

Sweet Brutus turned 11 years young in April, and today, his giant breed body said it was time to leave us.
RIP you amazing boy. You have been such a joy, and it was an honour being blessed with your incredible spirit, heart, and soul.
Our 4th Annual ‘Won’t You Be My Valentine’ Fundraiser is live!
LAST CALL!
Our Annual ‘Won’t You Be My Valentine’ Fundraiser is live!
Running through until the end of the day tomorrow, February 15!
Please help us give each doggie a special Valentine!
Thank you to everyone that has become a Valentine Angel to date, and to those asking, here is our email transfer address to send the vet bill part of your generous donation: contactbhrr@gmail.com
Please let us know if you would like to be a Secret Valentine!
Thanks in advance for any consideration!
Three of The Beans flaked out during their lovely play date yesterday with The Brucks!
Playdate time today! What a stunning day! 23 degrees!
Their vet bills today were a smidge under $3,000 as I brought my own microchips, saving over $500, and tax plus, I have pain meds at home, saving another several hundred dollars.
The Beans turn 3 months old Sunday! The 23rd of October.
First Picture: Mr. Albar behind Miss Maybelle Cutie & Miss Ayla to the left lying down & Moss Nola to the right lying down.
Second Picture: BHRR’s Maybelle – head on Miss Ayla’s back & Miss Nola lying down.
Third Picture: Miss Bev with BHRR’s Chester – ADOPTED May 3rd, 2022.
AND…………drumroll!
The Beans(LabX) went up for fostering to adopt on October 1st!
*~75% lab*
We are also open to approved Volunteers to foster them until they are adopted by a right-matched personality fit home.
*Adoptions will not be finalized until after their spays/neuter
*This is in addition to our mandatory obedience clause
*They can go to homes with responsible children as young as 10+
*No more than two children in a home
*They can go to homes with cats
*We prefer homes with at least one right-matched personality-fit dog, not a deal breaker for that right home that has a great social network set up for The Bean!
*Homes must be within 2 hours of our location & be willing to take them to their October 15th booster apt. & their alter apt at the end of October – booked at Liston Animal Hospital
*Foster-to-adopt homes must then be prepared to commit to their final puppy boosters around November 15th (post-adoption), including rabies, dhpp, Lyme plus lepto
**The above clauses will be in the foster-to-adopt contracts in addition to all other requirements found in our standard adoption application contract**
They are ready to be fostered by an approved Volunteer AND they are ready to be fostered to adopt to homes seeking to adopt. The adoption application contract must be completed.
Thank you again to the puppy wranglers that came out to help at their paparazzi photo shoot! VERY appreciated!
Thank you again to Liz Bradley for the gorgeous photos!
NOTE: WE ONLY ADOPT TO SOME PARTS OF ONTARIO & QUEBEC, CANADA
*As this is a foster-to-adopt puppy, all homes must be within 2 hours of our location AND willing to drive her to her scheduled Vet appointments in Kanata, ON *
**NO Exceptions**
***AVAILABLE FOR A FOSTER TO ADOPT!**
*ADOPTION WILL NOT BE FINALIZED UNTIL SPAYED*
2nd boosters are booked for October 15th, her spay is scheduled for the third week of October, and she will require her third boosters by November 15th(the approved foster to adopt home can take care of the third boosters, and it will be in the signed foster to adopt contract that they agree to do so – Rabies, DAPP, Lepto & Lyme.
BHRR’s Nola – female – Labx(Predominantly Lab ~75%) – ten weeks of age(born July 23rd), utd on vaccines, will be microchipped, good with other dogs & good with people, Has been good with cats – integration is key!
*We will consider homes with responsible children 10+
*No more than two children in a home
Has had some obedience(this does not exclude our mandatory adoption clause of a full round of obedience being required – NO EXCEPTIONS!)
NOTE: All blogs(scroll to the very bottom and then read upwards).
Please familiarize yourself with BHRR’s adoption mandates, processes plus policies before contacting us about a BHRR animal.
Our PetFinder and our www.birchhaven.org websites will answer most of your questions. Therefore, do not contact us asking us what our policies are, what our adoption area is, or what her adoption fee is. BHRR is a federally registered NPO operated solely by Volunteers.
We are NOT a shelter or a pound.
You CANNOT just drop by to visit her. She resides in a loving foster home, not a kennel, and BHRR has a thorough adoption process to determine if any home is a right match personality fit.
When submitting your completed adoption application contract – found on our home website – for her, please include a short introduction regarding your home, etc.
We DO NOT respond to inquiries to adopt via Petfinder nor our website or any emails/phone calls. We ONLY will consider completed applications along with the non-refundable application fee.
NOTE: WE also will not respond to any emails that only ask a one-liner or re: adoption fees.
The adoption cost(from a r/q Rescue) or purchase cost(if you purchase from a reputable/quality Breeder is the LEAST that you shall pay over the lifetime of proper care of your pet).
THE ONLINE FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER FOR BHRR IS NOW LIVE!
Over 200 items!
HERE IS THE LINK TO JOIN!
Post from the wonderful organizers!
BHRR’s Albar, BHRR’s Maybelle Cutie, BHRR’s Ayla, BHRR’s Bev & BHRR’s Nola!
AND you know you have a great toy WHEN everyone wants it! Originally, there were four Beans on the toy, yet, one became distracted, yet Carol managed to get a picture of three of them on the same toy just romping along!
Some more pics!
We have Miss Maybelle Cutie on her own, and Mr. Albar leads the charge in the other picture with Miss Bev hot on his heels and Miss Maybelle behind him. As to who is lying in the back….hmmm, not sure…we know it is either Miss Nola or Miss Ayla! 😀
*Pictures complimentary of Carol!
This puppy spam picture is thanks to Margaret for her generous financial donation!
This was their first foray into PVD Essential care canned food on August 11th.
I started off with a 1/4 of a can – bite-sized on my fingers and then moved them onto a Tupperware lid.
By Sunday, they were eating one can per extra feeding for a total of 3 extra feedings in addition to their six formula feedings.
They are too young to have formula mixed in, yet they will get there!!
My amazing five wee beans…oh how I love you….so much….
Babies are fed, all tucked in AND, thanks to Katherine and their loving financial donation of Empties returns – guess what time it is?!!
As promised, for every lifesaving monetary or item(s) donation, a puppy spam pic would be posted in gratitude!
Can be done via PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org or email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com OR an item(s) donation:
1) XL Essential pee pads,
2) Esbilac powdered formula 28 oz.,
3) Gain or Downy liquid fabric softener
4) PVD Essential Care canned puppy food)
5) Pinesol – the larger the bottle the better!
6) Lysol wipes
Dropped off in our donation shed at the road or snail mailed to:
2425 Totem Ranch Road West, Oxford Station
We need many, many, many weeks worth of the above!
This does not even take into consideration the many thousands of dollars it is going to take to vet them to prepare for their special announcements.
These wee Labx beans, found nursing on their mom, that was laying dead under a tractor, two with punctures, are now safe with us. I know that if they could, they would also say THANK you to everyone for this lifesaving assistance.
AND another huge miracle milestone…do you see what I see?!!
Five wee bear cub beans still with us!
Miss Fighter Bean(Miss Nola) is scheduled to see the Vet on Thursday…..that hind end, back legs – especially the right side.
I want to have this investigated ASAP. Hoping it is something we can successfully rehabilitate.
Weights on top from Thursday, August 4th, in emergency, when we first saved them & weights from August 8th below. Four days after I got them.
Puppy 1 – 0.38 kgs – deceased as of 8:49 AM Thursday, August 4th
Puppy 2 (Miss Fighter Bean) – 0.38 kgs as well – Miss Nola
August 8th – 0.62 kgs (1 lb, 6 oz)
Puppy 3 (Miss Explorer Bean) – 0.48 kgs – Miss Bev
August 8th – 0.71 kgs (1 lb, 9 oz)
Puppy 4 (Mr. Warrior Bean) – 0.46 kgs – Mr Albar
August 8th – 0.79 kgs (1 lb, 12 oz)
Puppy 5 (Miss Diva Princess Bean) – 0.56 kgs – Miss Maybelle Cutie
August 8th – 0.99 kgs (2 lbs, 3 oz)
Puppy 6 (Miss Chill Mobile Bean) – 0.64 kgs – MIss Ayla
August 8th – 0.79 kgs (1 lb, 12 oz)
We will shortly set up our popular Name Game Fundraiser to try and raise much-needed funds for vetting – five pups to vaccinate, boosters x 2, exams, 4 spays, 1 neuter, flea/tick/hw meds, bloodwork, further investigating Miss Fighter Beans hind end, etc., not to mention food, formula, pee pads, Pinesol, toys, treats, dog beds, laundry detergent, liquid fabric softener and so on.
Puppies are wee, their needs are enormous!
I am off to bed…a long night of puppy care, an early AM, and another very long work day ahead. Sean did fantastic with two puppy feedings yesterday, all on his own!
He said they slept a lot, yet as soon as I arrived home, just as with Miss Jamila, they smelled me, and it was puppy chorus chaos!
Good night wishes are being sent out to all of our friends, family & supporters!
We have finally had a reply(we have been trying to get a response as to when we can pick up the puppies), and it appears that two puppies are now ‘almost dead.’ They will head right to emerge once we get them – in Kingston – the whole litter will be checked out.
*Picture courtesy of the individual that currently has them*
Pics of babies and that is not their mama that passed away – that is a pug – belonging to the person who now has the pups.
Another photo!
My beautiful girls! Miss Janet & Miss Chrissy.
Mr. Jack’s facial expressions just crack me up!
Finally!! A good pic of all three! Took me until the end of the event yet, I did get some nice ones of the three of them hanging out!
Thank you SO much to Cassy Montgomery for hosting us today, and being the best of puppy sitters!
A wonderful $253.50 was raised – Empties to still be returned for the final total.
Thank you to everyone that came out & was very lovely to also see Amy with Miss Hazel (formerly known as our BHRR’s Whisper!).
The Three’s Company puppies had another fabulous day, and it was awesome to get all three back together to play.
Thank you again Megan Wright for dropping Mr. Jack off at our event. All three had a good power snooze in our truck on our way back to your home.
Here at Brockville Hyundai Charity BBQ/Car Wash For BHRR! Until 2 pm!
Miss Janet & Miss Chrissy – two of our Three’s Company Puppies are also in attendance.
This miracle boy turned 11 years young in April, and despite being palliative, he is going strong!
Another amazing BHRR DDD – Double-Digit Dane Club dog.
AND another very rare thing as darn few ever make it this far…..
I missed part of his head, and this was after he had a good ol’ dust bath roll in the dirt, yet his body condition is really great!
He was an incredible boy who almost never made it out of the high kill shelter…..so happy that we could get him.
Our Haven program is the vast majority of what we do at BHRR, and we remain deeply and forever indebted to so many for standing strong by our sides since our inception in 1996.
Dogs like BHRR’s Gravel would not have had the amazing high-quality fabu life he has had since his rescue if it were not for the kindness shown to our Rescue.
There are so many ways to support BHRR:
1) Fostering
2) Did you know that you can virtually foster?
http://www.birchhaven.org/how-u-can-help/virtual-fostering
3) Walk/run/bike/skateboard/when doing errands etc., via the ResQ App. Anything over .16 kms can be logged. Does not use data unless you load a picture after you log a walk/run etc.
Since we first joined the ResQ movement, 62,611 kms have been logged, and $151.6 USD has come our way!
http://resqwalk.com/
4) Shopping via Flipgive So many amazing places such as Amazon, Expedia, Gas, Groceries, Clearly, Dining, Costco, Etsy, Activities, Movies, Canadian Tire, Hotels, Gift Cards and so much more!
5) Shop from our Amazon wish-list
https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/37GY3K4VNX0XX…
6) Opening up your driveway – we will do the rest for one of our still open 2022 dates!
*Easy to self-distance
We hope to be able to do events all over Ontario and into Gatineau!
8. Make a regular donation OR a one-time donation via PayPal
http://www.birchhaven.org/how-u-can-help/paypal
10) Be creative and host a fundraiser of your own to help us continue to help those in need of our highly specialised programs.
Today, a very beautiful sight was seen.
AND if one remains very quiet and calm, a shy and gorgeous creature could be seen partially concealed by bushes.
A bit elusive, readily startles at loud and unknown sounds plus sights. Yet, also so gentle plus sweet.
AND, if you are patient and soothing in body language, encouraging, and supportive in ever so softly spoken words, you will be greatly rewarded.
If you are extra lucky, this wonderful animal may even approach you and take a treat from your hand.
This is BHRR’s Gretta – 11.5 years old now – the last surviving FREEDOM Dane from the PAWS R Us bust in September 2011.
Since the fall of 2011, we have had her – bringing in her, her sister, and her mother, and having rescued so many of her relatives in the previous 15 years to 2011 too. We also brought in two unrelated Danes from that same seizure – BHRR’s Freedom & BHRR’s Cobalt.
We repaired her back cruciate – the scar visible even today, we thoroughly vetted her – continue to do so; she now has thyroid issues yet, is still going strong!
We worked hard on her emotional welfare. These dogs were as emotionally aa physically harmed – over 600 dogs were saved.
She is safe; she is adored; she is one of our DDDs – Double-Digit Danes; welcome to a club that far too few ever make Miss Gretta.
Come November, she will celebrate her 12th Birthday, and we are determined and committed to ensuring that she has a great year of health, happiness, plus spoiling!
The only thing that he disagreed with was his having his nails done, and yet overall from when he first arrived to now, he has improved. GOOD boy!
Mr. Chester was also at the Vet yesterday and we will make another post regarding: that handsome young man.
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!
Skinny boy….the shelter did tell us he was skinny…
Traveling great per the Volunteers!
He is proving to be an excellent companion to his fellow traveling companions – all heading to their own rescues – ferrets, newborn kittens, turtles, and a small dog.
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Burst and BHRR’s Caramel to our Haven Program. They shall not longer be available for adoption.
Another pic! He is so adorable!
You are a legacy….you represent the heart of what BHRR is, why were are needed and what we do.
How another group would just walk past you as you were this skinny, broken black Dane to scoop up the ‘pretty’ coloured Dane you were surrendered with; still makes us shake our heads.
For your personality, your gorgeous colouring and those front legs of yours, endeared you to sooooooooo many!
We remain forever grateful that we were reached out to, to consider assisting you for you changed so many lives for the better. You were such a gift.
You are a BBBBB, now and forever…you were an amazing ambassador to your breed; you will be dearly missed.
We still find ourselves laying out your meals, calling your name to get a treat or to go for a stroll or car ride.
You are asked about when we go through the Timmie’s and we continue to take the plain timbit and lay it upon your final resting place at BHRR’s Rainbow bridge. These caring people know that you are now crossed over; yet, they still want you to have your fav timbit treatie.
We miss the unique sound of you talking!
I miss how you would push your head up under my arm as I am typing on the computer, telling me it is now ‘Mavie Time’.
I will miss how you would tell me off when it was food time! Goodness, we could never be late for meal time.
I miss the sunrises and sunsets that we would sit on the hill together to enjoy as a the beautiful special time between you and I.
I will miss how indignant you would look when I pulled out your winter coat and ‘tolerate’ me putting it on.
Such a ham, a hoot, a riot, a character!
That you were 9 years young and it was your time to go; makes me want to be selfish for it was not enough time…..it will never have been enough time…
I feel honoured and blessed that I was there to stroke your gorgeous frosted face plus chest. I will miss your front leg ‘telling’ me if I needed to shift my hand to a better spot.
I am honoured that even when the light of life was fading from your eyes and your spirit was leaving your body; you seemed to comforting me in your final moments….telling me that it is ok, that you are ok, that I will be ok…..
It was like your heart spoke to mine in that moment…..
It has been a true honour and privilege Mr. Mavie to have had you grace our heart plus home…..
Come spring, we will plant a special flower or bush in your final resting place.
I know the path to your resting spot will be a well worn one….
YOU, Mr. Mavie, have made not just me yet, so many others – of many species – better…..
AND we also wanted to post that yes, we are aware of the brewing situation of a hoarding GD case and we were reached out directly by the authorities involved. We are on standby as needed. With a lot of experience/knowledge working with hoarding plus puppymill situations; we know that that this will be a long drawn out situation as the courts do what they need to do in order to make sure that there are not any loopholes or things missed.
As what was stated in Sean’s end of years statement plus posted on this page, we know that there will be the exception made as we transition BHRR.
In knowing that many of these Danes are also special needs; we are in a stand by mode to help as needed……we will post as more unfolds and waht/if BHRR will be helping out with.
This is BHRR’s Burst Secret Valentine present!
Thank you to her Secret Admirer, Elaine Giles for being her special Valentine’s Day Angel!
Gentle Reminder to the BHRR Valentine Angels; that if we could have your gifts/financial donations by February 12th – that will give us time to ensure that the fosters get theirs in time for V-Day!
Thank you!
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!
BHRR’s Dean! We were at the Vet this afternoon for his boosters and a recheck on his tail.
He is no longer emaciated which is awesome! HIs Vet was extremely happy with his body condition. AS are we! Do not have a weight captured for today as there was an extremely reactive Rottie that arrived at the same time and it was best to just do what we really needed to do and leave.
He is being placed on another 3 weeks of antibiotics for his tail.
AND he will remain on Gabapentin plus Deramaxx too.
He is still anxious in the car, getting better and still reactive to cars passing by. I now have him reduced to Trazodone twice a day. He has made incredible progress and this a journey for him…..one step at a time. He was so undersocialised prior to his rescue so over-stimulation is a very real thing for him.
He really is a nice boy…with us he now wags his tail, he bounces in excitement and makes the best sounds when I come home from work. He has three BFF’s in doggie buds also – BHRR’s Fred and my two Wolfies – Torin plus Brogan.
He is scheduled for his neuter in March – earliest opening at the Vet – and as we need to work further on his comfort zone around strangers plus being handled and also healing his tail; this gives us a lot more time to get him ready.
BHRR’s Maverick, the true Iron Man! – Almost 9 years young now. He is not happy that I put an xpen around my desk so I could get some XMAS wrapping done!
UPDATE on the 3 Musketeers!
*AND BHRR’s Dean & BHRR’s Rocket*
On December 8th, BHRR’s Porthos & BHRR’s Athos were in for their pre-op exams and bloodwork in preparation for being neutered – apt.’s scheduled for January 19th.
*We had already given them their all of their vaccines plus boosters, have them de-wormed monthly plus they are on monthly flea/tick/heartworm meds etc.*
BHRR’s Porthos weighed 44.90 Kgs(98.78 pounds)
BHRR’s Athos weighed 44.20 Kgs(97.24 pounds)
Unfortunately, the blood-work for BHRR’s Athos showed an extremely elevated WBC 27.12
*Reference Range Normal: 5.05 – 16.76 x10^9/L
He was placed on antibiotics for 10 days and two Vets said that normally values like this mean Cancer yet, one step at a time and to do the antibiotics first and repeat blood-work. He is just a puppy. Per his Vet, he clearly had been brewing an infection for a very long time, long before they arrived.
Advised to recheck just his CBC in 10 days time. He was back last night and I stayed in the parking lot waiting for his results and they are now: WBC 14.22
*Refence Range Norma: 5.05 – 16.76 x10^9/L
SO YAY! YES! SO HAPPY!
BHRR’s Aramis was in for their pre-op exam and blood-work on December 10th and she weighed 38 Kgs(83.6 pounds).
Her spay was scheduled for January 22nd yet, with the newest addition of BHRR’s Rocket – he really needs to be neutered – so, he is taking her spot. He is scheduled for his pre-op exam, bloodwork including heartworm/tick borne diseases and vaccines on January 2nd. With him being super skinny – emaciated, I am not keen on neutering him or vaccinating him any sooner than need be.
So, if he is not ready, we may move BHRR’s Aramis back to that spot – the Hospital is booking into March now and the Hospital that I am working at is booking into April – or we will move BHRR’s Dean into that spot. His neuter apt. along with boosters were rescheduled from yesterday – sent in Mason’s Tango instead for his own neuter – as he has a brutal happy tail right now. We asked his own wonderful foster to bring him in to the Vet and he is on antibiotics.
Dean will now be heading in shortly for his own recheck plus boosters. We already did his pre-op exam plus bloodwork (including pre-op and heartworm/tickborne diseases) plus initial vaccines and de-worming.
It is our hope that BHRR’s Athos, BHRR’s Dean and BHRR’s Rocket can all be successfully rehabilitated and placed up for adoption at some point.
Here are the 3 Musketeers(two are deaf/visually impaired and Mr. Athos has a slight visual impairment) enjoying the recently expanded side yard!
BHRR’s Rocket. This is how skinny – emaciated – the poor boy is.
Has anxiety issues and boundary/respect issues with people and dogs.
Came from a substance abuser home. The man is going through a divorce and has room-mates, fed the dog ‘when he could’, when Cassy and I went to pick him upon Sunday December 13th; the dog had not been let outside in 26 hours.
Needs to seriously decompress.
Thank you again to Leanne and her daughter Cameron for stepping up to be his special Secret Santa and giving him a new name for a new beginning!
On December 8th, we were tagged by another Rescue in re: to a special needs Great Dane needing urgent assistance.
~2 – we feel he is more like 15 months. This is a male, unaltered special needs Great Dane that the O. thinks they have had for about a year.
He is being re-homed due to a divorce. The information posted said he is about 120 pound. In the one pic posted he looks quite thin and I would say ~65-70 pounds.
He is also due for vaccines, Rabies – O. says December 25th, yet, there is no prior vaccine history records being handed over as the O. said that they do not have a Veterinarian.
Per the home, the dog has anxiety issues – barking, not like being left alone – along with lack of training and 2 times has made a mouth connection over food. Did not break skin.
Some additional comments by an assessment made by the group that went to see him and posted seeking assistance for him is below:
____________________________________________________
Our assessment: we believe there are limitations to sight and hearing but was able to have the dog respond to being called by name and hand signals with some patience. NO manners (barks for attention, jumps, nips (no mark or broken skin) when frustrated on leash/restrained. Moderate anxiety (was told he was previously crate trained but not for the last year with the current owner) dog is currently given free roam of the house and property (is allowed to jump through an open porch window to come and go as he pleases- we don’t believe he is walked on leash). We believe anxiety would resolve or greatly improve with proper boundaries/safe place and exercise. The home is not stable or safe (was informed room-mates have substance abuse issues and the environment of the home changes quickly) and he is deteriorating. He needs a very experienced handler who is comfortable providing the structure this boy never had. We don’t feel that he is aggressive just frustrated and pushy, very puppy like but in a Dane body. We were told he has lived with children and a small-med dog in the past, but we would not recommend placement with either, until a structured decompression period has passed and he can be properly assessed.
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 almost 25 years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 18th, 2020 to Sunday January 3rd, 2021 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Monday January 4th, 2021!
As always during this time, BHRR is available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need.
We shall also 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
Tonight’s “Smellers” & party gatherers as Gwennie makes dinner!
BHRR’s Nala(Blind/Hearing Impaired), Summit, Apex & BHRR’s Sleet.
Summit & BHRR’s Sleet are Deaf/Blind & Apex is Deaf/Visually Impaired.
This is my view tonight as I am trying to prepare dinner!
We have one gate anchored into the wall and also an xpen for extra safety for the dogs/humans AND these four monkeys; pushed the x-pen aside – again! – and are ‘staring’ at me!
That is also BHRR’s Bell(Blind/Deaf on left side) in the back by the table with the donations that I am currently sorting – THANKS to the generosity of rescue angels! So, please excuse the mess.
Once again, you can also see Miss Nala’s pile of blankets/dog bed on the other side – she likes to stock pile them up in one spot!
Our 13th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ online auction started yesterday AND here is the link:
We currently have 27 WOW items up for grabs and more items shall be added daily!
Auction ends Thursday December 3rd @ 9 PM EST.
Please help us to keep our doors open!
We remain so grateful to whatever comes our way as our bills continue to mount – BHRR’s Devin, himself has now been at the Vet twice in the last week and our doors are officially closed and we are fighting hard to to not have to permanently close our doors….
BHRR’s Gravel & BHRR’s Royal Blu
Two loveable nutbars!!
Both keep taking their bowls off of their stools, moving the bowls until they are just where they want them AND then Mr. RB likes to play bow and eat his food!
Silly boyz!
I also wanted to update on a few BHRR matters!
1) Our 9th Annual “Give It Up’ 4 Autumn Fundraiser ended last night and once we received the remaining participants monies; we will announce the grand total raised!
