nd at NOON and, each of the 6 rescues participating will receive a monetary donation, based upon where they rank upon the close of the contest. THANKS in advance for your consideration!

BHRR shall be attending our THIRD of ONLY four community education & public awareness events for this year, on October 4th & October 5th! The last community education/public awareness event that we attended was in May!
Pet Valu Stittsville so very kindly has invited us back in 2014 to be at their locale on October 4th & October 5th for their 'THANKS FOR GIVING' Event and, shall help us host some great activities!
AND, we will have BHRR doggies in attendance! Please visit the below link to find out which amazing BHRR doggies are coming which day!
From October 1st – October 16th, Pet Valu Stittsville will be selling 'Paper Pumpkins' for a donation and, your name and/or that of your pet(s), will be proudly displayed on said pumpkin put up at Pet Valu! Pet Valu will also be collecting material donations for BHRR during this time – we are in need of xpens(36" & 48"), Pinesol, Paper Towels, Lysol Wipes, Costco Dog Beds and, bath mats!
BHRR's EVENT PAGE For The 'THANKS FOR GIVING' WEEKEND AT PET VALU STITTSVILLE!
BHRR is still seeking 1 BHRR approved Volunteers to hang with us and zee big dawgs on the Saturday and one to hang with us on the Sunday! Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Thank you's must be extended from my heart to Bre and her fabu staff at Pet Valu Stittsville, to Melissa of Groomingdale's who is donated all nail trims and grinds(Friday/Saturday/Sunday) to BHRR AND, also to Ashley of AMB Photography!
AND, last but never least, thank you again to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this great poster!

Thanksgiving1 (Medium)

HERE is our poster for our NEXT Microchip Clinic! PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans contacted us months ago to see if we would host one of our established Microchip Clinics at their locale. Honored again to be able to have the opportunity to chip more dogs & cats to help ensure they have a better chance of finding their way home if they are lost or stolen. SO important to microchip!

PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans, Microchip & Nail Trim happening on Sunday September 21st, 2014!
*NO appointments Necessary
**Cats & Dogs – as long as they can comfortably be held
*RAIN OR SHINE – We are indoors that day!

BHRR PV Sept 21 Lg

HAPPENING TODAY! Sunday July 13th!!! DO not forget mark your calendars!!! 🙂 RAIN OR SHINE!!!

BHRR ONLY hosts 4 planned Fundraisers a year. This is our 2nd one of 2014.
We know and accept that for the first time ever, that we shall be seeing some showers in 2014. BOO! 🙁
AND, we are prepared for the weather to make your day a blast! 🙂

AND Microchips, Nails per our protocol plus the Silent Auction & BOW WOW Butchers shall be inside the Hospital.
We have 8 tents with a spare on hand to keep everyone dry for ALL the outside activities! 🙂

Microchips for cats/dogs & Nails for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits etc! 🙂

Rogers Community Cruiser shall be in attendance 9:30 – 11:30 AM with complimentary coffee/timbits

Dr. Amy Jewiss shall be present from 10 AM – 2 PM to discuss acupuncture and other services she now offers at Kanata Animal Hospital

Daryl of BOW WOW Butchers WILL also be in attendance!

Facebook 'PRE-EVENT' Mini Auction – 7 For 7! – AUCTION ENDED JULY 12th AT 12 NOON EST!

FaceBook Online Auction Album can be found HERE
There are 7 items(in honor of this being our 7th YEAR hosting this one of a kind Fundraiser) AND, shall be hosted for 7 days, that shall be available for bidding as of Saturday July 5th!
*The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday July 5th, 2014. Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
*The BHRR Auction will end at NOON(12) PM EST on Saturday July 12th, 2014.
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.
*S&H is available on all but one Item – Item #3
Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279

FINAL (Medium)

GENTLE REMINDER!

We are at PV Hazeldean – 457 Hazeldean Road on Saturday May 3rd from 10 AM – 3 PM!

This is s ONLY our second Community Education & Public Awareness Event for 2014 and, we are ONLY doing a total of 4!

MORE Details HERE!

In attendance representing BHRR shall be:

BHRR's Ethel
BHRR's Groves
& I will be bringing my own GD Matrix – I am neutering him on Friday and, so, he is going to be on Gwennie watch!

UPDATE: Below is the lovely board that Bre of PV Stittsville has put together in support of PAWS for BHRR!
Total of PAWS/Event Sales/Donations as of April 30th, 2014 – THANK YOU to all of the supporters: $5,140
*The goal that PV Stittsville has set for the month that includes the April 12/13 activity weekend: $5,000

We shall be bringing: Saturday April 12th, – BHRR's Flint,  BHRR's Noelle and BHRR's Leroy
We shall be bringing: Sunday April 13th – BHRR's Torque, Mr. Bubbles and BHRR's Treasure

AND, the councilor shall be at PV Stittsville for around 11 AM – 12:30 PM along with the paper!

AND, we will be doing doggy tattoos for a $5 donation!
**Blow pens and stencils and non toxic materials to be used

IMG_0049

ON Saturday April 12th – BHRR will be at their Store from 10 AM – 3 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!
ON Sunday April 13th – BHRR will be at their Store from 11 AM – 4 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!

MARK your calendars! HERE is the poster for PV Stittsville's annual PAWS Event! BHRR was so incredibly touched to have been chosen again in 2014 to be the recipients of this event! 🙂 If anyone wishes to have a copy of this poster to help crosspost and share this event, PLEASE EMAIL

We would be so grateful for all the assistance in getting the word out!

For the whole month of April, PV Stittsville(1250 Stittsville Main), for your kind and giving donation, will have 'PAWS' that your name OR your pet(s) name will be written on and put up in their store in BIG appreciation. Funds from this Event will be used to help pay for BHRR's Purse Puppy, Coach who has been diagnosed at this time with at minimum, a congenital heart condition AND BHRR's Porridge, diagnosed with a nasal tumor.

BHRR shall only be making a maximum of 6 Public Awareness & Community Education appearances in 2014 and this is our first! 🙂 We are booked for four to date, and, one more is in the works! COME on out, visit with us, some of the BIG DAWGS of BHRR and, have some fun! 🙂

BHRR shall be at PV Stittsville on Saturday April 12th(10-3 PM) & Sunday April 13(11-4)!

FOR more details of this MUST ATTEND Event, please visit HERE!

Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry once again, for hammering out with me this incredible poster! So talented!!! AND, thank you being publicly extended to our much loved extended fam at PV Stittsville for inviting us back again in 2014!!! 🙂

petvaluPAWS2014 (Medium)

HERE is the poster for our 3rd ANNUAL BHRR 'Special 1-on-1-Date' With A BHRR Dog Online Auction –
ENDS Thursday April 24th @ 9 PM EST! Details HERE!

  • The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday April 12th, 2014.
    Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
  • The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday April 24th, 2014.
    The highest bid on an item will be determined based on the time of the email sent as recorded by the time marked by our ISP

Winners to be located in the Ottawa, Kanata, Gatineau, Orleans, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, Kingston areas ONLY

THANK you BHRR BOD member Barry AGAIN for this awesome poster!!! So talented!

If anyone would like to help us crosspost this event and share this poster, please EMAIL!

picnic (Medium)

GENTLE REMINDER & UPDATEThis event will NOW also be used to also help BHRR’s Porridge – Rushed into KAH March 19th for when I returned from being out of the country, he was not well. He had dropped 3 KGs(6.6 pounds) – he is down to 74 KGs, had a nasal discharge, flared nostrils, no temp yet, belly breathing and could not breathe with his mouth closed, had not drank anything in over 24 hours, minimal eating, lethargic, swollen lymph nodes and, could not rest on his side(his fav resting spot).

PORRIDGE VET RESULTS TO DATE: Full exam done, lungs sounded ok, did a full blood work up including a heart blood test(awaiting results, we could not use Dormitor(if he did have a heart condition, this would be not in his best interest) to sedate for x-rays and the Torb barely took his anxiety edge off(we were not able to do his nails as he needs the Dorm also to sedate him) and, we could only get the right lat for x-rays yet, the heart on that side look almost completely normal. There was no noticeable bulge or significant enlargement yet, we had to take four shots to get his full chest and lungs just of the one side and the left side could not be completed at this time. We took biopsies of his lymph nodes, heart rate was elevated. The staff there noted how poor his energy level was from his norm ‘must maim with my happy tail and enthusiasm hyper harle happy boy ‘tude’ and while, he did eat some wet canned food, he had a hard time trying to eat anything dry and could only take one dry piece of T/D that was offered to him. The Vet has prescribed Doxy for him 4 tabs BID of the 100 mg IN case it may be infection related yet, he would not be presented ‘classically’ if that were the case. Yet, we are being proactive from all angles.

He went down hill so fast while I was away and, I thank all for monitoring him and I have trusted and do trust that those that were here, did keep his best interest at heart and, did not see fit to bring him in. I was completely ok for hi to go in for peace of mind and, I had been told that he was eating and drinking well and energy level was ok, no nasal discharge and lungs were clear(one person here is a nurse). In discussing him in more depth tonight with some of the wonderful souls that were here, it was noted that a weight loss had been seen, that drinking levels had gone down and energy level had changed. He was apparently fine and completely normal up to late last week and, I arrived home on Tuesday early afternoon. Whatever he has, it is aggressive….. 🙁

AND, in the 24+ hours that I have been home, his condition from there worsened further and, I jumped in bringing him in ASAP. Even called KAH to change his appointment to an earlier time slot.

