Month: March 2012


March 26th, 2012

This is Katie(l) & Devon(r) with BHRR's Kyo(6+ year old GD)
March 26th, 2012
*I was asked to go to Earl of March Secondary School in Kanata by them to be interviewed and to talk to their Grade 10 Civics & Careers class. There were about 25-30 students*
THANKS to M. Aris for coming with me and it was a lovely community education & public awareness opportunity to discuss not only the unique work of BHRR; yet the importance of spaying/neutering, proper Vet care, training, supporting only r/q organizations, about puppymills and so much more!
THANKS ladies for a lovely morning!!! 🙂
Katie & Devon even made a $25 donation to BHRR!
I asked both of them what they would like to do as their own Career path choice and Katie is thinking about being a teacher & Devon wants to be a Vet! 🙂

After this; I took him to KAH, got a weight on him(48.9 KGs or 107.58 pounds); visited for about 20 minutes and we then went to get him a special treat from Timmie's.
HE is such an easy keeper and NOTHING like what the one home that failed with his adoption and told the Rescue that adopted him to them said he was.
Their loss and he shall be anothers' gem! 🙂

I would like to see another 15 pounds or so of muscle mass and weight on him. He is doing great! OTHER than the recall when he is free to romp in the 2+ acre fenced in yard! LOL That shall come!

I am stunned to think that 1) anyone could give him up 2) that he is said to be 6+ years of age FOR he makes my own to almost 6 year old Danes look 12! LOL He is such a 'young' boy!

Posted in Kyo

UPDATE:

BHRR's Journey was just over 108(108.02) pounds or 49.1 KGS! WAHOOO! Her tail is great(and we hope to keep it that way and we hope that she does not happy tail too much with it!) and she received her boosters! You can clearly still feel where the break in her tail was but all is looking so awesome right now! The Vet and I discussed doing possible x-rays yet; with how wonderful it looks and feels(Journey had no issues or discomfort in having the Vet touch/feel and move her tail); the determination was not to do any for there was no pressing worry or cause to signify that they should be done. I am soooooooooooo happy for BHRR's Journey!

I would like to see just a few more pounds on her(closer to 115) and come April, she should be ready for adoption! WTG! Journey! She has put on 33.44 pounds since she first arrive to BHRR on December 22nd, 2011.

Even the Vet that saw her(she assisted with BHRR's Journey's one surgery – her dental with extractions plus restoration) was soooooooooo amazed for she had not seen her since that first surgery! The Vet made many comments re: her behavour and how comfortable plus social she was; her coat; her weight gain; how wonderful she was just overall! YAY!

PROUD of your JOURNEY girl! 🙂

THANKS to each of you out there that believed in her; and supported her from kind words to donations and so much more!

Anna has indicated that she shall take refill requests for BHRR's Journey's Heart Bisuits.

Anna's e-mail or you can call her at 613 993 2738 to order – Anna also has a Hypo recipe for those that have sensitive tummy doggies!

A post made by Anna Gray-Henschel on the BHRR FB Fan Page:

"To raise funds for BHRR's Journey, I am baking smokey bacon with cheddar heart shaped dog biscuits at $3/dz. Happy to deliver them in the Ottawa area. I will also ship them at no charge within Canada. Made with love, bought with love and every penny sent to BHRR with love to Journey."

If you want to be a Special Santa Help Elf to BHRR's Journey:

IF anyone wishes to donate to be a BHRR's Journey's Santa Elf '; you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital:

(613) 836-2848 under the 'Birch Haven Rescue' account and under the name of  'Journey' and they will take Visa, M/C or AMEX over the phone.

OR via PayPal – gwen@birchhaven.org

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR Cash in person at Kanata Animal Hospital 440 Hazeldean Road

I know that I have said this before and I shall say it again; I am not above or below begging and pleading for the animals in need. AND I am doing so now, so soon after XMAS; yet I am asking on my knees if need be; for people to consider donating to her vast medical bills.

