Chester

Mr. Chester(8-month Newf/Saint) says……

He is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION!

We will update as we can.

 

These two! They crack us up!!!

 
Mr. Chester(8 months of age).
 
His weight on Wednesday was 140 pounds(yes, he does need to lose a wee bit, yet, not as much as one would think!) – as we work to keep him lean – & his ‘big’ foster sister River.
 
BHRR’s Chester(Saint/Newf) remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
 
 

From Mr. Chesters Foster Dad: John Montgomery

“He is a big fluffy hooligan when he conspires with our “Who? Me?” labrador. He loves to play, but not a dog for hiking or long walks.”

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

BHRR’s Chester is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
(Newf/Saint Bernard) 

Health Status: HEALTHY!
He will require pain management medication as needed – Deramaxx, Gabapentin
As he will be on NSAIDS, he will need regular blood work to ensure that his kidneys are tolerating the medication.

Age: ~7 months old!

Weight: 131 pounds at last weigh-in on March 22nd, 2022

Type of Home Ideal For Mr. Chester: He is a chill, calm boy. He likes his small walks(20 minutes)/strolls and playfully interacts with his friends, yet, he needs a quieter/peaceful physical activity level home. A home that will understand and agree to keep him lean, not allow him overdue physical activity while at the same time allowing him to socalise and make canine plus human friends. A home that does not have a lot of stairs is our wish.

He needs moderation on his activity to keep his hips strong for what we hope is for many years to come! We do not want him kept in a bubble. What we want is for him to live a quality filled, fantastic life. We want him to be happy, to live his best life each and every day.

He can be in a home that works ft; pt works from home is semi-retired or retired, etc. He is another versatile BHRR dog! He will ONLY go to a home that is prepared to ensure that he receives the balance he requires with proper exercise, socialisation, etc. He does not necessarily need to go to a dog-experienced home yet; he does need to go to a home that remains committed to his obedience, structure, consistency, medical needs, and to be patient, kind, understanding, and are not hermits. He loves home, yet; he also likes outings to pet stores and other dog-friendly store visits, plus visits to see friends. We are not advocates of dog parks. He needs a home that will give him new positive and great memorable experiences.

If you are a home that likes to take long hikes, climb mountains, run, etc., Mr. Chester is not for you. His hips cannot take on that high level of strenuous activity, nor is it even in his personality to want to do those things.

Personality/Temperament: Loving, affectionate, calm, quiet inside the home yet can be vocal when playing. He needs to be emotionally/physically properly stimulated, uber-sweet, social, playful, active in his way, gentle, plus kind. If not handled properly – he has the potential to develop SA behaviours. He can be goofy plus such a ham! He is not a couch potato by any means.

Previous Dog Experience: Previous dog experience is not required per the above. While we would ideally like to see him in a home with at least one right-matched personality fit dog, it is not a deal-breaker. He lives in a foster home with a young adult lab and a senior Boxer, and he plays wonderfully with both! Tug of war plus wrestling are two of his favourite activities! So, it remains essential for him to have his necessary level of physical plus mental activity. It is equally important that he has a strong doggie network as he needs friends too.

Good With Cats: His present foster home has a cat. Integration is always key.

Good with Pocket Pets: Unknown.

Good with Children: We will consider homes with children 13 and up and no more than two children in a home. No young children.

Grooming: He is good to wash, do nails. He needs to be brushed regularly, and we recommend a couple yearly sessions of professional grooming to keep his gorgeous coat looking its best.

Car: He has also come SO far with car rides – getting in, and out of the car. He is learning that the world has so many amazing adventures to experience!

Housebroken/Crate Trained: He is housebroken and Crate trained – he sleeps in a colossal crate. We never recommend for any new addition to be given too much freedom to start. It can be very overwhelming plus too stimulating to them.

Obedience: He requires a home that will be consistent and dedicated to continuing to help him become the best dog that he can be. His potential is enormous!

He is a giant breed puppy that has no spatial awareness at times! His leash manners have come a long way. He can pull, yet he is learning.

Activities Suited For Her: He is calm plus has fantastic manners, and to us, he is low maintenance.

He would excel in therapy work.

Loves & Bad Habits: Be prepared for the drool!!!

He loves treats and loves to be around his humans.

His foster home tells us that he likes to splash in the water.

Like any dog, he is not perfect. He is perfect in all of his imperfections, though! NOT to mention gorgeous!

