Month: May 2013

BHRR's Autumn is having a recheck on the 31st to see about these seasonal allergies and a much needed weight check. I am HOPING! HOPING! HOPING! That she has put on some weight!

We have an approved temp foster home waiting in the wings so willing to temp foster her.

She is eating amazing here now and so, placing her in a temp foster home has less to do with distractions for her to eat and more to do with that it shall keep her less active and maybe, pack a few more pounds on. It has been a proven record for the BHRR dogs for when they are temp fostered or adopted that weight gain is almost a for sure occurrence as they are just not as active as they are at BHRR. Kind of hard to duplicate a small dog park in most other homes! πŸ˜‰

She is happy, playful, continues to be almost 'violent' in her affection when she sees me regardless if it has been 20 minutes or 2 hours! LOL

We cannot move on those cruciates until she has more weight…bottom line. πŸ™ AND, I realised that I have NOT yet posted her x-rays! BAD Gwennie! πŸ™ Will do so!

We have done every blood test(some twice if not more), u/s, exams, specialist visits and I think all but her brain has been examined thoroughly and even then, I am going to say yes, it has….due to my own educational background with a Masters in Animal Behavour! πŸ˜‰

Below is a photo from last November's Community Educational Event at PV Hazeldean. SO cute! AND is that not the face of a happy and deserving of EVERYTHING dog!!!?!!!!

Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to her care……even a $1 donation is super!! :)

AND for those looking to donate FROMM FOOD, please note that she has been on FROMM SALMON for many months. She does NOT like the FROMM Whitefish. πŸ™

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

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848and they will take Visa, M/C and AMEX over the phone under the account of 'Birch Haven Rescue' for 'Autumn'. They will take Debit or Cash in person too!

You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:

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

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via PayPal(please use the 'gift' option)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $4,451.81 donated to date & Bills $6,789.56
Anna & Peter
Maggie/Derek – bag of FROMM Whitefish dog food
Rachel
Jan
Kathryne – microchip & to purchase a bag of FROMM Whitefish Dog Food
Liza/Kelly + Gracie – 3 bags of FROMM Whitefish Dog Food
Micaela
Andrea – PayPal took $0.74 in fees
Suzanne
Lesley
Aileen
Paula
Karen
Dawn
Lucie – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Tauny/Len
Brian
Alice – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Laurie
Penny
BHRR's Autumn's Emergency Online Fundraiser
BHRR's GIVE It 'UP' 4 Autumn
RCMP's Roll Your Own fundraiser
Gloria
Luc
Monique
John
Marilyn
Mylene
Brent
Cheryl
Sarah
Marie
Anna in honour of her brother George's birthday
Clo
Michelle
Shanna
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
FROMM – Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets

**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**

Ottawa-20121110-00494
BHRR's Autumn from our Pet Valu Community Education Event Nov. 2012
*photo courtesy of M. Bird

The Hobbits were to head to KAH with me today for their Rabies booster plus pre-surgical bw for neutering yet, it has been postponed until later.

Below is a VIDEO & a photo of BHRR's Bilbo lounging in the long grass before Mason cut it,  after his special picnic date on May 11th, 2013.

VIDEOBilboMay112013

BibloMay112013

As a few are aware, our sweet boy BHRR's Freddy was diagnosed recently with malignant melanoma, one area in his mouth and 5 between toes. At first, they were initially thought by his Vet team to be other non cancerous possibilities yet, FNA and Biopsies confirmed malignant melanoma.

Below are two photos taken today of my dear boy and two videos.

LET me count the ways I love you my sweet boy!

Life is just so unfair…………. πŸ™

VIDEO #1
VIDEO #2

FreddyMay2712013FreddyMay2722013
May 27th, 2013 @ BHRR
 

On May 25th @ 1:24 PM, I received the following:

Hi Gwendilin

Thank you for getting back to me quickly. We are most definitely able to hang on until mid to late june, we could possibly arrange her spay ahead of time as well. 

She did break the skin on the finger although it did not require medical attention to my knowledge. The bite report states a bite on chin ( doesn't indicate if skin was broken) but my understanding is they were minor bites. The had only had Bailey for a few hours when the first incident occurred. The dog was lying down and owner leaned over to kiss dog on the head. Dog bit the chin. The second was the next morning when trying to put a collar on her. She growled and backed up, they proceeded forward and she bit the finger on one hand. 