ALL I can give you in turn at this time; is my deepest and most heartfelt and sincerest of thanks along with those of BHRR's Journey; for she would have died out there; and soon. Be it from a car hitting her; starvation or her wounds or a coyote attack or even from some person shooting her; she would have died and it would not have been long before it happened. There is nothing to her body right now….absolutely nothing but skin and bones. There is not even a lot of hair.

BHRR's Journey's Angels:      REMAINING OWED ON HER BILLS AT THIS TIME:  A credit of $1,234.98

Brian
Jan
Christy
Sarah
Maggie
Ginnete – Critter Jungle
Steve
Kenda
Karen – PayPal took $3.35 in fees
Simone
Al/Lynn
Lenore
Tauny/Len
Sherry
Alex/Karen
Nancy
Lesley/Scott
Erin – PayPal took $6.10 in fees
Linda
Amy
Steve
Amanda
Audrey – PayPal took $0.74 in fees
Brigitte – PayPal took $0.88 in fees
Donna
Suzannah
Samantha
Jessica
Anna
Penny – PayPal took $0.88 in fees
Suzanne/Chuck
Marie – Sophie
JR/Lynn
Jayne – PayPal took $1.75 in fees
Daniele
Caroline/Steve
Lucie
Brenda
Ishie Hilton Hernando
Nathalie
Dorothy – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Elaine
Julie
Paula
ANNA & Her 'BHRR's Journey's Heart Biscuits' Fundraising Supporters
The Bakers
Ryan & Andie
Sharon
Lesley
GSNCR
Anonymous
Suzsanne and her 'JackPot for Journey' work Fundraiser whereby spare change was collected during the month of January
Cheryl – PayPal took $1.75 in fees
Mylene
B.J. – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Debbie
Louise
Helga – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Ruth – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Paul – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Lynn
Sophia – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Mary – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Logan
Gayle
Violetta
Kerri – PayPal took $2.48 in fees
Anonymous
Anonymous
Sherri
Anthony
J. Carabolt
Dorothy

I managed to snag an appointment for tonight for BHRR's Journey as I am bringing my Soul in(he was one of several dogs hurt while I was away recently with my family and he has one area that is not healing) to get that updated weight, recheck the tail and to get her boosters. I am hoping to be able to post GREAT news when I come back. 😀

 

Anna has indicated that she shall take refill requests for BHRR's Journey's Heart Bisuits.

Anna's e-mail or you can call her at 613 993 2738 to order – Anna also has a Hypo recipe for those that have sensitive tummy doggies!

A post made by Anna Gray-Henschel on the BHRR FB Fan Page:

"To raise funds for BHRR's Journey, I am baking smokey bacon with cheddar heart shaped dog biscuits at $3/dz. Happy to deliver them in the Ottawa area. I will also ship them at no charge within Canada. Made with love, bought with love and every penny sent to BHRR with love to Journey."

If you want to be a Special Santa Help Elf to BHRR's Journey:

IF anyone wishes to donate to be a BHRR's Journey's Santa Elf '; you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital:

(613) 836-2848 under the 'Birch Haven Rescue' account and under the name of  'Journey' and they will take Visa, M/C or AMEX over the phone.

OR via PayPal – gwen@birchhaven.org

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR Cash in person at Kanata Animal Hospital 440 Hazeldean Road

I know that I have said this before and I shall say it again; I am not above or below begging and pleading for the animals in need. AND I am doing so now, so soon after XMAS; yet I am asking on my knees if need be; for people to consider donating to her vast medical bills.

ALL I can give you in turn at this time; is my deepest and most heartfelt and sincerest of thanks along with those of BHRR's Journey; for she would have died out there; and soon. Be it from a car hitting her; starvation or her wounds or a coyote attack or even from some person shooting her; she would have died and it would not have been long before it happened. There is nothing to her body right now….absolutely nothing but skin and bones. There is not even a lot of hair.

