Month: June 2011

I have added three photos to BHRR's Maggie May's slideshow. Two are below. They are from June 21st, 2011. She is slowing getting stronger and has good days with eating plus drinking and bad days. Yesterday was a bad day. 🙁 We also discovered that Thunderstorms terrify her. She actually jumped our coffee table and wedged herself between both couches near the plants. Sean called me at work to let me know. Poor thing…..

I have yet to wash her for after her grooming/shaving, she was so exhausted that it took days to recover but she showed more perk and energy than she first did upon arrival. You could tell she felt so much better. I am hoping that within the next day or so, I can wash her. Her coat is already growing back in and is so soft….we call it her 'peach fuzz' fashion!

Her best of friends is our Caffrey yet yesterday AM, you could see that she wanted to play with Sir Maestro and well, he was a bit too much for her. She is so much happier now and her tail wags higher up in the air and more often. 🙂

She handled our BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House with her usual dignity and calm yet not long after the first folks arrived, she jumped the couch corner to escape the 'triage' area and asked to go in her crate. She came out a bit later for a drink, some loving and a rest on one of the dog beds.

She truly is so sweet, kind, gentle, patient and those eyes of hers…gosh, I could almost drown in them. There is less sadness in them yet she is still hesitant about asking for affection and is quite submissive, raising a paw and half rolling on her back sometimes when you approach.

At this time, she is going to remain unavailable for adoption and we shall see if she is ever ready. She is older than what was she was first believed to be. We were given 2.5 – 4 years, which seemed very fair; yet I think she is older. Does not matter….she is what she is and is perfection with all of her faults…of which she has few!!!

Her amputation site continues to pain her and she had some crying out this AM when she attempted to turn on to her other side when she was laying down. Her scapulae was left upon the amputation and the bones are protruding. Hopefully, with more weight and muscle, this will aid her.

She is completely lacking in muscle tone in the hind end and does appear to have something 'affected' in her hind end – hip? knee? This is unknown as of yet, but I suspect as did the one Vet she saw that it is more than just learning how to balance and move as a tripod. YET, no putting the cart before the horse….one step at a time.

As she becomes stronger, we will continue to move forward. She cannot take on much at this time and we are not going to push her and weaken her by things that can wait a bit longer. She is not in any discernible discomfort or pain or duress with her hind end. So, we are not going to make any diagnosis without proper vetting. I also wish to obtain an updated weight on her yet, I am sure we took off close to 15 pounds of hair and debris when she was groomed, the poor thing. The things that were in that fur that came off, was none too pleasant. 🙁

On behalf of BHRR's Maggie May, THANK YOU so much for all the donations that came her way. We will continue to accept donations for her Vet & Rehab care including I hope some Canine Water Wellness Sessions when she is stronger.

She has a pretty set AM routine now – bed by 2:30 AM or so; up around 6:00 AM – out and about; a small drink, a small bite if we are lucky; back to bed until 8:00 AM and then a walk about around the property for about half an hour; in – a small drink and a bite if we are lucky; a bit of a play and then off to her crate for a snooze for a few hours. Up and out again by 12:30 PM yet more quiet for the rest of the day. She might eat a bit around 2:30 PM or 4 PM with a bit more water and then is napping until around 8 PM. She likes to take this nap outside of Kinsley's door and a few nights ago, she decided she was not going to sleep in her crate; she went right into our masterbedroom and slept on a Costco dog bed. YAY! That was the only night she did that though. Every other night, she has asked to go to her crate.

Her Canadian Bills to date: $200+

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

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


BHRR's Maggie May & her bff – Caffrey – June 21st, 2011

BHRR's Holden is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! Our recent BHRR "EXPERIENCE" Mini Open House was his 'final' test and he passed with flying colours! He was social, comfortable and quietly accepting of all that happened that day!

BHRR's Holden is not an 'in your face' kind of dog. He has faced much rejection in his life and we would love to see him go to a home that will be patient, understanding and continue building him up in social situations without setting him up for failure.