Possible diagnosis at this time range from early heart to early lymphoma to early nasal tumor. Good case scenario, an infection of some sort.

AND, here is the PV Stittsville, Nail Trim Event Poster! $15 for grinds/$10 for Trims on Saturday March 22nd from 10 am – 5 pm, and, all money shall benefit BHRR’s Coach, our ‘heart’ boy!

Purse Puppy Coach shall be coming with me after my work shift on March 22nd,  – around 2:30 PM to visit and thank all those that will be there AND, he will be doing ‘KUDDLES 4 KASH’ to also help raise some money for his bills. AND, for those that have had the pleasure of hugging this boy, he is DELIGHTFUL! I may also bring BHRR’s Angel Noelle or perhaps BHRR’s Torque! 🙂

On Tuesday March 4th, BHRR’s Purse Puppy’s Coach weight was 14.9 KGs(37.78 pounds)! Since his arrival into Rescue, he has put on 34.28 pounds! 🙂 In just 14 weeks! 🙂

I have a huge blog post to make from this Vet visit and then coming back the next day for emergency x-rays and an ECG (the results were suppose to be back within 24 hours….) and, from there, the next steps for him. I have the report from the one Vet to post and, I have passed along all information and details to PVAR who have the other two puppies and who adopted the mom. At the minimum, it is believed that he has a congenital condition. 🙁 AND, the chances that HE is the only one in that large litter to have this condition is slim to none.

As I am heading offline for the next week+, blog updates will be to a minimum to none – SORRY! 🙁 I am going out of the country and later this year, also plan on going back out of the country as I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicarauga to assist/train/mentor in a spay/neuter clinic and, to work with the strays etc. over there.  So, I will post as I can and, thanks to all that follow the blogs!!! 🙂

Now, we just have to have those right matched forever loving homes find all of these great BHRR doggies that are AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! 🙂

Nailtrim (Medium)

Please consider heading to PV Stittsville to participate in our FIRST EVER(Annual or Bi-Annual – not decided as of yet) $5(Five) 4 Food Fundraiser – February 1st to February 28th inclusive!
$1,518.00 DONATED To Date as of February 22nd, 2014!

I want to thank PV Stittsville immensely for being so open and supportive for BHRR to have our unique and creative Fundraiser at their lovely store! All money donated is being used to buy Dog Food from their store. As the generous, kind and extremely thoughtful donations are coming in, the incredible staff at PV Stittsville are using the funds to buy dog food as we are in our food crisis now. Sean has already gone in to pick up what food has been bought to date and, I will be in on Saturday to pick up the next bags that thanks to the community's big hearts, more is continuing to be able to be purchased.

We are hoping that this Fundraiser shall be successful! We are so happy to be showing our own hearts in turn to the store that is making this all possible and to buy all the food we can with the monies that come in. THANK YOU to the village that is surrounding BHRR and, PV Stittsville!!

AND, the 2nd annual PV Stittsville Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bones Event is in full swing! 11 have already been purchased to donate to the animals(each BHRR dog has a photo attached to one bone) of BHRR! TY! TY! Be sure to visit PV Stittsville, while BHRR DOGGIES LAST! 🙂
**As OF FEBRUARY 15th, 2014, ALL BHRR DOGGIES HAVE A Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bone!**

AND thank you to BHRR BOD member Barry Cole for working with me again on this fabu poster!

feb five for food-3b

*WE ARE STILL IN A FOOD CRISIS!!! WE ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT 🙁 🙁
OUR FIRST OF 2014* FOOD = LIFE for the animals of BHRR!
PLEASE consider our cause and donate a bag or funds for food! We thank you from our hearts for any consideration!
PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU CAN HELP US with our dog food fund/needs!

UPDATE:

LESS than 6 hours to get your chance to bid/win on our first ever ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction!
All items will be baked fresh! ENDS tonight(Thursday January 23rd @ 9 PM EST)

We have 32 amazing items up for grabs and this, shall be a yearly Fundraiser for BHRR moving forward!

BAKE SALE ONLINE Auction to assist with BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s(the beaten/abused puppy that was also picked up and thrown and had her one leg/elbow broken and was never treated that required a leg amputation) Vet Bills has begun!
Please consider participating and crossposting. THANK YOU!

She also has a YouCaring Fundraiser page!
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/-caring-an-arm-a-leg-for-christmas-puppy/124645

BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s ‘BREAKING BILLS BAKE’ Online Auction Fundraiser
*Items do not need to be baked until the Online Auction is over. 🙂
ONLINE AUCTION: STARTS January 18th, 2014(7 AM EST) & ENDS January 23rd, 2014(9 PM EST) – We have 32 items to date!

Thank you to EACH person who has stepped up to help us with sharing this request for donations for this fundraiser, offering to make an item, sending those very precious notes of support and kindness AND, in believing in this very special ‘angel’! As always, thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! What a brutal start to 2014, we have had at BHRR. 🙁 With being in a food crisis, BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s amputation and, BHRR’s Blooms’ gas bloat. 🙁

All monies raised in this Online Auction shall go towards paying for BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s Bills.

This sweet Rottiex puppy used to live in a crackhouse. She lived a life of constant abuse and, at 12 weeks of age, she was abused, picked up and thrown. Her leg/elbow was broken and left untreated for another 12 weeks. She received no medical treatment during this time as my leg worked to try and heal on its own. I was terrifed and in extreme pain.

On Christmas Eve, an ‘angel’ contacted Gwen and, asked if Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabiltition(BHRR) could assist. BHRR immediately stepped up and another ‘angel’ came to her rescue and took her from this very bad place as ‘because I whimpered in pain’, the Owners wanted me gone ASAP and would have killed me if I had stayed with them.

On Monday January 13th, 2014, her leg was amputated and her bills will be close to $5,000 once all of her rehab is finished. She still has to have post-off follow-ups/exams, vaccines, physiotherapy etc.

 

 

Here is a copy of a post that I made on our Birch Haven Facebook Page. For those that are inquiring as to ‘where’ the page went.

As we have many followers that are not on facebook, this is a post that can be ignored. 🙂 For those that do follow us on facebook and, missed this post, here is a copy….

This is the final post as part of the ‘end of year statement’ for the BHRR BOD….that absolute privilege has fallen upon my typing fingers…

So much to say, a Gwennie Novel that would be a Gwennie chapter to truly capture it all!!

It has been an incredible year for BHRR, 13 WOW adoptions, so many faces put to names of lovely folks near and far, friendships plus relationships that have strengthened further and increased those links on that BHRR CHAIN OF SUCCESS, new kind and beautiful faces that have chosen our cause to support and believe in, the miracles of so many that were considered by several to be ‘lost causes’, r/q rescues working side by side making an much bigger positive difference to animals out there in need, the laughs, the smiles, the fun(Yes, r/q rescue can be fun!), the public education and community education events, play dates and play visits, the fundraisers(the crossposting!) the walks/hikes, the animals plus people that have touched us to the core and made our hearts just burst in warmth and happiness, the donations of lifesaving food and, other material items, the financial hand to help pay for much needed bills and more dog food, the driving and the more driving and the more driving, and yes, the hugs!
We thank each you that has been there and we look forward to what we hope promises to be an even better year for all ahead. We are NOTHING without you…..AND, to my BHRR BOD, thank you!

It has been such a hard year in others ways, and we take those important life lessons learned and will work that much more diligently in making better decisions/choices in 2014 and onward….we are focused in letting go of the things that we cannot change and that are unhealthy in the name of r/q rescuing.
We endeavour to practise what we preach, research, stay updated and keep walking the talk!
We have cried and still do cry over those that shall no longer be with us – human and animal and, candles are lit in the most honourable plus respectful silence of those that we can no longer physically touch and talk to and embrace……We miss you and, we are better in the having been touched by you…..

We thank all those that have assisted us in not changing BHRR yet, in continuing to help make it a better version of itself! I stand up and applaud each of you and then, I kneel down in the most humblest of thanks in turn, for I appreciate each and every gesture from a dollar to an encouraging word to helping to do nails or helping me to keep making dogs more well balanced and set-up for success! You may not think you have done much, yet, you have…especially on those dark trench days….

2014 MARKS year #18 for our small r/q Rescue and, that moves me into an announcement that I have been slowly sharing with people over the past few months….

The BHRR BOD has been discussing this for close to a 1 year now….

As of 11:59 PM on Wednesday January 1st, 2014; we shall be unpublishing our page….and, deactivating the BHRR BOD account.

This was not an easy step to take by any means for we understand how key networking and social media is….this page has brought us soooooooooooo much goodness and kindness and, we go into this knowing that we shall find ourselves most likely struggling even more financially and with food needs than we ever have had to date…..13 dogs were adopted in 2013, 17 in 2012 and this page is to be credited with these success stories…..

We are a small group and like many groups, we are Volunteers and lead busy lives outside of r/q rescue and, in frequent discussions with members of the BHRR BOD, the bandwidth is just not there right now for me to keep up the pace of this page plus what so many have originally been attracted plus loved about BHRR, the detailed blogs…that is very much a ‘signature’ BHRR arena and, it has had to take a backseat more often than I would have liked in 2013.

2014, is also year of much excitement(and some stress!) in my own professional and personal life – I will be defending in 2014 in re: to my PhD that I have worked pt on for too many years now…, I am furthering my training to do more work internationally with strays, street dogs and spay/neuter clinics and teaching and being mentored….I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and, I will also begin to shadow at other Hospitals to increase my own skill set and education with qualifications plus experience. AND, I also look forward to my time at the ES when I can get there. As a result, I shall also be deleting/deactivating my personal account. Barry, Catalina and Mary will remain our eyes and ears out there in fb land.