2) For those inquiring as to where to drop off their special Secret Santa’s; you can drop off in our donation shed at the road by the mailbox anytime that is convenient for you – this is monitored 24/7
OR right now; I have the following dates available to meet in the following spots and email contactbhrr@gmail.com for the exact address!
*Sunday November 22nd – Nepean 3:30 PM
*Monday November 23rd – Kanata 1:30 PM
*Monday November 23rd – Kanata 7:15 PM
*Saturday November 28th – Nepean 11:00 AM
*Saturday November 28th – Nepean 6:00 PM
*Sunday November 29th – Kanata 11:30 AM
Closer to December, I will have more drop-off dates and will post!
3) Stay tuned! Our 3rd Annual Holiday Season Empties For Paws Event will be starting December 1st.
BHRR’s Royal Blu!
November 17th, 2020
BHRR Haven Dog
Someone does not like early AM’s! My sight at 5:00 AM as that is the time to get up and at ‘er!
One dog bed to lay on and one dog bed for a pillow!
Mr. Royal Blu had his bilateral entropion / cherry eye surgeries earlier this summer and with COVID-19; we are still in a hold pattern re: those two front legs.
After 8 months, we finally have a surgery date for Mr. Coupe and so we remain patient as does Mr. Blu as to what the ortho specialist may feel is in his best interest as he had ortho surgery already prior to being a rescue transfer from another wonderful group. Thank you again to them for all that they did for him!!!!
Mr. Royal Blu is also now completely blind in his right eye and does not see the best in his left eye. Does not hold him back…..
He has lost weight, muscled and toned up and is such a wonderful handsome boy!
He is also quite the vocal boy!!! He loves food and treat time the best. LOL
Freedom Dane BHRR’s Gretta
November 8th, 2020
Many may remember this beauty. She is one of the last surviving Freedom Danes from the Paws R Us Seizure/Bust in September 2011.
The largest bust in Canadian history. Even highly experienced people like myself could not have adequately be prepared heading in for the ensuing three months following that seizure, volunteering and lending a much needed hand at the emergency shelter day in and day out.
Today, we honour her as she has reached Double Digit Dane numbers – She is now 10!
BHRR has assisted Danes from this line for almost 20 years. We have helped sisters, brothers, half-siblings, aunts, her mother, her grandfather, great relatives and more.
November is often known as Senior Month.
Miss Gretta, you have survived hell and beyond and here you are today, standing tall – gone are the days that you and your litter-mate BHRR’s Peanut had to be carried in and out of the shelter a couple times daily.
While your own forever loving right matched personality fit loving home never found you; we moved you to our Haven Program and you have lived the truest of high stellar quality filled life with us.
Almost 148 acres to romp in with trails, 3+ acres safely fenced in; friends to play with, humans that adore you and understand you and through patience, time, consistency, structure plus routine have demonstrated kind caring loving hands; not hurting hands to you.
You no longer live in a dark building filled with filth and having to sleep standing on your back legs. Fans can still make you a bit nervous yet, you have come SO far sweet girl.
You have dog beds and thick comfy duvets, a/c, heat, access to fresh water all the time, fresh air and sunshine and warm winter coats plus enough food – yes, you are a wee bit chunky yet, that is ok!!! You get the best in vet care, treats and caring love.
You remain distrustful and fearful and shy of so many, yet, you have developed a strong set up for success circle of humans that you adore as much as they adore you! Your tail is no longer held tight up to your belly and you now know how to wag it and happy wags you love to give!
We had to repair that back left leg of yours and it seems, sadly, from then on, no one had any interest in considering to give you a home with them; yet, that is ok!
We could not imagine you not being here, in our home, part of our family and hearts; you have been here for the past 9 years and you have made us better humans in having been blessed to have been touched by you.
HAPPY DOUBLE DIGIT DANE DAYS TO YOU!
We promise to continue to do right by you and to see you keep living your best life every day!
Car rides with the sunroof opened up tomorrow JUST for you in honour of you with some timbits too!
BHRR’s Dean!
5 year old Mantle male Great Dane
He was seen by the Vet today.
He weighed a lean 55.8 kgs(122.76 pounds). I LOVE lean dogs and if he went up to 125 pounds as we build up muscle mass plus tone; I would be ok too.
He was AMAZING! Loves the women and just being given some space by the one male Vet, he sniffed and relaxed.
He had a really great exam – he has a couple of skin tags that we will monitor and if need be, remove at the time of his neuter – now booked for December 18th.
As we have been told that he hates his feet touched, I will continue to work with him at home and we will get them as short as we can at the time of his neuter.
Did not do a thorough check in his mouth as he only just arrived and with him being a bit worried. As he settles in more, I will be able to better check his mouth and when he is under for his neuter, we can also be more thorough.
He was very brave for his blood-work – we are testing for heartworm plus tickborne diseases plus doing his pre-op bloodwork. His Vet will advise as to the results.
He did not co-operate in providing me with a fecal sample since his arrival yet, we proactively, preventatively de-worm all of our rescues.
We also picked up his flea/tick/heartworm medication to start once we have the results of his blood-work. As per our protocols, we keep the dogs on year round.
We did scan to check for a microchip, he did not have one; so, we will chip him at the time of his neuter.
I did ask his Vet for some Trazodone as he does exhibit some anxiety in the car – barks and become reactive as there is a barrier. He has lacked socialisation and important exposure to much prior to rescue and in the vehicle, his stress is noticeable. The stimulation is a lot for him to take in right now.
If there is not any barrier, he is fine. The meds will enable me to take his anxiety down and work on proper built up to outside stimulus.
Remember that a reactive dog is NOT trying to give us a hard time….they are trying to TELL us that THEY are having a hard time.
He is truly a super nice boy! Handsome and the sweetest of temperaments. He has been perfectly fine around my two Irish Wolfhounds plus BHRR’s Fred and BHRR’s Caramel here to date. Of course, BHRR’s Caramel thinks BHRR’s Dean want to eat him….that is BHRR’s Caramel’s thing with all new dogs/people.
For me, it was also super awesome to see how well he did and equally awesome to visit with some of my previous work family colleagues! Some sniffles and tears all around for a few…I miss you and I promise we shall get together once COVID-19 settles down!
Please do consider checking out the three flash auction items currently up for grabs – by scrolling down the page – Women’s comfy box, king duvet cover/sham/bed skirt PLUS an wonderful pet(up to 2 pets from the same household) photo session!
We are getting so close to the first of two incredible BHRR dogs having their big ortho surgeries – BHRR’s Symba’s is on November 18th and BHRR’s Coupe is December 1st – and we are still very short, thousands and thousands short…..your consideration would be heartfelt and deeply appreciative.
Got him!!
We are calling him BHRR’s Dean!
*in honour of one of my all time fav nail clients at the Hospital I used to work at!
*For a couple of wonderful reasons we are going to call him this name.
Making the drive home now and on Sunday, he will be vetted at EVC as he has no prior vet history.
We will do his pre-op blood work in prep to neuter him and test for prior exposure to tick borne diseases and heartworm, begin his vaccine protocols, place him on flea/tick/heartworm preventative and de-worm him.
He will have a thorough exam and whatever else the Vet feels he requires, he shall have.
His body condition is great – needs a bit of muscle mass plus toning – and he has some skin tags yet, nothing on my initial assessment makes me worried.
His nails are super long yet, we have been told that he hates his feet touched so that will be a work in progress and we will cut them as short as we can when he under anaesthetic being neutered.
Once I can better handle him; I will get a better idea of any concerns to have investigated in depth.
He was super friendly when I picked him up and we shall see how he settles in with the canine crew and how he meets other humans!
I love the frosting on his face…got to love the masking gene!!
Thank you to Christie from the shelter in reaching out to us and for Sam for driving him much closer to meet me!
Welcome to BHRR Mr. Dean!
More information per the Shelter:
Below you will find his Owner surrender information completed by the Owner online:
O/S, Can no longer afford general up keep. Got from a friend. Owned 3.5 years. Eats Pedigree. Free fed. Lived with female Great Dane, 2 adults and 1 teenager. Gets along well with all. Allowed on furniture. Slept in Owners bed at night. Loose when alone, will destroy toys, household items, barks, drools. Left only occasionally. No medications. Nervous, normally muzzled at Vet.
He loves to snuggle and is good companionship. He needs to learn to listen and stop pulling on leash. Doesn’t like when people wear hoods. Barks in the car until he is out. Pulls a lot on leash. No professional training. Uses harness, prong collar, gentle leader. Knows sit, down, come and shake.
He barks, nervous when alone, he will get aggressive when he feels someone in the home is being threatened. When meeting unfamiliar children friendly/respectful and usually tolerant but has met some he doesn’t like. Never met an unfamiliar man. Friendly when meeting unfamiliar women.
AGGRESSIVE WITH CATS. Friendly when meeting unfamiliar dogs on or off leash.
Mostly house trained, will go if its been too long or if sick. Mostly indoors. House with fenced yard. Low activity level. Playful, affectionate, pushy, confident, excitable, friendly, dominant. Loves to play and follow you around. Will guard certain family members if he thinks they are being threatened. Will guard something they stole, and doesn’t like paws being touched, he will growl or will nip at your hand if you try to touch or clip nails.
If a stranger approaches the home or yard or family member she will bark, jump up, growls. Never bitten a person or an animal. He drinks his water out of the bathroom faucet.
We also called the Owner to clarify a few things she had written down.
Spoke with owner for some more info/clarification. Had him since he was 1 and a half years old, step-daughter’s friend was looking to rehome him. Lived with a female Great Dane-good with, had a litter with last year, dogs are good together but don’t seem overly bonded. Said X is a very nice dog but can be a bit strange with people sometimes. Barks and growls when people come in home but after he sniffs he is better. Doesn’t have visitors a lot. Keeps him behind 4ft baby gate which he has pushed through to get to people, but sniffs them and is fine. Once when he was on the enclosed porch and the neighbour walked up (man) he was growling and barking, neighbour put hand through fence to touch him and X didn’t do anything. Said he doesn’t like people wearing anything that changes their appearance (hats, glasses, hoods, etc) and barks at them, did have an incident when a woman came in wearing a fur coat and walked by him when he was loose and he barked and lunged at her but the owner pulled him back and woman walked away to go into sons room (was sons friend) and they never interacted further. Owner said he never tried to bite her but doesn’t know why he lunged. Is fine with meeting people on a walk or even on the porch, seems more reactive when they come in the home. Said he doesn’t seem to warm up to sons friends (always males) and will just keep barking at them.
Used to have an issue with growling and lunging at the son if X was in the bedroom with owner and son walked in the room, wouldn’t let the son in but never attempted to bite, hasn’t had this issue since woman started keeping him in the living room at night instead of with her. Owner said he seems to get reactive if you turn your back to him and walk away after giving him attention, he has a mean sounding bark and follows you, but if you face him while walking away he is fine. No guarding issues but does like to keep things from you and runs away if you try to take. Pulls a lot on leash and is very strong, very eager to get to other dogs and people and will pull you to them though has met both and has been friendly. Has never met a cat but pulls on leash eagerly to see them, seems to want to chase them and woman doesn’t know if it’s playful or not. Will put his mouth on your hand if you try to clip his nails but never applies pressure. Asked what was meant by “aggressive if someone in home is being threatened” and owner said he can be protective, one incident the son and nephew got into a fight and nephew went to hit the son and X barked and jumped in between them, woman yelled at them and nephew backed off. Woman trained him using German commands. Is a good dog that needs some guidance with some things.
BHRR’s Dean – after one of my all time fav nail trim clients at the Hospital I used to work at.
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.
We have made the decision to move both BHRR’s Gravel and BHRR’s Giselle to our Haven Program.
They will continue to be adored, cherished and beyond well taken care of for the rest of their days.
The BHRR/Boerskins no couch rule in full swing….
So much news to catch everyone up on!!
I have been working very long days since Friday…bit longer than usual and so here comes the first of several posts!
BHRR’s Burst(DaneX) had her own special DAY Date on Sunday from our recent annual online date auction fundraiser.
They LOVED her! I mean, what is not to love and they feel we have aptly named her.
They loved their visit with her so much so much that they would like to submit an application for members of the BOD to consider when we re-open for adoption application intake.
Thank you to them for giving Miss Burst a wonderful day!!
As we continue to receive inquiries and/or applications re: adoptions, we are making yet another blog post – there is one also made on June 8th AND another one made on July 22nd – on all of our adoptable dogs’ blogs re: our current positioning. Our Facebook page and Petfinder also state our present closure for adoption applications.
**WITH COVID-19, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING/CONSIDERING ANY NEW ADOPTION APPLICATIONS UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER.**
**DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE & BE PUSHED FURTHER OUT ONCE AGAIN.**
Please note that we are NOT reviewing nor approving any new applications for approved adoptions until at least September.
We will re-evaluate this closer to that date as to if we need to extend that date.
We will not be accepting any applications or any non-refundable applications fees during this time.
This is for several reasons:
1) BHRR requires a Vet Reference and as someone who works in animal medicine, I know how absolutely insanely busy we are at this time with our staff/hours. We are NOT going to jam up the phone lines doing vet references when people are trying to get through to make urgent appointments, asking for refills of lifesaving meds, needing prescription food etc.
Additionally, the government has only recently announced that Vet Hospitals can now open up to do non-essential appointments and not only operate on an urgent basis. The backlog to the Vet Hospitals is incredible.
People answering the phones at Vet Hospitals need to be answering the phones for many other reasons. Not for Vet references.
We need to focus on patient care at the Hospital and we respect and understand that other Hospitals need to do the same. We are an essential service and need to be able to provide that service to the best of our abilities and checking Vet references does not fall under that criteria.
2) We cannot nor will we do home-visits. I put my life and my family’s life at risk every day that I go to work to take care of other people’s pets. Doing a home-visit is not responsible nor does it follow the policy set forth from the government that we need to be practising self-isolating to flatten the curve.
Doing a home-visit is not urgent during this COVID-19 pandemic.
At this time, I go to work, utilize the ever dwindling supply of PPE available, I go home, I buy groceries, get gas and that is it for my public appearances. I am thinking NOT only of my dogs, yet, my family and you…I am thinking of all of the other people out there….
3) It does greatly concern us with the number of inquiries coming our way over the past few months with the vast majority being for the wrong reason(s) from people now wanting to adopt.
On a ‘good’ day, we get almost 1,000 emails and about 50 phone calls.
These past several months; we are up to almost 2,000 emails and almost 125 phone calls a day.
People telling us that they now have time on their hands. If you did not have time before you stopped working; what makes you think that you will have time once you go back to work?
Additionally, even with people going on EI; the monies coming in are not the same as if you were working and if you feel that you are struggling to pay bills, buy groceries, how do you feel that you can take on the costs of having a Giant Breed dog?
The average cost – and I have been tracking this since 1996 – of owning a giant breed per year, PRIOR to emergencies is $2,400.
All of this to say; we will not be processing any applications until it is ideal plus safe to do so.
If you send us a completed application along with the non-refundable application fee, we will be responding that we are not accepting nor reviewing applications and when we do feel that it is safe to do so, we shall begin to slowly open up.
Our Petfinder and home websites as posted are kept up to date and all details re: said dogs are on their individual blogs. Once, we do open up again for new applications, we will remain ONLY responding to completed applications. You would be welcome to re-submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee at that time for members of the BHRR BOD to consider. We will NOT be holding on to your applications nor the non-refundable application fee from now to then.
**EXCEPTION: We shall no longer be covering the cost of any banking or PayPal fees should people send this non-refundable fee. In May/June, we were out of pocket almost $100 as people were not be mindful. This is much needed money being taken away from the animals as we are covering the fees out of our own pockets and that is money that we would have used for the BHRR animals.**
Asking us what the cost to adopt is or asking to meet a dog; is all information found on our websites. Each BHRR dog has an extremely thorough individual blog that dates back to when they first arrived into Rescue. Emailing or calling us asking for more details, what our adoption fees are, wanting to come and see the dogs are not going to be responded to any longer. We have posted many times over that we are not a pound, shelter or facility and no, you cannot just visit a dog or make an appointment to visit a dog. We are an all Volunteer organization that operates from our own home and that of our approved Foster homes.
AND yes, we are not other groups – we are NOT going to take chances that our dogs could be set up for failure – and as it is the prerogative of other groups to adopt out during this brutally difficult time, it remains our prerogative to not do so. Our adoption success rates are second to no other group out there – 100% for over 10 years of operating and now 98% as we go through year 24. We will not compromise on our policies, procedures and processes.
We are NOT desperate to adopt out our dogs. All dogs that are deemed adoptable shall ONLY be adopted to right matched personality fit homes that are approved via our thorough adoption screening process.
Thanks!
BHRR’s Valour
? – Friday July 31st, 2020
I am not new to Rescue – almost 25 years with BHRR. I am not new to medicine – I was a Paramedic for 16 years and now am working in animal medicine for the past 16+ years.
I am not new to working with Danes or Giants – tens of thousands over the past almost 30 years between rescuing, owning, training, doing behavioural modification, rehabilitation etc.
I am not new to working with the special needs. That is our focus, our strength, our mandate.
I am not new to loss, the painful devastating painfilled loss that comes with having to let go or say good-bye to an animal in need.
We are here for the behavioural and/or medical dogs that others cannot or will not take on and as such, our devastating losses are higher than most other groups.
I am not stupid, dumb or uneducated. I even have a Masters and a PhD…. and I have NEVER experienced such a knife stabbing loss like yours BHRR’s Valour.
What I am new to is the not being able to explain nor understand why a dog died less than three hours after we got her home.
I think back to the time of her rescue, the findings I had, the taking her into the Vet the very next day, the emergency surgeries she had the day after that, her post op recovery, how she was when I took her home; how she was when Sean helped me bring her in – she was sluggish – she had a very long day/night; how she was when we settled her into our custom renovated recovery suite, how she was when I took her vitals after she arrived home…making the comment to Sean that she was a bit ‘off’ (we may not have had her long, yet we already were getting to know her); and we knew that she had gone through so much and it really was a really long day/night for her. We knew that she was not 100% well heading into her surgeries.
We got her settled in; I hunkered down in the same room with her ~600 square feet that has been put aside a dogs’ recovery oasis and monitored her closely. Her vitals were good at that time and the plan/recommendation – as it is with all of the dogs recovering; was to see her get settled in, rest and then offer her a bit of food/water and to take her next round of meds. We never got that far.
Shortly; her tongue came out, she turned purple, then blue, panted, flopped over and then died within mere minutes…from the first moment she turned purple, I was calling loudly for Sean and dialing Alta Vista with the other hand, to advise them that we were bringing her in.
We never got to bring her in….she died…..right then and there. It was surreal, it was shocking; it was horrifying.
Guelph college campus was not open for us to drop her off to have a necropsy done as we wanted one done for after she died so fast, she also then had bloody tinged fluid draining rapidly from her nose.
I am shocked, I am stunned….this girl was not just beautiful on the outside; she was beautiful all around.
Truly sweet and after fighting for well over a month to get her to safety in our rescue; she is now dead….
I have questions that I have nor shall ever receive the right answers for; I have regrets, I have doubts and I remain feeling like I have been hit with a ton of bricks….
YOU deserved so much better in your life prior to rescue and I wanted so badly to help you feel better and get the life of kindness, happiness and health that you deeply were so worthy of BHRR’s Valour.
I am still trying to figure out what the lessons are to be had in this tragedy….yet, I do know that when the time comes to help another in need; I will be an even stronger voice…I will work even harder to get the next one into rescue sooner and I will be a much stronger advocate. I will not take a backseat at any point and I am determined to remain front and centre for what is in the best interest of our dogs in need.
I have not slept since Wednesday night…..I am haunted….I am very sorry….just very very very sorry Miss Valour.
You will be remembered as the Dane who was beyond precious, sweet, gentle, wanting so desperately to trust, who began to lean into me with said trust beginning to show. I will always smile when you did a bit of a bounce outside enjoying the grass and sand in early morning sunshine.
Who did what was asked of her, despite her fear/worry….due to that trust and will always forever feel that I did not deserve said precious fragile trust in the end as you died….you died…just saying it, is still brutally difficult.
I am hurting hard and we shall plant a Bleeding Heart bush in your place of eternal rest for my heart shall forever be bleeding and you will forever be in my heart.
We shall not be collecting any more donations for they were to be lifesaving ones….
I will work to pay off her remaining thousands in bills out of my own pocket….
I wish I could understand the ‘why’ of her life, how awful it was prior to rescue……and then extremely short after her arrival into rescue. I wish many more people could have been touched by your incredible beauty and soft spirit……even with you feeling just poorly, being sick, having been horribly treated, it radiated from you…..you were a one in a million special girl…..one in a million….
RIP stunning gorgeous BBBBB Valour…..sorry, is just not enough to say to you with how I feel right now.
*picture is credit to Rachel Ng*
UPDATE: Miss Valour is in recovery….
It has been a very long day for her and I! I had an over 13 hour work day….
Miss Valour has now had her emergency pyometra surgery, her bilateral entropion surgeries and had the mass removed from her head. The mass will be sent to the pathologist for review.
I gave her a much needed nail trim while she was under plus thoroughly cleaned those infected ears. We also looked at her teeth to be sure that nothing was broken or that there was anything that needed immediate attention/surgical intervention.
Her bills shall be extensive, she is WORTH every nickel and she really needs your support…..If anyone has even $5 to spare, please know how grateful we shall be for the consideration.
She was the victim to anothers greed……she was never given proper proactive/preventative Vet Care, she deserves so much love, caring hands, kindness and support….
Please from our hearts thank you SO much for your love and kindness to date. When I had the opportunity to check the BHRR emails, tears were threatening to spill over to see ALL of the love in words and financial support sent to Miss Valour so far.
She remains in need of donations to help pay for her extensive yet truly excellent vetting – will post a copy of her bill once all of the billing has been completed.
Her Vet said her surgeries went really well and that is such great news!
Donations can continue to be made direct to her account at Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381
OR PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*please let us know the password
Will post another update ASAP…..AND on behalf of one really withdrawn, shy worried sweet Dane that has truly gone beyond hell in her life prior to rescue; please know that ALL of you are her rescue angels…..YOU are making a lifesaving difference to a dog that deserved so much better than she received in her life up to her rescue….
Miss Valour needs your help!! Urgently….
As indicated I had her in to the Vet after her arrival to BHRR as I had some serious concerns. She is very ill.
She is shortly heading into emergency surgery.
She has Pyometra.
Her temperature was 40.3 and she does also have infections in her ears and eyes plus her skin and will be having a lump removed from her head too.
She also needs bilateral entropion surgery.
She desperately needs your assistance…
She is the Dane that has gone through hell and she needs the BHRR village to surround her with support. This girl has not known any kindness in her life prior to Rescue.
If anyone has even $5 to spare, please know how grateful we shall be for the consideration.
Donations can be made direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic – 613-383-8381
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*please tell us the password.
Will update as I can….and please keep this sweet girl in your thoughts for despite everything, and despite being shutdown with worry; she is so sweet.
UPDATE: She has an apt. tomorrow night at 10 PM at work…will post as we know more.
BHRR’s Valour(what we are calling her)
~2.5 years of age
When I got home with her, we did a thorough examination and she will not be able to wait to get into the Vet based upon our findings.
I had hoped to let her settle in a bit – she is quite shutdown and nervous, yet, seems super sweet. Tail tucked right up to her belly the poor girl.
I also experienced the fear panic pull and have ended up with one smashed knuckle in having it get caught up in the leash. Poor thing…..
She does have eye infections and her own serious entropion concerns. I have not yet looked into her mouth so as to not stress her out any further than needed. She has a bleeding wound on her chin too.
She needs a good grooming, to be de-wormed, to have blood work including for heartworm and tickborne diseases and pre-op. She has never had any of this done and what vaccines she had are long over due.
She came from Texas almost 1.5 years ago – bought from a kennel there at about 11 months of age – and in learning more, it was this home that drove her all the way back on an open trailer…how terrifying for her.?
In this picture, if you look; you shall see just one of her enlarged teats on her mammary chain. I can also secrete a purulent and serosanguineous fluid from them too.
She has had her share of litters the poor girl. Her poor elbows are all calloused too.
I have reached out to work in re: to seeing if I can get her into them after my work shift ends tomorrow.
For those wishing to send donations to her care; that is so loving and generous yet, please wait until she sees the Vet as we will have a much better idea of her needs, including urgent at that time.