We would love for him to go to a home with a compatible dog; male or female is of no importance. His best friends here are BHRR's Benjamin, Bleach and Caffrey. His newest of bff's is BHRR's Apollo. He is playing and having a blast with the dogs.

He is very gentle in taking treats, is mindful of his manners and his leash manners are a dream! He is very smart and many a compliment came his way on Saturday re: his looks and temperament. When he had had enough of all the attention and activity, he just went calmly to his open crate and laid down. He was the one that was often in the background waiting for someone to notice him as he just let the others dogs mob and mill around the people. KUDOS to all that have read his blogs and understood that he really wants love too and make gentle, patient plus small gestures his way to give him love.

BHRR's Holden can give the appearance of being aloof or reserved yet if you understood Pyr's; you would understand that while they might 'appear' to be that way, they are actually quite affectionate to their families. He is extremely loyal to myself now that I have earned his trust and acceptance plus respect. This boy suffered so much in the way of how many people turned him away when he was a stray before he came across one or two that would throw him a scrap or two of food. Then when all the other dogs came to the abandoned property, it is clear to see from his body condition, that BHRR's Holden was not the one getting it all. He would have surely perished there if he was left and then when they were picked up by animal control, he was within one day of being pts before he was rescued.

So, it is now our responsibility to do right by him and a home that works part-time, is semi-retired or even that right full-time home would be a good match. He loves being around his humans and is still learning about asking for love when he wants it and not on humans terms. He is still hesitant more about men than women yet has made leaps and bounds in that area.

We hope that his right forever matched home can see beyond the 'facade' he has built up to handle rejection and get to know the 'real' him to the soft, kind, gentle, super sweet adorable boy he is inside. He really was a boy that when I first saw him, that I wanted to snatch him up and hug him close and reassure him that all would be ok now.

His eyes connect to a soul that has seen much and experienced much and it is clearly not all good….

The honeymoon period is now over at BHRR for him and it is good to see him stand up and push his friends around and not worry about being corrected in a manner any more than a tone of  voice. He has an impish side this boy and to me is a WOW DOG!

We would recommend being careful with stuffies around him!

I shall be bringing him in again soon to see how his weight is going but he is getting better and better!

Below is one picture from June 5th and one from June 21st of BHRR's Holden.


BHRR's Holden with BHRR's Cherokee & Bleach – June 5th, 2011 & BHRR's Holden – June 21st, 2011

BHRR's Hailey's temp fostering date has been pushed to Saturday July 2nd, 2011. So excited for her and her temp foster family BUT I am sure going to miss her!

To learn about how to become a BHRR Approved Volunteer or Foster Home; please visit our Foster/Volunteer Page. BHRR can always use more wonderful temp foster homes within 2.5 hours of our location.

Here is a picture of BHRR's Potter with just one of the 27 amazing registered attendees from our June 25th BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open Houses! Our next one shall be in September and if you are interested, please email to register. We only take 30 registratrants and we are already 9!


June 25th, 2011 – BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House
*Photo courtesy of J. Rheome DeSantis

P. Lirette – Ottawa, ON

Holy macaroni! Spending a day within BHRR was amazing! I'm left speechless at how much time, dedication and love goes into every rescued and rehabed dog. All this shows through every single dog. They are so happy! My hat goes off to the Boers family….you are very special people! :o)

Meet BHRR's 'Barbie' AKA Barbed Wire – 3 year old female spayed Pyr(b. 2008); spayed and was surrendered to a shelter in KY, USA due to 'escapes fence'. She was surrendered HW positive and she had barbed wire wrapped around her rear right foot. It cut right to the bone yet miraculously, she has not lost the foot. It was recently checked by a Vet on Saturday and the Vet indicated that it has healed amazingly well.

She just finished her Heartworm treatments today and had a little bit of panting both days yet otherwsie, no side effects were noted. She had no microfilaria, so she was in the very early stages. She did not have any coughing either. She is being temp fostered by the same amazing woman in KY, USA until such time she is stronger and we have a spot at BHRR.

From her intake records:

BHRR's Barbie was microchipped on May 5th, 2011 and also given a 1 year Rabies on the same day. On May 1st, she was given a DAPP and on May 4th, Bordetella.  Her HWT was done on May 5th.