My priority has always been to the animals under our authority and being hands on and keeping our success rates unparalled out there….that, shall not change.

It is my sincerest of wishes that by this time next year, we can publish this page again….it has become such a staple to my day and, I look forward to coming back to post of daily tips and questions and quotes and all things BHRR plus beyond to help other groups also network their own events/animals and throw our support into their corner!

I have sincerely enjoyed sharing the ups and the downs as part of our commitment to full disclosure and that, we are only perfect in our imperfections as humans….

So, it is will deepest regret that this shall be my last post on this page for some time……..

The BHRR BOD is still trying to figure out how best put forth our requests for assistance and right now, we shall go back to using the website for postings…so, please do visit uswww.birchhaven.org for YOU are the real hearts and souls of BHRR, along with the animals…..

May love, happiness and health find their way and stay with you and yours in 2014….that is my wish for you!

Raising my glass to all of you in a toast of my heart to you!

FROM myself, words truly do fail me with how beautiful these cards are plus the stamps AND Anna’s heart…..Thank you! THANK YOU!

From Anna G-h:

“We are delighted to announce that we have note-cards and matching stamps (domestic permanent) available with all funds donated to Birch Haven to assist in vetting and food costs. Each are 4 for $5. Please let me(Anna) know if you would like to order any. We can mail free of charge once we have received payment for your order. These are blank inside so are perfect for many occasions.”

Anna can be contacted at: anna.goofy@rogers.com OR email HERE.

Payment can be made via PayPal ‘GIFT’ or via email transfer.

Simply stunning! The person in the photo for those that are not aware is Anna’s husband, Peter and the two lovely Danes are Kaitlyn and Kassie. 🙂

photoposteranna

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

This is not a community education or public awareness event YET, I plan on showing up with some of the BHRR doggies to hang and visit AND thank ALL that show up!

NOTE: THERE shall also be $10 NAIL Trims with all proceeds coming to BHRR!

santa paws (Medium)

NOTICE:

BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.

Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.

Our XMAS Shutdown period for this year is from Saturday December 14th, 2013 to Tuesday January 7th 2013 inclusive.

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

Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team

Our 6th ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' Online Auction HAS started! 🙂 We NOW have 87 items posted – LINK BELOW – and more to come daily! This is not a facebook auction. As we have supporters not on fb, we use a wp plug-in app on our home website.

YOU have to go visit daily to see just what is there! 🙂 THANKS to all that have donated so kindly, generously and the animals thank you too! 🙂

The BHRR Auction began at 7:00 AM EST on Saturday November 23rd, 2013.

The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday December 5th, 2013

http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-2008/online-auction-2012

A short time ago, I received an email from the most talented and I want to say also, very beautiful and special Liz Bradley of The Ottawa Dog Blog.

http://ottawadogblog.ca/2013/08/we-won-the-top-most-influential-dog-blog-online/

As many are aware, there was a voting contest recently for the Most Influential Dog Blog online and the competition was quite tough AND, thanks to such an incredible surrounding community The Ottawa Dog Blog WON! By taking 60% of the votes!

HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing 'baby' grow plus develop!

AND, what so humbly surprised me(AND, made me grab yet, another tissue…this time with a welling up of good tears!), was that Liz/Jane was awarded a lifesaving generous gift of $500 donation to the charity of her choice AND they chose BHRR!! As they have posted about, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel privileged to have our small rescue chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!

There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus grateful and filled with intense gratitude…….

THE BELOW IS FROM LIZ/JANE:

"It was a difficult decision as to the charity who we would pick to receive the donation as all of the Ottawa charities work so hard.

We decided on Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation to receive the $500 donation! BHRR is an amazing rescue who is in need of money to feed the large and giant breeds they rescue – this money will go a long way towards food and vet bills for them!

Thank you again to all who voted. I am so very proud to live in this great city surrounded by fellow dog lovers.

With love and belly rubs,
Liz (and Jane)"

**Could I please ask our fans/supporters/family/friends to take a moment and go over and CONGRATULATE Liz/Jane immensely and tell them HOW uber awesome they are with what they do daily!!!**

AND, here is what I wrote on their lovely Blog post!

HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing ‘baby’ grow plus develop!

As Liz/Jane have posted, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel immensely privileged to have had our small rescue of Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!

I also wish to publicly thank Camp Cookstown from my heart, for having such a great contest, for helping to get the word out regarding so many fantastic online blogs and for supporting the work done in animal rescue with this very generous and lifesaving gift of $500.

There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus humbled and filled with intense gratitude…….

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: DIRTY DAWG Wash for BHRR coming up FAST!
Thank you sooooooooooo much to Ginnette & CJ for having us back again this year!!!
I absolutely LOVE this event! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Saturday July 27th
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Min. $10 Donation
*Microchips $40 includes registration, merchandise AND Nail Trims too!
*Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this poster!

dirty dog**

COMING UP ON Sunday July 14th, 2013! Our 6th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

In 2012, we did 56 MICROCHIPS(ALL by qualified Veterinary professionals) & 94 nail trims!

We shall have our silent auction table again, human plus doggie baked table, draws, facepainting, caricatures AND so much more!

NO APPOINTMENTS necessary! For more information, please visit HERE:

OR follow all the exciting updates on our BHRR/KAH Facebook EVENT PAGE!

STILL LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Thank you in advance for any consideration!!

STILL ISO:

1) More volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities
2) People open to emailing and promoting this event poster at their work and with friends, family and neighbours. I can email the poster to all willing to assist. 🙂
3) Donations of pop, juice, bottled water & hotdogs/buns & hamburger/buns
4) NEED MORE DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
5) ICE! ICE! ICE!
6) NEED MORE Silent Auction Items
7) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
8) We need people to assist us with cross-posting this event and getting the word out! We have some huge Vet bills right now and more in the pipe.

PLEASE EMAIL if you can assist with any of the above!

***This event is such a great time!***

bhrreventlowressmall
THANK you again to BHRR's Cosette's fabu mom for working with members of the BHRR BOD on this poster!

Katoby Distribution is having their FIRST even Campaign For Rescue Voting Contest!

This contest was created via nominations and on Monday July 1st, BHRR received an email regarding this voting contest and what a surprise PLUS honour to note that we were one of the organizations chosen to participate!

They have 4 prize packs totaling over $4000 in valuable food and products to give to the rescue groups you think deserve it! Top 3 dog rescues and the top cat rescue will each win a prize pack (as determined by votes). One lucky voter will also receive a price pack worth over $250!

Voting ends July 15 at noon – one vote per day per person!

Barking Bone Designs – Custom Pet Art has been so generous and kind and will donate up to February 17th, 2013$5.00 of the sales of every personalized accessory, key chain or necklace!

PLEASE make sure that you mention Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) when you order!

Colours and sayings can be changed easily!

S&H is ONLY $2 in Canada for one item and $3 for two!

BHRR has some new urgent animal medical cases in the pipe….the funds raised will deeply assist!

EMAIL BarkingBone@hotmail.com for more information and to have Sarah answer any questions you may have!!!

THANK YOU Sarah!!!!

PLEASE CROSSPOST! 🙂

Anna Gray-Henschel is going to be selling her famous homemade 'TREATS' that includes BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits to help raise funds for Genesis Dog Rescue and also for BHRR. Her Danelets shall have their own delightful selection and there shall also be a variety named after BHRR's Kyo.

Please visit her PAGE to see all the wonderful yummy details and to express your truest heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her in hosting this Fundraiser.

Purchase for your doggies, family and friends' doggies, for your favorite r/q Rescues etc. 🙂

From my own home and on behalf of all the doggies again in need of BHRR, THANK you Anna! I sound like a broken record yet, it is true! What a gem you are!

The Gift Certificates are good for up to one year from purchase!

DEADLINE is February 8th, 2013 to get in your orders so that they can be received by Valentine's Day! 🙂
 

UPDATE Wednesday December 19th, 2012:

THEY HAVE RESTARTED THE FOOD VOTING CONTEST from scratch AND it began Tuesday December 18th, 2012 @ NOON AND shall END Thursday December 20th @ NOON!

PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING! You do not need to enter your email address or register, just one click of a button! AND please consider sharing. WE are in FIRST place by only TEN VOTES!

Please CLICK HERE to VOTE:

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

————————————————————————————————————————————

BHRR could use your DAILY Vote, yes, DAILY Vote up until Sunday December 16th before midnight to help us win some dog foodfor the BHRR animals.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to Vote!

As many know, BHRR goes through 120 pounds of dog food in ONE single day. YOUR DAILY vote for Birch Haven Rescue once a day until Sunday just before midnight, could help us win some food for the dogs. SO, please do consider voting and do remember to come back daily to vote!!!!

The incredible folks at La Maison Du Chien have kindly offered to donate $1100 worth of pet food to a deserving area rescue!

BHRR is currently in FIRST place by ONLY ONE VOTE…….AND as always, we would share with any other r/q groups in need……ALWAYS! We believe in working together to help as many animals as possible!

We do not have a regular food sponsor for donations of food and the cost of food per month can be over $4,000.

Thank you in advance for any consideration………

UPDATE Wednesday December 12th, 2012:

There seems to be a voting 'glitch' and some can and others cannot vote more than once YET, please do keep trying to vote DAILY and do share as BHRR could really really really use your assistance!