Welcome to BHRR, Miss Valour!
**NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION**
Got her!!
Thank you Rachel!! Thank you for your assistance once more to help me get her!!
She definitely has an eye infection and will need her own bilateral entropion surgeries.
Now to make the almost 4 hour drive home!
Rachel has her!!!
The terrified Great Dane that has gone through unimaginable hell….
We are calling her BHRR’s Valour.
Looks like she has an eye infection too….we will get her seen by our Vet ASAP.
I am now on the road to meet up with them. Will post an update when I get her…
Drive safe and see you both soon!
As we continue to receive inquiries and/or applications re: adoptions, we are making yet another blog post – there is one also made on June 8th – on all of our adoptable dogs’ blogs re: our current positioning. Our Facebook page and Petfinder also state our present closure for adoption applications.
**WITH COVID-19, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING/CONSIDERING ANY NEW ADOPTION APPLICATIONS UNTIL AT LEAST AUGUST.**
**DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE & BE PUSHED FURTHER OUT ONCE AGAIN.**
Please note that we are NOT reviewing nor approving any new applications for approved adoptions until at least August.
We will re-evaluate this closer to that date as to if we need to extend that date.
We will not be accepting any applications or any non-refundable applications fees during this time.
This is for several reasons:
1) BHRR requires a Vet Reference and as someone who works in animal medicine, I know how absolutely insanely busy we are at this time with our staff/hours. We are NOT going to jam up the phone lines doing vet references when people are trying to get through to make urgent appointments, asking for refills of lifesaving meds, needing prescription food etc.
Additionally, the government has only recently announced that Vet Hospitals can now open up to do non-essential appointments and not only operate on an urgent basis. The backlog to the Vet Hospitals is incredible.
People answering the phones at Vet Hospitals need to be answering the phones for many other reasons. Not for Vet references.
We need to focus on patient care at the Hospital and we respect and understand that other Hospitals need to do the same. We are an essential service and need to be able to provide that service to the best of our abilities and checking Vet references does not fall under that criteria.
2) We cannot nor will we do home-visits. I put my life and my family’s life at risk every day that I go to work to take care of other people’s pets. Doing a home-visit is not responsible nor does it follow the policy set forth from the government that we need to be practising self-isolating to flatten the curve.
Doing a home-visit is not urgent during this COVID-19 pandemic.
At this time, I go to work, utilize the ever dwindling supply of PPE available, I go home, I buy groceries, get gas and that is it for my public appearances. I am thinking NOT only of my dogs, yet, my family and you…I am thinking of all of the other people out there….
3) It does greatly concern us with the number of inquiries coming our way over the past few months with the vast majority being for the wrong reason(s) from people now wanting to adopt.
On a ‘good’ day, we get almost 1,000 emails and about 50 phone calls.
These past several months; we are up to almost 2,000 emails and almost 125 phone calls a day.
People telling us that they now have time on their hands. If you did not have time before you stopped working; what makes you think that you will have time once you go back to work?
Additionally, even with people going on EI; the monies coming in are not the same as if you were working and if you feel that you are struggling to pay bills, buy groceries, how do you feel that you can take on the costs of having a Giant Breed dog?
The average cost – and I have been tracking this since 1996 – of owning a giant breed per year, PRIOR to emergencies is $2,400.
All of this to say; we will not be processing any applications until it is ideal plus safe to do so.
If you send us a completed application along with the non-refundable application fee, we will be responding that we are not accepting nor reviewing applications and when we do feel that it is safe to do so, we shall begin to slowly open up.
Our Petfinder and home websites as posted are kept up to date and all details re: said dogs are on their individual blogs. Once, we do open up again for new applications, we will remain ONLY responding to completed applications. You would be welcome to re-submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee at that time for members of the BHRR BOD to consider. We will NOT be holding on to your applications nor the non-refundable application fee from now to then.
**EXCEPTION: We shall no longer be covering the cost of any banking or PayPal fees should people send this non-refundable fee. In May/June, we were out of pocket almost $100 as people were not be mindful. This is much needed money being taken away from the animals as we are covering the fees out of our own pockets and that is money that we would have used for the BHRR animals.**
Asking us what the cost to adopt is or asking to meet a dog; is all information found on our websites. We are not a pound, shelter or facility and no, you cannot just visit a dog or make an appointment to visit a dog. We are an all Volunteer organization that operates from our own home and that of our approved Foster homes.
AND yes, we are not other groups – we are NOT going to take chances that our dogs could be set up for failure – and as it is the prerogative of other groups to adopt out during this extremely difficult time, it remains our prerogative to not do so. Our adoption success rates are second to no other group out there – 100% for over 10 years of operating and now 98% as we go through year 24. We will not compromise on our policies, procedures and processes.
Thanks!
NEXT IN NEED – Picture quality is poor!
Female – Great Dane – ~2.5 years of age
Mrs. was visiting in Texas, when she got this Dane in March 2019 from an ad from a kennel they had been following – was in the back of an open trailer – two hours tied up on the highway and had been sprayed/traumatised with a hose while tied up in the open trailer, when they met somewhere to pick her up.
The O. originally sold her – unspayed female, needs eye surgery – cherry and entropion surgery, EXTREMELY FEARFUL, not vetted etc. The Dane came back to her three days later.
Spouses are fighting over what to do with her – Mr. wants her gone now or killed, Mrs. was trying to do the right thing and sold her but she is now back with them and more fearful then ever.
She has now been signed over to BHRR.
ETA to BHRR: Friday July 28th
Please note that we are NOT reviewing nor approving any applications for approved adoptions until at least August.
We will re-evaluate this closer to that date as to if we need to extend that date.
We will not be accepting any applications or any non-refundable applications fees during this time.
This is for several reasons:
1) BHRR requires a Vet Reference and as someone who works in animal medicine, I know how absolutely insanely busy we are at this time with our staff/hours. We are NOT going to jam up the phone lines doing vet references when people are trying to get through to make urgent appointments, asking for refills of lifesaving meds, needing prescription food etc.
Additionally, the government has announced that Veterinarians can ONLY operate on an urgent basis.
People answering the phones at Vet Hospitals need to be answering the phones for urgent reasons. Not for Vet references.
We need to focus on patient care at the Hospital and we respect and understand that other Hospitals need to do the same. We are an essential service and need to be able to provide that service to the best of our abilities and checking Vet references does not fall under that criteria.
2) We cannot nor will we do home-visits. I put my life and my family’s life at risk every day that I go to work to take care of other people’s pets. Doing a home-visit is not responsible nor does it follow the policy set forth from the government that we need to be practising self-isolating to flatten the curve.
Doing a home-visit is not urgent during this COVID-19 pandemic.
At this time, I go to work, utilize the ever dwindling supply of PPE available, I go home, I buy groceries, get gas and that is it for my public appearances. I am thinking NOT only of my dogs, yet, my family and you…I am thinking of all of the other people out there….
3) It does greatly concern us with the number of inquiries coming our way over the past couple of weeks.
On a ‘good’ day, I get almost 1,000 emails and about 50 phone calls.
These past four weeks; we are up to almost 2,000 emails and almost 125 phone calls a day.
People telling us that they now have time on their hands. If you did not have time before you stopped working; what makes you think that you will have time once you go back to work?
Additionally, even with people going on EI; the monies coming in are not the same as if you were working and if you feel that you are struggling to pay bills, buy groceries, how do you feel that you can take on the costs of having a Giant Breed dog?
The average cost – and I have been tracking this since 1996 – of owning a giant breed per year, PRIOR to emergencies is $2,400.
All of this to say; we will not be processing any applications until it is ideal plus safe to do so.
If you send us a completed application along with the non-refundable application fee, we will be responding that we are not accepting nor reviewing applications and when we do feel that it is safe to do so, we shall begin to slowly open up.
Our Petfinder and home websites as posted are kept up to date and all details re: said dogs are on their individual blogs. Once, we do open up again for applications, we will remain ONLY responding to completed applications. You would be welcome to re-submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee at that time for members of the BHRR BOD to consider. We will NOT be holding on to your applications nor the non-refundable application fee from now to then.
**EXCEPTION: We shall no longer be covering the cost of any banking or PayPal fees should people send this non-refundable fee. In May/June, we were out of pocket almost $100 as people were not be mindful. This is much needed money being taken away from the animals as we are covering the fees out of our own pockets and that is money that we would have used for the BHRR animals.**
Asking us what the cost to adopt is or asking to meet a dog; is all information found on our websites. We are not a pound, shelter or facility. We are an all Volunteer organziation that operates from our own home and that of our approved Foster homes.
AND yes, we are not other groups and as it is their prerogative to adopt out during this extremely difficult time and it remains our perogative to not do so.
Thanks!
BHRR’s Royal Blu came to us via a request of a rescue transfer.
He came into their Rescue back in 2017; had two surgeries on one leg for a congenital Vulgras deformity; and as mobility had been improved, the other leg did not have surgery.
A surgery had been done on the one eye, for cherry eye and as is very common, it failed.
He had been adopted about 7 months ago and recently a dog bite occurred in the adoptive home.
We are told that he love kids and is good with other dogs, people etc. and was therefore adopted to a home with two children, 5 & 8.
Unfortunately, recently, an incident occurred in the adoptive home.
We have been told that this boy has always been a ‘bit iffy’ around food & has demonstrated past behaviours of some food resourcing issues.
He was in the kitchen when food was being prepared and one of the children was also in the kitchen, petting/touching him.
To be honest, let me state that if this Dane wanted to cause damage he could have and did not. He snapped and as the child is as tall as he is, a connection was made – and I have seen a picture of the bite. Bruising, teeth grazing with one spot from the angle of the picture that I can see broken skin. A scary moment for all involved.
This was not an easy decision for this home who adopted him to return him to the rescue. In turn, the rescue reached out to BHRR to see if we could safe harbour him.
We are here to 100% support the rescue and this adoptive home during this truly heart-wrenching time.
He arrived to BHRR February 22nd and we had him at the Vet February 23rd as we had some concerns.
He has been diagnosed with:
1) Severe Entropion
2) Eye infections
3) Cherry Eye
4) Vulgras Deformity – the right leg is much worse than the left
*He was scheduled on March 10th for his eye surgeries yet, that has had to be postphoned. It will be rescheduled ASAP.
On March 17th, per Dr. Philibert, ortho specialist states that he believes that BHRR’s Royal Blu needs bilateral corrective osteotomies. He has requested additional pictures of BHRR’s Royal Blu standing and from the side.
We have kept his previous Rescue also updated and shall continue to do so.
They have made an incredibly generous donation to his care.
Donations can continue to be made direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381 or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com *Please let us know the password.
My final post of my night!
All of the winners of our flash online auction have now been notified via posts in the album, so please check the item(s) that you bid on!
Additionally, with spring, it brings mud and it means lots and lots and lots more of daily laundry and in this picture; we are down many dogs beds as we work both of our washers nonstop to get them constantly cleaned!
For those not yet aware, BHRR’s Coupe – seen in this picture -is also now bunking in with The Boerskins and has settled in beautifully. He is such a low maintenance chill dude!
With COVID-19 on the minds and conversations of so many, we sincerely hope that everyone is doing as well as can be expected during these uncertain and worrisome times.
Per a previous post made, The Boerskins are in self-isolation as Sean was away in SF and while he can work from home; I sadly; cannot and no work means no income and we deeply can empathise with everyone that is in the same situation. The Boerskins are all doing well overall and we are keeping the world in our hearts and best thoughts……
I do know that I find it hard not working as I know how busy my fellow veterinary team members have been at EVC and I wish I could be there assisting them.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes are being sent and please do remember that, if, we can do anything to assist you during your own time of need; please never hesitate to reach out……as a community we must be there for each other, united and keeping that social distancing so that we can flatten the curve.
BHRR’s Royal Blu
March 13th, 2020
As I recover from some surgery had earlier this week, this boy has been the best hot water bottle, bed hogger, snuggle bug, drooler and companion a girl could wish for!
He was to have his own surgery on March 10th – bilateral entropion surgery along with a cherry eye yet his foster mama(FEEL better soon) took a nasty fall and is healing from a fractured arm.
So, he is back bunking back in with moi and doing fabu!
He has been learning manners as he clearly felt he was ‘king’ and he is coming along beautifully. He can still be grumpy to some of the other dogs yet, is learning to share wonderfully!
Everyone in our home must share the communal water bowls and he is now doing this nicely.
We do not reward inappropriate displays of behaviour and not long after his arrival, he wanted to rear up with SA type behaviours and that was a big no-no.
AND after only a few days of marking the correct behaviours, passively ignoring after a calming word/touch all inappropriate signs of behaviour; he is fantastic.
He bonded hard and fast to me and has been guided plus encouraged to learn to like his own company, to self-soothe, selt-comfort and to self amuse. We are not here to set him up for failure.
We are not here to create ‘monsters’ in manners or behaviours. SA is what my PhD is in and he is an excellent pupil.
We took him off of all behavioural modifcation medications shortly after his arrival to get to know and understand him and to best assess plus put together the right program for him.
He has not had any need to go back on any medications.
He reacts as we act to things as is often the case with most dogs.
He is quite chill and in any situation that he is exposed to that is new or foreign to him, we work to set him up for success and now, he just takes things in stride. Cautious yet curious which we want him to be interested in this big gorgeous world around us!
We have stress tested him also and his first reaction is avoidance…not fight….proving that the bite he had in his prior home was him escalating his communication re: his level of being uncomfortable with what is going on.
He has been in the kitchen as we have cooked, cleaned up etc. and he has been respectful, not one issue with resourcing.
The one thing that he is clear with his level of being uncomfortable is in the taking of his collar at times. He will mouth. Not bite, not growl, yet mouth. We do not push the boundary further at this time. We also have our theories on this yet, we are not setting him up for failure. We will get there….
When he communicates with his body language that he does not wish to have his collar touched, we just take a leash – many of them at easy reach, ask him to sit, hook him up and off we go. No issues….
I am extremely proud of his progress to date and we remain also waiting to hear from his ortho specialist re: those legs. He was to be back from Vacation in early March and are aware that he is a very busy man.
We will have BHRR’s Royal Blu’s eyes rescheduled ASAP.
AND thanks to all for their patience as we work to get our Flash Auction set-up. We have been very busy behind the scenes as well as mourning the death of two BHRR doggies….
BHRR’s Royal Blu
February 23rd, 2020
He arrived February 22nd and based upon what our two transport Volunteers plus what we saw, we had him booked into our Vet Hospital for the very next day
1) He has severe entropion in both eyes – upper and lower lids and that need to be surgically corrected.
2) He also has a cherry eye
3) We did a fluorescein eye stain to look for scratches and ulcers
4) He has eye infections in both eyes & is now on antibiotics
5) We sedated him to do x-rays on both front legs & they were emailed to Dr. Philibert, one of our ortho specialists to advise – re: his extreme valgus deformity
*Dr. Philibert is away on Vacation until the beginning of March. We will be posting copies of the x-rays we took in this album too.
6) We did a nail trim while under sedation as his nails were overgrown
7) We did his anal glands – they were full
8) We did bloodwork – He is negative for Heartworm and Tickborne diseases & his Pre-op plus Wellness profile are normal
9) We are doing a fecal sample and he has now been de-wormed
10) He has been placed on Deramaxx for pain & inflammation
11) His coat is dry, flaky and brittle, so we are changing up his diet
12) He has a bit of a cough that shall be closely monitored
13) He is overweight – he weighed 65.5 kgs(144.1 pounds) and so we will be working on that
AND he is 100% amazing!!! This picture was taken as he was waking up from the sedation given during his time at Eagleson Veterinary Clinic
He is now scheduled for his eye surgeries on March 10th, 2020 and we are ISO: Auction Items for between BHRR’s Coupe and BHRR’s Royal Blu, we are in huge need of financial support to get them healthy!
If you have any item(s) that you may like to donate, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Donations to his Vet Bills can be made direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*Please let us know the password
With two big medical cases on our hands, our doors remain closed for intake…..
We will continue to think of creative fundraising ideas to raise much needed funds for both of these incredibly fabu pooches!!!!
Got him!
On my way home!
Welcome to BHRR Royal Blu! So thrilled to finally get to meet you and even more touched to get to assist you!!
I am hoping to get him right into our Vet tomorrow.
Will post more soon!!!
Lucie picked BHRR’s Royal Blu several hours ago and now he has safely been transferred to Michele’s loving care!
I will be on my way shortly to meet her…..drive safe!
I always say the world is a small place….However, I must be getting ‘old’ as it took me up to just a few days ago to click in to just who this Great Dane was.
It was not until I received his previous Vet Records and when the Rescue that first had him mentioned a name associated with his time with them, that I truly clicked in.
Turns out, that we know who he is…..and we are well aware of his journey to Canada in 2017 and quite a bit of time while in Canada from when he first arrived. The Dane world is very small.
That, we were approached to assist him and that he is now in our care, has made me one of the happiest people in the world!!!!
I cannot wait to meet you and I am glad that we have spruced up your name to be BHRR’s Royal Blu for per Lucie:
‘He traveled wonderfully well. He is calm and very regal (the royal Blu moniker is a very good one).’
My last post of my night….
This handsome man arrives tomorrow!
BHRR’s Royal ‘Blu’ – his name is ‘Blu’ and we are making him royalty!
~5.5 year old Special Needs Male GD
He was adopted out almost 7 months ago by another Rescue.
They performed two surgeries on his front legs as he was born with a congenital deformity – they remain abnormal yet, his mobility has greatly improved. We will have our own ortho specialist exam him also. Maybe there is more that we can do, most likely not as the Rescue that had him has taken amazing plus excellent care of him.
We have been informed that he ‘gallops around like your typical happy Dane’. BHRR’s Mavie, Our Ironman can relate to that having had four surgeries on his own front legs.
We are told that he love kids and is good with other dogs, people etc. and was adopted to a home with two children, 5 & 8.
Unfortunately, recently, an incident occurred in the adoptive home.
We have been told that this boy has always been a ‘bit iffy’ around food & has demonstrated past behaviours of some food resourcing issues.
He was in the kitchen when food was being prepared and one of the children was also in the kitchen, petting/touching him.
To be honest, let me state that if this Dane wanted to cause damage he could have and did not. He snapped and as the child is as tall as he is, a connection was made – and I have seen a picture of the bite. Bruising, teeth grazing with one spot from the angle of the picture that I can see broken skin. A scary moment for all involved.
This was not an easy decision for this home who adopted him to return him to the rescue. In turn, the rescue reached out to BHRR to see if we could safe harbour him.
We are here to 100% support the rescue and this adoptive home during this truly heart-wrenching time.
The wonderful rescue does not wish to see him put to sleep and asked if we could step up to assist.
Absolutely……
Due to our financial situation being extremely tapped with the further unexpected Vet Bills for BHRR’s Coupe, we have had had a delay in bringing him in and once he arrives, our doors will remain closed.
As no one wished to see him put to sleep, we are honoured to be here.
We thank this Rescue for all that they have done to date for him and we remain keeping his previous adoptive home in our hearts and thoughts. It is a tragic situation……just tragic.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, the best of good night wishes are being sent!
BHRR’s Singe
2014 – February 20th, 2020
As those who followed my previous post about losing not one yet two beloved BHRR dogs in the space of 8 days; I am finally ready…not really ready though; yet, am doing it anyway, posting what I hope is a somewhat fitting memorial to the first of these two amazing dogs.
BHRR’s Singe was lost to us due to a stroke.
To think that this dog overcame so much…he was emaciated and it took forever to figure things out for him to get that weight on him.
Many will remember his condition and many still will remember how amazing he finally came to look
Those flews, the drool, his eyes that reached deep inside of you, the way he would gently roll slightly off of his side and lift up his left front leg to get me to rub his chest more….
His chest and belly were so soft…just so incredibly soft as was BHRR’s Singe’s personality.
The way he came to love food..the way he would bounce and trot awkwardly with his wonky hind end back and forth to his feeding area to the bowls…..
His soft stunning brown eyes….the way he spoke volumes without making a sound.
That even with how bad his back end was and the strength plus muscle mass that we developed in him; would allow him to jump our hinged door just because he chose that he did not want to be in the hallway any longer…that he never realised that this gate was never locked is beside the point!
The way he would greet me when I got up or arrived home…that big ol’ noggin of his pushing under my elbow, nudging right up under my armpit blowing his hot wet breath!
The pleasure he took settling in by one of the fireplaces plopping down after much circling with the biggest sigh of contentment, rocking the pictures on the wall!
The way that you would romp and run; it truly was like watching Bambi! Those long model legs, so un-coordinated and the memories of witnessing your joy as you believed that you were running as fast as the wind!
You could look so regal and noble standing still yet, we well knew that you were one big puppy goofball in personality and movement!
The bumping into me as you had zero judgement of spacial awareness making me teeter…well, maybe not so much fun!
All of these things and more shall I forever miss about you dear BHRR’s Singe…My Singey……
I continue to often question the universe why bad things happen to such good people and animals etc., and to date, I have never received an answer back….
With each loss comes more heartache and pain and questions…..
The final gift that I could give you dear man is to hold you close to my heart and soak your soft fur with my tears of anguish crossing you over.
I adore you, I miss you from your nose to your tail and the soft and not so soft chewbacca sounds you would make…..
That my hand could be engulfed into your mouth as you gently took a treat leaving my hand and fingers dripping with slime/drool is also an experience, I would dearly love to have a million more times…
RIP my dear man…..you are visited each night with so many others in my dreams and until we meet once more; I will continue to visit you there…..
BHRR’s Glacier running with total confidence and you can see his brother Summit right behind them, equally running with purpose!
These are two of our three deaf / blind mice. All siblings.
Both picked up my scent from the moment they left the house and immediately headed right to me…without hesitation or fear. They are not timid, they meet the world head on!
They make my heart sing with so much joy!
BHRR’s Glacier – one of our three deaf/bind mice!
February 13th, 2020
Born: October 21st, 2018
Look how wonderful he looks! Yes, he is deaf and blind and his tail is wagging, his head is up high, his body posture is confident! He feels comfortable in his ability to navigate in a world that he cannot see/hear and he does this with exceptional skill/ease having been a star pupil with the scent training.
Just because he is deaf/blind does not mean that he is stupid nor does it mean that he does not have a heart/feelings, wants or needs.
He honed right in to where I was in the 3+ acre fenced in yard and once he found me….he stopped and ‘looked’ right at me.
We may have had to do a bilateral eye eneucleation on him a year ago yet, he was already blind, in brutal pain from the severe microphthalmia which caused entropion plus chronic eye infections.
He was born this way. He was born this way. The product of a merle to merle breeding.
He did not ask to be born. Yet, he was…..and that he was, he deserves to live his best life each day and we are doing that for him and other special needs Danes/Dogs.
He does not feel sorry for himself. We do not feel sorry for him and you can see that he is not suffering!
Education is so important and he is ‘normal’ to him and to all that love him. He is housebroken, he is crate trained, he is gentle about taking treats from your hand, he knows commands via touch training(we do not use shock or vibration collars) and scent training and he is 100% amazing!!!
He is a gift and one that we treasure along with his siblings and the other awesome special needs Danes we are so blessed to be here for.
If you know of a special needs Dane that could use a safe spot to land, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We have been the local Great Dane Rescue since 1996 and care deeply to what may happen should these beautiful creatures end up in the wrong hands….
BHRR’s Royal ‘Blu’
~5.5 year old Special Needs Male GD
He was adopted out 6 months ago by another Rescue.
They performed two surgeries on his front legs as he was born with a congenital deformity – they remain abnormal yet, his mobility has greatly improved. We will have our own ortho specialist exam him also. Maybe there is more that we can do, most likely not as the Rescue that had him has taken amazing plus excellent care of him.
We have been informed that he ‘gallops around like your typical happy Dane’. BHRR’s Mavie, Our Ironman can relate to that having had four surgeries on his own front legs.
We are told that he love kids and is good with other dogs, people etc. and was adopted to a home with two children, 5 & 8.
Unfortunately, recently, an incident occurred in the adoptive home.
We have been told that this boy has always been a ‘bit iffy’ around food & has demonstrated past behaviours of some food resourcing issues.
He was in the kitchen when food was being prepared and one of the children was also in the kitchen, petting/touching him.
To be honest, let me state that if this Dane wanted to cause damage he could have and did not. He snapped and as the child is as tall as he is, a connection was made – and I have seen a picture of the bite. Bruising, teeth grazing with one spot from the angle of the picture that I can see broken skin. A scary moment for all involved.