On May 6th, she was put on Cephalexin, Clindamycin and Rimadyl for her back right foot.

On May 28th, she was given her DAPP Booster.

I noted that she was on Doxycline for 10 days and have inquired if this was for Ehrlichiosis treatment. Normally, we treat for at least 28 days.

Until such time as we have space at BHRR via an adoption or another temp foster home; she shall have to stay in her temp foster home in KY, USA. If you are interested in temp fostering for BHRR; please visit our FOSTER/VOLUNTEER page.

RE: Her Temperament: This is what has been sent my way to date from her temp foster mom(the amazing woman who saved her life and BHRR's Holden and BHRR's Maggie May as well as BHRR's Moose:
 

"pyr girl who is also very special.  Her name is Barbie, and she came from Bowling Green KY.  She was there for over a month, and everyone loved her; but she was going to be PTS because no one would take her because she was HW+.  I got her out of there on Friday and brought her to my house.  I love her so much!  She is so sweet, and exceptionally beautiful.  She's got the heavy eyeliner thing going on.  She's just lovely."


BHRR's Barbed Wire – AKA 'Barbie' May 2011 – about 3 years old

AVA

hi gwen i want to thank you again for all you have done for potter and AVA with out you they would not be with us. potter would have died alone and in pain now he is a happy healthy and very much love member of a forever home.AVA would have spent the most of her life in pain and most likely end up put to sleep. the out come for both of thees kids would have be death but for you , i wish there was more i could do to help please know you are all in my prayers every night . theresa

BHRR wants to stress the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please refer to:

BEFORE APPLYING &
APPLICATION AND FEES &
FOSTER AND VOLUNTEER

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

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

 

 

Kenda C., Ottawa, ON

Hey you,

 

You are so very welcome.  I wish that I could do more.  BHRR is a wonderful organization run by an amazing family!!  See you at the microchip clinic.  I look forward to meeting Maggie May.

 

Luv Kenda

 

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

Hello,

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

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

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

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

http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada

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

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

Sorry for any inconvenience caused! 🙁

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

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

The BHRR Team

I brought BHRR's Porridge in for nails today and some social time and his weight was 78.5 KGs(172.70 pounds). SOLID muscle boy he is! 😀

BHRR's Maggie May was groomed today and by that, I mean she was shaved right down. Her ear hair was trimmed and nails were also done. You could tell that she felt soooooooooo much better afterwards yet it truly wore her out. She came home, had a pee, pooped and ate a bit. Was not interested in drinking and has spent the rest of the day resting.

We started our grooming session outside as we felt it would be in BHRR's Maggie May's best interest to not do the stairs down to Kathyrn's(Talking Tails) grooming room. Once it began to rain, we moved inside.

Kathryn is compassionate, dedicated, personable, knowledgeable, kind and patient! We were there for 2.5 hours grooming Maggie May & Kathryn was still trying to find things to 'beautify' BHRR's Maggie May! There was not a thing we could not do with Maggie May – ears, nails and coat all done and not even a peep, struggle or sign of distress……she was quite content and boy, was she ever in bad shape. She felt so much better afterwards and had a some burst of energy before heading home. Kathyrn gave up part of her day off to assist BHRR's Maggie May and the mutual liking between these two was very apparent to see! Kathyrn wanted to keep her, talked about what a great Therapy dog Maggie May would make.

THANK YOU Kathryn for everything!!!! FROM my heart! 🙂

A slideshow below of BHRR's Maggie May's spa day of grooming….

As we enter in to the final 3 days of the 'MONEY MARATHON MOVEMENT' for Maggie May Fundraiser; whereby all monetary donations that come to BHRR over the next week will go directly to her USA bills incurred to date; we are entering into a bit of a desperation mode and are truly pleading for any consideration of assistance to please come her way….