They reported that when purchasing the dog, the pup was friendly and sociable. But was obviously afraid of the car, as she peed and poo'd while being loaded. Was nervous in the new house and overwhelmed. I am most definitely not a animal behaviour specialist or expert but my personal feeling is that the owners had no idea how to read a dogs body language and pushed her into a corner. While true to her breed style of neo mastiff x great dane, she is reserved at first but once properly introduced she is lovely and friendly. She just needs the time and positive reinforcement to help her learn the world is a good place. 

Thank you again for your offer of possible help, I'm hoping the fact that she did break skin will not prevent her being accepted by your rescue. She did pass her behaviour assessment and I can forward that to you if you would like. 

Kindly 

On May 25th, @ 2:28 PM, I sent the following:

Melissa, 

I would love to see a copy of her assessment. We shall commit to taking her that weekend in June!!

GREAT NEWS UPDATE: BHRR's Porridge's results are: NEGATIVE for Cancer!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!

UPDATE: BHRR's Maverick has now been scheduled for his first of two needs leg surgeries!!

Dr. Philibert shall be at KAH on July 4th to do his one leg and then after about 12 weeks appr., we shall do the other leg!!

In the meantime, he keeps putting on that much needed weight and those deformed let's certainly do not hold him back!!

On May 24th, 2013 @ 11:40 AM, I received the following request:

Hi there

I'm contacting you in hopes that you may be able to help us place a 6-7month old female Neopolitan Mastiff X Great Dane puppy that was purchased from rural farm and within 24 hrs was surrendered to the shelter for biting ( minor)  the new owners. She will also likely require surgery for her eyes as it appears as she grows she is developing entropion.
To be fair, this pup has never been socialized off of her rural property and was purchased by very inexperienced people who did not know how to handle a scared dog. She has passed her behaviour assessment and has made tremendous progress here at the shelter but is still nervous of new people and new situation.
Because of her breed typing and potential size we are unable to place her up for adoption as the chances of us finding a suitable home in urban oakville are slim. We are also facing a critical lack of space and I worry that if we cannot place her with rescue group, she has no chance of making it here. 

Any help would be so very much appreciated. I've attached a few pictures as well. 

Kind Regards

Melissa

On May 24th @ 8:35 PM, I responded with:

Melissa, 

BHRR would love to assist yet, we would not be able to until mid-June at the earliest. We would be looking at around the weekend of June 20th.

We need to have more adoptions in our program before we can commit to a new addition to our program. 

Just a question, was skin broken on that bite?

Please do advise at your convenience if BHRR can help as of mid-June. 

Yours most truly, 

Bailey Boo Boo 1 Bailey3
I am calling her BHRR's Zara – *Photo's courtesy of the shelter when she was with them – I see more 'Rottie' than Dane

On May 23rd at 3:20 AM, I emailed a wonderful soul who has been so great to work with to help pull the legs of transports together.

Arrangements then were worked on to get BHRR's Kaden to BHRR for the 1st of June.

At 12:37 PM on May 23rd, I received the following:

"How are these of Hobo. I treated him with reverlution and wormed him with strongid T.He is eating well and being and easy guy to have around. He is not shy just does not understand why you would want to give him affection. It seems very new to him but zero aggression toward people or dogs. Thanks 

Danielle"

It is very hard to capture the emaciation on this boy. Some coat colours and patterns are much harder to capture. He is very skinny. Weight about 95 pounds or so.

Photos are from the angels that worked so hard for 7 days to catch him.

hobo top (Medium)
hobo side (Medium)
May 23rd, 2013

 

I am moving BHRR's Hailey back to 'AVAILABLE CANINES' and is NOW READY FOR ADOPTION!

Her vaccines are utd again, her hwt was negative and her recent Vet visit was a thumbs up!

Per her previous blog post, she will not go to a home with tons of flights of stairs, she will go to a home that shall not run or jog with her, yet, she loves to hike and run on her own(AND does not let her overdue it yet at the same time DOES not put her into a glass bubble!). That right matched home will understand that she has arthritis and that as she ages, she shall develop more.

She can go to a home with another right matched fit dog or be the only dog. She can go to a home that works ft, pt, from home, is semi-retired, retired FOR she is another very versatile dog!

She is 100% trustworthy in the home and I do believe that her right matched home is out there!