This was not an easy decision for this home who adopted him to return him to the Rescue. In turn, the rescue reached out to BHRR to see if we could safe harbour him.
We are here to 100% support the rescue and this adoptive home during this truly heart-wrenching time.
The wonderful Rescue does not wish to see him put to sleep and asked if we could step up to assist.
Absolutely……
We are now working on an ETA for him as our financial situation is extremely tapped with the further unexpected Vet Bills for BHRR’s Coupe.
Yet, no one wishes to see him put to sleep and I know that the Rescue that he is currently with would not see that ever happen and we are honoured to be here.
We thank this Rescue for all that they have done to date for him and we remain keeping his previous adoptive home in our hearts and thoughts. It is a tragic situation……just tragic.
Please join me in expressing those sentiments…..
ETA TO BHRR TBA
Bell(Deaf/Blind on left side)
February 1st, 2020
I truly do not know why I even bother trying to put xpens around my desk to try and get some work done – working to put winners in touch with the donators from our recent 7th Annual Breaking Bills Bake Auction!
I feel like I am being ‘watched’ AND when I turn around and see not one, not two, not three yet four stunning white beauties honed in on me!
So, time for a walk, a few treats and a break from my computer!
For those still waiting for their auction funds to be collected and to then be put in touch with the donators of your beautiful winnings, you are now going to have to blame the 3 Blind/Deaf Mice & BHRR’s Bell for the further wait!
I live a blessed life and when they need me, I must go and be with them!
Will continue the auction communications ASAP and for those that have not yet paid, please do check your emails!
I truly shall never get tired of seeing all of these gorgeous special needs Dane mugs!
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”
Happy New Year to all of our friends, family and supporters!
2020 marks our 24th year of operation and none of this would have been possible without EACH of you!
Thank you from our hearts for your belief in what we do and why we are so needed in the community!
Some updates on our upcoming BHRR Events for 2020!
1) We still have 3 tickets available to our January 16th @ Don Cherry’s in Kanata – Make Your Own Custom Sign event! Over 500+ designs or make your own!
$15 from each ticket comes to rescue and between the Boerskins and The Maracles, we have a Bakers Dozen of homemade Cinnamon Buns and an Apple Crumble Pie entered into draws for all of our attendees!
Please visit the link to buy your ticket(s)!
2) Our 8th Annual Breaking Bills Bake Online Auction will start January 18th and we are seeking Bakers! You do not need to be located in our area to donate!
We will post your item(pics are lovely!) and the location(s) of where said items can be picked up.
Do note that please do not offer up an item(s) if you will not honour your donation.
Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you would be willing to donate a baked item for humans and/or doggies!
3) We are still in conversation as to whether we shall host a February BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ mini open house. We did so for close to 18 years and then stopped holding the February event due to several reasons.
With how popular they are, we are still deciding if we shall offer up one in February. Stay Tuned!
The 3 blind/deaf mice are seen here with Mason as part of our annual traditional Xmas Eve photo’s. This year, as I was working throughout the Holiday Season, we did our photo shoot tonight instead!
They are sporting their Wiggle Bumz Collars that I purchased for them in 2019 and if were not for your support, their futures would not be as it is today…ones of such happiness, the best of health possible considering that they are DM and a life of such quality!
They will be 15 months of age on the 21st of January. Far surpassing the life expectancy that several gave to them…..
They are coming up due for their annuals and that is going to be an adventure!
If you believe in what we do, please do consider supporting our cause….today alone, we have received 263 emails requesting our assistance for urgent animals in need of our highly specialised programs.
Donations can be made direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-3881
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Once again please know how much what our friends, family and supporters do for the animals of BHRR means to us….
You are those strong links on that BHRR “CHAIN OF SUCCESS’
We look forward with you standing by the sides of those in need of our programs to have our best rescue year to date for as much as we would wish that r/q Rescue did not have to exist, it is a necessity…….
Since our three blind/deaf mice are SO popular…sharing another photo!
Tonight, I was trying…yet, again, to get some work done on my computer and put two x-pens around my computer…well, how does one get any work done being ‘stared’ down!? Even my Matrix(my one eyed flirting pirate is behind them also staring me down!) ?
It was clearly time for walkies before rest and dinner and now that the sleet plus freezing rain is coming down fast, no time too soon to have made that happen!
AND…….what better way to attract your attention!
We ONLY have a few more days to go to sell 10 more tickets.
If we do not sell 10 more tickets by January 2nd, 2020, sadly, I shall lose my $100 deposit and the animals shall also miss out on some truly much needed support.
AND to sweeten the pot to all that have already bought tickets or will buy a ticket(s), your name will be entered into a draw to win a bakers dozen of The Boerksins famours homemade cinnamon buns!
Make Your Own Sign Nite!
January 16th, 2020
Time: 8:00 PM Start
Location: Don Cherry’s in Kanata
$15 for every ticket sold comes to Rescue and we shall be splitting the proceeds with Ottawa Rabbit Rescue.
You can choose a stencil from over 500+ designs OR custom make a sign all of your own.
Joyce shall be our amazing hostess once more AND come early, grab some drinks, snacks or dinner!
Please click on the LINK to purchase your own ticket(s)!
Please do consider supporting our cause….2020 promises to be our most needed year to date since our inception in 1996. ? We already have many new requests for our assistance of dogs plus horses in need of our highly specialised programs.
Thank you in advance for considering to come out to our Sign Night!
My last post of my night!
Even by putting across an xpen to keep them out of the kitchen for safety, trying to bake some famous homemade Boerskins cinnamon buns meets with a fan club!
Our three blind/deaf mice and you can see their Mama – BHRR’s Meadow in the background.
We want to send out our biggest and most heartfelt of thanks to everyone that stepped up to be special Secret Santa’s and to those that sent extra pessies to help make sure that no one was missed! YOU have given the BHRR dogs a really amazing XMAS! One that so many have never experienced in their lives of safety, health, happiness and love. THANK you!
I know people are waiting for our traditional Xmas Eve Photo shoot yet, in working XMAS Eve and throughout the Holidays, this photo shoot will have to be delayed for a few more days!
Thank you also from our hearts to each and every person that stepped up to assist us with the blind/deaf mice! They are now over 14 months of age and only BHRR’s Glacier is beginning to show some of the DM health signs of IS at this time……
I shall also be removing Summit’s remaining eye – he does not see from it – yet, our hope to allow him to keep it, has not panned out as we wished. He also is battling chronic eye infections and is in great discomfort these days. He will join his siblings who had double eye eneucleations earlier in 2019.
Without all of you, they would not have been able to have this opportunity of a great quality filled life and they live their best lives every day!
They romp and roam in our 3+ acres with all of the other dogs and we continue to not treat them as being different.
Their noses are finely honed in with the scent training I have done with them and their touch training continues to excel.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, please know how much we appreciate you and do be safe out there over the next day or so….the weather and roads shall be brutal. Good night from us to all of you!
Technically, it is not considered being on the couch – and therefore breaking the no couch rule – if ones front legs are still on the floor right?!
BHRR’s Granite, one of our BHRR Puppy Pile at Sunday’s 8th annual BHRR Thank You Potluck!
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!
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 almost 25 years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 20th, 2019 to Friday January 3rd, 2020 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Saturday January 4th, 2020!
As always during this time, BHRR is available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need. We shall also 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
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!
More Monday Thanksgiving Photo’s!
October 14th, 2019
Two very familiar and deeply loved long-time fabu dogs of BHRR!
BHRR’s Iron Man, Maverick(AKA Million Dollar Man) & BHRR’s Gretta(One of our Freedom Danes from the PAWS R Us bust September 2011).
BHRR’s Mavie is now working on turning 8 years of age and BHRR’s Gretta will turn 9 years young in November.
Both are doing extremely well. Some understandable arthritis and while Mr. Mavie still loves the camera, Miss Gretta still remains very much terrified of camera’s, especially a flash.
While BHRR’s Gretta has a special Secret Santa, BHRR’s Maverick does not yet, have one of his very own. He is hoping that someone will step up.
BHRR’S Meadows face!
(Heavily blanketed Harlequin)
She remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
For those who do not remember, she is the Mama to the three blind/deaf mice and the fight was equally long and hard to save her. Sadly, I still cannot get the home to let the dad go(a white special needs Dane himself). I will not give up even though the hope gets slimmer by each passing day….
BHRR’S Meadow does not seem to be impressed by one of my Texans(Zero – deaf/visually impaired) not using the gate the proper way!
BHRR’s Bell(Deaf/Blind on her left side) is also seen in this photo! She is now part of our Haven program.
My Zero seems most interested in the yummy smells being emitted from the kitchen as we prepare for our family Thanksgiving dinner here.
Whatever you are doing today, may it be a safe, happy and healthy day for all…..from our home to all of yours Happy Thanksgiving!
My last post of my night!
I have a very rare thing happening and that is two days off in a row from work at the Hospital and am going to enjoy every minute tonight with family!
Here are the three blind/deaf mice ‘telling’ me earlier that it was time for dinner! I tried putting an xpen around my desk to attempt to get a little bit more work done, yet, their internal clocks said ‘NOPE, it was dinner time’ and so, it was!
Hard to believe that they are almost 1 year of age!
You can see Summit’s one eye and sadly, it too shall have to be enucleated. Though, he also had no sight in the eye, it was not bothering him the way his other one was or for his siblings when they were wee.
Now, sadly, he has developed a cherry eye and he is also battling his own level of chronic pain and infection.
We had hoped(his specialist and I) that it could be saved yet, it, too shall have to be removed.
The three of them are thriving otherwise and we still may have to remove teeth yet, to date they mouths/jaws are developing overall quite well.
To those that felt that they did not deserve a great quality filled life, I still say ‘shame on you.’. To those that have met them and even at our annual DINE WITH THE DOGGIES EVENT, they were perfectly behaved, our guests saw how much that they are living their best lives each and every day.
They go out with all the dogs, they can maneuver in the 3+ acre fenced in yard independently due to all of their set up for success scent training and they are treated no differently than any of the other really deserving amazing dogs here!
I have said this many times over, they are normal to them and to us…as, they know life in no other way!
They are healthy, strong – BHRR’s Sleet is not as hardy as her brothers YET, never tell her that! She keeps Summit in line, they are happy, they are smart, they are affectionate, loving, gentle – well, most of the time, they stand their ground and are not light weights in allowing anyone to push them around and this is because we have been bringing them up that there is nothing that they cannot do, that they are not different, that they are not to be babied, that we do not feel sorry for them, we taught them that they are important and deserving and that they are deeply loved! They are so much more confident plus comfortable in their own skin now.
They are not perfect…far from it…they have behavioural quirks and traits and we have to be careful re: over-stimulation, especially for BHRR’s Sleet yet, she ROCKED over 40 guests at our house at the end of September without hesitation.
We will see in time what other health issues they may develop as that is the nature of the beast with these special needs Danes. The closer they will get to age three the more the genetic markers of behavioural and medical issues shall really emerge.
They are a lifetime of deep commitment and dedication and we will give that to them!
AND If you know of a special needs Great Dane that needs rescue assistance, please do reach out to us! This is our mandate! Why we exist.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, the warmest of good night wishes are being sent and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Another piece of my heart died tonight…..
BHRR’s Salem.
From once terrified, confused, suffering and alone in a high kill pound to a bit shy to start yet, extremely loyal to a fault and deeply loving.
You are the dog that would have laid her life down for those that you trusted and adored.
There were no half measures with you. You were all in or out. One always knew where they stood with you. Such an honest dog. .
You also recognized insincerity in people in an instant. You easily knew who was a good person and who was not. Your stunning wise eyes did not just see into people’s souls, they read them.
Your heart, your beauty, your intelligence and BHRR events shall never be the same again knowing that you will not be there plunking yourself down in the ‘prime’ real estate parts – front door and cash – to get the maximum number of belly rubs possible!
AND those high-fives! World champion high fiver! You expressed so much emotion in your high-fives.
You have been taken from us way too soon….7 years young is not near enough time to have made enough memories and for you to have had enough experiences of loving kind caring hands….not hurtful, abusive cruel ones.
As with all of our doggies lost to us; there are no words that will ever truly do you justice BHRR’s Salem.
You will be dearly missed and at least when it was your time to cross over you were held in my dear embrace, stroking your fur gently and telling you what a beautiful special girl you are. How cherished and sorry that I was that you would not have another sunrise or sunset……
Though, this was my first time back at KAH since I left on June 1st after 15+ years; I could not imagine not having had the people that have been there for you since Day 1 – me too! – by your side.
Thank you to my KAH heart family members of Dr. Adams and Chelsea who not only warmly welcomed me yet comforted me with words and yup, two hugs – right into my Gwennie bubble…..
RIP glorious lady Salem…..and as with all of our beloved animals, I will meet you in my dreams until we shall meet in person once more…..
BHRR’s Singe!
He had his annual tonight and did so well! He is always a bit shy to start with people he does not know and warms up quite well. Once he makes friends, he likes to share the drool of love, the Dane leans plus get tummy rubs.
He now weighs almost 136 pounds and though still very lean, even for me a bit leaner than I would like, he has now put on another 8.52 pounds since we last weighed him. Since he first arrived to us, he is now 27 pounds heavier!
Slow but sure..as told to his Vet this boy has been a big struggle with the weight gain and we still feed 5 small frequent meals daily including the one that he gets just before bed as that has been the biggest difference for getting him to put on the weight.
He was given a thumbs up – he is so much stronger in his hind end than he once was and always will have some issues and that is him from his past care – and thank you to Dr. Ammar, Tianna, Morgan & Ashley for giving him such a great experience!
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AND he did fantastic with the Clinic Cat – Miss Pearl!
He remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving home and this boy will be a transitional adoption so we do not have him go backwards in his weight.
AND said home must be within 1 hour of our location.
SOMEONE fell asleep on the job!
THIS is not a staged photo! I put the broom against the hutch to go do another load of laundry and came back to BHRR’s Glacier(one of the Three Blind/Deaf Mice) asleep like this!
Sean took this picture!
The Boerskins are busy getting everything ready for our upcoming BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House and also our Monday Volunteer Information Session.
On that note; we have had a home cancel for tomorrow’s BHRR “EXPERIENCE” Mini Open House. This was a full registered attendee event.
If there is a home that wishes to attend, please do email myself gwen@birchhaven.org
Our next BHRR “EXPERIENCE” mini open house shall not be until June 2020.
My three deaf/blind mice want to ask what size of Stuffies comes after Giant? JUMBO?!
They are now almost 8 months of age! Where has the time gone?!
The Dane Trio shall be heading back to the Vets in about 2 months time to determine if they may need to have extractions once their adult teeth come in and see how their alignment has developed as they have matured.
They also wish to thank ALL of the angels to date that have made a donation to help their new Great Dane friend, the emaciated, neglected, abused BHRR’s Rion from the drug situation.
Donations to BHRR’s Rion’s care can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, we are wishing everyone a good night!
I am off to spend my night with BHRR’s Rion.
My last post of my night….
Thank you SO much to BHRR’s Burst’s wonderful temp foster Mama in tagging me in this photo!
Her big foster sister is named Phoebe!
BHRR’s Burst(Lab/Dane) is still Available For Adoption to that right matched forever loving home.
To all of our friends, family plus supporters, please remember to tell your loved ones how much you care about them…..life is fragile…..no one knows what tomorrow shall bring.
The BHRR Puppy Pile x 7 of Granite is at his own overnight play date tonight!
You were such a great boy at work today and have a wonderful date night!
You have come SOOOOOOO far and I am bursting with pride for you…..
My three blind/deaf mice are growing up!
They are now 7 months of age and not much difference between them and my special needs GD ‘Salt’, who turned 4 in April.
AND all are never far from where I am…..even dragging blankets around to be near me! They find it hard to drag the XL Costco dog beds around….for now!
AND yes, Summit is a bit dirty – lots of fun digging with BHRR’s Volt in the dirt!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters, good night wishes being sent!
UPDATE: AND BHRR’s Burst is now tucked into her Approved temp foster home!
She remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right match forever loving home!
Going to miss this dynamo of a girl!
AND we are on our way
We are going to see if this home is a right matched temp foster for BHRR’s Burst!
Everything crossed!
NOTE: we are still seeking an approved BHRR temp foster home for BHRR’s Sawyer also.
Remember, if you are an Approved BHRR adoptive home, you are also an approved temp foster home plus Volunteer.
May 1st, 2019
ALL I wanted was to do a weekly clean/purge of the fridge prior to making dinner….brought the garbage can in and thought that I could throw a load of laundry in before I started….
Had the kitchen free and clear and came back to this….Salt even grabbed a blanket and dragged it in to lay on!
Had a few (8) supervisors overseeing my work!
Talk about ‘laying down on the job’ though!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters warmest good night wishes being sent!
The Dane Trio(My 3 blind/deaf mice)
March 24th, 2019
BHRR’s Glacier & BHRR’s Sleet are smelling something wonderful – no idea what!? – and Summit is loving the ice/snow!
They are looking fabu in their Wiggle Bumz Collars!
Thanks SO much Ellie & Jennifer!
Miss Flower UPDATE:
Unfortunately, I must sincerely apologise that quite a few of our supporters are already aware before BHRR had the proper opportunity to post that Miss Flower was euthanised today.
Sadly, I was at work today when she was taken to the Vet by Poet’s Vision due to rapidly declining health – stopped eating, drinking and walking – and I was not in a position to post an update on our page.
We believe in full disclosure and our intent was to make a post ASAP. I remain so sorry that our post on our page is coming at this time.
I truly cannot express to all of our friends, family plus supporters what it has meant to our hearts to have had you rally so strongly around this 7 week old Maremma baby in our efforts to give her the best chance possible.
We never even made it to the MRI stage.
An already horrible day has just been that much more devastating with this wee pups loss.
To the kind angel that donated funds for an XL Costco dog bed, you have now been refunded.
To the other kind angel that donated yesterday, your monies have also now been refunded.
All other generous loving donations that came directly to BHRR for Miss Flower were used towards her Vet Bills including for a fecal, food, de-worming etc. and please do know how incredibly appreciative we remain for your kindness.
Once, we obtain the credit for the food return – wet & dry, should anyone wish to have their beautiful donation returned, please do not hesitate to let me know – gwen@birchhaven.org
Please do join me in lighting a candle for a sweet soul whose life was over far too soon….
What a really brutally terrible day it has been……
Miss Flower! UPDATE:
Held lovingly in my arms at Alta Vista Emerge.
She had her consult with the neurologist yesterday and Dr. Jull feels she has either hydrocephalus and/or a cyst located in or near the cerebella that is causing pressure on the brain stem.
There is a possible condition that can cause increased pressure and a random pain response they are wondering if that is why there is so much vocalisation. At this time, I do not have the name of that condition. I was not able to be at the consult yesterday and I am very thankful to Tanya for being able to take her and then coming to see me at KAH afterwards!
Her weight was 7.1 kgs at KAH. She has not yet gained since she came into rescue and we are hoping that this shall come shortly. For she is quite skinny.
At the moment they do not feel there is a malformation of the brain stem itself.
Doing a MRI is the next step for Miss Flower.
Depending on what they see – potentially having a stint placed or medical management.
They also found what they believe is none related pain at the thoracic and lumbar spine, at the moment it’s nothing concerning but they needed to mention it.
Attached in the thread is a copy of the estimate provided….there is also a cerebral spinal fluid tap on the estimate.
We did run a fecal, she is being de-wormed and her special food should be arriving today.
I am in touch with Wigglebumz to have a custom balance harness made for her. With her blindness, neuro issues and severe hearing impairment, this is most safe for her.
I am sending to Tanya who is going to temp foster her moving forward – thank you again to Randy/Emily FOR all you have done as her temp fosters!, a Giant stuffie donated to us by the truly lovely Martina.
I am also stealing one of my XL Costco dog beds from one of the dogs here for her yet, if anyone may consider donating one for her, we would be so so so appreciative. Do let me know!
We also picked up another week of meds for her from the neurologist- Keppra, Omeprazole and Trazodone. We will order those moving forward from KAH.
Tanya from Poet’s Vision is hosting a flash auction so please do consider looking over the beautiful items! Link below.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/poetsvision/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2310935585639815
If anyone may consider this 7 week old Maremma’s cause, donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
On behalf of Tanya, Miss Flower and myself, a million thanks many times over for the love plus support that has been given to date!
This puppy needs her Army to give her everything that she needs…..we remain deeply humbled for any consideration given.
BHRR’s Juneau UPDATE
Having a wonderful roll….the simplest of things give him so much pleasure.
We had an ECHO, X-rays & an u/s done – he got a big thumbs up as being a reactive dog, it was not easy on him yet I am so proud of him.
Trazodone has been a big aid in assisting in bringing down his anxiety and stress levels.
For we needed to do these diagnostics and ASAP. Confirmation is that yes, he does have a Grade 3 HM & a mass/tumour in his intestines.
Information shared with us……
German Shepherds are one of two breeds – Collies are the other that are most represented for intestinal tumours. Males also being most represented in respect to intestinal tumours.
Bloodwork indicates an abnormally low level of protein plus elevated liver enzymes. A calcium test showed elevated levels.
Xrays show that his lungs are clear at this time yet his liver and spleen are enlarged.
We are waiting on the interpretation report yet possible lymphoma has been discussed.
Still so surprised and saddened that we were not provided with the paperwork/information of the HM and the mass prior to his arrival. We received a hardcopy of these medical findings when we met the transport to pick him up.
While it makes nor would have made a difference re: our commitment to him, it would have helped us be better prepared for his arrival to ensure that whatever he needed was done even more promptly.
His skin issues and allergies are the least of his problems….
Treating each day as a gift with him!
Thank you to every generous plus caring angel that has made a donation to date for his mounting Vet Bills.
Donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Oh behalf of BHRR’s Juneau sending good night wishes to all of our friends, family plus supporters….
Easter dinner is best when it is pulled off the stand and then shared with family! ??
Two of my three blind/deaf mice! They turned 6 months old today too!
Miss *Flower* UPDATE & Video #2
As promised, we are now providing the second video and most recent update on the 7 week old Maremma puppy.
At Alta Vista Animal Emergency, the truly wonderful Dr. Jones did a thorough exam including a neuro assessment. She then conversed with Tanya, myself and her amazing temp fosters Randy/Emily.
The next step was for Dr. Jones to reach out to Dr. Jull, the neurologist and discuss a plan to be put in place.
Miss Flower has now been scheduled to see Dr. Jull @ 11:30 AM tomorrow.
Miss Flower was placed on the following medications to help ‘slow’ down the firing of her brain, to calm her down re: agitation and she was also placed on Omeprazole 5 mg – 1 BID. She was put on Keppra 250 mg ½ tablet TID and Trazodone 50 mg ½-3/4 tablet to be given BID and can be given up to TID.
We received the results of her bloodwork a few minutes ago and they are normal for a puppy of her age. Tanya will be dropping off a urine sample as part of the panel that we paid for over the next several days.
I will be ordering special food for her tomorrow and once a copy of her Vet Records are sent to KAH, we can begin her de-worming protocols plus do a fecal test.
This Video was taken the next day after being at Alta Vista Animal Emerge.
She still turns right and she still does cry YET nothing like she was!
Please take note that NONE of this would be possible without EACH of you, her incredible rescue angels that have stood up to help us in her extreme urgent time of need! You are inspirational, you are awesome and you are lifesaving with your kindness plus generosity. Thank you!
Is this a puppy that should have been instantly killed? Does this look like a puppy that does not deserve the opportunity for Poet’s Vision and BHRR and her ever growing team of Vets plus Specialists to first find out what is going on so that we can make the best informed decision re: her future?
AND to the one person that felt that the Breeder was doing the right thing in wanting to kill her…that Breeder did NOTHING for her, other than threaten to kill her if Rescue did not step up. Puppies are to be de-wormed beginning at 2 weeks of age and every two weeks up to 10 weeks of age after that for starters – this was not done; there were not any fecals done, no progress Vet exams, no monitoring to see if she was gaining/thriving etc. She was kept in a barn. This is not a r/q Breeder that cares about preserving the Maremma breed and to continue to improve upon their own lines.
Thanks to Poet’s Vision and BHRR coming together to step up to help this wee doll, she will lack for nothing and be given all that she needs and any decision regarding her welfare shall only be made based upon all the information possible to be gathered.
Both of our Rescues are special needs groups and we deal with heartache, devastation and horrors daily and we remain deeply humbled plus forever indebted to all those that continue to believe in not just the efforts of our respective organizations YET also believe that animals like Miss Flower deserve this chance…..