He is a truly special boy!

Anxieties/Worries: It is integral that the right matched personality fit home does not spend 24/7 with him. During this pandemic, we still need groceries; we should still go out and walk about; we should still get in our cars and go for a small drive to go somewhere to do something! Time has been spent having him learn to not only like yet enjoy his own company. As we need our alone time, it is imperative that he does too. He is a solid and stable dog.

As we have stated for over 26 years now, we will NEVER rush any dogs’ rehabilitation journey, we do not flip dogs, and we are not desperate to adopt them out

We will always place up for adoption the dogs that can be adopted and safe haven all others that, due to medical and/or behavioural reasons, cannot be placed up for adoption.

We do not take in hundreds of dogs yearly; we only took in 6 dogs in 2021 as it is about helping the next in need of us, giving them top-quality care, and not about taking in numbers. In 2022, we have ONLY taken in 4 dogs to date.

After 26+ years, we know that we cannot please everyone, which means that BHRR is not the rescue to be followed, supported, and believed in by everyone. We remain small plus mighty, and as we go through this next transitional stage for BHRR, we shall continue to operate with a zero-tolerance approach, plus providing up and beyond care to the animals.

Our mandates have never changed, and they will remain the same as long as we are around; the animals shall always be done right by as our priority.

Our adoption success rates remain second to no other group out there – 100% for over ten years of operating, and now 99% as we go through year 26, and we are excited as we go through this slow transition for BHRR!

You have come so far, Mr. Chester, and we are delighted that you are making your special announcement!

PS: Thank you to his outstanding foster family for ALL that they have done and are doing for him!

This picture was taken yesterday by them on one of their adventures! STUNNING!

 

Mr. Chester(7 months old).

In the meantime, wanted to share this great pic!

Of one of his best ‘assets’! 
 
Thanks again to his wonderful foster family for the fabu photo!!

Mr. Chester!
(7 month-old Newf/SaintX)

Per Dr. P., ortho specialist.

Therefore, this special boy will be making his special announcement very soon. He will ONLY be approved to a right matched personality fit home THAT ensures that they can take on his medical needs including the cost of his pain management, continued x-rays, bloodwork, exams, exercise needs, keeping him lean, etc.

We have seriously thought about putting him into a perma-foster situation yet, we will try first to see if there is that right matched fit – not just for personality, yet for ALL of his needs is out there.
We are patient, he resides in an excellent foster home, and we will update as we can.

“Considering the lameness of the left hind leg and assuming the stifle is normal and you can localize pain to the hip, hip dysplasia is likely the cause of lameness. The stifle rads look normal. Dogs that have subluxation from hip dysplasia like on the left side can show signs of pain as exhibited in this patient, especially when they are between 6 and 18 months of age because the hip sub luxates during weight-bearing.
At some point during that time, the acetabulum will fill up with scar tissue and eventually bone while the joint capsule thickens and the joint remains in a subluxated position. The hip is often more comfortable at that point and some dogs may live a good life after that with medical management.
If pain cannot be controlled long term, then there is the option of hip replacement which is not ideal for a dog this size. However, there is around 10-20 percent of patients have severe complications.
Since many dogs can be managed well with medical management once their skeleton is more mature, we should give him time, leash walking, and avoid strenuous activity along with overplaying with other dogs, with pain management as needed. Also, keep him on the lean side.”

Mr. Chester was 131 lbs when weighed for his next flea, hw & tick meds on March 22, 2022

BHRR’s Mr. Chester(5.5+ months old) had his x-rays under sedation to assess his hips/knees plus mouth.

He weighed 115.94 pounds.

The IM sedation did not work for him so we had to place an IV catheter.

He was also given pain and anti-inflammatory meds plus sent some to go with his temp foster home.

His mouth looks good! The broken tooth was a deciduous(baby) one and the root has re-absorbed. YAY! The rest of his teeth also look beautiful.

This is one of his x-rays – taken of both hips. It confirmed what we suspected all along, especially the left hip. We also took x-rays of both knees.

The x-rays have been sent on to Dr. Philibert, our ortho specialist plus to Montreal to advise.

However, this is not our first situation with canines like Mr. Chester.

We pretty much know the options, yet we believe in being proactive plus responsible and showing proper due diligence.

We also know that we have an incredible former approved adoptive home that has expressed interest in adopting him, and we hope that he can be placed up for adoption. Yet, like Miss Olive, he may end up being a permanent Haven Dog.