UPDATE: Friday December 14th, 2012:

You need to clear your cache/cookies on your iPhone(go to "Settings", then "Safari", then 'Clear Cookies/Cache' to be able to vote again daily AND you need to clear your cache on whatever browser you are using on your home or work computers to be able to vote again daily.

BHRR has slipped to SECOND place and this contest end Sunday just before Midnight! Please vote and share! 🙂

UPDATE Sunday December 16th, 2012:

UPDATE ON VOTING CONTEST:

As many are aware from the public blanket statement posts I was making, as soon as I understood what was able to really occur with the voting in the food contest, I contacted MDB. This was not resulting in a fair contest to all r/q Rescues involved.

We have been in conversation for the last few days re: this contest and per the positioning of BHRR, we will only wish to operate with continued integrity plus honesty and no food is worth any compromising of that.

Either we all are able to vote once a day, only ever once, or multiple times daily. What was happening was not equal or fair to all involved. BHRR and it was so important that MDB be made aware of what was happening.

I am aware that they did a reset a couple of days ago to try and have people being able to only vote once every 24 hours and some could and others still could not vote again.

We have continued to support MDB in any successful resolution they felt was necessary and per their public post today, they have decided to do a reset from scratch – starting over.

I thank EACH of our supporters and believers that have campaigned so hard to assist the animals of BHRR and in sharing! 🙂 No words can tell you how much this has meant to BHRR for we do go through 120 POUNDS of dog food PER DAY.

AND good luck to all participating for round two!

BHRR's 5th ANNUAL "JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS" Online Auction is ON NOW UNTIL Thursday December 6th @ 9:00 PM EST!

We currently have 122 very exciting items up for grabs! MORE being added throughout the last day of this auction! 🙂

All monies raised shall go to the care of animals in need of BHRR and also assist the two new Saint Bernards headed our way!

In preparation in having to do some emergency fundraising for BHRR's Autumn's ever growing mounting bills that shall include having several surgeries, we are going to be offering up  a small  BHRR's Autumn's EMERGENCY Online Auction

Auction details and how to bid can be found HERE – ITEMS can be added at any time – so, please check back!

Starts 6:00 AM EST on Monday October 29th, 2012
Ends 10:00 PM EST on Monday November 5th, 2012
 

NOTE: BHRR's Autumn's EMERGENCY ONLINE AUCTION does not replace our 5th ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' ONLINE Auction to commence on Saturday November 24th, 2012!

Here is another VIDEO from today – fall at BHRR  – Wednesday October 17th, 2012.

I wanted to capture BHRR's Blossom's body condition as she looks today and could not help but capture some of the other BHRR lovelies too! 🙂

DOESN'T BHRR's Blossom look fabu extreme now!!! NO longer that 57 pound Great Dane that first arrived into Rescue on September 7th, 2012!

WTG BHRR's Blossom!!!!

Ever since I heard some news yesterday that did not sit well with myself nor several approved BHRR Volunteers who also were privy to this news; I have been thinking on making the proper blog post. AND, this one is a tough one for I want it as objective as possible and my personal feelings for BHRR’s Rain and also for justice and the truth run strong.

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that the reason why the temp foster did not work out was due to BHRR’s Rain’s aggression.

I debated back and forth as to post or not on her blog and I decided to make a post as I believe in full disclosure – talk about all the good, the bad and any ugly of any dog under our authority and to hear something false being told as to why this temp foster failed; was quite unsettling.

I have to admit I was not thrilled and neither have been BHRR Board members. Three accounts of what did happen that day are well documented after an investigation was opened up by myself to demonstrate proper due diligence.

Furthermore, I contacted her Vet, reported the bite and a note was placed in her file by the Vet for legalities( no one directly involved wanted to investigate and felt this not necessary of any action). I respectfully disagreed.

This dog was set-up for failure and as it was not her fault, no one involved at the scene that day wanted to report the bite. I do believe in that full disclosure and as per her one blog, I even discussed that bite and circumstances.

For all those who have met and know BHRR’s Rain; I would love to have your testaments to post…. 😉

I know the Volunteers who heard this news yesterday were equally unimpressed. Some of their language was much more direct than mine when expressing their views on this falseness.

BHRR’s Rain; we know the truth as does the one that has made this false statement at least to one person(as it was passed to us today) abut this set-up for failure last November.

Additionally, I have kept all emails and voice conversations recorded and we are prepared to be as honest as always about the truth and reporting said truth to all the follow and believe in BHRR. 🙂

For because of what transpired last November, we cannot adopt out this amazing dog and while we did not put her to sleep as she was clearly not at fault; and she lives a great life with us( have to post her Vet video etc.); she can never have a forever loving family to call her own by being adopted.

BHRR’s Rain does not have one aggressive bone in her body. She lives in absolute harmony in our home and has lived with many dogs in her time at BHRR and shall experience many more in her lifetime and loves people, horses and even gpiggers!

She has been to events like TTP in 2011,walks/hikes, playdates, day trips, goes to work with me and visits friends and family and so much more. She loves on all that come to our BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ mini open houses and is a huge fav of many that visit/socialise in our home!!

COME ON OUT TO SEE US THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 11th @ the Critter Jungle in Ottawa, Ontario!
 

RAIN OR SHINE! We shall be there! So, bring your dirty dawg and we shall wash plus towel dry for you!

We shall also have some items for sale to help raise much needed funds for the animals in need of BHRR.

AND it looks like the rain is going to be there BUT so shall we! 🙂 We are all going to be wet anyway! 😉

Here is a video taken tonight of some of the BHRR gang and our own. I have spent my day immersed with the animals for maximum dog therapy to try and help soothe my heart and soul over our most recent and shocking sudden loss of BHRR's Hamilton The Newf. 🙁 We feel like we are in a walking nightmare and most of the day has been a blur yet; all of us here have been trying to stay super busy and keep our minds plus bodies occupied so as to not think………….all of us are still reeling in shock.

This video of how well BHRR's Dozer and so many others are doing including BHRR's Ani & BHRR's Cosette and BHRR's Jetta really help find purpose to why I get up in the morning and what I look forward to each day.

SUMMER FUN 2012

BHRR's Rain had her annual on Saturday July 28th, 2012 and she ROCKED it! OUT of the park! 🙂

She weighed 40.8 kgs(89.76 pounds)!  A very petite Saint yet stunning. 🙂 She had her vaccines updated and we did a HWT. We also looked closer at her hips(no change and she still bunnyhopsin the hind end) and the Vet suggested that I begin to give her cartrophen injections too. She whimpers a bit getting up and down yet; overall is holding her own. She is one happy Saint!

WHAT a far cry from the first time I brought her in…hotdogs in hand and giving them to everyone to feed her and her brother BHRR's Beau(adopted in March of 2012).  She went from barking at everyone because she was scared to barking at some last year at Take The Plunge as she WANTED to see people to no barking at all on Saturday. She was friendly, social, outgoing, loving, affectionate and a ham! WTG BHRR's Rain!! 🙂

We also gave her ears a really good cleaning – one seemed to be bothering her a bit yet; nothing out of the normal was found. Will keep monitoring.

I have a video and some photos to post of her yet, I am going to post the one below from December 24th, 2011(thought, I had already!).

As many already are aware for BHRR believes in complete full disclosure, BHRR's Rain was moved to our BHRR Haven Program last fall after a temp stay in a foster home.

This is because, unfortunately(AND the temp foster home feels terrible ) is that BHRR's Rain in trying to fend for herself after there was an moment between two dogs; she bit the O. of the other dog as they stepped in to get their dog away. The Owner and the friend of this Owner had called out to the temp foster home; that the dog they had was not a great dog-to-dog friendly sort. The temp foster home really did feel that it would be ok to walk by this other dog with the two that she had with her – BHRR's Rain as she is really great with dogs as is their other dog that they adopted from BHRR.

Though, no one at the park that day wanted to call the by-law and health department, I did after being notified of this bite. I also reported it to BHRR's Rain Vet and it is documented in her vet file.

To all that know BHRR's Rain, they were as surprised and taken aback as I was yet; she was only trying to protect herself and most likely her temp foster mom too.

BHRR's Rain is very social to other dogs and to humans.

BHRR has never had a bite in our history of operating and she is remaining in our BHRR Haven program.


BHRR's Rain – December 24th, 2011

Our 5th Annual BHRR/KAH MIcrochip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being held at Kanata Animal Hospital from 8 AM – 4 PM (NO appointments necessary) is coming up fast!

If you would like a copy of this stunning poster to crosspost via email or post up at work, your local training facility, petstore, etc., please EMAIL

This is BHRR's biggest Fundraiser of every year!

Thank you being extended to Shirley again for such a fabulous poster!!!! Thank you so much once more for working with me on this!! 🙂

Please 'click' on the poster for more details/information! 🙂

AND to stay updated on the latest developments, join our BHRR Facebook EVENT PAGE!

BHRR's Rain's annual is booked for July 9th.

VIDEO #2 with BHRR's Rambo, BHRR's Veteran, BHRR's Hamilton the Newf, BHRR's Rain with BHRR's Goliath etc.

In watching this video, I noted that BHRR's Veteran was limping. His back right leg is a bit tender and swollen. He is now on crate rest and Deramaxx and will re-visit the Vet if needed.

Our Spring Fundraiser is NOW ON!

1st Annual '1-on-1' Special Date With A BHRR Animal Online Auction.

The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday April 14th, 2012.
Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.

The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday April 26th, 2012.