For anyone that may consider her cause; donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
I am working tomorrow so shall not be at the neurologist appointment yet Tanya shall be there and we will then update ASAP after that. After the appointment, with my own home being full right now, Tanya shall take over the temp fostering of Miss Flower for this puppy is clearly not ‘just’ blind as originally told to us. There is a lot more going on. THANK you Randy/Emily for ALL that you have done for her! You are both absolutely fantastic fosters!
***EDITING to add as several seem to think that this GSD is BHRR’s Juneau, he is NOT. This is our own GSD Denali, a PTSD in training.
Anyone that has been following BHRR’s Juneau would be aware that any interaction of this kind would have been disastrous.***
*Flower* UPDATE
This is Video #1. There shall be TWO Video’s posted of Miss Flower.
This video is to demonstrate why we were at the really amazing VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Emergency Hospital yesterday.
I took this video(her lovely foster Mama Emily is holding/rocking her – Miss Flower has already scented off her). Emily and Randy are her wonderful foster parents.
This is her crying and as mentioned in our first URGENT EMERGENCY Post; she cries like this when she is awake, all the time and also continually goes to her right. That is what brought all of us straight to the Emergency Room yesterday.
She is a 7 week old Maremma puppy and two special needs rescues – Poet’s Vision plus BHRR have come together to step up and work together as a team to assist her.
AND THANK you from our hearts to her temp foster parents, to the truly wonderful Dr. Jones and to the equally wonderful tech Kristina at Alta Vista AND to each of YOU, her beautiful supporters of both Poet’s Vision plus BHRR that have come together to surround this girl with love and kindness with your caring words plus life saving donations in her big time of need!
Both BHRR and Poet’s Vision Aussie Rescue are in a huge financial strain right now and by working together, we work to give Miss Flower the absolute best of both groups.
We were informed by the Breeder that this puppy was blind and it quickly became apparent that there is a lot more going on than just blindness. The Breeder was planning on killing her should she not be taken in by Rescue. We did not even know if she could hear and both Tanya plus I greatly suspected that something neurological was playing a big factor.
Her Vet at Alta Vista concurs – per their notes –
‘Presenting Concern – Neurological
Diagnosis- open – infection, congenital brain disease, hydrocephalus’
A plan was put into place and we will post our second video to demonstrate in more detail what that plan is and how the implementation of it is going……
Donations to her care can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com AND I also know that Tanya is posting on her Rescue page – Poet’s Vision Aussie Rescue.
AND to assure all that our focus in our respective organisations is always about quality over quantity and all decisions being made are informed ones.
BHRR’s Juneau UPDATE:
Upon his arrival to myself on Wednesday evening, I was handed a folder. In said folder was what I believed to be the records for what we had been informed to date on him.
We had already received a soft copy of his owner surrender plus the vaccines that he was given in March. We were missing all of the documentation re: why he was on pred, cefaseptin, special diet etc. and felt that the Vet’s findings and notes would be in the hardcopies given.
Unfortunately, those records were not given yet we were given records re: medical concerns that we had not been aware of. He has a Grade 2/3 HM and also a mass/tumour was felt in his caudal abdomen. The words of tumour, lymphoma and intestinal tumour were used and the recommendation to have an Echo and further diagnostics were given. We also were not aware that he had originally been surrendered to one pound on March 7 and transferred to another pound in April – the day after he was neutered.
We had stepped up to commit to this GS and if we had known about these additional medical conditions, we could have better prepared for his arrival and get everything needed in place for him.
We were heading into a long weekend and now are incredibly concerned re: these findings in that paperwork.
I brought him to work with me yesterday and we got a weight on him – he is down and he is quite thin.
The other thing I wanted and anyone that knows me knows I am not a Med pusher and rarely use, then only as necessary and this poor dog needed more Trazadone. We need to get him to a level that he can focus again and go back to basics and build him back up.
I do not believe in using these meds as a crutch. I believe in his case – and I deal with the severely behavioural dogs – that the meds’ that they had him on at the pound should continue and we can take it one step at a time to get him to a good place and go from there.
He is so messed up in his head. He does not know if he is coming or going nor what is expected of him. He is confused, scared, lacks confidence and has been trying to understand and take care of himself in a world where he has not been given any choices and is emotionally hurting. His anxiety level is high yet already we are coming down…..used classical music at work for him too when he was in the run there and very proud of him!
I do not know what his exercise level was before he was dumped at the pound – I could make an expert input position statement on that – for his mental and physical stimulation plus wellbeing yet since March 7, I can guarantee that he did not have those needs fulfilled.
He is frustrated…..so today, and while it rained like a holy terror – we are getting up to 60 mm of rain today – it was perfect for him and I to go to a small subdivision near us and walk….
Not too much outside stimulus in this weather and we got to know each other better – he loves water and he also got to roll in what at some point in time, I believe shall turn into grass!
We got back to nature and the first loop we did, you could see his mixture of hyper alertness with lack of confidence mixing in with the sheer joy of a walk, even in this brutal rainfall. Yet, the more we walked, the more confident he became…his head came up higher, his tail and body posture relaxed and he began to do a more beautiful typical GS movement over slinking/crouching.
We took lots of opportunities to sniff – not overly interested yet he rolled on the ground and splashed in puddles and by the time we finished our second loop, he was enjoying himself a bit. Each time he saw my car he wanted to pull me over yet, a small word plus touch of reassurance, passively ignoring and I was patient. He would then proceed in the direction I asked of him.
I am not getting into a tug of war match nor going to force him or any dog yet I presented him with opportunities and at times, he got to choose what we did or rather he did – I was NOT rolling in the dead grass or puddles! – and at times, I made the decision. What this did for his mental state was huge….he will realise he is important and that I am not going to bully him or drag him.
He was fine with what few cars went by other than one and he made a half sorta effort attempt to jump yet collected well under direction.
I was told how strong he was on his transport and as someone who deals daily with 150+ Pound idjit brained untrained Giants, he was a kitten…. Yet, manners 101 is what we want and by the time our soggy walk was over, there was virtually zero pulling.
Tons of praise for him!
AND tons of praise to him for there is this one home that does not keep their dog in check and on our last loop, the dog came right for BHRR’s Juneau and was barking and circling him and not one peep or lunge from BHRR’s Juneau. I made sure I placed myself accordingly too.
The owner came out, hauled their dog back across the street to their property and stupidly enough, let their dog go yet I was ready and so was BHRR’s Juneau. Not a peep, body stance very aware and he did a re-direction jump towards me as he was trying to keep his eye on the dog and his stress level began to escalate and I remained calm and told him three times he was ok and what a good boy he was. The owner dragged his dog back again and throughout it all, I said not one word to the Owner or his dog.
My focus and attention was solely on BHRR’s Juneau and he handled this pressure moment exceedingly well.
People may note his muzzle….this is a basket muzzle and it gives him impulse control plus self-control. It is also not a crutch. It is an excellent training and behavioural aid.
Dogs can wear basket muzzles for many reasons ranging from those that hoover everything in sight when they are out, to medical – recovering from surgery or in BHRR’s Juneau’s case, to keep him away from his skin to breed bans – which I do not agree with breed bans.
This boy is reactive and this gives him a measure of calm and it is amazing how he just relaxes when it comes out. I associate it with something good when it goes on – PB and leash for a car ride or walk – and is not a punishment.
This boy needs a lot of work to get him to a point of liking himself, being able to make good choices – and he may well never 100% get to that point in all scenarios and that is ok!, having the proper level of confidence, to learn how to trust and for him to know that I shall never lay a hurting hand on him. Ever. No one ever shall again.
We have much to figure out more re: his heart and that tumour/mass and today was his first step in learning how to be a dog and seeing that I gave him a good experience and I was open in my clear plus effective communication that hopefully shall make tomorrow an even better day….
There will be many steps backwards yet this boy has tons of potential and I commit myself to him with my whole heart in helping him become the best dog he can be.
Gwennie Novel yet to all of his growing fan club and to even those who think GS are evil, it is important to update you! For without our supporters, we are nothing…..I could not do this without your belief…..
Thank you with sheer humbled warmth from my heart for that….
**URGENT!** **EMERGENCY!**
Yesterday, fellow rescuer Tanya of special needs dogs – Poet’s Vision reached out to myself asking if BHRR could take in a blind 7 week old Maremma pup.
Poet’s Vision is in the same position as BHRR, a big financial crisis yet, together we made the commitment that we would work as a team to give this baby the best chance – we were told that the Breeder was planning on killing the pup – and so we would dig deep and then even deeper to step up to help. We then put a plan in place to rescue this puppy.
Poet’s Vision, if you do not already know them, takes in dogs like BHRR, as their mandate is also to assist special needs dogs – we focus on the giants and they the smaller dogs & we both have the same goal at heart. 98% of the dogs we help are special needs and same goes for them. There are extreme few groups that do this and we are so appreciative of all those that surround these dogs in our respective groups with their caring support….
With this kind of rescue comes not just huge time plus emotional responsibilities yet big financial responsibilities too. The commitment and heart that it takes to do this to the quality level necessary is immense.
This little girl was picked up yesterday and not long after it became very apparent that there was more than just blindness going on. She screams constantly while she is awake and turns to the right continually. We are not even sure at this point if she can hear. Her head is misshapen and almost swollen.
On behalf of this sweet baby if anyone has anything they may be able to spare, with the most heartfelt humbled thanks from my heart, we would be immensely thankful plus forever indebted….
Donations can be made to PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Alta Vista Animal Hospital does not collect donations directly any longer.
This pic is of *Flower* laying on my chest at Alta Vista. The only time she is not screaming is when she sleeps….
We are also doing a thorough blood panel on her including UA.
We will post an update ASAP and I know Tanya has also posted a plea on her own group page – Poet’s Vision Aussie Rescue.
I know it is Good Friday and it is time to be with friends plus family and today, I am with part of my cherished rescue family at the Emergency Hospital and thank you to my human family at home for being understanding of where I am needed right now….
R/q rescue is about sacrifice and thank you Sean, Mason & Kinsley for being who you are….
Got him!
Thanks so MUCH Maira and to all of the Freedom Driver transport angels for helping to get him closer to me…..
On my way home now…
GS Transport UPDATE:
Maira has him – we are going to call him BHRR’s Juneau – and I will be leaving shortly to meet up with her.
Maira found him to be ‘super friendly and not aggressive at all’.
It is so disturbing how people can label dogs. This has cost many a dog their life and that is beyond tragic.
People need to remember that a reactive dog is not trying to GIVE us a hard time, they are trying to tell us that they are HAVING a hard time. If, we as humans do not listen to this, they ‘can’ cross that threshold into aggressiveness. Therefore, we MUST listen and act accordingly.
As someone that has put 14 years of post secondary education into behaviour plus psychology; is the expert behavioural consult for several pounds, shelters plus busts, who takes CE courses, seminars plus classes yearly, it really distresses plus frustrates me to see so many amazing dogs ‘given up on’ by having been given a label.
Labeling is dangerous…….this dog almost died April 10th and if I, by sheer chance did not see the final plea post by those angels working so hard to save him, he would have been killed. This happens daily to thousands of dogs across North America, they are destroyed.
Remember that behaviour is not just genetic in nature, environment plays a huge part.
Soon….very soon we shall meet….at last BHRR’s Juneau.
You may not be a Great Dane/Giant yet you fall well within our mandate as you are a special needs – medical and behavioural. AND that is why we are here!
He is ON his way!
To all involved, please drive safe and Maira see you tonight!
Maira – an extra special shout out of thanks being sent to you for offering to do the extra legs so that he can be in the least amount of hands possible.
We have been told that since he was dumped at the pound, he has air snapped – at a Vet while two staff were restraining him, hates his collar/neck touched and in general being manipulated.
This is VERY revealing plus important information re: his current level of high stress and also his past……
He has medical issues of allergies, skin infections and is on meds – antibiotics and pred.
Soon dear boy….soon…..I cannot wait to meet you! It has been a very long week….
AND thank you to all of the rescue angels that have made a donation to date…..
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org OR via Email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
AND a gentle reminder to anyone that feels that as a GS he is not worthy of being helped and think that he should have just been destroyed as he is a ‘bad’ dog; that really is not a fair or kind statement.
As always, people are welcome to their own opinions yet our page is not the forum that will be used for anyone to promote breed fear or false information re: GS or any other breed for that matter.
His breed does not automatically make him a bad, evil or what one person said ‘a baby killer’ breed type of dog. That is such an awful, horrible comment to have seen someone make the other night. His breed should not automatically mean he should have been put to sleep.
Thank you also to those that continue to support our efforts and believe as strongly as we do that this 1 year old boy was deserving to have us offer to help him in his final moments of life for his time was up at the pound…..
GSD Update:
Transport is being attempted for Wednesday….everything crossed.
This rescue will be burned in my soul forever…..he literally had run out of time…..
For those who did not see my original post on April 10th, here is a copy:
1 year old Male GS – Not a Dane/Giant yet he is special needs
This is whose time was up today and at the tender age of just barely 1 was to be put to sleep.
His crime? Being special needs – like many Sheps, he has skin issues – allergies and is on special food, antibiotics plus Pred. His other crimes? Being smarter than his previous owner and being a GS.
He has inappropriate displays of behaviour and medical needs. Nothing that should have given him a death sentence…..he deserved a proper opportunity re: having a great future.
His story is not a new one for many dogs out there and his time ran out today….
I was actually shocked to note that no group had stepped up for him previously and today he came on my radar as not having been saved as of yet….
AND we posted an urgent call for one of our BHRR approved Volunteer homes to please consider emergency temp fostering one of the following dogs so we could step up to assist – BHRR’s Burst(Lab/Dane), BHRR’s Sawyer(Saint/Pyr) or BHRR’s Char(Dane) – and for the first time in over 23 years no one stepped up….
I knew that going to bed tonight with the knowledge that this dear young GS, like so many others was going to be put to sleep with his last days having been in a pound….his anxiety levels had greatly increased over the days spent there and he would not have a loving soul hold him as he took his last breaths, tormented plus haunted me.
So, I did step up to help him in his final hours of life and even though none of our approved homes reached out in this urgent time of need to emerge temp foster, I could not let this boy be killed.
So, what we are asking at this time is if anyone may consider making a donation so we can pay for temporary boarding for one of our BHRR dogs….
Any donation can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Thank you in advance for any consideration for not only would I be deeply humbled, I know if this young GS could talk – with manners! – he would equally like to thank you for helping to save his life….
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters may all of us be able to rest our heads in relative peace tonight…..
*Photo is one that was sent to us of him*
These are double merles Danes. Mother is a heavily blanketed Harle and Dad is white.
For Dalmations it is the ‘Piebald’ gene and in Aussies is also the ‘Merle’ gene.
Dogs with the merle, piebald, or extreme white piebald genes can all be special needs.
Congenital deafness has been found in over 80 different breeds, but it may be found in any breed. Those dogs with spots, dapples, or merle coats or those with white skin or fur are predisposed to congenital deafness. The most commonly affected breed is the Dalmatian, of which there are almost 30% that are deaf.
Congenital Blindness
Affected dogs have prominent third eyelids and small eyes which appear recessed in the eye socket (enophthalmos). A defect early in development results in the smaller than normal eye (microphthalmia).This is often associated with other eye abnormalities, including defects of the cornea, anterior chamber, lens and/or retina. Microphthalmia is also seen with coloboma – a cleft in a portion of the eye, particularly the iris.
Microphthalmia with multiple defects (ocular dysgenesis) is often seen in dogs with a merle hair coat with excessive amounts of white or all white.These dogs are frequently blind.
There is no treatment for the structural defects. Complications that may develop are things like glaucoma
Ocular abnormalities that may be seen with ocular dysgenesis and merling with excessive white in the coat, include microphthalmia, microcornea, heterochromia irides, cataract, staphyloma, retinal detachment, irregular pupil, white to blue iris (albino), angle dysgenesis, iris coloboma, and blindness.
Anterior cleavage syndrome,or anterior ocular dysgenesis, has been seen in association with microphthalmia. In addition to other ocular abnormalities as seen above, the anterior chamber, pupil and iridocorneal angle are not formed. The anterior uvea is continuous with the posterior cornea. Pups are blind.
As they get ready to go to bed shortly – they are hanging out by my computer snoozing! – The Dane Trio(6 months old now) would like to gently remind everyone about our 8th Annual ‘1-on-1’ Special Date With A BHRR Dog Online Auction!
To view the 26 amazing dates that we have up for grabs – we have DAY and OVERNIGHT Dates – please do visit THIS LINK for all of the details and to bid!
We currently have bids of $600!
Our unique Date Auction Event ends 9:00 PM EST on Thursday April 18th, 2019!
BHRR’s Connery
Waiting patiently in line for his timbits for being such a good boy!
Per the recommendation made, we did both a CT and a MRI for while CT images will identify most meningiomas and choroid plexus papillomas but can fail to identify gliomas. They did not offer a CT biopsy option so that we could biopsy the tumour at that time to determine just what tumour.
It had been suggested to us that the BHRR’s Connery had a brain tumour and so we proceeded to doing the further diagnostics required.
From there palliative care based upon his physical symptoms and behaviour was strongly recommended.
We will be continuing to host small flash auctions as we can for we now have two MRI’s and one CT scan as part of our mounting Vet Bills.
My heart does break for this handsome boy…..he was once emaciated – he has put on over 40 pounds to date, neglected, abused, had parasites, eye infections, skin and wound infections, trauma from being a HBC and then finally being diagnosed as having a brain tumour.
This year has seen us assist dogs that came to us as special needs as that is what we do and upon arrival they were far more special needs than originally indicated.
Well that looks awkward!!!
The Dane Trio of BHRR’s Glacier had a great play session in this glorious weather & is now out like a light!
Crashed out right on top of the giant turtle stuffie donated so generously by Martina.
Summit was not far behind though!
WTG!! Very proud of their target practise results!
BHRR’s Glacier was still snoozing away in the back seat at this point!
AND the moment BHRR’s Sleet *scented* off Kinsley when she got off the bus!
Immediate ‘hit’ on target! Yes!
Good girl BHRR’s Sleet!
Summit was still busy nuzzling me!
Summit & BHRR’s Sleet would like to gently remind everyone that our flash auction ends tonight – Friday March 29th @ 9 PM EST.
*this pic was taken as we waited at the end of our laneway for Kinsley*
Like many groups we have unexpected medical costs associated with several additions to our program and as a highly focused special needs rescue – especially with the Giants, those bills are running very high.
BHRR’s Connery saw Dr. Philibert today for his ortho consult.
We will be now moving to a neurological consult and will have an appointment sent up with Dr. Jull.
I had sent four video’s to Dr. Philibert of BHRR’s Connery walking, trotting and almost running plus the pictures of the x-rays that we took at the time of his neuter in February.
Per Dr. Philibert today:
“He seems to have mild muscle atrophy on his left hind limb compared to the right. However I cannot find an explanation on orthopedic exam. Radiographs of the hips look normal. The stifles are also normal although I see mild small flattening of lateral femoral condyles but that flattening is actually more obvious in the right stifle. The possible cause of this, if not normal for him, would be Osteochodrosis. But since there is no swelling or effusion and palpation of his knees is normal, I doubt it is a significant source of pain or lameness.
What worries me more is his wide stance on the hind legs, and poor placing of his hind feet. I recommend you have a consult with Dr Jull to see if he agrees that his problem may be more neurological, like Wobblers, and if it is, what work up would be needed.”
We are determined to keep quality of life first and foremost as a priority for him and will keep everyone posted as we can.
This photo is of him batting at me to rub his chest over taking a picture!
AND we now have 51 items in our latest flash auction to keep working on raising the much needed funds to pay for the mounting Vet Bills……
AND we will keep working to host flash auctions in our efforts to pay for the mounting Vet Bills.
AND this is what happens when your shoelace comes undone and you trip on it….falling on your tush!
You become ‘fresh meat’ for the extremely affectionate deaf/blind Dane Trio Puppies! They all think they are lap babies and want to be in my lap and snuggled plus lick my face….the problem is they are too big now.
AND there are three of them and only one lap of mine!
AND thanks so much Sean for taking a picture FIRST before coming to “rescue” me! LOL
I have to say though that one of my most precious moments is at night when BHRR’s Sleet comes on to my lap, puts her head on my shoulder and just wants to be held and rocked….it is so soothing to her. No matter how big she gets, we will continue to have this nightly moment of love!
I shall update after they have their latest recheck at the Vet today.
Happy Sunny Monday to all!
Another great walking pic of them.
Tell me how many hearing/seeing dogs, especially at the age of 5 months can walk so well all at once!
That is a lot of training, time, patience, love, understanding, structure, consistency, routine, knowledge and experience put into helping these deaf/blind Dane babies reach their full potential.
The Dane Trio – AKA my gorgeous Three Blind/Deaf Mice.
March 24th, 2019
5 months of age!
THIS is what your incredibly generous plus much needed support enables us to do.
They are all deaf/blind and we had to do double eye eneucleations on both BHRR’s Glacier & BHRR’s Sleet.
At this time, I only removed the one eye on Summit based upon detailed conversations with his Vet Team plus Specialist, Dr. Philibert. We all well know that we may end up having to remove that eye at some point due to continued chronic eye infections.
Today was a glorious day for a walk!
They are wearing their Wiggle Bumz collars!
We cannot do what we do without the truly amazing support of our friends, family plus supporters.
Thank you in not only believing in us yet in believing in all of these really inspirational special needs dogs that we are here to help live the best in quality filled lives.
Tomorrow, they are back at the Vets for their next recheck and we will be doing their next nail trims at that time too for as many who know me, know that I am always putting the dogs into the hands of others when they are ready! While it is a breeze for me to do their nails at home, even all by myself, I want and need them to keep being handled by others.
This is so important to help them become the most well rounded plus balanced dogs they can be!
Their training is going fantastic and they have been excellent students!
I think I need larger stuffies soon….what size comes after Giant?!
After a lovely outside play, a nice nap is in order…
The adorable ‘three blind mice’ AKA The deaf/blind Dane Trio.
They are 5 months old now!
Monday March 25th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: KAH
~1.5 hours needed.
Happy sunny Sunday wishes being sent to all!
They are now 4 months of age and yes, they still like to Puppy Pile on top of each other for nap time!
I think I am going to need biggie Stuffies soon!
Someone recently posted on our facebook page after seeing the Video re: housebreaking and if we are still paper training them. Here is my response:
We never paper trained BHRR’s Sleet or BHRR’s Glacier.
As Summit came to me super young – barely 6 weeks, he had pee pads for all of 24 hours for he picked up housetraining super fast. A friend of mine took care of him while I had to be away and she also found him really brill with his housetraining too.
Do the puppies still have the occasional accident, yes, but rare. They are only four months old and any accidents they do have is not their fault, it is the fault of the humans.
Like any new rescue, regardless of age that comes to us – for many 1, 3 or even older dogs often come to us not housebroken – they all go through the same training for housebreaking. After every play session, nap, eating or first thing in the morning or time-wise – we start at every 20-30 minutes and work our way in ever increasing time increments, they go outside.
We teach scent training and use a faint scent on the door we want them to use to ‘ask’ to go outside and it is a soft fruity scent. So, they learn on their own first by scent and then also by sensation – temp changes, breezes, sun, rain, snow etc.,
Most of these rare accidents will often be right in front of that door.
The Dane Trio rarely even messes in their crates either as I got up every couple of hours to let them out when they first arrived and now they sleep 6 hours straight wonderfully.
They all go out right before bed, are given their special yummy treats – often I will find them already in their crates waiting for me after I open up the door to let them back in and go get their treat, if I had not taken any with me when letting them back in.
What any dog needs is consistency, patience, time, structure, routine and clear open communication in a positive balanced learning and supportive environment.
In the mornings, they all now trot out the door and do their thing.
It was longer to teach then how to use the small ramp that Sean built for our mobility challenged dogs than it was to housebreak them.
Now, they think the ramp is a big game – up and down!
I always tell my behavioural and training clients, if you put all of the necessary efforts and work into things right from the start, you avoid bad habits developing.
We want dogs to be assets to home plus community and the Dane Trio are wonderful pups!
Someone recently posted on our facebook page after seeing the Video – and has not been the first time – re: their hearing and here is my posted response:
BHRR’s Sleet is 100% deaf
BHRR’s Glacier & Summit hear less than 5% – they can only extremely faintly hear some ‘tones’ and even then have no idea where it is coming from. They fall well under the definition of being defined as legally deaf.