On May 22nd, 2013 @ 10:11 AM, I received the following email plus I had received a vm:
"Gwen.. Danielle phoned this morning… we were finally able to capture a brown merle in the neighbourhood here for seven days… wandering. Dumped we imagine.. He is male, not neutered, about 7 months…in good condition other than very skinny and hungry. Not aggressive but unfamiliar with human touch. Would you be able to take him in… he will need some pretty intensive rehab. He seems like a pretty good boy with a bright future."

At 11:13 AM, I wrote:
"Yes, more later as I am heading to work!"

On my drive into KAH, I called Danielle and I asked to have some photos' sent my way, just in case, any legal may be required should we find that there had been a neglectful owner. I also asked for them to scan this boy for a chip, look for a tattoo and we discussed being proactive in de-worming plus given some flea medication – he was given Strongid T and a tube of Revolution. I asked some more questions in regards to how he appears to be around humans, any dog interactions and their opinion on his body condition.
I was told that he was fine to stay with them, IMHO, his rescue angels, until we could get transport organized. They also offered up a donation, yet, I declined. They were doing so much for him already and gave him the GIFT of life by saving him.
I knew that trying to arrange transport by this weekend would be hard and so we worked on planning to have him arrive on the 1st of June. This gave him 8 days of 'settle' time of being fed every few hours and to get him to relax a bit and not be so terrified.

At 1:30 PM, I received the following:
"Not microchipped.. will send photos… jacquie"

At 1:57 PM, I received the following:

"Hello Gwen,

Here are the pics. We have had him around lots of female danes and he seems great with other dogs. He is really frightened that he is gong to be left outside now he has found a place to eat and rest. he already is really enjoying the affection and seems to have no aggression even when he is scared. I think his time running is making him love having a soft bed and is very happy to be in a crate. I let him out for a pee and he ran to the back door and begged to come back in. Funny after chasing him down for 7 days. He has two small puncture wounds on both his back thighs but are healing well and not infected at all. Of couse covered in bug bites. After getting a look at his teeth he may be older than I thought he may be closer to 15 months but still a young boy. Also we have been calling him Hobo !! As he was moving from house to house in the neighbourhood.

Thank you so much for taking this boy Danielle

Ps the pic may come in many emails. Called Hobo pics"

DSC_0223 (Medium)DSC_0216 (Medium)
Photos by his wonderful rescue angels who caught him after one week of working to get him.

 

BHRR's UPDATE: The decision was made to puncture biopsy that growth on the side of his muzzle. Send him positive thoughts that it is a papilloma or some such non threatening diagnosis. It has been sent off for pathology. It was changing so fast that this is the best decision!
He broke a toe nail right back and so, antibiotics for him and he had a mani/pedi plus a good ear cleaning today!
He looks cute with his blue sutures against his fawnequin hair.
His weight was 77 KGS(169.40 pounds) and he could still stand to gain a few more.
Always a big hit at KAH or wherever he goes!
The dog that was expected not to live a year has just turned 5!!
Please do pray for no bad results on that growth….

1Porridgepuncturemay22Porridgepuncturemay22
BHRR's Porridge – Biopsy surgery & the puncture biopsy tissue being sent off for pathology/histology – May 22nd, 2013

BHRR's Spice had a good night and her weight was 35.6 Kgs(78.32 pounds) when she had her surgery yesterday! SNIFF! She is growing up!

BHRR's Hailey weighed…*coughs delicately* a plump 53.8 Kgs(118.30 pounds) tonight….I knew that she had put on a few and back to taking my own advise….OFF with those extra pounds…YIKES! A pet peeve of mine is dogs that should not be overweight being made that way due to owners and yup, it happens at BHRR too! AND, off with 5 pounds she shall have!

YET, the great news for her is that we have done an excellent job of working with her leg and getting her personality back to being 'her' and I do think the time has come that we can place her back up for adoption!

Of course, she could not be adopted to a home with many stairs and that home has to understand that this lovely girl needs regular cartrophen injections, a monitored exercise lifestyle, excellent nutrition and that there could well still be a time that her leg could need to be removed. The older she ages though, the less that possibility is there and yet, though, she has continued increased arthritis, she has also greatly stabilized with the holistic and conventional medicine we have been doing with her!