We are still in the process of adding the 'eligible' BHRR doggies, so please visit our website often! WE HAVE 16 DATES so far made available! Date includes a picnic lunch! 🙂

*For more information on each dog available, please visit their dog blog links under each dog's individual bid item details.*

http://www.birchhaven.org/?page_id=8360

Thanks Louise for the great poster!
 

Permission Given To Cross-Post!

ALL MONIES RAISED GO TO THE BHRR ANIMALS!

GENTLE REMINDER:

That BHRR will be at the NEW Pet Valu located in the Kemptville Colonnade Retail Mall(Hwy 43 & 416 – near the new Timmie's & Canadian Tire!), on Saturday April 14th from 10 AM to 3 PM & then again on Sunday April 15th from 11 AM to 4 PM for their Pet Appreciation weekend!

On Saturday – BHRR's Journey and BHRR's Freeze are going to be in attendance plus I shall be bringing Drift to begin his own 'big world' introduction.

On Sunday – BHRR's Hamilton The Newf & BHRR's Hailey shall be in attendance. This shall be good for BHRR's Hailey to also get her back into the 'big world'!

I shall also be doing microchipping for $40 which includes registration – NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY!

Looking forward to a great weekend of public awareness/community education on not just BHRR yet; so many other important topics re: animal welfare plus giving our dogs some more fabu experiences! Maybe, some right matched forever loving homes will meet them and consider submittIng an application to adopt. 🙂

Until the end of day on Tuesday April 10th, Luanne of Rusty Dawg Pet Products is hosting the following FUNDRAISER for BHRR through her Arbonne business.

Here is Luanne's Arbonne ONLINE Fundraiser Facebook Page & you can EMAIL HER!

AND here are the details of this Fundraiser of which Lana Burnley-Waters of Pet-errific who has her own Arbonne business shall match each Fundraising Dollar raised by Luanne to then donate to BHRR!

FROM LUANNE AND REMEMBER TO LET LUANNE know that your order is for the BHRR Fundraiser:

April 1-10, 2012

I am hosting an Online Arbonne Party with a portion of my sales being donated to Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services, a wonderful Giant Canine Breed & Equine rescue group in Ottawa area focusing on those with special needs (http://www.birchhaven.org/)!

Arbonne is a Swiss company that is over 30 years old. Their products are non-toxic, botanically based and they have something for everyone, ranging from newborns to senior citizens. I can honestly say Arbonne's products are the best I've ever tried! I have switched all my personal care products to Arbonne & my skin and hair have never looked healthier!

Arbonne products are all Vegan Certified. They do not contain animal products/by-products and they have never & will never test on animals! What a great combination to be able to purchase pure, safe & beneficial products that are truly amazing from an animal friendly company and at the same time supporting a great rescue group 🙂 As an added incentive, if you purchase more than $100 retail during the Party your name will go into a draw to win a product of your choice up to a $60 retail value.

This is your chance to try Arbonne's Ultra-Premium, Swiss formulated products & to also support a wonderful rescue group! The party will be open from April 1, 2012 through to, and including, April 10, 2012 with 10% of all sales being donated to BHRR!

If you sign up as a Preferred Client with a minimum order of $180 (which entitles you to a free product of your choice up to $120 retail value for your first order only), I will donate an additonal $5 to BHRR! As a Preferred Client you get a 20% discount off all your orders plus other specials & monthly promotions that are available only to Preferred Clients. The fee is $35 per year with the renewal fee being only $18! You can read more about being a Preferred Client and all the offers that are available here: https://www.arbonne.ca/company/opportunity/startnow.asp?i=1 (scroll down)

If you sign up as a Consultant with a minimum order of $180 (which entitles you to a free product of your choice up to $120 retail value for your first order only), I will donate an additonal $10 to BHRR! As a Consultant you get a 35% discount off all your orders plus other specials, incentives & monthly promotions that are available only to Consultants. You also earn commission on retail orders placed by personally sponsored Preferred Clients! You can read more about being a Consultant and all the offers that are available here: https://www.arbonne.ca/company/opportunity/startnow.asp?i=2 (scroll down)

For those who live in Ottawa area you can take advantage of the Consolidated Shipping option. I will have all the Ottawa orders shipped to my house and the shipping charges will be split up equally amongst all the orders. It's a great way to save on shipping! In order do this you will need to email your order to me with all your info so that I can input it for you.

For those who live outside of Ottawa, you can place your order directly from my Arbonne website – http://www.luannepelletier.myarbonne.ca/. On the right hand side in the Join Arbonne section, click on "Click Here to become part of Arbonne today!" This takes you to the Arbonne Registration page where you can choose to sign up as a Client (free – no discount), Preferred Client ($35 – 20% discount) or Consultant ($95 – 35% discount). After you register you will be taken to the Shop Online page where you will place your order. After you place your order please email me to let me know that your order is part of BHRR's fundraiser.

If you are already an Arbonne Client you can order as usual through Arbonne's website: https://www.arbonne.ca/ If you would like to take advantage of the Consolidated shipping please email your order to me, along with your Arbonne ID, so I can input it for you.

Arbonne is a global company so those in Canada, United States, Australia and the UK can place orders!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. My email address is: LuanneP@myarbonne.ca.

Here's a link to a Note I posted on Facebook if you want to know more about becoming a Consultant – https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150781591734050

As an added incentive, if you purchase more than $100 retail during the Party your name will go into a draw to win a product of your choice up to a $60 retail value. Pls help me support BHRR and place an order! I know you will not be disappointed with Arbonne's products! They are the best of the best, seriously. They are formulated under the strictest guidelines so they do not contain any toxic chemicals that are typically found in products at the drug stores etc.

Today, I was able to get a really great look under BHRR's Rambo's chin and clean it up nicely. He does have some puppy acne yet he has a cut there. Later today, I then receieved a nice email from one of the transporters who sent along the following; which explains the cut. BHRR's Rambo is now on some antibiotics for that chin.

Hello: I was one of the first persons to drive Rambo to Chatham from Windsor along with Cindy, Rambo cut his chin on a fence minutes before we picked him up. When I got him the staff peson was cleaning his chin where he jumped on her and hit the fence. She had blood on her jacket and when I asked her what happened she said Rambo jumped up on her and hit the fence she was sitting next to and cut his chin. The Wehs staff cleaned his chin and then within minutes we picked him up. Hopefully the cut didn't become infected so soon. Thank you for taking this great dog and as I read your blog about him he sure is in good hands. 
 

He is also a HUGE crate escapee! So, he has three carabeeners on his crate now! Today, he had a lot of offleash time in the fenced in yard and has been successfully integrated with most of the dogs here. He had a grand time playing with BHRR's Gretta, BHRR's Rain & BHRR's Potter. 🙂

Here is a VIDEO #1!
Here is VIDEO #2!
Here is VIDEO #3!

AND only twice today, did he leap and jump to grab that leash direct from my hand and arm. He is getting the message, that this is not appropriate.

Awhile back, I was contacted by a woman named Kathy Radar. She had recently purchased a new vehicle a ‘Journey’ and she had heard about BHRR’s Journey’s story. She contacted me wanting to do a Fundraiser to ‘Fill Up Her Journey For Journey & BHRR Friends’.

This is one reason why we are hosting a special BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House in April; for she shall be coming up to BHRR with her friend to drop off her Journey filled with goodies! I thought it would be lovely for her & her friend to meet others involved with BHRR, pass along their own appreciation for her efforts etc. 🙂

For anyone in the London, ON area that would like to participate; please contact Kathy directly. (519) 452-3009 – She is collecting items right up until April 19th inclusive!!!

Journey for JOURNEY campaign poster – Click Link To View Poster! 🙂

 

On another note; BHRR’s Journey’s recheck on her tail, new weight check plus tail appointment shall be rescheduled for next weekend – Saturday March 31st, 2012.

The Panache Pooch 'SHARE YOUR HEART' Fundraiser for BHRR is running from February 1st – February 29th, inclusive! There are now 34 ITEMS available!

25% of all sales of Amanda's collars/leashes currently listed on her Etsy Store shall come to to BHRR!

When you 'SHARE YOUR HEART'; you will be helping animals in need of BHRR!

EMAIL Amanda

All prices are in CDA $. You might have to change your default to CDA $ if need be. 🙂

AND in honour of BHRR BOD member Mary, Amanda & I wish to have this Fundraiser in Carbon's memory. RIP dear boy. YOU will be so deeply missed!

If you would like to see some of the Panache Pooch collars that we have had over the years, please visit HERE!

Crossposting permission given!

UPDATE: $106.75 DONATED TO DATE
 

HERE is the CBC Ottawa Morning radio interview with Anna, myself & BHRR’s Journey that was live/aired on Monday February 13th, 2012! It was re-aired at 5:40 AM on Tuesday February 14th, 2012

The belief in Journey is so warming to feel plus see and once again from my own heart; THANK you to each and every one for helping her!!! I am and remain wonderfully overwhelmed and humbled deeply by such gifts of money and material goods given to her cause!

I have spent a good part of my AM answering emails, discussing what BHRR does, how BHRR does what we do, that we operate out of our home and those of our approved temp foster homes, why BHRR is so successful at what we do plus deeply thanking everyone for the continued support!

Education is so key and BHRR’s Journey continues to teach many about forgiveness, trust, giving, acceptance plus determination!

She is scheduled to head back to the Vet at KAH on Friday February 17th for a recheck on that tail, possible vaccines and another fecal! GO JOURNEY GO!

AND Anna, I am still in awe and inspired by your generous and giving soul!!!