BUT, one step at a time.

His Vet Bills on Thursday were just under $700, and any donations to his continued mounting vet bills can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com

GENTLE REMINDER: Carol Bruck Purdy Chocolate Fundraiser for Mr. Chester is still running & ENDS March 22nd!!!

Total Raised To Date: $365.56
Their Goal: $1,000

One of the supporters of the rescue has decided to host an Easter Fundraiser with Purdy Chocolates to help with his care.

Did you know Purdy chocolates are made with sustainable cocoa and Canadian owned!

Please consider ordering your special person/people some delicious treats this Easter, you will be helping him too!

What you’ll need to order:
  1. Our campaign number: 62133
  2. Go to our fundraising website: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1499850-92976
  3. Click “Join Campaign”
  4. Shop, shop, shop away!

Thank you EVERYONE for your support. Even if you can’t buy chocolates from us, it would mean the world if you could share this fundraiser link with everyone you know!

Happy chocolating!

Pick up is in the North End of Brockville.

 

 

Today is the day!!
 
Mr. Chester (Saint/Newf) is having his sedation so we can X-ray his hips, knees plus do dental X-rays.
 
I am just waiting for him to arrive at work so we can get started…. 
 
This is him and his foster sister, River!
 
He has grown a bit! 
 
5.5 months of age and Hazel Tal, your Valentine’s pressies were dropped off last weekend. Thank you again for being his Secret Admirer! 
 
Please keep him in your best thoughts and we will update as we can…..
 

BHRR’s Chester(Newf/Saint) was at the Vet for his own recheck plus boosters apt. on February 2nd.
 
He wants to shout out a big THANK you to Brian Element for being his special Secret Santa – the DOG bed is very much appreciated and enjoyed! 
 
Mr. Chester also wishes to thank his 2022 Collar Angel, Hazel Tal! On Wednesday his foster Mama was given the collar, and they say that it suits him! 
 
Mr. Chester, 5 months of age, now weighs 48.5 kgs(106.7 pounds).
 
As he continues to age/grow, you can see more and more how weak plus poor his hind end is.  The bunny hopping, the glaring signs of HD, and we have been informed how hard it is for him to even do a couple of stairs.
 
SO, his sedation for x-rays(5 views) of hips, knees will be done along with dental x-rays for that mouth on Thursday, February 24th.
 
It is Gwenne’s day off yet, she is going in to work as the tech with his one Vet – they have been on his case since before we even brought him into our rescue and were conversing with the shelter as we prepared behind the scenes for his arrival.
 
All of us are feeling pretty grim about what we are going to find, yet, this is the next step and from there will send off the x-rays to ortho specialist Dr. Philibert and also to the DMV in Montreal. We want to cover all options – as we did with BHRR’s Olive and so many others over the past 25+ years.
 
For your consideration, we also have 12 more BHRR doggies in need of a Secret Admirer Valentine!
 
Details below:
 
AND Our Annual ‘Won’t You Be My Valentine’ Event is live!
 
Each of the below BHRR doggies are hoping that they will have a secret admirer who will wish to spoil them with a special treat or giant toy plus a donation between $25-$50 towards their bills!
Please see the poster for more details!
 
This event shall run up to and including February 14th, 2022!
 
These are the amazing BHRR doggies still in need of a special Valentine AND if you may consider a BHRR doggie to spoil this Valentine’s, please do let us know!
 
Donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
 
OR
 
via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Jamila
Rosie
Fred
Aramis
Bell
Dean
Giselle
Granite
Gravel
Gretta
Olive
Porthos

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!

 

BHRR’s Chester!
 
Almost 5 months old
Newf/SaintX Puppy
 
Mr. Chester was back at the Vets on January 11th.
 
He now weighs 99 pounds. A bit plump so his wonderful foster home is going to be cutting down his food a wee bit.
 
At his visit in December, he had a urinalysis by cysto performed – I also ran one in the house; we sent off urine for culture & sensitivity, we did an u/s and we did x-rays plus he had a full exam.
 
I did suspect when I had picked him up on December 19th that he had poor hips – HD, and we re-visited this on the 11th.
 
At his December 21st Vet visit, his Vet found a broken canine at the gumline – it could not be determined if it was his deciduous(baby) or his adult as he is presently teething.
 
He had boosters on January 11th and will be back on February 2nd for his final boosters.
 