She could well still end up spending the rest of her, what I sincerely hope is great many years of quality filled life, with us her BHRR/BOERS Clan family, yet, I believe that we can at least see if that right matched personality fit home is out there and as we believe in full disclosure, provide all medical records, her detailed blog, x-rays etc. their way, by placing her back up for adoption.

I honestly do believe that while she still does need us in some small ways, she really does not 'need' us any longer in many more bigger ways and that right home meant for her can continue with all that we have done to date with her proactive and preventative Vet care. So, at some point soon, she shall make her very special and huge announcement!

D. McCaffrey, Barrhaven, ON

Good morning Gwen,

I have been following Birch Haven on Face book for about a year. I am so impressed with your organization and what you do for these dogs.

Kindest regards,

Donna McCaffrey

THIS is my latest NOT GOOD WITH CATS UPDATE post!

This lovely Canine has proven to be 'NOT good' with cats.

We cat test our dogs as we can. Sean is allergic to cats and most of our own dogs are scared of cats and yet, doing thorough evaluations plus assessments and getting to know the BHRR dogs thoroughly, my knowledge of them and experience with them and gut/instinct have gone a long way in helping to determine if we should even try a cat test.

THIS is my latest GOOD WITH CATS UPDATE post!

This lovely Canine has proven to be 'good' with cats. YET, as always, careful integration is an VERY important key and the personalities also!

I also want to stress that THE Hobbits of BHRR's Baggins & BHRR's Bilbo are only mere puppies right now….their 'cat' goodness could well change as they mature.

We cat test our dogs as we can. Sean is allergic to cats and most of our own dogs are scared of cats and yet, doing thorough evaluations plus assessments and getting to know the BHRR dogs thoroughly, my knowledge of them and experience with them and gut/instinct have gone a long way in helping to determine if the dogs may or may not be good. Others do remain an 'unknown'.

BHRR's Porridge is heading in with me as well for that growth we have been monitoring on his face has changed colour and size over the last few days….think good thoughts for him! The miracle dog he is!
 

BHRR's Hailey is headed to KAH tomorrow for her annual and a recheck of her own leg. It is a miracle that she has managed to keep that leg to date and we continue to fight that good fight with/for her!

So, BHRR's Spice is doing well now that she is home from her third attempt at her cherry eyes.

As posted previously, should this attempt fail, we are not putting her through yet, another surgery….She has had three surgeries so far and that is more than enough. Once she heals, she shall be placed up for adoption.

Can in

Cancan is a doll. We just lost our babies last Saturday and I needed a 'Saint' fix! BTW. Our boys were a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Saint Bernard.

Thank you for Cancun's video .. My boy ran like that!

UPDATE: BHRR's Titus came to work with me today and weighed a thin 53.5 KS(117.70 pounds). He is a blue with some brindle marking Neo. πŸ™‚ His tail has been partly docked.

While it is in his best interest to keep him on the thin side, he is a wee bit too thin.

We did a hwt, thorough exam(his heart and lungs sound good!), he was de-wormed upon arriving to BHRR, was put on revolution, I did a fecal, had his vaccines from when he was at the shelter and was chipped and x-rayed and thank you to the shelter for cleaning his teeth plus they neutered him back in March.

He is on Tramadol & Deramaxx and I also had his eyes closely looked at as they have been a bit runny since he arrived. His entropic eyes along with haws have contributed significantly to him having eye infections. I now have meds to help treat his infections. His has many worn and discoloured teeth.

His paperwork says his birthday is December 18th, 2004.

We have determined that his severe plus multiple musculoskeletal issues, including bilateral hip dysplasia, bilateral un-united anconeal processes (elbow dysplasia) and spondylosis of parts of his spine make him a best candidate for our BHRR Haven Program. We shall be doing Canine Water Wellness for him and other alternative/holistic approaches as he deserves to give him the best quality filled life as we can.

He is quite weak – at the shelter since beginning of March and no clear treatment prior to that of any of his medical issues – and lacks clear muscle tone/mass. AND as per the shelter Vets and his own at KAH, we cannot rule out any neurological causes for his balance concerns too.

If there are any of our approved Volunteers that would not mind loving on him as he is part of our MMMM Movement Experience gang now, please EMAIL and we shall get some of those special dates/visits organized!

I am still working on more for The Lion Kings and I would like to see if HQD may like another outing! I really want to show these amazing dogs just how loving and helping hands can be over hurtful and cruel.