BHRR's Journey's Angels:      REMAINING OWED ON HER BILLS AT THIS TIME:  A credit of $1,529.79

Brian
Jan
Christy
Sarah
Maggie
Ginnete – Critter Jungle
Steve
Kenda
Karen – PayPal took $3.35 in fees
Simone
Al/Lynn
Lenore
Tauny/Len
Sherry
Alex/Karen
Nancy
Lesley/Scott
Erin – PayPal took $6.10 in fees
Linda
Amy
Steve
Amanda
Audrey – PayPal took $0.74 in fees
Brigitte – PayPal took $0.88 in fees
Donna
Suzannah
Samantha
Jessica
Anna
Penny – PayPal took $0.88 in fees
Suzanne/Chuck
Marie – Sophie
JR/Lynn
Jayne – PayPal took $1.75 in fees
Daniele
Caroline/Steve
Lucie
Brenda
Ishie Hilton Hernando
Nathalie
Dorothy – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Elaine
Julie
Paula
ANNA & Her 'BHRR's Journey's Heart Biscuits' Fundraising Supporters
The Bakers
Ryan & Andie
Sharon
Lesley
GSNCR
Anonymous
Suzsanne and her 'JackPot for Journey' work Fundraiser whereby spare change was collected during the month of January
Cheryl – PayPal took $1.75 in fees
Mylene
B.J. – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Debbie
Louise
Helga – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Ruth – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Paul – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Lynn
Sophia – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Mary – PayPal took $1.03 in fees
Logan
Gayle
Violetta
Kerri – PayPal took $2.48 in fees
Anonymous
Anonymous
Sherri
Anthony
J. Carabolt

BHRR's Shiva is going to go on another temp foster play date! She is headed to her previous temp foster awesome home from Saturday March 31st to around the 28th of April!

I know that she shall have a blast getting the special loving and spoiling that this home gives her! Once again, win-win for all as these experiences give my dogs more balance and well roundedness and the home gets to have a wonderful dog to love; giving them their own wonderful memories!

Perhaps, her right matched forever home might meet her too! 🙂

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

Here is a VIDEO of a few of the BHRR doggies – BHRR's Gretta, BHRR's Bloom, BHRR's Freedom, BHRR's Adele puts in a cameo appearance as does BHRR's Potter

BHRR's Kyo(aboutr 6+ years of age) is also setting in very well at BHRR.

Below are two videos taken of him today. He has a bit of a tail injury yet we shall work on getting that to heal well.

VIDEO #1 – Learning the layout of BHRR
VIDEO #2 – Meeting Herc the Horse & hoping Hercules will play with him!

I shall be making an appointment to bring him in for a HWT, update vaccines and to get a weight on him. I shall also scan to see if he is microchipped and if not, chip him.

Posted in Kyo

BHRR's Freeze is settling in well.

Here are some videos of BHRR's Freeze during his first day at BHRR:

VIDEO #1 – Taking a hike down the 750 m laneway and back
VIDEO #2 – BHRR's Freeze & Bounce have a bit of  play date walk

I will be making an appointment to bring him in for a weight, HWT and to update his vaccines. I shall also scan to see if he is microchipped and if not, chip him.

 

His original name was 'Buck' and then it was changed to another 'B' name and then he was being called 'Blue' and I am not sure if he had any other names and we are calling him Freeze. A new name for a new beginning! 🙂


BHRR's Freeze(DEAF BC) – enroute to BHRR!
March 24th, 2012
Very car obsessed! Especially loves the red ones!!!
Very handsome…

More Information on BHRR's Freeze:

From the bio sent my way from the Rescue that had him out west; it was written down the following:

'he is NOT good with cats, though the dog behaviorist believes he could be trained to be fine.'

He arrives to BHRR tomorrow and… from there, I shall do a very thorough and detailed evaluation/assessment which shall include cat testing.