Fundraiser began Monday June 13th @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end Monday June 20th @ 8:00 AM EST. All monies raised will be used to pay for the $400+ bill in TN, USA and then her $3,000+ bill in KY for her leg amputation. We are setting a tough high goal of $1,000 and plead to our supporters, followers, fans and believers to donate even $5.00 to her cause!  No amount is too little!

Her Canadian Bills to date: $200+

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

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

[Show picture list]

 

UPDATE: $450 RAISED TO DATE!

As we enter in to the final 3 days of the 'MONEY MARATHON MOVEMENT' for Maggie May Fundraiser; whereby all monetary donations that come to BHRR over the next week will go directly to her USA bills incurred to date; we are entering into a bit of a desperation mode and are truly pleading for any consideration of assistance to please come her way….

Fundraiser began Monday June 13th @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end Monday June 20th @ 8:00 AM EST. All monies raised will be used to pay for the $400+ bill in TN, USA and then her $3,000+ bill in KY for her leg amputation. We are setting a tough high goal of $1,000 and plead to our supporters, followers, fans and believers to donate even $5.00 to her cause!  No amount is too little!

Her Canadian Bills to date: $200+

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

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

Here is a photo taken just 7 hours before we head to grooming. I am worried about her. I am worried about how well her strength shall hold up. She needs a nail trim as well and I do not want to stress her out any more than necessary. She is barely eating and though, I have managed to encourage her to drink water up to 3 times a day now; it is no where near at a normal level.

I go to bed around 3:30 AM each night and I am up by 8:00 AM at the latest and every moment I have is spent trying to get her up on her feet and moving forward……the dogs are being so very respectful of her space and she has been fully integrated with everyone. She is much like our 12+ year old NewfX Kona at this time. Sleeping most of her days/nights away yet it is not an easy rest, lots of panting. 🙁

Please, please, please think about donating to her cause…..she is so deserving…..I cannot wait for those attending our upcoming BHRR "EXPERIENCE" Mini Open House to meet her. I hope that she looks into your souls as deep as she has done mine and touches you immensely.

I truly am not above begging, groveling and pleading to help any animal and BHRR's Maggie May is no exception. Her Vet Bills are immense and they will only continue to grow before she is fully healthy and we are committed to her welbeing. I have picked up every extra shift I can and all monies from my most recent added Behavoural/Training Client has also been put towards her care.

Please just look into those eyes…..look deeply….please….help….us…help….her!


BHRR's Magie May – June 17th, 2011 – 7 hours pre-grooming

UPDATE: $325 RAISED TO DATE!

Before I went to bed Tuesday AM, I managed to get BHRR's Maggie May to pee and drink a bit. I could not interest her in eating any more food. Other than that she has not eaten or drank a thing until just now(2:00 AM Wednesday). I was able to get her up and outside just now where she peed once more and encouraged her to drink some. I also handfed her some wet food and got her to eat about 1/4 can.

I had talked to the Vet I saw on Monday when I was working on Tuesday as I was worried that perhaps due to complications from the Ehrlichiosis and that the records I had indicated a 10 day course treatment, not 28 or longer as per usual recommended protocol, this could be somewhat responsible for her current condition. I explained that i am very worried about BHRR's Maggie as something is just not  'normal' and the Vet agreed that even on Monday, she would pant after the slightest exertion.

So, we are going to do more bw and a urinalysis and start with that. I have fluids at home so that I can subq if needed. I will bring in some blood when I am working next at KAH or most likely have Sean bring it in as I am now not scheduled to work at KAH until Saturday.

I also emailed her fostermom in KY and was told that in fact, she was on Doxycycline for a few weeks and that she also handfed BHRR's Maggie May to get her to begin to eat and from there she tended to finish her bowl of food.

BHRR's Maggie May was just wiped all day today from her visit at KAH on Monday and I truly am so worried about her. 🙁 She is lethargic and more than the normal 'depressed' state we see many rescues arrive at BHRR with.

I promised to keep her fostermom updated and BHRR's Maggie May would welcome a sponsor or a BHRR Buddy to enable us to purchase more wet dog food to try and entice her to eat. She will not even eat boiled hamburger and rice. 🙁

Since she has arrive to BHRR, her Vet Bills have been over $200.