It is the vibration they love of the squeaker & the mouth sensation of ‘squishing’ the squeakers.
They have a wide variety of toys that squish and crinkle and even rattle and some ball & KONG toys that even squeak.
They just loved this skinless stuffie that squeaked.
They have skinless stuffies yet none of them squeak and it is a new toy to them, so a big novelty.
I rotate toys every two weeks for all of the dogs to keep things fresh and stimulating.
Someone recently posted – and has not been the first time – on our facebook about how can I tell the Dane Trio Pups apart. Here is my posted response:
As the saying goes, ‘A mother knows’. They are all their own individuals with different personalities, likes/dislikes and they look quite different and are all uniquely their own dog. They are much more/different than just predominantly the colour of white.
They are all different sizes with BHRR’s Sleet being my small, feisty yet mighty girl and will take none of Summits’ ‘crap’. Such a beautiful girl. She is a survivor all the way. She is the most special needs of all three and no one better ever think about putting her into a bubble for she will burst out of it, offended and ready to prove to the world that she is no different than any other dog.
When things get too exciting for her or she feels overwhelmed, I have been the only one to be able to get her to sit, take the deep breaths in, re-collect and be able to come back and focus. When she is overwhelmed, she would grab and shake things to try and release her tension….she is so much better already.
She was really closed and shut in, frustrated that no one could understand or speak her language and now, she has been relaxing and being able to love life in ways that were once closed off.
She is a thinker, does not like to be told ‘no’ and can solve puzzles so fast. She is brilliant! She has done more for Summit’s bad boy ‘tude in a short period of time than I have done in many weeks. She so rules!
She has learned how to open xpens and crates and when she sets her mind to something….watch out!
She is a big risk taker….no fear this one!
She has taken a long time to love to snuggle and cuddle and now, she loves it and is alway crawling on my lap and laying her head on my shoulder. She loves to be rocked. Many special needs dogs can feel threatened by being held and I have worked very hard to demonstrate that touches are good and hands are loving and helpful, not hurtful.
She has had the most anxiety in the car almost from day one and so much improvement being made one baby step at a time.
BHRR’s Glacier is my ‘soft’ boy. Loves everyone and everything. He is happy from the moment he gets up to the moment he falls asleep. His world is full of so much sunshine and rainbows and happiness.
He is very smart in his own special way and he is incredibly loving.
He is my sensitive one. I have worked to build up his comfort and confidence and he is the follower, not the leader. Every time he does do something all on his own, he is praised and encouraged.
Due to his lowered confidence level, he has been the resourcer of the Trio and much patience, consistency, understanding plus time has and remains going into his training program in regards to this. Sharing the communal water bowls is pretty much a non issue now and the rest will come. He is only 4 months old and has already made wonderful progress. With no structure prior to myself getting them, it was a ‘fend’ for yourself mentality and now he is learning, we are here….we will take care of things and no one will lack for anything. He is learning he will get enough food and water and love and things will be ok.
If he could, he would be held in your arms all day, 24/7. He loves human contact and all of the dogs – his loves everything! – and he is the one that relies most strongly on finding my scent and needs to know I am ‘close to him & very around’ yet he is becoming more independent as learns that he is ok on his own four feet.
He is the one that will come to me to ‘tell’ me if one of his siblings has been doing something they should not – ie Summit grabbing a paper towel roll. He is getting so much better at being part of the mischief these days and that is fantastic!
He is honest and soft and so sweet. He just melts your heart in a million ways. He has a monkey side that we are seeing more and more of and he is getting much better at holding his own against his siblings.
We have been working on his excitement level for when he is excited, he wants to grab and jump and that is a big growing Dane. He is a big baby and so proud of his progress too!
Summit – he is my ‘bad’ boy! Very intelligent and loves being cuddled only on his terms and when he is done, he is done!
No fear for this boy! Another big risk taker and as he has been maturing, he is settling into a fine young man.
He was a bit of an inside out bully as I term it and he has come a long way with his manners and he is a star pupil – most days now!
If there is trouble to be had or mischief to be done, you can bet that this fine young man had something to do with it!
He is a delight mix of ‘old’ soul and bratty baby and I have a feeling that he was the one to ‘look’ out for his surviving siblings – 5 of them – and we have been working on showing him that he can be a puppy and let us be the ones to take care of him.
He can be so serious and grown up many times over. Pulls at your heart in some ways and it warms my heart to see him be a puppy.
I could write Gwennie novels about them all, all day long. They have their similarities yet they are very very much their own dogs.
It would be so wrong and it would be doing them an injustice to say they were all the same.
I am so proud of them all!
They are all treated and trained to help each of them reach their incredibly amazing full potential.
The Dane Trio VIDEO
4 months of age – March 9th, 2019
Today was so gorgeous that I began to do kitchen spring cleaning – right before the next big snow & ice storm hits tomorrow – 15+ cms expected! – and I had the whole kitchen dismantled with cupboards emptied, doors off, counter tops piled high as I wiped out, purged and got all tidied up again!
That being said, The Dane Trio kept me company and supervised my efforts!
They are never far away from me…..they always find me! They have been excellent pupils with their scent training!
AND like typical children, they all wanted the same toy – one that squeaks and was given to BHRR’s Connery by his emerge temp foster family! My three beautiful blind mice clearly stole it from him!
I will have to go out and buy The Dane Trio their own squeaker stuffies!
All I wanted to do is make a lunch snack and then load the dishwasher and my gorgeous Dane Trio just had to ‘supervise’.
They dragged toys and giant stuffies into the kitchen and got all settled in!
Sleeping on the job they are and no way am I going to be able to get into the dishwasher now to load it up!
Took me almost 25 minutes just to make a sandwich….and loved every minute of the adventure!
They are now 4 months of age and we will be posting our next flash auction shortly.
Happy Thursday to all of our friends, family plus supporters……
On a side note: I think my rugs are shrinking for no way can I accept that the Dane Trio babies are growing up!
The blind/deaf Dane Trio Puppies!
February 15th, 2019
This picture is one that I took after I got them home from their eye eneucleation surgeries.
Despite all of the comfy dog beds, they wanted to be by my feet as I prepared the other dogs’ night time snacks.
I had promised to update and while I would have liked to have done this sooner, they needed me round the clock.
As always, they have very detailed blogs for anyone that is still not familiar with their story and may think that we just decided to take out their eyes without just cause.
The day of surgery:
BHRR’s Glacier weighed: 20.9 kgs
Summit weighed: 23.2 kgs
BHRR’s Sleet weighed 19.1 kgs
I have already made an extremely detailed post re: Summit and he continues to do quite well.
BHRR’s Glacier – The specialist had the hardest time with his eyes.
They were extremely deformed and difficult to remove. BHRR’s Glacier had to have his eye sockets packed in efforts to stop the bleeding.
Dr. Philibert had felt at one point that he might wrap his face/eyes yet then decided that it may bother BHRR’s Glacier more.
BHRR’s Glacier was the only one – at that time placed on antibiotics also and all three puppies had their fashionable cones to work to prevent them getting at their own eyes, alter incisions and BHRR’s Sleet her umbilical hernia repair.
BHRR’s Glacier did not wake up from his anesthetic well. As soon as I heard the screaming, I went back, put my hand to his nose so he could scent off me and stroked his back and neck soothingly….in a matter of moments after some deep breaths, he settled, was given more pain meds and went back to sleep.
If ever there was a valid reason for scent training, this was it! I am ‘home’ to him and I mean ‘safety’ and he trusts that he will be ok.
More than one staff was in awe of how fast he picked up my scent and relaxed yet I have worked so hard preparing these puppies for this day…I had been working on them being near each other yet apart and having their Giant Stuffies for comfort and all three puppies ROCKED their very long day at the Hospital.
THEY just rocked it! They were calm and quite comfortable. VERY proud of them!
Not even 48 hours post surgery and BHRR’s Glacier bumped into the kitchen island and he, too began to throw some blood clots from his nose.
He managed to get his cone at just the right angle and pull out a couple of his sutures by rubbing…..
BHRR’s Sleet – she kept throwing big blood clots from her nose in post-op recovery and it was monitored closely.
Over the net 48 hours, the clots started to resolve.
She has been the most resourceful one and has managed to use her own cone to rub out some of her own eye sutures plus on her alter/hernia repair site.
So, Miss Sleet also went on antibiotics.
The first night, their IV ports were left in so I could administer their Buprenorphine via IV and I stayed with them all night.
The ONLY time I was away from them was to go to the bathroom and BHRR’s Sleet, the wee monkey managed to get at some of her Vet Wrap covering the PRN(IV catheter plug) off and then get the PRN out.
So, I came back a few minutes later to well….a small scene any horror movie would have been proud of.
So, a bigger cone was put on Miss Sleet and I pulled her catheter out.
AND it was ice packs all around from eyes to private parts and BHRR’s Sleet’s belly to work on getting the swelling down.
Their sutures were to come out between Day 10-14 yet they did not come out until today as being special needs, their healing process has been slow.
We remain incredibly indebted to all that stepped up to help contribute to their mounting Vet Bills.
With their ensuing Vet Visits, additional antibiotics, pain meds etc., we still owe $900 yet will continue to host flash auctions in our efforts to cover those bills.
AND, with BHRR’s Connery, BHRR’s Volt and BHRR’s Barney’s own pressing medical bills, not to mention myself managing to track down the mother of the Dane Trio and as a result, also finding their special needs father – still working on getting them into BHRR; we continue to battle huge bills yet are taking it one breath at a time……
FOR anyone that may think we did not know what we were doing when we had their eyes removed, you would be 100% incorrect. We are the experts with special needs Danes/Dogs as are their incredible Vet Team including their excellent Specialist.
They had a large team at KAH the day of their surgeries including three Vets, one being their Specialist, Dr. Philibert. They were in the best hands possible.
AND……
If anyone may consider donating an item to one of our upcoming flash auctions, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
If anyone may consider donating directly to the Vet Bills of these beautiful dogs; you can contact Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 directly as we have an account there
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org(friend and family option please so we do not pay fees)
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*Please note that yes, there is a different address for email transfer over PayPal.
For all of those that have been blessed to meet the Dane Trio puppies to date, remember how happy they were? Even being in such chronic brutal pain, battling constant eye infections?
WAIT, until you meet them now…….even more happy, healthy and normal to them and to all those that love them!
Remember, they did not know life as hearing/seeing dogs to begin with, this is their normal…..now, they will know a future pain-free too!
From our home to all of our friends, families plus supporters, warmest good night wishes are being sent!
BHRR’s Connery!
February 27th, 2019
Waking up for surgery! That tongue! Freakin’ awesome adorable!
Current Weight: 130.68 pounds
So, as he is finally at a healthy weight, we could move forward in putting him under to begin the diagnosis process on those hips and knees.
From when we were first contacted to assist him and he was at the Vet in Tenn., this once emaciated boy has put on 28.82 pounds. Does he still need more weight, for sure yet as he is also a young maturing Dane, that will come in time.
Thumbs up to his emerge foster home for doing such a great job! As I told them again last night when I picked up BHRR’s Connery, while his foster mama felt so terrible about what had happened, BHRR’s Connery was saved because they had stepped up to emerge temp him when we posted our urgent need.
While we all may wish that what happened did not, it did and we must move forward. He has been placed in our Haven Program and while he was not scheduled to come back to me for another 5 weeks, he has settled back into my home so well.
Today, we did his x-rays on his hips plus knees and some of his lower back was also captured. His hips plus knees were also thoroughly examined by his lovely surgeon and their findings plus the x-rays shall be sent off to our favourite specialist, Dr. Philibert to also review.
In the meantime, we can post that he does have some notable spondylosis in what was captured in his spine x-rays and Dr. Philibert may ask us, after reviewing them, to bring him back in for further x-rays of his spine and we will gladly do so.
Dr. Philibert shall advise as to his own findings re: BHRR’s Connery’s knees and hips etc. We need to diagnose why his hind end is the way it is plus that back left leg.
BHRR’s Connery is the emaciated Great Dane that two Vets also believed had been hit by a car and was untreated prior to his rescue angels picking him up and then reaching out to BHRR. Samantha and Karen are his first rescue angels and I am truly so appreciative to them!
This boy came from a horrendous location and how awful that he was left so neglected and abused….
BHRR’s Connery’s wounds have now all healed up and he is almost done his course of antibiotics for his one leg wound and his eyes look good, so those meds are now stopped.
We de-twinkled him today and he was microchipped. He was such a good boy!
As he weighs more, to keep him on a great pain management regime, his dosing of Gabapentin has gone up and we have an order of almost $300 in more meds placed. He will remain on the Deramaxx daily too.
His Vet Bills including his meds are over $1,000 for today and if anyone may consider his cause, you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
AND gentle reminder that our Flash Auction #2 ends tomorrow night – Thursday February 28th @ 9 PM EST!
CLICK Here to view the 12 amazing items is below and if anyone may have something they may consider donating to our next flash auction, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org
As always, thank you’s being shouted out for any consideration!
BHRR’s Connery
He is the Emaciated, HBC Great Dane.
We want to thank his truly amazing emerge temp foster home immensely for all that they have done for him since he went to their home on February 4th. You have done so much for him and we will forever be so grateful.
We also wish to impart that he is coming back to us tomorrow night and we shall continue to work on his rehabilitation journey here.
While he was to stay with them for 2 months, due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the home, he is coming back to us early.
BHRR believes in full disclosure and has always worked to post the good, the great, the bad, the ugly and all that is the reality of a situation.
Let me also preface the following by saying that we will be taking a zero tolerance approach to anyone that may wish to blame BHRR’s Connery or blame the home for what transpired four days after they opened up their hearts plus home to him.
This is an emaciated, neglected, abused, untrained, adolescent giant breed dog that if he had wanted to, could have caused significant damage. He was only four days into his newest pain management protocol also. This is a giant breed dog with a giant breed mouth.
He is not a bad dog and the home is most certainly not a bad home. Both are amazing and wonderful and we are standing strong by all.
He was warning in the only way that he knew how to communicate in being in pain and startled. He growled and snapped and he made a connection and made several punctures, breaking skin. At the end of the day, this is an animal, a giant breed one at that.
The fostermom did not require sutures yet she did go on antibiotics as a precaution, as the one puncture was near a joint on her ring finger.
His home quarantine period is now up and no one feels more horrible than his wonderful temp foster and this is not an inexperienced home – they had even adopted from BHRR in the past.
We have worked to support all 24/7 in whatever was needed during this difficult time.
BHRR’s Connery will not be placed up for adoption once his rehabilitation journey has been completed. He will remain safe and loved in our Haven Program for what we sincerely hope is a very long, quality filled life.
This Danes past was horrendous, where he came from was horrendous and we shall continue to work on making his future one of him reaching his full potential.
He has touched many lives from across the USA and Canada as quite a few came together to help him. He was an extremely popular transport companion.
Even his Vet team has found him to be friendly and I look forward to seeing him again tomorrow night.
Drive safe wishes being sent to all…….
My last post of my night!
BHRR’s Glacier & BHRR’s Sleet!
Their heads are pink from the prep solution for their surgeries on Friday.
Snuggled up with their giant stuffies – as people at work can attest to – each one had a giant stuffie when they were dropped off and in post-op!
Thanks Gail for the donation of more stuffies!
Tomorrow, I shall give updates on BHRR’s Glacier and BHRR’s Sleet.
THANK you to all of the rescue angels that have been there for these deaf/blind puppies!
Donations can be made to Kanata Animal Hospital
613-836-2848(They cannot take Visa Debit or M/C Debit over the phone)
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (Donations can be made from any Country)
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com (For Canadian Supporters only as we are located in Canada)
We do not have a gofundme page as they take a sizeable percentage and we will not see any funds be taken away from the animals.
Note: As more people come on to follow our page, please do know that BHRR is a highly focused special needs rescue.
We are federally registered and have been around since 1996. This is what we do, why we are here and we are not newbies nor do we dabble in rescue. We have dedicated our lives to rescue and to doing it the right way.
We are not here for the quantity, we are here for the quality!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters, warm good night wishes are being sent!
Summit UPDATE!
Thank you to all that have been so patient plus understanding that after a very long day – almost 13 hours – for their surgeries on Friday, that I have needed to be with the Dane Trio Pups 24/7.
They have had to be the priority yet, as promised, I am updating.
I am going to do the updates in three separate posts so that the Gwennie Novels are not as large!
First of all, I have so many to thank for making generous, loving and supportive donations along with sending the beautiful well wishes!
In having to obtain additional Buprenorphine to administer via their IV ports for pain control and fashionable cones too, their Vet Bills have increased from one of my last posts.
BHRR’s Sleet’s & BHRR’s Glacier’s Surgery Bills: $5,085.09
The original quote was for $4,000+tx.
BHRR’s Glaciers’ eye removal surgeries were also much more complicated due to the severity of the abnormal condition of his eyes. He was placed on antibiotics due to the extensive difficulty with his surgery and the amount of bleeding had.
I was able to put some of my own pay check on to their bills on Friday to also help do my part in helping them too!
STILL NEEDED: Just over $1,100
Donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
(they cannot take Visa Debit or M/C Debit over the phone)
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (Any Country can donate)
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com (Canadian based supporters only can contribute via email transfer as that is where we are located)
NOTE: I am covering Summit’s own bill of $2,503.63 completely out of my own pocket and will get that paid off as I can.
This picture is of BHRR’s Summit after his neuter and getting ready to have his right eye removed.
Dr. Philibert and I conversed in great depth re: the removal of both eyes and the decision was made to leave the left eye in with Summit for now.
If it does have to be removed in the future, then we will address it at that time.
His one Vet also checked his bite as all three puppies have had issues and they found marked improvement as he has been maturing plus with what they referred to as ‘ball therapy’ that we had been doing with them and not aware that it was helping that much!
The specialist Dr. Philibert felt his surgery went very well and out of the three puppies, he is bouncing back the best, easiest.
All three puppies pre-op bloodwork indicated lymphocytosis. Per Dr. Philbert, he believed it may be from the chronic abnormalities with the eyes for they have an inflammatory or secondary infection component.
We even repeated BHRR’s Sleets’ bloodwork the day of surgery as she was showing indicators of being anemic and she is the smallest and most DM affected of the three puppies. She may be feisty yet all three are quite fragile with their DM compromised auto immune systems.
We wanted to be sure it would be ok to proceed. Dr. Philibert had been considering after her first round of bloodwork to only do her eye eneucleations and then later spay plus address the umbilical hernia. Her bloodwork remained stable and the whole Vet team were in agreement that it would be safe to proceed.
Summit weighed 23.2 kgs(51.04 pounds) at 3.5 months of age.
I also microchipped all the puppies on Friday.
These puppies are not available for adoption. They will remain in our Haven program and they reside in our extremely experienced, knowledgeable loving home, NOT a cage or kennel.
Summit is eating and drinking well and other than being a bit grumpy, he is bombing along quite well with his recovery!
THANK you to Dr. Philibert, Chelsea, Simon, Holly, Dr. Ashdown, Nadine, Dr. Zak and Nadine for ALL they did on Friday. I work with such an amazing team of people.
AND thank you to anyone in advance for any consideration you may make to their so deserving cause!
The 3.5 month old deaf/blind Dane Trio Puppies are now dropped off!
They will be under the experts hands of Dr. Philibert, whom many know as one of Ottawa’s incredible specialists.
He shall also be under super tech Chelsea’s care plus Holly and I am so grateful to them both too!
We have had a total of just under $2,100 come their way to date for their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus BHRR’s Sleet’s umbilical hernia repair.
We are still short $1,900+tx as we were given a quote of $4,000+ for their surgeries.
We will be working on a flash auction ASAP and please if anyone may have even $5.00 to spare to go their way, we would be so so so touched.
Donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
OR via email transfer contactbhrr@gmail.com
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
Please with all of my heart and who I am, if you may consider their truly deserving cause to support, I would be beyond humbled….
Thank you in advance….
Please also keep them in your best wishes….it is going to be a really tough day on me too….
NOTE: We have posted this many times over and posting it again:
These three deaf/blind puppies not only have recessed pupils, they have severe Microphthalmia. They also have extreme Entropion and not just the lower lids.
This causes their eyelids plus lashes to fold in and are scratching their eyes, causing constant infections not to mention giving them a brutal level of pain.
People need to stop making erroneous assumptions about what they believe to be in the best interest of these puppies.
We have been doing this for almost 30 years as a highly experienced plus knowledgeable special needs Great Dane Rescue, they also have an incredible experienced Vet team including a specialist deeply involved in their lives.
BHRR’s Potter
August 2008 – February 14th, 2019
Deaf/Visually Impaired and a LEGEND!
BHRR’s Potter, you beat so many odds…yet, in the end, your failing body could not beat the passing of time.
I will never forget that day in 2009, when I made the drive with Kinsley to pick you up….
No one wanted you – every rescue that had been contacted did not want you for any number of reasons, we were told – you were natural earred, natural tailed, deaf, visually impaired and had been abused plus neglected.
Well, without even seeing a picture of you, I was already in love like many other dogs that we are contacted to assist….
Broke my heart when I went to pick you up and I promised you then that you would never know another day of anything but helping loving hands.
After getting you, I learned that you had a bite history – perfectly understandable and we knew that you would remain in our Haven program, loved, understood and accepted.
I also knew that you were testing me….the way you looked at me, I knew that you were just waiting to see if I was ‘just like those that you knew in your past.’
You did not have a name for we were told ‘why give a name to just a dumb dog.’ You were allowed to run on the I81 in New York and I cannot believe that you never were hit. Makes me sick to my stomach.
NO wonder transports terrified you for so long. YET, you learned to love car rides and opening up a car door was how we could get you to stop doing your walk-abouts after your ever famous ‘houdini escapes’ that became a huge fav for all of our guests at events here!
AND I knew that you picked up the sign for sitting and so much more so fast yet you needed to know that you could trust me…..
It took one month and one day, I looked over and you were sitting by the treat bin with a half hoping and half defiant look on your face.
Inside, I was welling up with tears at the trust that you so badly wanted to give….outside, I was calm and went over and gave you your treat…..and then another one.
From the kids soccer games – oh man were you a hit! – to dismantling crates to prove to me that you had no need of one, to you deciding when you were ready to integrate with the other dogs and leading the charge thundering with such joy through my house, you have left your mark on our hearts plus home forever.
You are a true legend that at barely three months of being with us, I found a small lump in November 2009 and I was so worried that it may be a MCT and it was.
Within one week, your leg was amputated at barely one year of age and we were told that you had an 85% chance of it coming back within a year and that you would mostly likely not see your second birthday.
Well, you challenged that! BIG time!
AND you ran faster than the Danes with four legs!
AND, in 2016, that nasty cancer beast came back to try and steal you again from us and you again proved them wrong!
You have beaten the odds in so many ways dear Potterman.
We shall never look at tennis balls in the same way for that was your ‘thing’….the sheer joy you took from a simple tennis ball really made us smile.
AND as much as you loved me, when you could get over Sean’s snoring, you and Sean were true family.
As much as my heart pains me and it surely does….it shatters so much more for Sean and the heart ache that he is experiencing.
You were there for Sean’s own Cancer surgery and as he battles that horrible monster too and to see Sean look over to the bed beside his computer and realise again and again that you are no longer there, makes me sob so much.
While many people spent their Valentine’s Day in a much different way, this day will forever hold special that we were with you in our loving embrace, being able to let you cross over with dignity and adoration in our tears.
It is so distressing to see how much your heart and mind are all there yet your poor failing body could no longer properly support your hind end…you tried, you tried so hard…..
You had spondylosis from before you were 1 and to then add in being a tripod with degenerative myelopathy, this was a fight that would in the end take you away from us……
I feel I never do any of our dogs the true justice they deserve with their memorial posts and yours is no different.
We really cannot believe that another era has ended with your devastating loss…..
You almost made it to age 11….miraculous, I know…yet, we want to be greedy and have had so many more years with you….
We promised you quality of life from the moment you came to us and we refused to be selfish…..we needed to do right by you and this picture taken January 20th, 2019 during one of our BHRR Winter Wonderlands – something you always had to be a part of and they shall also never be the same moving forward! – will hold a special place in our hearts…we will remember how much you loved people and meeting new dogs and your ‘tude!
Your ‘tude shall be missed dear Potterman….you sure packed a WOW punch with your personality plus heart….
Each and every new dog that came into our home, you were always so excited….for about 10 minutes! Then, they were simply enfolded into your heart as a valued member of your family pack.