I also finally was able to hear the interview myself! 😉

BHRR's Journey's article in The Ottawa Citizen.

A heartfelt touching warm story of a community being brought together by a GD who was in urgent need and how inspirational, beautiful their supportive efforts including those of Anna with her incredible WOW YUMMY Fundraising Biscuit idea to help save this special GD has been!

AND, Journey is bombing along in her rehabilitation and come April, she should be ready to be placed up for adoption!

SO many believed in you Journey and so many LOVE you!!! YOU are worthy, deserving and no less important than any other dog! 🙂

Some errors including that almost $3,000 in private donations have been sent not $1,000 to date; BHRR is not located in Oxford Mills; Journey is a 'she' not a he plus some of the timeline in the story is in error. BUT, a lovely article overall! 🙂

A COPY OF THIS ARTICLE IS BELOW:

OTTAWA — When she heard the story of Journey – the emaciated Great Dane found on Highway 401 just before Christmas, close to starvation and covered in bite wounds – Anna Gray-Henschel embarked on a journey of her own. She knew she had to do something to help, but she couldn't have imagined that, more than a month later, she would have baked 20,000 dog biscuits to raise money for his care.

As a dog lover, owner of two Great Danes and someone who recently decided to volunteer at rescue shelters, Gray-Henschel came up with the idea of baking some of her own dogs' favourite cheddar cheese and bacon biscuits and selling them to raise money. The idea had worked when her employer, the RCMP, held fundraising campaigns, so why not try to augment her personal donation toward the poor dog's care? Her goal was to bake 100 dozen and sell them for $3 a dozen. She would then donate all $300 of the proceeds to Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services in Oxford Mills, where Journey was convalescing.

Several weeks later, that 100 dozen has become 1,667 dozen and she still has orders for 167 dozen more. By day, she's a director general in the RCMP's national security criminal investigations branch, and every evening she bakes for four hours. Weekends she puts in 12-hour days by the oven.

"My husband has been joking about our hydro bill," she said. "But he's not really complaining."

When she's not baking, she's delivering the biscuits. By the time she fills all her orders, she will have raised $5,600 toward the dog's extensive vet bills, which will likely top $8,000 and include at least one more surgery. If the orders keep coming, she'll keep baking, providing shipping (when necessary), delivery and the baking supplies at her own expense. She hopes to raise $6,000 by Valentine's Day.

"It's just one thing and it's not a big deal, but it shows you can have a huge impact if you do your little thing," she said. "It's such a small thing to do to help rehabilitate this beautiful dog. It's hard to believe someone would do this to her."

The response to Journey's story has been amazing, said Gwendilin Boers, an animal behaviour specialist (she's a PhD candidate in the subject) who runs the shelter and works part-time at the Kanata Animal Hospital.

"We were shocked by her condition," Boers said. "We see some terrible things in rescue, but she's one of the worse cases I have seen in my 16 years of running the rescue."

Journey weighed 74 pounds when a Great Dane at her age should weigh between 110 and 115 pounds. She had fleas, pieces of her ear tips missing, open bite wounds all over her body, a broken tail, frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration and round worms. Boers suspects she was abused. "She was in tragic shape, to say the least."

Boers said the community support had been all the more impressive coming, as it did, just after Christmas.

Journey was brought to the rescue one day after she was found by a Good Samaritan in the freezing rain on the highway near Brockville.

"I'm beyond touched," Boers said, adding that people such as Gray-Henschel had eased the worries about how they would be able to pay the extensive vet bills associated with Journey's recovery. In addition to those who have contributed to the biscuits campaign, private donations have totalled more than $1,000.

"Journey has been a Christmas miracle," Boers said. "She has met every obstacle she has had to overcome with grace and good temperament. She's a very loving dog who has brought so many people together in the spirit of giving. Anna's contribution is just wonderfully overwhelming."

Boers thought it would be June before Journey would be ready for adoption, but, given her progress so far – she now weighs close to 100 pounds – she estimates it will be mid-April.

Donations are being accepted through the Kanata Animal Hospital or by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org. Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation is accepting donations through PayPal.

 

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

As we have done for the last 2 years as a surprise for Gwennie; 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 – Friday February 3rd, 2012

This blog post was made without Gwennie's awareness as we have managed to do in the past and we hope that once again, she shall be pleasantly surprised!

You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about always worrying about money for food to help those in need of the BHRR programs. You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about coming up with funds for food by either donating a bag of food or making a donation for food to be bought. You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about the mounting food bills for BHRR for beside Vet Bills, this is BHRR's biggest expense.

Together let's make that BHRR 'chain of success' for Gwennie even more strong today!

Email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal (account gwen@birchhaven.org) OR even bring a bag of food or cash donation to the upcoming BHRR Open House to help BHRR out! As Gwennie states so often, there is no amount too small.

Several of us approached Gwennie again this year to ask what she wanted for her birthday and once again never did she mention anything for herself. Always her family, friends or the animals.

Please do help us make a birthday very special today for a very special lady who operates a very special Rescue by making a food donation to BHRR.

Total Raised to Date$905 + 6 bags of food

Gwennie's BHRR BIRTHDAY Food Believers & Supporters:

Anonymous

Anonymous

Lana & Warren of Pet-errific

Paula & Serge

Sara

Anonymous

Anonymous

Alexandra

Cheryl

Mary

Karen

Jan

Sherry

Maggie

Anna

 

BHRR's 4TH ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME' FOR XMAS Online Auction shall begin Saturday November 19th @ 7 AM EST and shall run through until Thursday December 1st @ 9 PM EST.

If anyone has any items they would ike to donate inluding services, gift certificates or gift cards; please EMAIL. We will take donations right up until the day the auction shall end. BHRR only hosts three planned Fundraisers a year and every penny goes back to the animals!

We have many bills coming up for some very special animals including BHRR's Bloom and your support would be so appreciated!

Click on the poster for more information!

PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST and if you would like a poster to put up at your work, local businesses etc., please email us for one!

KEEP CHECKING BACK AS MORE ITEMS SHALL BE ADDED DAILY!

We pulled BHRR's Rain out of her temp foster home last night and have moved her to our BHRR HAVEN DOG program at this time. SHE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. 

BHRR's Rain went to her temp foster home yesterday and it did not take her long to settle in at all! New photos added to her slideshow and two of them are below.

She was a bit worried about their hardwood(newer and shinier than ours) and the stairs(we are a bungalow built into a hill with wide sweeping stairs up to the house) yet in taking my suggestion re: treats and then moving forward like it was 'no big deal' – SUCCESS!

Small update from her temp fostermom this AM:

"Rain did so well her first night here, great idea with the treats and getting her up the stairs! She slept in the ensuite bathroom off the master I'm assuming because the floor were cold, when I woke up she was snuggled beside our bed on one of the dog beds!!
Off for a little walk!
Have a great day.
"


BHRR's Rain – November 12th, 2011 & BHRR's Broker(ADOPTED) with BHRR's Rain November 12th, 2011

 

BHRR's Rain shall be headed to her new temp foster home on Saturday November 12th!

Below is a photo of her and Brick on Bleach's couch.


BHRR's Rain with Brick – November 2011

‘Spare a Loonie for Bloomy’

Hello Everyone!!

We are now launching the ''Spare a Loonie for Bloomy'' campaign, starting November 1st, 2011 (11-1-11) and running until December 1st, 2011 (12-1-11); We would like to encourage everyone to invite their family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. to donate $1.

Even if you think that $1 won't make a difference, one thousand loonies certainly will! You can drop off the money at DögHaus (5671 Sherbrooke West) in Bloom's piggy bank or donate directly to Bloom's file (100861) at by calling the DMV (514-633-8888).

OR you can donate via Paypal ( gwen@birchhaven.org) or by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (make sure you send the pw) or by mailing a bank draft out to 'Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabiltation Services(BHRR)' and mail to:

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

Many places have 'casual' Fridays and considering choosing BHRR's Bloom's cause for one of those office days!

Please share this message with everyone you know, we can use all the help we can get to reach our goal!

Let's make a change with change!!

**Keep in mind that it costs the DMV money every time they process a credit card transaction, and many companies enforce a $5 minimum rule.***

BHRR's Bloom's Angels:

Stéphanie
Bloom's Carnival Fundraiser Angels
Brian
Anonymous
Anonymous

 

Total Raised To Date: $965
Total Needed to Raise: $4,000

BHRR’s Rain will be going to her temp foster next week if all goes well!

On Sunday October 30th, 2011 – Global Pet Foods – Kanata (AND yes, that is BHRR's Lil Linus on the front page with his tongue! LOL) is hosting Photo Sessions for $10 as well as $10 nail trims and they so very kindly have chosen BHRR as their Animal Rescue of choice whereby 50% of the proceeds raised shall come to BHRR!

Nail trims are by appointment ONLY!

Please contact Global Pet Foods – Kanata directly (613) 599-0660 to reserve your nail spot!

THIS FUNDRAISER IS FOR DOGS AND CATS

Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Place: Global Pet Foods – Kanata 700 Eagleson Road

 

**PLEASE CROSSPOST**

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 Rain ROCKED our Saturday BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House. She did a bit of barking with lots of tail wagging at our first two guests yet in giving them some ham to give to her; she was all model behavour and became Miss Social Butterfly!

This was her last 'test' before being placed up for adoption and she PASSED with flying colours and leaps plus bounds!

She is my little 'fireball'. Ms. Fiesty with a feminine twist! 😀

She has been absolutely a dream with the now 14 week old GD puppy in the house plus the new 8+ week old GD puppy.