We are doing a 'MONEY MARATHON MOVEMENT' for Maggie May Fundraiser; whereby all monetary donations that come to BHRR over the next week will go directly to her USA bills incurred to date –

Fundraiser begins Monday June 13th @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end Monday June 20th @ 8:00 AM EST. All monies raised will be used to pay for the $400+ bill in TN, USA and then her $3,000+ bill in KY for her leg amputation. We are setting a tough high goal of $1,000 and plead to our supporters, followers, fans and believers to donate even $5.00 to her cause!  No amount is too little!

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

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

UPDATE: $325 RAISED TO DATE!

She finally began to drink a bit around 2 AM Monday and ate a bit around 12:45 PM Monday.

BHRR's Maggie May weighted 36.9 KGs(81.18 pounds) when I had her at the Vets. AND yes, to all that have emailed me, she would weigh more if she had that fourth leg… 😉 She needs more weight and more muscle tone for sure and after she is shaved, she will be even less.

We gave Maggie May some Drontal Plus as it was noted that she had tapeworm traces in the fur around her rump. She was still very weak and rested a lot at the Hospital. She was loving, sweet, wagged her tail and was an angel in the back large run. She allowed the Vet and I to shave her in various spots to look at her skin and it was noted that she has some bacterial lesions around her amputation site, some seroma pockets(nothing deemed necessary for antibiotics or draining) and we are going to be watching her hind end as she becomes more healthy to better determine if how she is moving is due to her not being strong as of yet, learning to be a tripod, the floor, needing a nail trim etc.

I have an appointment booked for Friday to have her completely shaved down as the Vet agreed with me that it is the best thing for her to begin to start over in getting her coat white and back to being well groomed. She had a very busy day and was exhausted. She was very happy to come home, travelled awesome in the car and ate a bit once we arrived home. I could tell that she was happy to be back!

AND even on the drive into KAH, she actually placed her head on my shoulder…now, didn't that just make my heart melt….she is sooooooooooo sweet! AND yet not hesitant about showing her Pyr side when she does not want to do something! LOL

She is not anywhere near an energy level to interact on any real level with the dogs here and so, we are keeping her quiet and only allowing the more mature dogs around her.

I have 2 hours blocked off on Friday to be there for her grooming and we shall go slow and easy and the groomer has been made aware AND was just awesome to talk to re: that BHRR's Maggie May cannot stand for any length of time.

I also called CWW(Canine Water Wellness) today to have a referral form faxed to KAH to have the Vet sign and fax back to set up some swim therapy sessions for her.

We shall be doing a 'MONEY MARATHON MOVEMENT' for Maggie May Fundraiser; whereby all monetary donations that come to BHRR over the next week will go directly to her USA bills incurred to date –

Fundraiser begins Monday June 13th @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end Monday June 20th @ 8:00 AM EST. All monies raised will be used to pay for the $400+ bill in TN, USA and then her $3,000+ bill in KY for her leg amputation. We are setting a tough high goal of $1,000 and plead to our supporters, followers, fans and believers to donate even $5.00 to her cause!  No amount is too little!

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

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

UPDATE: $230 RAISED TO DATE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

SHE is here!!!!! I have BHRR's Maggie May scheduled to come to KAH with me tomorrow night to just do a check-up and get an updated weight. Her ears also seem to be bothering her a bit. I shall also ask to have a referral form faxed over to Canine Water Wellness(same place that BHRR's Apollo goes to) for some additional therapy for we are still trying to open up our own pool.

She has been integrated with PPSS, Bleach, Potter(who thinks she is the next best thing EVER! LOL) and Kona to date. She is a very sweet Pyr and we are trying to make arrangements to get her groomed ASAP. I am thinking she needs to be shaved right down and our clippers here are just not going to be able to do that. If you know of any recommendations on grooming places that would be rescue friendly in the Ottawa, Kanata, Kemptville, Brockville or Kingston, please email us!

She has been settling in well. She has yet to eat or drink a thing but that is understandable. I have posted several photos in her slideshow and am adding two below from when she arrived earlier today.