SO much to remember and no more time left to make new memories with you…that is a horrible blow, that there shall be no more memories made or experiences had with or for you….
RIP BHRR’s Potter…..
BHRR’s Connery!
You are so undeniably handsome!
Thank you to his wonderful foster mama Lindsay for this adorable picture of him!
Note: he does not have a cherry eye….he has haws, common with many Danes and their breeding – especialy those with genetic lines of large flews(lips). It is his third eyelid.
BHRR’s Volt & all of the puppies at one of our amazing puppy love valentine event visits today!
Thank you to Jane, Gerry, Cathy & Bruce plus all of their lovely friends plus supporters for coming out!
Zack and Finnigan at Home is such a beautiful place!
My heart is filled with so much warmth with all of these truly special puppy love valentine visits!
AND puppy love valentine date #2 is now complete!
On to #3!
Thank you SO much Canadawide Scientific for a great visit!
This is BHRR’s Sleet!
AND we are at our first puppy love visit!!
Thanks Veronica & Elizabeth & Amelie etc.!!
What a riot of a visit!
Thanks for hosting us ixceed Packaging Solutions!
This is BHRR’s Glacier!
BHRR’s Sleet!
3 months old!
She says that TOMORROW is the day and on behalf of her siblings plus BHRR’s Volt, they cannot wait!
Tomorrow is our twist on our 8th Annual BHRR Doggie Date Event – it is our Puppy Love Valentine Event!
Our day shall begin bright and early with their first date happening at 8 AM and their last date ends just before 5 PM!
Thank you to all that are participating to help us raise much needed money to go towards the $4,000+tx required for their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus BHRR’s Sleets umbilical hernia.
If anyone may wish to donate to their cause; you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 as Dr. Philibert, the specialist is coming into KAH to do their surgeries on February 15th.
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Like many groups, Vet bills are mounting and food is decreasing yet we will do whatever we need to in order to make sure that each and every dog in our care is done right by.
We know that our efforts cannot be successful without the BHRR village!
BHRR focuses strongly on the special needs and 98% of the dogs/horses we assist are those that others cannot or will not assist.
It is our position that that these animals are equally deserving and are so worthy!
AND tomorrow, BHRR’s Volt and The deaf/blind Dane Trio are going to not only love on so many people, yet we know that they will inspire so many too!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters, warmest of good night wishes are being sent!
Last post of my night!
It has been an incredibly busy day!
BHRR’s Connery is settling in well to his emerge temp foster home. I so miss him yet he is in excellent hands!
This is the ~15 month old emaciated Great Dane that was picked up as a stray in a really bad area(O. believed to be known and never claimed him) and is suffering trauma – believed to be a hit by car.
His detailed bloodwork has come back as excellent and no surprises to note. it demonstrates that yes, he is battling an infection and he is on antibiotics – one for his eye infections and one for the back right hock that has the wound on it.
He is Deramaxx along with Gabapentin for his hind end and the strongly suspected blown cruciate and once he is no longer emaciated, we can move forward to sedation and doing x-rays as part of our further diagnostics.
His emerge temp foster home will take him in for regular weigh-ins, is feeding him small frequent meals and is providing him with so much love and acceptance, patience, understanding, structure plus consistency.
As his fecal tested positive for whips and hooks, the de-worming protocol is causing him to have some diarrhea and it is being monitored closely.
He is eating and drinking and his emerge temp foster home finds him equally sweet, lacking manners and are loving their time with him.
AND I remain completely and truly indebted to them for stepping up to emerge temp foster him after we could get him here, vetted him again – we had him vetted in January with his original rescue angels!
For I have the Dane Trio deaf/blind puppies that will have their eye removal surgeries on the 15th plus have BHRR’s Volt here too.
From our home to all of our friends, family plus friends, good night wishes being sent! Be safe out there! It is a veritable ice rink at my place right now and for those who know our laneway/hill; it is not fun!
I have just dropped him off with his emerge foster mama to be for the next couple of months and it was so hard yet he will be in excellent hands!
I fell in love with him when we were first asked to assist in January and when I finally got to meet him yesterday when meeting the transport to pick him up, I loved him even more….if that were even possible!
He just loves everyone and everything!
He is an absolutely incredible young man, about 15 months of age and his body tells the story of what a hard life he has has to date.
He is full of pressure sores/callouses, healing wounds, scrapes and raw area’s.
He is emaciated at 109.78 pounds today. He has put on almost 10 pounds since he was first rescued by his angels and he has a long way still to go. That is his hip bone in the pic and if you enlarge it you can see every vertebrae plus rib.
The ulcer in his one eye – the right has now healed and his Vet today, did another flurorescein eye stain and also froze his eye to get a really great look at it.
He is still battling horrible eye infections so more eye meds were dispensed.
He has an infection on his back right hock from some trauma – agreement seems to be hit by car – and so he is on antibiotics for the next 10 days.
His ears are super waxxy and will be cleaned. He is in sore need of a bath too and I told his emerge temp foster mama that I will pay for him to be done once he settles in more.
As many know 98% of the dogs we help are really special needs and this sweet boy is no different.
Both of his front legs/feet bother him and the left side of his body is worse – his back left hip pains him dearly and his Vet concurs that with his thickened left knee, that we are looking at a blown cruciate.
His back right hip does not pain him as much yet he has severe atrophy happening in his hind end. He shifts his weight constantly and alternates holding a leg – front and back – up to attempt to get some relief.
His Vet has put together a great pain management program for him – Gabapentin- and once we get the blood panel back that we did today – we will know more if we can also add Deramaxx as an NSAIDS to his pain management program.
AND throughout all of his much needed poking and prodding plus blood work, he was incredible. To know that the level of discomfort that he is in has to be brutal and for him to be so good natured, is a true testament to his WOW personality.
As he is still so emaciated, it is not safe to sedate him to X-ray to determine the exact nature of his injuries etc.
So, while I am worried re: any kinds of fractures, I am reassured by the expertise of his wonderful Vet that we need to keep getting him more physically healthy and then proceed with the next diagnostics steps.
His Vet Bills between two Hospitals to date are just under $1,000 and this is just the beginning of his own long rehabilitation journey.
Lindsay – thank you again so very much for meeting me partway tonight so I could hand him off to you for you and Josh to be his Emerge temp foster loving home for me.
As I work to get the Dane Trio plus BHRR’s Volt healthy themselves, I am so grateful that BHRR’s Connery will have all that he needs with Josh & Lindsay!
Fostering saves lives!!
As I work my way back home in yet more freezing rain, good night wishes are being sent to all of our friends, family & supporters! It has been a very long day between work, BHRR’s Connery’s 1.25 hour Vet appointment and now the round trip drive to ensure that he got to Lindsay safely!
BHRR’s Connery!
He is here! Finally!
While most people have birthday breakfasts in bed, visit spa’s, have lunch out with friends, go shopping and/or have a romantic dinner with their partner to enjoy their special day, what I did today was drive in the freezing rain to meet the next leg of his transport to bring him home!
I could not have wished for a better birthday present to see BHRR’s Connery here at last!
He is no more than 15 – 18 months of age tops, most likely closer to 15 months of age. He has SO much maturing to do and he is still so emaciated.
He has been in safe keeping with his rescue angels for almost a month and I remain so grateful to them for saving his life.
He was picked up in a really bad area and while his owner was believed to be known, they never claimed him, which to me is a big relief as he is in terrible shape.
AND I must thank Jane of Just Paws also once again for helping to get him here!
Though, we had him vetted in January, it was hard to handle him at that time – just unsettled, not reactive or aggressive at ALL – and as he was in poor body condition, further diagnostics were not possible. The Vet believes that he was a HBC and/or has HD.
He was placed on a pain management regime and treated for eye infections. Bloodwork indicated that he was tick borne disease plus heartworm negative.
His fecal was positive for whips and hooks and he has been placed on treatment. He was also put on flea/tick meds.
He is coming to work with me tomorrow and we will get a treatment plan together for him. He bunny hops on the hind end, he is more ‘off’ on his left knee than his right – yet his right is not much better and his front legs, especially his left leg plus foot bothers him too.
THANK you’s sent out also to Lucy AND to all of his transport plus overnighting angels that helped him get here!
AND thank you to Lindsay plus Josh for stepping up to be his emerge temp foster parents for the next two months!
AND last but not least I wish to extend a deep thanks to The Maracles for the generous birthday donation. It was so touching and with Vet bills running high and food running at a crisis for us right now, it was so appreciated.
This is BHRR’s Connery! He put his head by the through the space of my barrier cage and was my co-pilot all the way home!
AND another comment from Natasha who met him last night on one of his transport legs:
“I met him last night . Oh he is so sweet .“
From another of his transport driving angels – Laura – that helped get him closer to us:
“We were also one of his transporters – London to Guelph. He is what we consider a “teddy Dane” & as he rested his giraffe-sized head on my shoulder during transport, we wished him the best in his new life. TY BHRR for all that you do for these giant breeds & wishing (and will follow) his journey.”
From one of his transport driving angels – Jacquie – that helped get him closer to me:
“I was one of his drivers on his freedom run on Saturday. He was certainly a transport favourite. Wishing him all the best in his new life in Canada.”
AND he is finally on his way!
The GD that we are calling BHRR’s Connery.
He had been in safe keeping for us by his rescue angels Samantha and Karen for weeks and now he is ready to finally make the journey to BHRR.
Thank you also Jane for everything you have done to help get him to us safely!
He started this AM and from what I am told, is safely in his first of two overnighter homes.
Thank you to Lindsay and Josh for stepping up to be his emerge temp fosters for the next couple of months!
He has been battling eye infections and the Vet that saw him to date is not sure if his hind end is painful due to a possible HBC or if it is HD.
He was picked up as a stray(O. is believed to be known and he is always left by himself) and O.’s never claimed him. He was from a bad area.
As he was so unsettled and emaciated(weight was barely over 100 pounds when first picked up and now is 113 pounds), it was best not to sedate him to investigate his back end further at that time.
He was placed on meds for his eyes and put on a pain management regime.
He will be vetted again on February 4th at KAH. His ETA to BHRR is Sunday February 3rd – AND I could not imagine a better birthday present than driving to pick him up, another boy in huge need!
I want to thank Martina with all that I am for I could not have done this without her! She also helped clean up two pees plus one poop and anyone that would do that is a superstar great person in my books!
They are now three months old!
Summit was 19.1 Kgs(42.02 pounds)
BHRR’s Sleet was 15 Kgs(33 pounds)
BHRR’s Glacier was 16.4kgs(36.08 pounds)
I am so proud of my babies as they were so great with everything! Poked, prodded, examined and I even did nails.
Per their truly lovely Vet, she feels that it also may be best to remove Summits second eye too. I will reach out to the specialist, Dr. Philibert to let him know and when he examines them the day of surgery, if, for any reason he thinks that eye could be saved, he can advise.
This picture is of the extremely affectionate, snuggle bunny handsome BHRR’s Glacier with the beautiful Martina.
Even their Vet commented on how much better yet, again from their last Vet visit they were with handling, touching and all of the sights, smells etc.
Their noses picked up the scent of treats in a nano second as soon as we got into the one room!
We are still needing just under $2,700+tx for their eye eneucleation surgeries which will include their alters plus BHRR’s Sleet’s hernia repair.
We will have our flash auction up and running by Sunday night and there are still three spots left in our February 8th business and/or home puppy love Valentine Event!
LAST CALL! Auction ENDS in 20 minutes!
BHRR’s Glacier is pulling out the cuteness factor hoping that you may consider bidding in our 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction that shall end TONIGHT – Sunday January 27th @ 9:00 PM EST.
We have 76 absolutely incredible item in this year’s Online Auction!
To view all of the lovely items available and to bid, please visit the below link. Please also note the pick-up location(s) of any item(s) you may be interested in!
There are goodies that can be picked up in Oshawa, Pickering, Kingston, Oxford Station, Kanata, Orleans, Ottawa, Vernon and so many more locations!
Your assistance to raise the $4,000+tx that we need for the deaf/blind Dane Babies to have their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus for BHRR’s Sleet to have her umbilical hernia also repaired is so appreciated.
Their urgent surgeries are scheduled for February 15th.
AND we will be posting shortly re: our special twist on our 8th Annual ‘1-on-1’ Special Date With A BHRR Dog Online Auction. We will be doing a Puppy Love Valentine Event for the special needs Dane Babies!
Yet, do not worry, we will be still hosting our usual fabu 8th Annual BHRR Date Fundraiser in April!
The Final Countdown is on! Less than 6 hours to go!
BHRR’s Sleet of The BHRR Dane Trio says time is running out! So move quickly to get your bids in before it is too late! She moved in on me so fast with her tracking, picked up my scent, honed in and I only managed to snap one shot before she knocked me flat on my rump!
Our 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction that shall end Sunday January 27th @ 9:00 PM EST.
BHRR worked so hard to come up with our truly unique, one-of-a-kind Fundraisers and we ONLY host 4 a year, so we remain so thankful to everyone for supporting our efforts!
We have 76 absolutely incredible item in this year’s Online Auction!
We have nut free items, we have gluten free goodies, we have vegan delights, we have goodies for doggies, we have delicious cupcakes, pies, cookies, cakes, perogies and so much more plus we even have a private dining experience @ BHRR too!
To view all of the lovely items available and to bid, please visit the link. Please also note the pick-up location(s) of any item(s) you may be interested in!
Your assistance to raise the $4,000+tx that we need for the deaf/blind Dane Babies to have their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus for BHRR’s Sleet to have her umbilical hernia also repaired is so appreciated.
Their urgent surgeries are scheduled for February 15th.
AND we will be posting shortly re: our special twist on our 8th Annual ‘1-on-1’ Special Date With A BHRR Dog Online Auction. We will be doing a Puppy Love Valentine Event for the special needs Dane Babies!
Yet, do not worry, we will be still hosting our usual fabu 8th Annual BHRR Date Fundraiser in April!
DONATED TO DATE: $515.99
BHRR’s Glacier of The BHRR Dane Trio!
He says that he has to take a power snooze from all of the excitement of our 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction that shall end Sunday January 27th @ 9:00 PM EST.
BHRR worked so hard to come up with our truly unique, one-of-a-kind Fundraisers and we ONLY host 4 a year, so we remain so appreciative to everyone that supports our efforts! ?
We have just added Item #76 to this Online Auction!
We have decided to add a ‘take’ on our extremely popular BHRR PRIVATE ‘EXPERIENCE’.
This shall be an intimate, relaxed casual dining experience evening(~4.5 hours) at BHRR. We will make you a homemade Dinner including our famous Boerskins Cinnamon Buns for dessert. This special dining experience is for up to 4 to come to BHRR and to be surrounded by ~20 amazing Giants including the Dane Trio!
To view all of the lovely items and to bid, please visit the link. Please also note the pick-up location(s) of any item(s) you may be interested in!
Your assistance to raise the $4,000+tx that we need for the deaf/blind Dane Babies to have their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus for BHRR’s Sleet to have her umbilical hernia also repaired is so appreciated.
Their urgent surgeries are scheduled for February 15th.
AND we will be posting shortly re: our special twist on our 8th Annual ‘1-on-1’ Special Date With A BHRR Dog Online Auction. We will be doing a Puppy Love Valentine Event for the special needs Dane Babies!
Yet, do not worry, we will be still hosting our usual fabu 8th Annual BHRR Date Fundraiser in April!
This is him *tracking* me and the moment when he picked up my scent and honed in on my exact location! He was so proud of himself and what a happy, sweet, easy going, huge cuddly baby he is!
AND I am so proud of him and his litter-mates with all of the progress they are making and believe me housebreaking puppies is hard enough, let alone puppies that no one did anything with for 9 weeks of their lives, puppies that are both deaf & blind and training them flash in and out of the house because of -40C temps.
They have been super stars!
AND, BHRR’s Glacier wants to share that as we end our fourth day of our 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction, we have had bids of over $750 to date!
We remain feeling so blessed and fortunate to everyone for helping to make our creative one-of-a-kind Fundraiser so successful!
To view all of the items and to bid, please visit the link. Please also note the pick-up location(s) of any item(s) you may be interested in!
Your assistance to raise the $4,000+tx that we need for the deaf/blind Dane Babies to have their eye removal surgeries, their alters plus for BHRR’s Sleet to have her umbilical hernia also repaired is so appreciated.
Their urgent surgeries are scheduled for February 15th.
We will also be posting a small flash auction plus we are working behind the scenes on what I am calling a ‘Puppy Love Valentine’ Event to hopefully help raise more of the much need monies we need for these surgeries.
AND our 6th Annual “Breaking Bills Bake” Online Auction is now LIVE!
We have 75 absolutely amazing delicious items!
**Also, please NOTE the location pick-up on the item(s) you are interested in!**
AND in our first day of bidding, we have had a beautiful $396 in bids!
Our unique creative Online Auction ends Sunday January 27th @ 9 PM EST
We have items up for grabs located in Oshawa, Kingston, Pickering, Belleville, Ottawa, Orleans, Oxford Station, Kanata, Stittsville AND more!
AND this is who you are helping with your very generous donations, the sharing and/or the bidding on this auction – deaf/blind Dane Babies that require their eyes to be removed, their altering, and also for BHRR’s Sleet’s umbilical hernia to be repaired.
SO THANK you with all that I am for your help!
Their Bill for their urgent surgeries scheduled for February 15th – as their eyes greatly pain them and are constantly infected – is $4,000+tx.
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters, warmest good night wishes are being sent!
DONATED TO DATE: $506.58
BHRR’s Maple
January 20th, 2019
As we continue to get pounded with the snow – 40+ cms and still coming….and we are battling temperatures of -35, she prefers to ‘chill’ on the bench in our sunroom.
Radiant floor heating and comfy Costco Dog Beds and the bench is her ‘thing.’
She was basking in some of the winter sun that was streaming through the window…..
This girl once was so terrified plus skinny and she could not easily be touched. She was slated to be put to sleep yet we were contacted and the rest is history!
She has such a personality presence at all gatherings here! 🙂
She may have her quirks, yet she is super affectionate with a very happy tail that actually does circles when she wags it! Which is almost always, even in her sleep.
Still ISO: Bakers for human and/or doggie treats for our 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Online Auction’.
Begins Saturday!
Items do not need to be made until the Auction is over – so after January 27th.
Location does not matter for we have supporters all over! Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you may consider an item to donate!
We currently have 20 generous bakers!
All monies raised shall go towards the eye enucleations, altering plus repairing BHRR’s Sleet’s umbilical hernia.
We have an estimate – $4,000+tx and their surgeries are scheduled for Friday February 15th. Their Microphthalmia eyes, including having deep recessed pupils are greatly paining these deaf/blind babies. They remain being treated for infections. We need to move on their surgeries as an urgent situation for their well being.
They will have their boosters spaced out between two appointments and then have their pre-op bloodwork done in preparation for their big surgeries on February 15th.
Dr. Philibert will be their specialist surgeon and they will be in excellent hands.
So between now and then, we need to figure out our fundraising for them…..
I will have one flash auction item and working on another idea, that I am calling “Puppy Love”.
Donations to their bills can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital as Dr. Philibert will be doing their surgeries there 613-836-2848
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (Use the Friend & Family option please so we do not pay fees)
On behalf of the amazing 11 week old Dane Trio, to all of our friends, family plus supporters, stay warm and good night wishes being sent!
Mantle GD – Male, ~2-3 years of age
Picked up as a stray in a bad area, emaciated(102 pounds – we had him at the Vet yesterday), trauma to his hind end – possible HBC.
Said to be ‘amazing.’
We are calling him BHRR’s Connery.
Thanks to Samantha & Karen for saving his life and picking him up! AND also getting him to the Vet so fast!
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Mama Eve to our Haven Program.
She will continue to be cherished plus done right by.
BHRR’s Big Ben(Benjamin AKA Gentle Ben)
January 7th, 2010 – January 12th, 2019
*Picture is from December 24th, 2018*
As many are aware we made a post re: BHRR’s Big Ben in May 2018 re: how he had been diagnosed with an inoperable nasal tumour.
He had been having nosebleeds since that March and after many diagnostics plus seeing a specialist, he was diagnosed with this horrible tumour.
Other than the intermittent nose bleeds,one would not know at that time that something horrible was growing inside of him…..
Due to his age, he was not considered a great candidate for radiation or chemo either. We wanted the time that he had left to be the best that we can give him and we did whatever was recommended for him by the experts.
BHRR’s Big Ben was also placed on the Chinese Herb, Yunnan Baiyao. We have used this herb many times over the past almost 10 years with great success and it was to also prove to be the case for BHRR’s Big Ben.
While we were not given a set time line to expect to say our good-byes to this really wonderful plus handsome black/tan Great Dane, we were told that it would be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Our wish was to see him be with us as long as possible and miraculously he was with us for our June BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House, our annual September ‘DINE WITH THE BHRR Doggies’, our annual December Potluck and on December 30th, we had friends over – Aaron/Cherie – for dinner and he remained happy, healthy as could be and strong.
Unfortunately, after celebrating his 9th Birthday, his nose bleeds came back with a vengeance, his muzzle became swollen almost overnight and his breathing began to be a bit wheezy.
We would never see any of our dogs suffer and we knew that it was time….as difficult as this decision was to make, we knew that it had to be done.
BHRR’s Big Benjamin, you were laid to rest held so warmly in our loving embrace and though I tried so hard to choke back the tears, they fell in ever increasing drops on to your soft fur as my heart began to shatter into ever increasing pieces in having to finally say our good-byes.
I have been connected to BHRR’s Benjamin for many years….I watched him be put up for sale again and again since 2010.
He had been kept outside in the freezing cold, had frost bite, had untreated diarrhea and it was said that he could never be trained.
I have never met a dog yet that could not be trained….
It broke my heart over and over as this person refused to hand him over to rescue. They wanted to get money for him. Over and over again he was sold and returned to them.
AND it broke my heart when we learned after the fact of a person who was aware of his story and how hard we had been working to get him, bought him and then returned him right back to his original owner, a couple of days later as they said they could not handle him, instead of doing the right thing.
Then, he disappeared off our radar and the next thing I knew, I was receiving an email from another rescue that he had been surrendered to.
They felt they were not in the best position to help him and on January 29th, 2011, I picked him up.
The dog that was said could not be trained entered an obedience competition with myself after his rehabilitation. We came 3rd out of a field of 25 entered. I knew we could do better yet there was a boxer in the ring and well, BHRR’s Potter – a boxer in our Haven Program and BHRR’s Ben were best buds – so, when the Boxer that was in the obedience competition saw BHRR’s Big Ben and vice versa, I knew we had lost! Those two became quite focused with each other and later I learned that this Boxer lived in a home with a Dane all of their very own so it was fate that these two would lose focus in the ring together! FOND memories!
We did end up adopting out BHRR’s Big Ben yet sadly he came back to BHRR in 2016 – 4 years and 7 months after his approved adoption due to a divorce.
We made the decision that he had gone through more than enough in his life and he became a treasured Haven Dog.
He was an outstanding ambassador for his breed and a big favourite for so many BHRR supporters. He had a massive fan club and was a very popular boy for play dates!
BHRR’s Big Ben, going to bed last night was painful….every night I would tell you how much I loved my “Benny Boy”, gave you your treatie, said for you to have a good sleepies plus that I would see you in the morning. I always made sure that you were tucked in with your favourite blanket on your bed.
When I woke up this AM, the cold reality of you no longer being here set right back in….
Gentle, kind, caring, sweet, gorgeous inside and out, loving and so forgiving of all that had transpired in your life, you really are a gem of a dog.
I so wish I could have given you longer in this world….to show your more, to give you more and to make you whole again and my heart breaks that this is not the way things are…..
Please forgive me dear sweet Benny….I wanted so badly to give you so much more…..
Until we meet again, you and I will continue to meet in our dreams as I do with all those that crossed before you. I love you with all that I am….
Special Needs Dane Trio Update!
First of THANK you’s sent out to both Elaine plus Kathryn for the puppy wrangling help tonight at their next Vet Visit!
BHRR’s Sleet – 23.76 pounds(Up 5.94 pounds since January 2nd so gaining really well!)
Her anxiety was better in the car this time around – she lasted 15 minutes before it set in and she was the most ‘busy’ of the three tonight at KAH due to her level of stress/anxiety.
When she crashed, she crashed big time….she is better than she was and in having her such a short period of time, she has really made progress!