We will then be scheduling him for x-rays of his hips under sedation – yes, HD is not supposed to be properly diagnosed until age 2, yet, you can still tell. He bunny hops when he runs has that hind end typical HD gait, has a severe lack of muscle mass plus tone in his hind end, and is quite weak in his back end. Even more, a reason to keep him lean.
 
Have to love greedy breeders who do not breed for the betterment of the breed plus deliberately produce mixed breeds.
 
While Mr. Chester is sedated, we will look at that tooth/mouth more closely for when he was back at the Vet on January 11th, we know that we have to get further into his mouth.
 
The amazing news that we can share is that he DOES NOT have ectopic ureters.
 
He also has had very few accidents in his foster home – he is dry every morning in his crate, and any urine accidents are the result of him not yet being 100% housebroken.
 
He is not dribbling nor leaking any urine accidentally now that his urinary infections have been successfully resolved.
 
This is excellent news!!!! 
 
While we move forward on his hips/tooth issues plus to finish off his vaccine protocols and microchip him; we know that at least he does NOT have ectopic ureters.
 
So, now we need to address the big concerns of his hips – this is a giant breed puppy, and the other not so pressing, yet still important issue of his mouth – more readily treated. Should he be a candidate for surgery, we will be having to travel to Montreal or Guelph.
 
AND this means more extensive vet bills for this young handsome dude…..
 
SO gentle reminder if anyone may consider supporting/participating:
 
The amazing Valentine Basket Draw put together by Carol Bruck & Katherine Bruck is Monday, January 17th!
 
To purchase tickets etransfer carol_bruck@hotmail.com no password required & email Carol that you are buying tickets!
 
$10.00 for 10 tickets
 
$20.00 for arm length (30 tickets)
 
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
 
 

Though, it may seem like our XMAS tree is ‘giftless’ again in 2021, in reality, the best gift is sitting in the other picture! – BHRR’s Chester! 
 
The giving of gifts to each other is so not important compared to saving a life in urgent need!
 
This is a picture that I took when he arrived for his busy day at the Hospital on Tuesday, December 21st. He weighed 35.9 kgs(78.98 pounds). 
 
Thanks to SO many joining us in surrounding wee 16 week old Mr. Chester with such a strong BHRR village, we have been able to pay for his vetting on Tuesday.
 
What all of us have done by coming together is to give this handsome WOW young man a Christmas Miracle! 
Another post to come with testing results, an update, etc….right now, it is traditional fam time at the Boers home after another very long day at work. 
 
I am filled with tears of gratitude, my heart is bursting with so much warmth thanks to our beautiful rescue angel network that has been showing him the best in caring kind wonderful helping hearts plus hands……..
 
In the New Year, we will begin our snuggle cuddle fundraiser to continue to raise monies for his vetting needs…..this boy is simply a piece of heaven!
 
From the Boerskins home to all of our friends, family and supporters, may your Christmas EVE/Day be safe and filled with immense happiness plus health.
 

Chester’s x-ray

Mr. Chester was at the Vet – my work – today, and I got some serious loving!!
 
So nice to see him again!! 
 
More soon!

Mr. Chester (4 months old) had a great night according to his wonderful foster mama! 
 
AND per his foster mom, BHRR’s Maxwell(ADOPTED November 23rd, 2021) found a new source for getting his water!! Ewwww! 
 
I noted some blood on the one blanket that he was laying on when I was transporting him.
 
I also asked his foster mom if they could pick up some unscented baby wipes and peneten.
 
His foster mama says that he does have redness/rash on the inside of his thighs, and we do want to avoid any further urine scalding.
 
Tomorrow he is at the vet at 11:30 am and we will post as we can!
 
Thank you again to everyone that has surrounded him with so much love…we want to give him a Christmas miracle….
 

Mr. Chester is being shown the yard by his ‘big’ foster sister River! 
 
His ‘big’ brother, BHRR’s Mr. Maxwell(Adopted November 23rd, 2021) is probably inside where it is warmer! 
 
Mr. Chester has been in the caring shelter since November – at least the 29th – and now seeing him in a wonderful foster home is very heartwarming! 

Got him, now dropped off at his foster home! 

Beyond precious!

I will see him again on Tuesday for the beginning of his medical rehab journey.

Everything crossed that he can be rehabilitated successfully. He is just so lovely!