Her surgical site looks AWESOME and she is still learning how to be balanced and most effective when moving and she will get there! She has a light in her eyes that speaks of being a survivor and one of determination. She oozes strength in a quiet calm manner and looking into her eyes makes it feel like in turn she is seeing into your own soul…….

You can tell that this girl has seen much and experienced more and is very world wise, very sad to say yet true…..

The vet records that came with her have given her a great bill of health beyond that right front leg(2 different Vets tried fixing the leg before it was determined that it was just too painful and far gone to be saved).

We shall be doing a 'MONEY MARATHON MOVEMENT' for Maggie May Fundraiser; whereby all monetary donations that come to BHRR over the next week will go directly to her USA bills incurred to date –

Fundraiser begins Monday June 13th @ 8:00 AM EST and shall end Monday June 20th @ 8:00 AM EST. All monies raised will be used to pay for the $400+ bill in TN, USA and then her $3,000+ bill in KY for her leg amputation. We are setting a tough high goal of $1,000 and plead to our supporters, followers, fans and believers to donate even $5.00 to her cause!  No amount is too little!

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

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

Maggie May was spayed, had a fecal test, was HWT(negative), had presurgical bloodwork, given her DAPP + Rabies Vaccines, treated for Ehrlichiosis and was on Doxycycline for 10 days in addition to having had her front right leg amputated. She will be put on Sentinel and proactively/preventatively dewormed. She will also be groomed as she is in dire need of a good shampoo, cut and blowdry. 🙂

She still needs to be microchipped and shall require her own Kuranda Dog Bed or Costco Dog Bed if anyone wishes to sponsor or virtual foster her.

WELCOME TO BHRR Maggie May and I cannot wait to get to take this rehab journey with you!


BHRR's Maggie May – DAY of arrival to BHRR – June 12th, 2011 – Great Pyr – about 2.5 years of age – right front leg amputated

UPDATE: $60 RAISED TO DATE!
 

On behalf of BHRR's Maggie May, I deeply and most humbly THANK you!

Heading out soon to make the drive to get BHRR's Maggie May! Here is a note posted below from the wonderful angel who fostered her overnight for BHRR!

Hi all:

    Lovely Maggie has had a quiet and hopefully restful night. She was friendly and curious about my 2 older dogs and all the cats. My older rescue, Moses (who visually looks as his name suggests) seems to have a knack for sticking close, but not crowding, the overnighters; as if he is reassuring them that things are cool here and going to be OK down the road. Her amputation site looks perfect–the vet did a beautiful job there; it's just too bad it had to happen, but at least she's still alive. It's beyond me that she was brought in as a stray…but don't let the missing leg fool you: she's as strong as an ox and very fast if she's on a mission, so hang on tight. She's had a good appetite but doesn't seem prone to overeating, since she hasn't been moving around much. I would imagine she would need some pain meds still or maybe some Cosequin to help her feel more comfortable. She's sweet and gentle and friendly, doesn't seem to have any food issues (at least with moving her plate around when she's already eating) and will seek you out for some petting and interaction; just a charming and beautiful soul, esp.

given all she's been through. I applaud all the folks involved in her rescue and subsequent care. I read that the vets who were trying to reestablish her knee joint spent 1 1/2 hrs. just doing that part the first time, and then tried again a few days later! Bless all the vets and their teams who work so hard and so well for these animals. All the range of folks involved in these rescues have such an important part to play as they help them on their way to new lives. OOH-RAH! Way to go and keep on going…So, enjoy the present of this wonderful new dog and I know she's already enjoying the cooler weather. She says she wants a buzz-cut for her summer 'do when we get around to it, too, if it's not too much trouble. She'll be great for someone who's ready for her, Take care, D

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

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

Will update more after the hv! 🙂

We now have the transport arrangements for BHRR's Maggie May and she shall be travelling to BHRR this weekend. I shall be picking her up on Sunday around 3 PM. CANNOT wait to meet you! 🙂

BHRR's Holden weighed 40.7 KGs (89.54 pounds) today and so many AWESOME compliments on what a nicely behaved and sweet boy he is was given! I think he weighs a bit more as he was leaning a bit. 😉

He had his DAPP Booster and a recheck done on his lungs, ears, teeth/gum, heart etc and was given a thumbs up!