What we have had also sent our way from the documentation from two homes(Rescue, Behaviorist consulted by them and a family member of the Rescue) is that he has been great with dogs of all sizes, fantastic with kids, has had a history of wanting to chase cars(better!) and is has been called a 'gentle soul'.

ISO: Play Date Approved Volunteers to have me bring over FREEDOM DANE BHRR's Freedom for a couple of hours to continue him along his amazing rehab path he has been taking since his arrival to BHRR. He is now ready for the next step and if you are interested and available to have us come visit for just a couple of hours on any of the following dates; please EMAIL me.

I would like to start with daylight visits first and go from there to some evening and after dark ones.

Saturday April 7th – anytime after 2:30 PM – FILLED THANKS Katie!

Saturday April 28th – anytime after 2:30 PM

THANKS!

There is much to update on BHRR's Hailey.

From the moment I put her into my car when I picked her up in February; she was not 'right' and I do not mean notably physically; yet; very obviously emotionally.

When I arrived home, she was shaking and it was all that Sean & I could do to get her to go into our house. From there, she either cowered by the door to the pool/screened porch or hid in a crate.

She drooled and panted and paced if she was not cowering. She would not lay down and she was not receptive to touching.

I emailed her temp foster home to ask them if she had had a bad experience for this was not BHRR's Hailey. AT ALL. This home has temp fostered her before and she has always come back, pretty much the same dog that left. They could not recall anything happening other than a short ‘moment’ experience when they got together with someone else who had a female GD and BHRR's Hailey was a bit nervous in the beginning. They did mention that it was the night after this bit of a romp; that BHRR’s Hailey began limping. They were naturally concerned and I have been keeping them updated as I can on her progress.

So, without anything to go on; Sean & I had to rehab here from basics forward. It took almost two days/nights before she would even drink and eat a thing. She was terrified to come through the door to the house and had no interest in any interaction with humans or even her bff's of BHRR's Dana and BHRR's Shiva. 🙁

We have also noted no sign of any physical injury or significant limping either. I have had her checked out by the Vet and she was given a good physical – no major discomfort noted but dogs can be stoic – yet; mentally; she was a far cry from the dog that left to be temp fostered. Even the Vet had some serious concerns about her. The Vet and I did discuss that because she is not playing and having a lot of movement; that we may not be seeing something. I did also ask if she is also being quiet due to possible pain such as a cruciate or meniscus injury for many a dog can become less active and behaviour can change. The Vet concurred and as we have had so much experience with cruciate and meniscal injuries; those can be intermittent with the symptoms. The last thing we need is for another dog to have to undergo a $2,500 surgery. 🙁 So, we shall continue to observe and when she is ready to play or be more active; we will see about that limping. The Vet said to hold off on X-rays right now or seeing a specialist and re-visit as needed. So, we are observing and monitoring closely.

By the time, I had to leave the country on March 8th, she was at least eating and drinking yet; was still quiet and still had not played with any other dog and much preferred to lay in the bedroom. If anything she was 'cranky' to the other dogs. I asked for regular updates on her from several of those that were 'priming' at BHRR while I was gone and it was a relief to note that at least her condition had not digressed from where we managed to get her to before we left. We were advised that she was quiet and calm and seemed accepting.

So, fast forward to today, and BHRR's Hailey is still not back to where she once was; though is better emotionally and what happened to her is still a worry.

In the next couple of weeks; I shall take her off the BHRR premises and see how she fares traveling in a car and visiting other places.

I miss my very affectionate and outgoing and sassy BHRR's Hailey and may she 'come back to us soon'…..

BHRR's Kyo – 6+ year old  male neutered merle GD

His Story –

He was brought into another Rescue, was placed and then subsequently returned. The Rescue then contacted BHRR for assistance with him as they did not have an open foster, did not believe that they could find another adoptive home right for him and so, he was being boarded at a Vet's for the last 6+ weeks.

He shall be coming to BHRR March 24th, 2012.

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Posted in Kyo

BHRR's Freeze – 15 month old(b. December 15th, 2010) DEAF Border Collie, neutered. Vaccines due in March.