Her new home would be advised to keep lots of treats on hand to give strangers when they first meet her so that she continues along this great path of socialibility! 🙂 LOVE this Saint Baby!

Her toe is healing really well and so at this time, she is now AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!!

 


BHRR's Rain – September 17th, 2011 – BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House
*Photos courtesy of J. DeSantis

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!!!!!

 

BHRR's Rain came to the Take The Plunge Event on Saturday July 23rd to hang out at our tent/booth AND WOW! She ROCKED it! She was so social and in fact, she began to 'bark' and pull WHEN we would not allow her to see other dogs!!! LOL

Picture below is of her that day.

Her toe is very slowly healing and I will bring her back in for a recheck and new X-rays if need be. I would also like to see what her new weight is. 🙂

She is a small feisty package and she LOVES to tease BHRR's Lincoln, who in his emaciated state was still twice her own weight. She does not take a lot of 'guff' from the other dogs and has that mischievous glint in her eyes!!!

Below is a photo taken at the Take the Plunge Event. Her coat is soooooooooooooo amazing now!!! I can brush both of them so much more easily too. Treats is a great reward plus lots of enthusiastic praise.

We are planning another few visits with approved Volunteers and friends with both the BHRR Saint Babies and their final 'test' shall be our upcoming BHRR "EXPERIENCE" Mini Open House. If both handle that with style and comfort, they shall then be placed up for adoption. Going to miss my 'Rain-Rain" and "Beau-Beau" babies.

We have no expectations of them being adopted together yet both should go to a home where there is at least one other dog that is a right matched personality fit. Both are ok going to homes that work full-time, part-time, retired or semi-retired. What is going to be MOST important are homes that shall continue to socialize them with both people and dogs so that they continue along this fantabulous social path they have taken. They reside in perfect harmony with our multi-dog home and are doing so well with all the human visitors. SOOOOOOO much progress these two have made.

Both ADORE kids and I have not crated either one in some time at night or when we go out. There was one point when I went back to crating as one of them discovered the 'joy' of nibbling shoes and it was back to the crates for awhile!

Each of them has their own 'friend' network yet you can tell that they are extremely close still. It has been excellent for them to have had training together, separately as individual plus in small and larger groups. Their obedience has also been excelling!


BHRR's Rain – July 23rd, 2011 – 9 months of age

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%.

BHRR's Rain did so well at KAH last Tuesday -July 19th – for her spay. She did not do any barking and was so social and accepting. While she was under sedation, it was amazing how much hair was able to be taken of her and she had a nice manicure/pedicure!

Her weight was 30.5 KGs(67.10 pounds). She is gaining very slowly yet as with BHRR's Beau, the amount of hair that has come off her was quite heavy in poundage. She also tends to not eat as well as her brother.

She is my little dynamo of energy and loving affection.

The sad news is that yes, she does have a fracture of the P3 on her right front foot – one toe. X-Ray photo below. We tried to splint it with the expectation that it most likely would be futile and yup, by the time I took her home that night; as she stretched in the car; off came the splint…sigh…I tried to put it on again at home and that was an exercise in futility. She was very proud and content once she had it off.

She is on 50 mg of Deramaxx as needed and we are going to see if we can get this to heal – it is a relatively clean break, not like BHRR's Dana's smashed bone fragments in her own toe that we had to amputate. We are going to 'try' to remain hopeful that we can get her toe to heal, yet broken toes are brutal things……

As she is never going to be your 'average' female Saint Bernard size, that is in her favour to heal this toe. We have to work on keeping her quiet due to her spay and this toe. This little girl just wants to get up and go she is so bursting with the joy of life yet when it is bed time, she settles down beautifully.

In fact, both her and brother are now only crated to eat – no resourcing issues whatsoever and man, do they both love kids! They sleep out of their crates at night and if we have to go out; they are not crated either. IMPRESSIVE, fast learners these two are. They are both bombing along their path of rehab and I am very proud of them!

I even took BHRR's Rain to the Take The Plunge Event for the Sunday and she has gone from taking a long time with lots of treats to feel 'safe' with people; to now sometimes wanting to bark, lunge and wag that tail furiously *if* she does not get her way to greet other dogs and people. She was Miss Social Butterfly and now needs to learn that we see and greet dogs and people on 'our' terms not hers! LOL

This is one stunning wee Saint Baby Female! HOLY! Her body is in great propotion and I call her my 'pocket Saint'. Her face is so softly feminine and I have the best photo to post and shall do on another blog as the two photos I wish to post here are off her after her spay plus her toe bobo. The Vet that helped me splint her foot; put a lightening bolt patch on her splint as I had a bit of a scare being electrocuted on July 17th when the whole storm came in that evening and ended spending some time having my heart monitored. She also put an 'ouchie' patch on her splint. LOVE my Vets! It was nice having it so quiet so that I could be proactively active in her plus BHRR's Beau care that day and not having to multi split my time. 🙂

We are still looking for some more dates with approved Volunteers for both of them yet at the rate she is now going with her own rehab; I would say in another month; she is going to be able to be placed up for adoption.

We are not seeking to adopt her and her brother together yet both will do best in a home with at least one other right matched personality fit canine. Both are good with dogs of all sizes and cats and now that BHRR's Rain is here; she has learnt gentle and not playing so rough and her true inner beauty is coming out….if allowed, she can be a bit of a bossy bit of goods yet in the right leadership home with the right guidance between other dogs and humans; she is a genteel lady! Most of the time! She is going to need a 'job' – obedience, agility etc. for her mind is very sharp and she has such a soul that burns like a bright flame. 🙂 She just crams all she can into each day and appears to almost be always 'smiling' – yes, humanizing her! 😀

Each night, I can do more and more time grooming her and she is no longer so scared and has not done a submissive pee in quite some time. I do not push her boundaries but I test them plus slowly am increasing them and she loves those treats! I want to see another 10 pounds on her at this age yet this is one Saint B. that is never going to make it to 100 and NEVER should. I can only keep stressing enough to our adoptive homes and foster homes; DO not overfeed these Giants. You are only creating problems that we have worked so hard to prevent. It really distresses me to see them overweight and some even brought to the obese state and to see this happening really does 'gets' to Sean & I.

We are still working on her leash manners too…. 😉


BHRR's Rain – July 19th, 2011 – 8 months of age & X-Ray of right front foot – second toe on end P3 fracture

HUGE milestone reached tonight!!!! I was able to not only run a soft bristle brush over their coats YET also a fine needle grooming comb! NOT for very long yet talk about HUGE progress and HUGE HUGE HUGE success! Both were really good!

They started off a bit unsure, then became curious and as I 'played' it up and gave lots of praise, they became excited and even more happy(AND believe me when you meet BHRR's Rain and 'win' her over; her tail is NONstop wagging and BHRR's Beau's tail is not all that far behind!) and allowed me to do a couple of minutes each on them.

SOOOOOOOOOO, I was able to pull out tons of dead hair and a few matts and though, we have a long ways to go, progress!!! YAY! Lots of treats afterwards!

They are in tomorrow for their alters and they are heading in with tons of treats in hand!

I am also going to have their Vet take a peek at one of BHRR's Rain's front feet/legs. As the dogs were running, she tripped and went down hard the poor thing…..she has been limping a bit since then.

LOVING my 'Saint Babies' as I call them.

Their first 'date' is this Thursday and looking foward to it. That will give me a better idea if both should/could possibly head out one day to TAKE THE PLUNGE this upcoming weekend or better off holding until our next GD & Honourary GD Walk/Hike or even later.

Thanks so much for trusting me my babies! 🙂

BHRR's Rain & BHRR's Beau are doing well. I am able to touch and do more and more with them each day.

BHRR's Beau has had just one accident in the house and both have settled into BHRR life beautifully. For those that have been asking, no, I shall not be bringing them to our upcoming 4th Annual Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday July 17th at Kanata Animal Hospital.

They still require a lot of rehab and I still have not been able to handle them enough to take those matts out or do those brutally long nails. That shall be done at their alters on Tuesday while under anaesthetic. I am now able to brush them more and they are very treat motivated. They still act like they have not eaten in ages when you feed them yet it is much better than it was. I am looking forward in seeing what their new weights are! AND still not one bit of resourcing EVER being done by either one!

Their coats are better than they were yet no where near where they should be but we shall get there! With their puppy coats shedding, being kept outside etc.; they have a lot to get rid off.

BHRR's Rain barely barks now. She is more calm and confident and in turn, that make BHRR's Beau not 'feed' off any of her high energy. She does not try to 'rule' BHRR's Beau and step up to take care of him as much and that shall continue to change as time goes on. She is visibly more relaxed and happy. That tail of hers goes a mile a minute and even BHRR's tail is wagging more and more and higher too! AND with tons of exercise daily here; both are no longer 'rangy'. Each night, they happily go to their crates and sleep really well! 😉

They are still close, very close yet each are making their own circle of friends and BOTH love BHRR's Holden.

AND for those that were also wondering, no, we never did receive that donation that we were informed we would be receiving last Thursday. As indicated, we were still going to assist them, regardless as that is what a r/q Rescue does and the monies will come out of our own pockets and from support sent their way by their fans! Both could use a BHRR Buddy; and both could use their own dog beds. Currently, I have piles of comfy blankets for them to sleep upon. I do not want to 'tempt' them with possible shredding as they exit their honeymoon period and become more comfortable and confident without worry of any negative repercussions. They have a lot to learn as of yet and they will get there….baby steps.