Once he has a bit more weight on him, he shall be placed up for adoption.  😀

He is still finding car rides a bit depressing as he worries about what is in store for him yet he was much better this time than last and I was sure to bring him out often to visit and hang out with the staff.

The more he goes in cars and goes home again, the more confident he shall become. Depending on how fast he puts on the weight plus how comfortable he becomes in social settings – he is still quite quiet; he might be one of the BHRR dogs to come to the Microchip / Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday July 17th. 🙂

I took BHRR's Benjamin to todays' GD & Honorary GD Walk/Hike and WOW! GREAT job bud! He was most curious about the two Doxies there yet was most respectful!!!! This was his first BIG huge social test offleash with strangers and dogs other than our own and WOW again! He recalled quite well, was extremely friendly, social and treat plus praise motivated. Lots of compliments on his temperament, obedience and how handsome he is. 🙂 Two pictures below from today. If you are interested in joining our over 100+ member distribution list for these walks/hikes, please email to be placed on our member list.

We have been hosting them for over 15+ years and we are all very responsible/accountable dog owners! Locales are switched up with each walk/hike and out next one is planned for Sunday June 24th!

BHRR's Benjamin has proven that with the proper integration; his 'play' drive is just fine with cats and very small dogs. He has also discovered that he likes to splash in the water!!! With enough time, he is going to figure out that swimming part. 😀 He is going to make a home out there one day very blessed!


BHRR's Benjamin – Limerick Forest June 5th, 2011

Meet BHRR's Maggie May – Great Pyr about 2+ years of age. She was pulled from a terrible shelter in Macon County, TN. She had a brutal injury to her right front leg/elbow and was in terrible pain just waiting to die in this shelter – she was only given 3 days to live. Her leg was amputated on May 10th, 2011 & she is currently residing in a temp foster home in KY waiting to come to BHRR.

She was saved due to how sweet she is and is still putting on weight at 85 pounds. BHRR's Benjamin is scheduled to be temp fostered as of the end of June, which shall enable us to have an opening direct at BHRR for BHRR's Maggie May.

BHRR's Benjamin is going to have a blast with all the adventures and experiences he is going to have and also give his temp foster home! 😉

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!


BHRR's Maggie May  – May 2011 
Photos courtesy of Rhonda

Tail Wagging – Happy?

I am actually writing a article to be published on this very topic.

A wagging tail can be most complicated in its meanings. Dog behavior is complex and signals that dogs send are often very subtle. A dog’s tail can tell us many things about their feelings. The dogs’ tail is an important method of communication and in combination with their other body language signals; are cues to help tell what our animal(s) are trying to say to us. Most people believe that a wagging tail means a happy dog.

Confidence/Fear/Dominance/Submission/Play and Play Invitations/Aggression/Relaxed/Alert/Excitement/Anticipation/Insecurity are all possible 'emotions' with a wagging tail.

A dog's tail is just one tool that the dog uses for communicatino. The dog also uses vocalization, scents and other aspects of body language such as eye and ear movements, pupil dilation and general body positions. Therefore, the dog ha to be taken as a whole to best determine what they are saying instead of just focusing on the tail position and/or level of wagging being done.

Wagging also spreads pheromones which are hormones produced in glands near the anus of the dog. The pheromones can be detected by other dogs and enable them to determine each other's sex and social status. It serves as another aspect of canine communication.

Tail language actually has three different channels of information: position, shape and movement. Movement is a very key and important aspect of the signal; since dog's eyes are much more sensitive to movement than they are to details or colours. This makes a waving or wagging tail quite visible to other dogs.

A new workship that I am adding to my programs this fall shall be on 'WHAT IS YOUR DOG TRYING TO TELL YOU' – Reading Body Language.

We also have to be very careful about not 'humanizing' our dogs for while they are capable of a wide variety of feelings/emotions, they are not humans…. 😉