His Story –

Freeze has been in 5 homes to date, born in Sask., sold to a person in Alberta, surrendered to Rescue in Alberta; then adopted to a home in Ontario and is now residing in another home in Ontario awaiting to come to BHRR.

COMING to BHRR on Saturday March 24th, 2012

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

BHRR's Rambo – 1 year old male black/tan Dobie

His Story –
Rambo is a 12 month old, neutered male. He was originally surrendered to the shelter on December 9th, 2011 because he got too big and they could not afford to keep him. He showed in the shelter as a typical active young Doberman. Jumpy, rough, will tug his leash if he is bored and mouths.
He was adopted twice by the shelter and twice came back. Once was for counter surfing(O. went to correct him with hand raised over his head) and the second time(February 1st) was for his mouthing(went to grab collar as it was being put on and ended up mouthing the O.'s thumb).

COMING TO BHRR weekend of March 31st

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

BHRR's Journey is booked for her next recheck on her tail, new weight check-in and possible boosters for Saturday March 24th.

Anna has indicated that she shall take refill requests for BHRR's Journey's Heart Bisuits and the monies shall go towards BHRR's Journey if she is in need(trust fund right now) or another of her friends such as BHRR's Bloom.

Anna's e-mail or you can call her at 613 993 2738 to order – Anna also has a Hypo recipe for those that have sensitive tummy doggies!

A post made by Anna Gray-Henschel on the BHRR FB Fan Page:

"To raise funds for BHRR's Journey, I am baking smokey bacon with cheddar heart shaped dog biscuits at $3/dz. Happy to deliver them in the Ottawa area. I will also ship them at no charge within Canada. Made with love, bought with love and every penny sent to BHRR with love to Journey."

REMAINING OWED ON HER BILLS AT THIS TIME:  A credit of $1,999.61

H. Cowell, Kingston, ON

Dear Gwendilin,

 

First off, I would just like to say thank you. As I read through your website, and blog last night, I was completely stunned and brought to tears about the conditions many of these dogs have gone through. However, BHRR has renewed my faith in people. It is very obvious and apparent that you give so much time, and love to these dogs, and that is the most beautiful thing. Gwendilin, as I read through your blog & updates of the dogs, and watched your videos (which were very well done) I felt somewhat of a kinship with you. I completely understand your love for these dogs, and how you are able to continuously work to help them. My mother loves animals (she always says she can "talk dog") and this trait, I think, has been passed down to be, and only heightened. I cannot pass a dog on the street without wanting to pet it, and I have to constantly remind myself that I am a student, and cannot currently provide everything a rescue dog needs (mostly being, that I cannot say what I will be doing come May 2013). I am constantly reading the Humane Society's website for shelters across Canada. I began volunteering at the Kingston Humane Society in order to help do something to make their dogs (and cats) time at the shelter a little bit better. When I hear you write about the different dogs, I can just hear your love for each and everyone.

Last night when I read on your website (under the REALITY) section about one dog that was dipped in acid, I just couldn't stand it, and decided I needed to do something. I couldn't get that image out of  my mind for quite some time. This image was replaced my Shamrock. But then I tried to force myself to think about Journey, and the video you posted, but also about all of the success stories – just on your website.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hannah Cowell

BHRR's Riley shall be returning to BHRR on Wednesday March 21st after having a great time at his temp foster home! His temp foster home has had a fabu time with him and completely agrees that this boy is not for the inexperienced! 😉 AND, after a bit of a bump in the begininng with him not wanting to eat at their home; he has picked up the eating and YAY! YAY! YAY! I cannot wait to get a new weight on him!!!

He has proven to be wonderful with all in his temp foster home; from the kids to the kittens/cats and has been such a great matched fit for their other GD! I have loved receiving the updates and just as with my home; he did decide a window jump and took out their screen.

This boy might want to try agility; yet; I would worry with his clumsiness that he might seriously hurt himself!!!