THANK you to all to date that have spent some wonderful spoiling love time with them!

He is settling in well, eating is getting where I would like to see it, almost fully integrated with all the dogs and making new friends daily! He can motor when he wants to and when I call him, the way he stops, looks at you and then gives this wee jump and does his 'wobbly bobbly' happy trot over to me….sigh, just catches at me every time…

He has been great with all the dogs he has been integrated with so far and we will pull out our ramp for the front door as he has to lift both his front legs at once to almost front hop up the stairs….

AND for those wishing to contribute to his care, you can donate funds to go towards his Hydrotherapy SWIMS at Canine Water Wellness!

YOU CAN FOLLOW our three MAGICAL MASTIFFS journey on our BHRR FB Page where they have their own Album – HERE

BHRR's Titus' "DREAMS DO COME TRUE" Angels: Donated to Date: $77.00 & Bills To Date: $1,398.81
Anna from Mother's Day Treat sales to assist three local rescues for helping with PRU's dogs
 

03 (2)04
BHRR's Titus – May 13th, 2013

R. Kirkland, Halifax, N.S.

Hi Gwen,

….and am taking the time now to do things that I feel are more "me".  I'd love to help BHRR somehow from here in Halifax.  Is there something you've been thinking of doing from afar?  Do you need fosters here or people to approve homes for adoptable dogs? I'm very much so interested in helping the animals and believe you've figured out how to do it right – so if there is anything I can do from Nova Scotia please let me know.

Take care of yourself and the clan!

Raina Kirkland=

BHRR's Titus wishes to say that he is doing well!

I can well believe that he is closer to 10 years of age over 8 now that he is here.

His poor body, those elbows and hips…….

He has the cutest 'wee' Neo head, gorgeous frosting of white and the most expressive eyes and he can well afford to gain some much needed weight…..we will get there….

His eyes just speak volumes and he is bonding fast and as I type, he keeps nudging my arm for more cuddles and loving and so, this post is going to take 5 minutes if not longer to make AS he is so irresistible!

I look forward to our friends plus family having the joy of getting to meet him and I am hoping that we can provide him some relief from all his medical issues with CWW etc.

At this time, we have not determined if he is a Haven Dog or not, he is in rough shape, yet, we shall see what his Vet visits and exams will bring to help us make the best decision for him.

I am sooooooo relieved to have him here….it was hard not being able to help him when we were first contacted to assist in early April and then when we could, OMG! I was sooooooooo happy!!!!

He is home now…where he is meant to be…..I will rest easy for the first time in many many many weeks…..

Photos coming soon!

WELCOME TO BHRR TITUS!

THINKING of Getting a GD Puppy/Dog?

As someone that has been owned and has worked with and rescued Danes for the past almost 30 years plus has been showing them since 2006; I always impart the following:

I always tell people begin to develop that relationship first and in time; all your researching, patience, and efforts now will give you the best results of having that wonderful companion Great Dane puppy that you are seeking come to light. There are far too many people seeking the ‘now’ puppy and if bybers, puppymills etc. are supported, it only perpetuates the cycle of more puppies being bred and born for ‘greed’ money and not for the breeds best interest.

ONLY one of my Great Danes(a show boy, and a Multi CH.) is from Canada and he is also from the province of Ontario. His Breeders have had one litter in his just shy of 6 years. Do not limit yourself to one area of ‘looking’ is one of my recommendations.

I strongly believe that as someone dedicated to animal welfare; I can do my part in assisting plus working together with reputable/quality/responsible Breeders to β€˜preserve’ the Great Dane Breed standard by showing/handling/competing with the dogs to various titles and thereby also gaining added confirmation of true temperament plus conformation of Breed Standards. A favourite quote of mine is ‘doing it the right way, not the easy way.’

Pet/Companion or Show, all puppies in any litter from quality Breeders are bred for health, temperament, conformation and longevity. Breeders are not only breeding to preserve the breed that we love so much yet are constantly out there working to improve their own lines.

I also feel that just because a Great Dane earns his/her Championship is no reason to be bred. I also believe that any animal that might ever be considered to be bred must earn not just one Championship Title yet must earn titles at both ends of their names to best be proven in the pillars of the Great Dane Standard as I term it. Those pillars are Conformation and Temperament plus the added pillars required are Health testing and breeding for Longevity. Equally important is breeding per the Colour Code of Ethics.

http://www.gdca.org/colorcode.html

Showing is such a great networking tool and the Great Dane world is truly much smaller than many might think. Being a responsible/quality Breeder is so much more than just putting two dogs together to have puppies. Breeding should be taken very seriously.