We will keep everyone posted! We are deeply indebted to many that have come together to surround him with a strong BHRR village of support!

Making my drive home to have a late supper with Sean! See you in ~1 hour!

Mr. Chester is hanging in so well from all the wonderful reports coming in from the angel drivers!
 
There are a lot of animals on this transport including Guinea pigs and a rabbit.
 
The rabbit (a male named Maggie!) comes from the same shelter as he does.
 
The transport is running almost an hour behind yet slow but sure.
 
We are being told by many just how much fun he is – sweet, timid, and did I say everyone thinks he is sweet yet?!! 
 
Once I get him, I will be driving him with bags of food, etc., to his foster in Kanata.
 
Going to be a late-night! Yet, a truly rewarding one. 
 

Mr. Chester is travelling well!
 
He is super sweet per all of his transport angels – very timid about getting into the vehicles (cannot blame him) – so folks are lifting him in.
 
Wee Giant! ~70 pounds of fluff! 
 
Thank you to all that have come together to make lifesaving donations for him to see several specialists…..
 
This photo is the credit of Norma – one of his rescue drivers!

Wee 16 week old Chester is on his way!!
 
The first angel transporter said he is a sweetheart all the way!! 
 
I will be meeting the last of his rescue angel drivers for 6 pm tonight, then making the drive to his foster home.
 
It is a big day for him.
 
This is another pic of him while at the shelter last week when I asked for a few more pics.
 
The ‘bed head’ hair is awesome!!

UPDATE: we are working on 16 weeks old Mr. Chester’s transport for tomorrow.
 
I asked for some new pics to post and this one just captured my soul.
 
I also asked the shelter if they were sure he was a Saint/Newf as he looks so much like a Leonberger baby. 
 
The shelter said the Owner stated a Newf/Saint and my contact there also thought possible Leonberger too!
 
I am aware of several litters of Byber Saint/Newfs in that area that were born over the last few months…
 
Regardless, he is 100% stunning and deserving.
 
Thanks to the incredibly generous hearts of so many, we are just shy of $500 of our goal to raise for him.
 
We also have him booked in on Tuesday to begin his proactive/preventative vet care.
 
Donations can be sent via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
 
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Save your Empties to donate is another amazing way to support him!
 
AND yes, he does have a fabulous foster home that will be loving on him!
 
Soon wee dude, soon! You will be here soon!

**UPDATE: $715 Raised To Date* 

We were contacted last night about this urgent medical 16 week old Saint Bernard/Newf Puppy.

He needs a Christmas miracle.

Euthanasia was one of the recommendations on the table by the Vet, and we felt he deserves the opportunity to determine what his diagnosis and prognosis may be. The wonderful Shelter felt the same as they reached out for possible rescue assistance per the additional recommendation made by the Vet to consider rescue as another possible option as long as the rescue remains dedicated to doing what is in his best interest.

He was an owner surrender to a shelter as the owners could no longer afford his vet bills.

From the shelter vet:

“I am suspicious he has ectopic ureters causing urinary issues but wouldn’t be able to confirm without extensive testing at a referral facility. Even with that diagnosis if he does have this congenital abnormality that may or may not be able to be corrected by surgery (depending on defect) and even then surgery may still not be successful (no guarantee).

Options would be to try and find a rescue. I would consider euthanasia a reasonable option as well. ”

His name is Chester, and we need to raise ~$1,800 – $2,100 for a CT scan.

Only 16 weeks old and he desperately needs a village to surround him…..

We are already financially strapped yet that face, so young….he deserves a chance…..and hoping others may feel the same….

This condition(if that is what he has) is common in certain breeds – Newfs being one. Ectopic Ureters are more common in female dogs over males. Success in males can be 25-50%, ‘if’ this is what he has. No one knows without further diagnostics being done.

He has been a big fav of staff & volunteers at the shelter and everyone would like to know for sure before seeing a puppy euthanised if it is truly in the pup’s best interest.

What if he can be successfully rehabilitated? We have dealt with ectopic ureters before. 100% success rate yet we go into this with our eyes completely open and aware.

The Boerskins are foregoing again this year in the giving of gifts to each other so funds can be redirected to this puppy.

If anyone has even $5 to spare, we remain humbled by your show of support.

This is an extremely urgent situation and looking at an eta for his arrival on Sunday.

Any donation consideration can be sent to PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com

Wee Chester needs a Christmas miracle…. 

Thank you in advance for your consideration.