I have been sent photos of him helping their little girl dig in the sandbox, laying by her side as she swings on her swingset; bringing the members of the house his 'signature' big sticks and so much more! WHAT a hoot and a riot he continues to be!!! 😀

So, the big kid is still the big kid and he was very mindful of his manners when his temp foster home laid down the law. I can just imagine his facial expression with the 'it was worth a shot trying!' LOL


BHRR's Riley & Ady – two bff digging in the sandbox!
*photo courtesy of T. Vaive

 

 

BHRR's Cobalt shall be returning to BHRR on Wednesday March 21st after his play time with his temp foster home! He has done so well and his temp foster home sent me an email stating that if they did not already have three dogs(including one that is a BHRR GD adoption already); they would have seriously adopted BHRR's Cobalt! WHAT sweet and lovely words!!!

They have found him to be an amazing dog and I agree! We continue to remain patient for that right matched home; one that is not going to set him up for failure and be patient and understanding of what he has gone through in his past as a PRU dog.

BHRR's Atlas has added three new friends to what I call his 'circle of success!' BHRR's Rain, BHRR's Windsor and our own Newfx Kona! WTG BHRR's Atlas!!!

 

BHRR's Cobalt's temp foster mom took him to get  a new weight on him and he weighed 100 pounds on zee dot! WTG! 🙂

He may be a smaller male BUT he is all HUGE in sweetness and love! 🙂 Apparently, he was a BIG hit will all at the Vet Hospital; BUT; I am not surprised to hear that…. 😉

C. Joncas

….and the thought of a bloat issue when we aren't home. Both things I found looking around your site and  reading the posts on your wall, so thank-you !!! i'd have felt horrible if we had gotten one and then got hit with reality. There really do need to be more people out there like you.

Thank You soo much for the help. I'm sure they'd go over it in training, but you seem to have alot of practice in this.  Before I go and forget to mention it, My mom was down visiting and I had shown her your website. We both love what you do to help our four- legged friends, so we'd like to thank you on their behalf.
 
Celine

BHRR's Beau is now being listed as ADOPTED! What a great hv for him and home! Truly, thrilled for all! He is scheduled to go to his new home, to be dropped off by an equally lovely Volunteer on Friday March 9th.

BHRR`s Riley went to his temp foster home last night and BHRR`s Cobalt shall head to his own temp foster home on Thursday AM. 🙂

I have heard that BHRR`s Riley is settling in well to his new temp foster home other than for the one thing I really want to see him do better; eating!!!!

BHRR's Beau is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION and when it comes to the home visit; I am bringing both him and BHRR's Goliath for either may turn out to be a great right matched personality fit.

We will update his blog as we can.

VIDEO of FREEDOM DANES Gretta & Peanut! Feeding time at BHRR tonight – BHRR's Bloom is the 'vocal' one in the background making it clear that she is waiting for her own supper! :)-

 

Here is a VIDEO of my recent roadtrip to Windsor, ON and back with BHRR's Dana & BHRR's Veteran! I think they both travel great in a car! 🙂 😉

SO proud of them both. I overnighted in Cambridge, ON in a motel due to how nasty the roads were. The compliments on how well behaved, quiet and wonderful they were/are was just so delightful to hear! We were next to a room that had a small barking dog and that Owner never picked up after their dog either and that was very discouraging for it is only going to make hotels/motels NOT want to be petfriendly. 🙁 So thrilled that more people were able to experience just how incredible these Giants are and can be with proper obedience, structure, love, routine, patience and consistency!

Photo below is from Kingston taken March 1st, 2012 on my drive down through almost 30 cms of snow, ice pellets and some hail.

AND I will confirm and emphasis again that BHRR's Veteran is NOT going to be adopted to a home with a or any younger cats – he has proven not safe with cats,10 years or younger for sure a NO-NO. He has had three separate controlled 'test' encounters and maybe as he matures more; but is is not going to be a consideration at this time.