Reputable/Quality Show Breeders breed to not only preserve the Great Dane standard yet they are constantly working hard at improving their own lines. They will stand by their dogs, be a resource 24/7 and take any of their dogs back should a home not be able to keep them.

You should choose your ‘colour’ and go to shows – hard due to the pandemic right now for sure, develop that relationship etc. as posted above and then be patient.

AND do remember that just because a breeder dabbles in showing, does NOT make them r/q. OR just because they are CAN KC or AKC registered does NOT make them r/q either. AND r/q Breeders do not breed often and many do NOT even have websites yet, have long waiting lists for their dogs.

I have created an educational/community education blog on our rescue site on this topic and it is in below called the ‘Marmaduke Effect’ with lots of information to be found there.

http://www.birchhaven.org/?cat=75

Contacting a rescue to adopt a Great Dane is also a great option too!
 

***HE wants to SHARE the good news he received back on his two biopsies!!!

BENIGN! BENIGN! BENIGN!

Jumping up and down, up and down and welling up with tears of joy! LOVE LOVE LOVE My Lion Kings AS so many others do too!

AND on May 11th, 2013, he had his special one-on-one picnic date with the winner of his auction item! πŸ™‚ HE had a great visit and thank you to the home for all the goodies for him AND us! πŸ™‚

AND for those wishing to contribute to his care, you can donate funds to go towards his Hydrotherapy SWIMS at Canine Water Wellness!
 

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

You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:

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

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via PayPal(please use the 'gift' option)

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

BHRR's Pumbaa's "DREAMS DO COME TRUE" Angels: Donated to Date: $522.06 & Bills To Date: $2,382.13
Fiona's Mummy – A Collar each and a Blankie each
Caren – A Dog Bed each
Pet Valu Event February 16th – $187 for BHRR's Timon too
Dog Haus Montreal Fundraiser – $285.06 for BHRR's Timon too
Suzanne
May – For a red & a yellow squeaky toy like the ones he enjoys at CWW
The Savages

**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**

YOU CAN FOLLOW our three MAGICAL MASTIFFS journey on our BHRR FB Page where they have their own Album – HERE

PumbaaMay2013
BHRR's Pumbaa – May 8th, 2013 @ KAH
*photo courtesy of Jess

Meet 'Titus' – 8 year old male black Neapolitan(Italian) Mastiff HEADED TO BHRR May 11th 2013

He is one of 2 Neapolitan's that we were contacted directly by the HS to assist at the beginning of April. We were unable to assist at that time, yet, then we had two possible pending adoptions under way for BHRR, we committed to bringing this boy in(he is the most urgent and special needs of the two Neapolitan's).

He barks when he’s in his run but is taken out and walked without any problems. His issues are more on the medical side.
He has a variety of musculoskeletal issues. He is dysplastic in both of his hips and elbows as well as having arthritis in his spine. He lumbers around with ease multiple times a day for walks and doesn’t have any issue with getting up, though he is on treatment.

Assessments with Titus have shown that he is “curious and tolerant” of dogs that they have introduced to him in close quarters. When he is in his run and out on walks he tends to ignore them. There was a note, however, from the previous owner that said that he was reactive to large dogs that were aggressive towards him. Titus had no issues at the Shelter.

I am hoping that we shall be able to do Canine Water Wellness(CWW) with BHRR's Titus as we are doing with Lion King Pumbaa! For those that may not be aware, did you know that you can donate 'swims' for rescue dogs undergoing hydrotherapy at Canine Water Wellness! If you wish to consider donating for a BHRR dog, BHRR's Pumbaa already has a file set-up there and we hope to also do the same for BHRR's Titus. YOU would be giving the gift of extended quality of life!

AND if you go to their home page, the video on the bottom is about our BHRR's Apollo!!! Who also attended CWW!