Her small abscess on the top of her head is healing well – we still do not know how she came to BHRR that way.
She will require a double enucleation (both eyes to be removed as they are paining her and causing constant infections).
She was healthy enough for her boosters and I also did a nail trim.
Her teeth appear to be placed in her mouth ok and she has an immature digestive system.
She is completely blind/deaf.
BHRR’s Glacier – 25.52 pounds(Up 5.94 pounds too! AND gaining wonderfully.)
Such a love….big cuddler, wants to be held and the sweetest boy.
He will also require a double enucleation(both eyes to be removed as they are paining him and causing constant infections).
We know that BHRR’s Glacier can hear a very tiny wee amount of ”sounds.’ Has to be at a certain tone/level and he has zero idea where it is coming from and is considered 98% deaf.
He is also blind.
We did a nail trim,had boosters and he has one side of his mouth that his teeth are embedding into his gums. We will see how his adult teeth come in and if need be, do extractions.
Summit – 28.16 pounds(So YUP!, he is also exactly 5.94 pounds more than January 2nd!) HOLY! Talk about freaky!
All three puppies are up exactly the same amount of weight, 5.94 pounds! What are the chances?!
He will require one eye to be removed, we will continue to monitor that twisting left front leg that also twitches.
He is deaf and can see out of one eye about 1-2%, so is also blind.
He has both sides of his mouth with bad teeth alignment and we will see how his adult teeth come in to determine how many extractions are required.
I also did his nails plus he had boosters.
I want to thank Emily again for the cupcake collars for BHRR’s Sleet and BHRR’s Summit!
I also wish to thank Holly once more for the toys for the Dane Trio!
BHRR’s Sleet & BHRR’s Glacier were so much better with their handling – they had zero prior to myself getting them – and were much easier to exam tonight.
AND thanks sent to Jen for coming into Kanata Animal Hospital yesterday and putting on to their account a truly caring generous donation to go towards their Vet bills which will amount in to the many many many thousands.
I will be putting together a flash auction on an item that I have and we will be brainstorming on how best to fundraise for these puppies that were so wrongly done by.
I am also working on our next BHRR Information Get Together to give people the opportunity to learn more re DM Danes and BHRR plus to meet/learn more about them.
Gwennie Novel and here is another photo of the Dane Trio konked out! Hard to capture them awake…they are just white blurs!
As always, from our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, stay warm and good night wishes being sent as we head into a deep freeze!
DONATED TO DATE: $381.58
Summit & BHRR’s Sleet!
10 week old Deaf/Blind Great Dane Puppies
Power napping! 😀
The Dane Trio are scheduled for their next Vet Visit tomorrow.
AND we currently have 17 amazing people that have signed up for our upcoming 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Baking Online Auction.’ THANK you!
Still ISO: More baking Angels to make human and/or doggie baked goodies!
Starts January 17th!
All money raised shall help the newest additions to BHRR – BHRR’s Glacier & BHRR’s Sleet – two of the special needs 10 week old Dane puppies.
The baked goodies do not have to be made until the auction is over, which is January 27th!
If you would be interested in donating an item or more, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do not post here as your lovely offer may be missed!
Your location does not need to be near us! People support us from all over and this unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser gives so many people the chance to participate!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and good night wishes being sent from our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters!
DONATED TO DATE: $331.58
ISO: Bakers to make human and/or doggie treats for our upcoming 6th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Baking Online Auction.’
Starts January 17th!
All money raised shall help the newest additions to BHRR – BHRR’s Glacier & BHRR’s Sleet – two of the special needs 10 week old Dane puppies.
Both are back at the Vet again this week – January 10th as we continue putting together the best medical treatment plans for them.
The baked goodies do not have to be made until the auction is over, which is January 27th!
If you would be interested in donating an item or more, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do not post here as your lovely offer may be missed!
Your location does not need to be near us! People support us from all over and this unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser gives so many people the chance to participate!
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Dane Puppies Cupcake #1 & #2 thank you as do I!
This is them in their gently used beautiful cupcake collars that were generously donated to them by Emily!
They are now 10 weeks old and these are deaf/bind Great Dane Puppies.
BHRR’s Glacier, Summit & BHRR’s Sleet.
From our home to all of our friends, friends plus supporters, good night wishes being sent!
Sean is calling the Dane Puppy Trio ‘Pinwheel Puppies!
ISO: 2 BHRR Approved Puppy Wranglers for January 10th @ 4:15 pm @ KAH for their next Vet Visit!
Please email gwen@birchhaven.org over posting here as your kind offer may be missed.
Good night wishes being sent from these three really incredible, super amazing blind/deaf 9 week old Dane Babies!
DONATED TO DATE: $231.58
My last Gwennie Novel post of my night!
The amazing 9 week old Dane Trio were at KAH tonight.
First off, thank you SO much to Cherie & Holly for meeting me there to lend caring and much needed hands for the lovely trio! Could not have done this without you both!
BHRR’s Sleet – she weighed 8.1 KGs(17.82 pounds). She was confirmed as having an umbilical hernia, infected eyes and she provided a stool sample so we will test her loose stools. Her eyes will be monitored as she grows to best determine if she also needs an enucleation or two.
It was not easy for the Vet to examine her eyes too closely as she was a squirmy worm.
On a side note, these two puppies were not handled or socialized properly prior to us getting them. That is very obvious.
No attempts were made to housebreak them either and going outside is completely foreign.
They have been given zero direction or guidance and are so lost and confused yet already a big improvement from yesterday and they are quickly becoming more confident!
Both were dirty and reeked of heavy smoke when we picked them up.
BHRR’s Sleet will be on a gastro food, de-wormed with Panacur, placed on Interceptor Plus and we are already giving her Forti Flora and shall continue to do so.
BHRR’s Glacier – he weighed 8.9 KGs(19.58 pounds). He was also confirmed as having infected eyes and his eyes shall also be monitored as he grows to best determine if he also needs an eneucleation or two. He has one eye worse than the other yet both eyes are horrible just as with his litter-mates.
Same thing as he was quite squirmy, harder for the Vet to properly examine him.
He also will be placed on Panacur plus Interceptor Plus and has been getting the Forti Flora.
Temps were normal for both, good heart, lungs and in a couple of days, their Vet advised to let them know how BHRR’s Sleets’ stools are doing in case we need to add metronidazole.
As for Summit, he came out for the ride and now weighs 10.1 KGs(22.22 pounds). At 6 weeks he was 12.01 pounds.
He will have his own next round of Panacur plus Interceptor Plus. He remains on Forti Flora himself.
They have files set up at Kanata Animal Hospital and anyone wishing to make a donation to BHRR’s Sleet’s and BHRR’s Glacier’s care can do so directly to the Hospital: 613-836-2848
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
All three puppies are quite lean and had some wonderful cuddles and loving by Holly, Cherie and their Vet. This is so important for all of them……
Now home, they have had a snack, water, played and are slowly crashing….
Tomorrow is another day with so much for them to learn and do and explore and for me to learn and do and explore with them!
Good night wishes being sent from our home to all of our friends, family and supporters!
PS: We are still in search of Volunteers to make human and/or doggie baked goodies for our upcoming 6th Annual Breaking Bills Baking Online Auction!
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you wish to donate an item or two!
DONATED TO DATE: $50
My last post of my night as it has been a truly exhausting, stressful plus worrisome journey to save these puppies…..for many many weeks.
Three of the five that survived in this litter are now reunited, all five are special needs. BHRR’s Glacier, BHRR’s Sleet & Summit.
I think they remembered each other!
To all reaching out to us asking what they need, at this time we could really use no slip bowls for the floor and after we have our own trusted team of Vets examine BHRR’s Sleet & BHRR’s Glacier tomorrow night, we will know more re: their Vet Bills.
As people may remember from an earlier post, we will be removing Summits one eye, he battles constant eye infections – and are monitoring his other eye closely, have to remove at least four teeth and those are just his baby ones…we will have to see re: his adult ones plus he has his left front leg twisting. He has IBS issues too. He is deaf/blind.
These are special needs Dane puppies and they can come with a whole list of medical concerns ranging from skin, heart, neuro, eye, ear, auto immune, have IS etc.
Summits litter-mates are also deaf/blind, both have eye infections, BHRR’s Sleet has an umbilical hernia, has a small amount of coloured nasal discharge and her brother is also a bit wonky on his hind end.
White Great Danes are not rare. They are all too common and it breaks my heart that people Breed to line their pockets and care not for what happens to these puppies when they are born.
Our first fundraiser of 2019 is coming up soon and all monies shall go towards their mounting bills. We are ISO of Bakers for human and/or doggie goodies for this Annual Fundraiser. It is our 6th Annual Breaking Bills Baking Online Auction! Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you would like to donate an item or more!
Nothing needs to be made until the online auction is over, so it is fresh and your location does not have to be near us as people support us from all over and gives people a chance to bid on goodies in their own area(s)!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, Happy New Year to you and good night wishes being sent….I know I shall have some peace in my heart tonight…
Happy New Year!
Instead of posting my own rescue year end statement, I am going to post my rescue beginning year picture…..while many were at home enjoying the New Year’s day with family and/or friends, we were out doing our first rescue of the year…..
Rescue is 24/7, 365 days a year!
AND! We got them! Both Special Needs Great Dane Puppies. This picture is moments after we got them and gave them some food.
Thank you’s extended to Elizabeth once more for coming with me on such short notice to bear witness plus to help. We ended up paying $300 for the one puppy, not $600. We had $250 in rescue saving donations given and I covered the remainder from my own pocket. What we wanted or ideal? No, not at all. Do I worry about this being a dangerous precedent yes, yet, we now have both puppies safe from harm.
Both will be heading to KAH tomorrow for vetting. Both have eye infections, both are deaf plus blind, the female also has an umbilical hernia plus we have to get a closer look at his hind end. Both have now had much needed baths and will be getting their extremely long nails trimmed shortly. They will receive thorough exams, have their next de-wormings plus fecals also done.
ISO: a BHRR Approved Volunteer for extra hands tomorrow night at KAH 6:45 PM to help love and hold them. Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do not post here as we may miss your kind offer!
Before anyone asks…..They are NOT available For Adoption.
These puppies are barely 9 weeks old and what they have gone through to date has been so wrong. We will right that wrong…..
Her name is BHRR’s Sleet & his name is BHRR’s Glacier. Sean has spoken!
Welcome to BHRR Babies!
UPDATE: On the 2 special needs Dane puppies.
The one home is still prepared at this time to surrender their shelter foster puppy without payment and the other home remains holding strong to wanting $600. 🙁
Thank you to the three angels that donated a combined $200 to date to assist towards going towards this puppy if it came down to it. We really do not wish to find ourselves in the position of having to pay and to go down what I have already termed setting a dangerous precedent. 🙁
Copy of Original Post:
These are the next two in urgent need of BHRR
2 x Special Needs Great Dane Puppies
9 weeks old
1 Male & 1 Female
ETA Being Worked On
This was a litter of five that I had been asked to assist since they were 2 weeks of age.
Their mother had died and a litter of 10 was put into a shelter. Sadly, 5 of the puppies passed away.
BHRR was then reached out to as a strongly focused special needs Great Dane Rescue. We were more than happy to step up to assist.
When the puppies were 6 weeks of age, the shelter placed two into foster to adopt homes; I took in one as my own the one assessed as being the worse and the other two were placed into foster care by the shelter.
The shelter was happy that BHRR was here to assist in any way needed and I gladly made the almost 6.5 hour round trip drive pretty much daily to help with feedings and care up to when they were placed into separate fosters.
Unfortunately, the two puppies that were placed by the shelter into foster homes felt understandably overwhelmed – these are special needs puppies and with that comes special care and special dedication plus special big responsibility.
The shelter indicated to the fosters that they were not in a position to take them back into their own care and directed these two homes to reach out to BHRR.
Both homes wanted BHRR to pay for these puppies when all vetting, food, toys, formula, supplies etc. to date had been paid for by the shelter along with BHRR.
It has been a big touch & go difficult situation as both homes stressed that they would put the puppies to sleep unless BHRR paid for them.
BHRR does not believe in paying for animals to bring into rescue and has spent a lot of time conversing with the homes in this delicate situation.
At the present, we now have one home willing to surrender their special needs puppy without BHRR paying for it.
The other home is still insisting that we pay $600 for the puppy and we continue to attempt to get the home to do the right thing. We are walking a very fine delicate line right now.
The Shelter feels that they they cannot enforce their contract with this home as they had already told them that they could not take the puppy back.
We truly do not want to be getting into a situation that we would be forced to pay $600 to save this puppy. That sets up a dangerous precedent.
Of course, we want to make sure that the puppy is not put to sleep, dumped outside somewhere etc. either.
This is an extremely stressful time right now.
We will continue to update as we can…..and may 2019 bring both puppies safely into our care.
Merry Christmas! We hope all are having a safe, healthy & happy Day!
These are the next two in urgent need of BHRR
2 x Special Needs Great Dane Puppies
8.5 weeks old
1 Male & 1 Female
ETA Being Worked On
This was a litter of five that I had been asked to assist since they were 2 weeks of age.
Their mother had died and a litter of 10 was put into a shelter. Sadly, 5 of the puppies passed away.
BHRR was then reached out to as a strongly focused special needs Great Dane Rescue. We were more than happy to step up to assist.
When the puppies were 6 weeks of age, the shelter placed two into foster to adopt homes; I took in one as my own the one assessed as being the worse and the other two were placed into foster care by the shelter.
The shelter was happy that BHRR was here to assist in any way needed and I gladly made the almost 6.5 hour round trip drive pretty much daily to help with feedings and care up to when they were placed into separate fosters.
Unfortunately, the two puppies that were placed by the shelter into foster homes felt understandably overwhelmed – these are special needs puppies and with that comes special care and special dedication plus special big responsibility.
The shelter indicated to the fosters that they were not in a position to take them back into their own care and directed these two homes to reach out to BHRR.
Both homes wanted BHRR to pay for these puppies when all vetting, food, toys, formula, supplies etc. to date had been paid for by the shelter along with BHRR.
It has been a big touch & go difficult situation as both homes stressed that they would put the puppies to sleep unless BHRR paid for them.
BHRR does not believe in paying for animals to bring into rescue and has spent a lot of time conversing with the homes in this delicate situation.
At the present, we now have one home willing to surrender their special needs puppy without BHRR paying for it.
The other home is still insisting that we pay $600 for the puppy and we continue to attempt to get the home to do the right thing. We are walking a very fine delicate line right now.
The Shelter feels that they they cannot enforce their contract with this home as they had already told them that they could not take the puppy back.
We truly do not want to be getting into a situation that we would be forced to pay $600 to save this puppy. That sets up a dangerous precedent.
Of course, we want to make sure that the puppy is not put to sleep, dumped outside somewhere etc. either.
This is an extremely stressful time right now. ?
We will continue to update as we can…..
Sean and BHRR’s Potterman – December 24th, 2018
Part of our traditional Christmas Eve Photo Shoot.
BHRR’s Bowen – Severely Neglected Great Dane needs your continued help….
Yesterday, he had his second urgent surgery – this one on his mouth.
First picture is of his badly broken tooth extracted and he had a really great cleaning done. He had to have a long surgery to get his mouth into a healthy condition. So tragic the neglect that this poor boy experienced in his past.
Unfortunately, Mr. Bowen has not bounced back well and he ended up seeing a Vet last night and was back at KAH this AM, not able to walk plus with a fever of over 40 degrees. Understandably, he has not wanted to eat or drink.
He has been placed on fluids, being given his pain meds and even has a fan on him. His fever went down a bit and then went back up later this afternoon.
His wonderful Vet does not know why he has this fever – we have been told by two Vets that it is too earlier for it to be infection related.
May we please ask everyone to keep him in their best wishes and if anyone may be willing to be one of his Christmas Miracle Angels, his Vet Bills are mounting even further…..
Donations to his care can be made directly to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848. He remains under their amazing care and I will be back there later tonight to see him.
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
AND as mentioned, please send him tons of get well wishes too!
After losing BHRR’s Bane who had been horribly abused/neglected, my heart is extremely extra emotional re: dear Mr. Bowen right now.
Thank you to everyone that came out today to our last 2018 hosted event at BHRR!
Our 7th Annual Chain of Success Thank You Pooch/People Potluck.
We had a total of 31 folks come out to spend the afternoon and evening with The Boerskins! Sadly, we had three homes reach out to us to say that they were sick and could no longer attend and we sincerely hope that you feel better soon!
We feel deeply honoured to have had so many wonderful folks grace our home and thank you Bruce for the donation of your 50/50 winnings back to BHRR! That will all go towards BHRR’s Char’s mounting Vet Bills.
Thank you from our hearts for the paper towels, the laundry detergent, the fabric softener and the Lysol Wipes….so desperately needed and deeply appreciated!
Each of you are truly lovely and we are privileged plus humbled to have your support.
We hope everyone has a really wonderful and safe Holiday Season!
A pic – the others would not post so will post on the thread instead! – from when most people other than Mary, Jacob & Nate had left!
Warmest good night wishes being sent from our home to all of our friends, family and supporters!
BHRR’s Singe!
~3.5 years of age
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
All of our adoption processes, policies & procedures:
http://www.birchhaven.org/
FAQ’s & Information:
http://www.birchhaven.org/
For those who saw this emaciated, collapsed in the hind boy upon arrival and even as recently as September, LOOK at him now!?!
We never gave up!!!
After almost 30 years working with the Danes/Giants and focusing so strongly on the special needs, as much as I am an expert on them…each one continues to teach me SO much!
We struggled for so long to get that weight on him…so long….
AND what worked the best is what always worked with my cherished beloved now RIP Big Blue Bronson – NOT just offering him many smaller meals through the morning/day/evening YET giving him a bowl during the night before my own bedtime – around 3:00 AM!
Sounds so simple….just the one extra small meal between the hours of 3:00 – 5:30 AM made ALL the difference.
LOOK at him?!!!
Head up, regal, uber handsome and so much stronger in the hind end and has put on so much muscle mass/weight!
This boy is amazing! Full of personality, loves the car, so affectionate and full of drool with those flews of his!
He such a mixture of emotions from calm to spastic puppy when running and that he will be so persistent asking for love is just fantastic!
He used to stand so quietly and hopefully by my elbow while I typed on the computer waiting patiently and looking so soulful for me to notice him and notice him I would do! Yet, I wanted to help build him up so that he knew it was ok to ask for love and not feel rejected and yup, he has that down pack now!
He can go to a home that works full-time, part-time, works from home, is semi-retired or is retired.
He is great with the other dogs, fascinated by cats – can be a bit playfully rough and loves to leave drool all over and did I mention yet how handsome he is?
He is an absolute DREAM to do nails! Such a dream. Bathes easily and likes to ‘chat’.
He will only go to a home, should said right matched personality fit home have children no less than age 8.
He would be fine as the only dog in the home as long as he retained a good strong doggie network to have friends. We all need some friends in our world.
He will ONLY go to that right match personality fit home that understands that he needs to eat smaller more frequent meals throughout a 24 hour period still.
We will also be doing a transitional adoption for when he first arrived to BHRR, he would not eat and then he would ONLY eat for me and it took a very long time for him to feel comfortable eating for the rest of The Boerkskins.
We will not SEE him go backwards in his journey to health and happiness.
Therefore, we will ONLY consider homes within 1 hour of our location in Oxford Station so that we can do the proper transitional adoption that this boy requires. We have had to do transitional adoptions on many a BHRR doggie over the years and we need to have set up for success for home and our dogs.
He is so sensitive, gentle, slobbery and LOVES his butt rubbed….and be careful when you sit down for he is a pro at spinning and getting that butt of his plunked into your lap fast.
BHRR’s Singe, we talked much about whether we should place you up for adoption yet I strongly feel that should that right matched personality fit home find you tha they will continue to build upon all of the strong foundations we have put in place for you here to keep you set up for success.
You do not need me any longer and it has been an absolute pleasure having you in my home and you will forever be in my heart.
AND if that right matched forever loving home never finds you, our home will always be your home! Forever…..
You have caused me to have many a grey hair yet together we figured out what worked best for you and LOOK at you now…as they say…you have come far baby!
WTG!
He is such a hoot! He LOVES his car rides!
The dangers of calling out ‘Singe! Car Ride!’
Yet, managed to take a quick pic – blurry yet there! – and still get out of the way…barely JUST in time!
How such a big boy can contort like that?!!!
He is all floppy uncoordinated Giant puppy when he runs!
THIS photo is not doctored in ANY way!
Sean snapped this photo of a special someone who will be making their own special announcement tonight!
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 Bane
BHRR’s Bane, this post is so unbelievably difficult to make yet it must to be done. I will continue to do my best in doing right by you.
I am so sorry that so many failed you….I am so sorry that I could not save you in the end and I have been working so hard behind the scenes working to get what justice I can for you.
You touched a community BHRR’s Bane….and that community needs to know that your story continues, even after you were laid to rest at BHRR. Letting you go was positively horrible. Your life was hell before you came into Rescue and we wanted to give you a future full of promise, free of pain and one of health, happiness plus spoiling hands.
To update everyone – we have not one yet two cases that have taken much time to pull together for I cannot sleep at night, I cannot eat well, I have nightmares for what BHRR’s Bane went through, not just in the hands of those who severely neglected/abused him; yet in the hands of supposed medical professionals in TO. It was wrong on so many levels.
This is not a post to honour your incredible memory, dear sweet BHRR’s Bane….that will come for you deserve a post dedicated all to you and not to the things that this post shall be addressing. You deserve a post not of anger, pain, disappointment, frustration, etc…you deserve so much better/more. That will come….you will never be forgotten. I promise you that…
To all of our supporters, friends plus family, thank you immensely for your understanding that even though we had not yet made a post re: this precious boy, that if one had not yet been made that there had to be very valid reasons why. Thank you also to all of our supporters, friends plus family that know us well and that since 1996 we have always made the tough posts that needed and should be made, believing 100% in transparency and full disclosure.
We have always made the good, the bad, the great and the ugly in updates as we believe that we are accountable not just to the animals in need of us, or to those that have asked us to assist these special animals yet to all those that have given of themselves in time, well wishes, donations be it financial and/or otherwise plus have been there for us/the dogs. We are nothing without our BHRR “CHAIN OF SUCCESS” links and you have proven to be so strong and kind many times over since our inception in 1996.
To those closest to BHRR’s Bane’s unbelievable fight for his life, they had also been kept regularly updated of all the ups, downs, heartaches, the amazing, the truly brutal and the reality of his story.
When we were asked to assist this boy, he had already been to a Vet and this should have been a ‘straight forward’ severe emaciation case. What none of his rescuers knew at the time was that he was far sicker and far more abused/neglected. He is literally one of the worst cases I have ever worked to help save in almost 30 years in rescue AND we focus on the truly broken/in need animals. With that one first Vet prior to us assisting him not properly vetting him, unfortunately, and unbelievably another Hospital in TO – one we never used before and never shall again – also did not do right by him. We are hoping for a ruling in our favour from the one case we have worked hard to pull together to submit. We will share more on this as we can.
To think that anyone would believe that we would never update re: BHRR’s Bane yet would ‘take money’ after he was crossed over, when we well knew how many came together to root and cheer and cry along with us, no longer shocks us.
AND to state very clearly there was only one donation accepted AFTER the decision was made with his wonderful Vet voicing what Sean/I had already discussed to humanely cross over BHRR’s Bane. That was from Maia who sent us an email for a Hospital Staff member had told her when she was at a Vet Hospital about BHRR’s Bane. This kind soul emailed us and insisted that we still accept this caring donation and we put it towards the still outstanding almost $4,000 in his Vet Bills. They had reached out to us saying they understood why we had not collected the donation and wanted us to still collect it.
We have NEVER taken one nickel, dime, quarter or otherwise since he was let go. Sean/I have been working to pay off his remaining almost $4,000 Vet bills out of our own pockets. Anyone who contacted us wishing to make a donation or did make a donation, was informed that we were no longer taking donations and the appropriate action taken.
We will NEVER see any dog suffer and when it became clear that an infection had spread to his lungs – one possible cause was that the bad infection from his spine – and it was believed that he had the infection in his spine from the horrible infection spreading from his bladder/kidneys etc. – was the reason why – and that his chances of survival became beyond a poor prognosis, he was humanely crossed over. To see him go downhill so fast was very hard and in looking into his eyes, I knew what his heart was telling me. Would he keep fighting, I know he would for me yet he could no longer breathe easily and it was getting worse so fast. In the space of less than 24 hours, this q