Their deworming protocol has brought out quite the explosive diarrhea as their bodies rid themselves of parasites. They are both on Sentinel as well right now.

As we are into the final countdown for our Fundraiser this Sunday; blogs and photos are going to have to wait. SORRY!

I also have two dates now lined up for the BHRR Saint Babies and myself to visit two different BHRR Volunteer Homes! YAY! First date is next Thursday and the next one is on Monday July 25th.

Still looking for more dates for us to visit some friends and Volunteers for an hour or so; hand out treats to them and socialize plus train them more. It would be too easy for us to just keep them here on our 148 acre property yet that is not in their best interest NOR what we do at BHRR. As we do with all of the animals, they, too; shall be giving proper training and social opportunities. We want them assets to their future adoptive homes AND to their communities. AND there is no reason given enough rehab that both of these Saints will not make excellent additions to home and community. The more time I spent with them and work with them; the more amazing they both get! Each has their own 'work' to be done and each has the same 'work' to be done in some areas.

AND to answer the question many have been asking; we do not think we shall be adopting them out together. This is for their best interest and for their future adoptive homes. We have had two successful adoptions of a pair of Great Danes to two separate homes at the same time YET that was a rare exception and those Danes complimented each other. Furthermore, in BHRR's Cletus's case; BHRR's Samari had to be adopted with him. They are great dogs together absolutely; yet; they will be great dogs in homes of their own with their own new families. We do know that we would prefer them to be adopted to homes that have at least one right personality fit canine for them too.

Both are great with dogs of all sizes and with cats.

If they continue to bloom the way they are right now; I am thinking of bringing both to our next GD & Honourary GD Walk/Hike on July 31st! Local Media L. Bradley of the Ottawa Dog Blog shall be in attendance to do a story on the largest group of its kind in the area plus how we promote responsible dog ownership awareness to the community during our fun walks/hikes. If interested in being added to our almost 125 member list; please email.

 

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!

BHRR's Beau & BHRR's Rain had a good first night. I am typing this update at almost 2 AM on Tuesday the 12th! I worked on their manners and both have a nice solid sit for sure! Treats help…. 😉 I brought both of them to work with me and when I walked into the door; I told everyone to just passively ignore them and gave out bits of hotdog for people to hand out. BHRR's Rain had a bit of barking yet settled down and it was not long before both were quite comfortable and settled.

They were AWESOME in the back run and BHRR's Rain had some submissive peeing when I was trying to weigh her or when a few people were giving her treats.

The only other time that she barked and then got BHRR's Beau to bark was one time that I took them outside and they saw strangers walking by on the sidewalk and then one person who was arriving at KAH with their own Beagle pup. They really wanted to play with the pup.

With every new person they met after that, there was no barking, more confident and comfortable body posture and tons of happy tail wagging, especially from BHRR's Rain. BHRR's Beau 'feeds' of her and she is more high strung and energy filled. He is much more relaxed and accepting yet when she is on 'alert', he goes on alert and with his 'stand back and size up the situation' comfort zone, a treat is all that is needed to make him relax.

The 360 these two have taken in less than 24 hours is AWESOME! They traveled great in the car and they were a bit unsure when I took them out of the car and loud noises make them slink a bit yet I passively ignored, gave them a calming word and we moved forward as if it was no big deal.

ALL the staff at KAH was AMAZING! As I fed treats, we were able to give both their Rabies and DAPP shots plus microchip them. The Vet was able to listen to their hearts and lungs and she and I were even able to look at teeth plus BHRR's Beau's eyes; one eye more than the other was quite red and as of this AM, lots of discharge, more than last night. Between the two of us, we were even able to get the ointment into his eyes! WOOHOO!

LOTS of treats, praise and passing of the puppies to all!

I have posted on our BHRR FaceBook FAN Page; a request to our BHRR Volunteers and friends re: some dates and times for them to consider so that I could perhaps drop by for an hour with them and have more people meet them, give them treats and learn that stranger danger is nothing to fret about and that the hands that touch them are kind. Please email!

They were very respectful when others asked them to sit and everything they did that was appropriate was filled with praise and treats and anything inappropriate was corrected with a matter-of-fact tone of authority and then passively ignored.

They have not had an accident in the house and tonight, I shall move them to a colossal crate for this sleep for more space and room and then as of tonight's sleepie, separate crates.

BHRR's Beau is actually more adventurous than BHRR's Rain and she is very rough in her play; I witnessed that first hand when I went to pick them up and so, she needs to learn manners. She needs to be corrected with such rough play yet interesting to note, that when she wants to get in on the play, especially between BHRR's Broker and Caffrey, she is not happy that they get rough back with her. She does not like getting her own medicine back and having others call the shots yet she is much calmer already with myself and Sean stepping up to take control of the leader roles here.

Both love kids and all dogs and both have huge diluted pees when they do go and we shall monitor.

Both were given a tube of Revolution and I have Panacur to de-worm them.

We shall do their bw(we wanted to ensure this visit was all positive for them and no restraining or situation where they might panic was created); nails and to shave those matts when they are under sedation for their altering on the 19th of July. I will continue to work on being able to handle them to brush out what dead hair that I can until then. They are blowing a ton of hair and have puppy coats that are trying to shed, winter coat and just that being kept outside tough coat that we need to now shed. With their hair type, they need regular grooming to stay on top of it.

I am very tempted to bring both to the Microchip Clinic with how much forward direction both have taken YET I might wait until TAKE THE PLUNGE to give them another 6 days.

BHRR's Rain's weight was a thin 30.2 KGs(66.44 pounds)
BHRR's Beau's weight was a thin 35.9 KGs(78.98 pounds)

With the leaps and bounds they have made in less than 24 hours; I am still very confident about BHRR's Rain's progress and as I have begun some separation from her with BHRR's Beau's; feeling so much more comfortable about his own rehab. She truly 'feeds' him and both need to learn to be calm and confident in their own right and she needs direction and manners with affection and he needs direction and time to get some attention on his own terms. 🙂

Will update more and take more pictures as I can. This week is a busy one with our upcoming 4th ANNUAL BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday July 17th! Anytime between 8 AM – 4 PM and RAIN OR SHINE! This is the largest Microchip Fundraiser in Canada!!!

They are HERE! I feel like I am forever on the roads of late making drives to pick up animals in need. 🙁

They are full of matts, need extensive grooming, she is more thin than he and their lack of socialization is extensive. One was tied up to a bumper of a truck during the day and one to a nearby tree during the day. They were brought in at night and shared this crate. NOT much room for two in there….

I changed their names……they are now 'Rain' & 'Beau'. For their new beginning….very rarely do we do that….

Ever since that one beer commercial came out about a year ago, the run on Saints has been brutal. 🙁

They shall not be placed up for adoption for a long time…. 🙁 That will depend on their rehab progress. She has a lot of potential. I am more cautiously optimistic about him at this time yet I am going to give it my all to make the world 'right' for them both. Once they are separated…the true hard rehab work shall begin…she is stepping up to 'take care' of him just as Lexi did with BHRR's Hailey. That is not her role, it is ours as the human leaders and she is going to be fine in time….he needs to be given the opportunity to see if he can fully blossom. They are now also entering into 'stranger danger' stage.

Everything frightens them….

It was quite some time before I could touch when I went to get them either yet now they are WELCOMED TO BHRR and one step at a time.

I have known about them for almost 3 weeks and finally I got the call from the O. directly asking us to assist. The one O. who contacted me directly, did the right thing. She surrendered them. She wanted better for them. I have talked to her extensively. Sometimes when one loves, they truly do have to let something go.

I have added one photo to their slideshow right after their arrival. They have now been fully integrated with everyone without issue.

The O. also donated their crate and gave me their two leashes. She said that she would make a donation to their care after her pay day on Thursday. Regardless if she is going to do this or not, BHRR still took them in. They need assistance and a lot of socialization. They need a nail trim and their coats are going to take some time to get normal. They are both rough coat Saints.

Additionally, Sean and I are looking at them and they are byb Saints indeed in looks. Both are very small for their Breed and quite 'snipey'. I will post weights after their Vet Visit. YET regardless of their history and pedigree(lack thereof); we know that we are going to LOVE them!!!

I had Sean feed them as I did the drive by myself and they had already gotten to 'know' me a bit on the almost 5 hour drive. Sean's word when he fed them were 'ravenous'.  They did not resource over their bowls with each other and ate in the same crate and had no issues with humans also handling their bowls. I can handfed them treats without any issue.

She is such a wee ham and going to keep me on my toes for sure! BHRR's Beau is more reserved and we shall see what time brings his way in self-confidence, comfort zoning and acceptance.

WELCOME TO BHRR you two wee beauties!


BHRR's Beau(standing) & BHRR's Rain – July 10th, 2011 – Day of Arrival to BHRR

 

 

BHRR's 'Rain' & 'Beau' shall be arriving to BHRR on Sunday. I will go to pick them up after an event ends that has been planned at my house. They are 2 x 8 month old Saint Bernard puppies – littermates – female and male – and are being surrendered due to a dissolve in a marriage plus the home has 4 children. They are crated at night in the house and spend their days outside.

In talking to the one O.(lovely woman!) she mentioned that at the time we were conversing, they were tied up to a bumper of a truck.

The will be altered and apparently require one booster still at this time.

Their names have been changed and what we know about them are:

1) Rain – more dominant, more outgoing

2) Beau – more shy, takes time to warm up to people yet is an affectionate boy once he does

They both require obedience training.

Will update as I learn more.