0102
BHRR's Titus – April 2013 @ The Shelter

If you are not familiar with this incredible breed, here is some information:

Pronunciation

 nee-uh-PAH-luh-tuhn MAS-tif

Description

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious, powerful dog. The body of this massive, rather rectangular looking dog has abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a very large dewlap. The wide, flat head is large in comparison to the rest of the body. The muzzle is 1/3 the length of the head and is as broad as it is long with a well-defined stop. The large nose has well-open nostrils and a color that coordinates with the coat. The teeth meet in a scissors, pincer or slight undershot bite. The deep-set eyes are almost covered by the dropping upper lids and come in amber to brown, depending on the coat color. Puppies begin life with blue eyes, which later darken. The ears may be cropped or left natural. Many owners opt out of docking and cropping, preferring the natural look, as it is painful for the dog. The tail is carried straight up and curves over the back. In dogs that are shown in the AKC front dewclaws are not removed. The round feet are large with well-arched toes. The straight, dense, short coat comes in gray, blue, black, chocolate, mahogany and tawny, sometimes with brindle and white markings. A little white is permitted on the chest and toes. No white should be on the face. Chocolate dogs are rare.

Temperament

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone. This breed looks a bit intimidating, but is actually affectionate, calm, peaceful and loving. They enjoy family and friends. This breed is a heavy drooler, particularly in hot weather or after getting a drink. Males may drool more than females. They are very keen to their owners’ commands. Intelligent, very protective, courageous, serious and mild-mannered. Generally quiet, they tend to only bark when necessary. They can be reserved with strangers; socialize them well with people, places, sounds and animals. These dogs are usually very loving with children, provided the children know how to display leadership skills. A Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. Obedience training is very important. Teach them to heel on a lead and to go in and out door and gateways after the humans. This breed needs a dominant owner who understands and is capable of controlling them properly. They will be easiest if this is established when the dog is still a puppy, but it is still possible to communicate with an adult Neo that the human is in charge. Children should be taught how to be pack leaders. Socialize this breed while they are young. This is a natural guard dog and protection training is not necessary. You cannot breed out the guard in the dog, no matter how submissive they become. If they sense there is a threat to the home they will react unless the owner is there and tells them everything is OK. Be sure you are consistent in approach and do not keep repeating commands the dog has failed to obey. If they are not listening, try a different approach, making sure you are in a confident state of mind. Neos will not listen to meek owners. These are not dogs for beginners, but it is an exaggeration to describe them as difficult in their association with others. A calm handler with natural leadership will achieve the best results. With comprehensive training and an experienced, dominant owner, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a wonderful family pet. This breed has a high pain tolerance. Neos that do not have a firm, confident, consistent owner who provides them with daily pack walks to release mental and physical exercise will become willful, over-protective and dog aggressive. When correcting this dog, the owner's correction must match the dog's level of intensity, and the timing of the correction must be precise.

Height, Weight

 Height: Males 26 – 30 inches (65 – 75 cm) Females 24 – 28 inches (60 – 70 cm)
Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg)
The largest male Neapolitans may be nearly 200 pounds (90 kg)

Health Problems

 Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born via caesarian section.

Living Conditions

 The Neo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Take extra caution in warm weather to provide shade, water and a cool place to lie.

Exercise

 They should be taken on daily walks at least twice a day.

Life Expectancy

 Up to 10 years.

Grooming

 These giant, shorthaired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin

 All European mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, the most ancient member of the canine species. The first Asian mastiffs were probably brought to Greece from India by Alexander the Great around 300 BC. The Greeks introduced the dogs to the Romans, who adopted them enthusiastically and used them in circus combats. The word "mastiff" derives from the Latin word “masssivus,” meaning massive. English experts, however, have another theory. They contend that the mastiff was brought to Britain by the Phoenicians in about 500 BC and spread from there to the rest of Europe. In any case, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Roman Molossus. While the breed became extinct throughout the rest of Europe, it continued to survive in Campania, despite the perils of weather and war. One can therefore say that the Neapolitan Mastiff has existed in Campania for two thousand years, even though it was not officially recognized until 1946, and its standard was not set until 1949. The Neapolitan Mastiff was bred for use in war and in bloody Roman arena spectacles. Today this powerful breed has a well-deserved reputation as a formidable guard dog. Neos have been used by the Italian police and army and by that country's farmers, business establishment and estate owners to protect people and property. Though the Neapolitan Mastiff was first shown in Italy in 1946, the breed is still quite rare in the United States. The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the AKC in 2004.

Group

 Mastiff

Recognition

 CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, USNMC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC, NAPR

BHRR's Spice is scheduled for her third surgery on those Cherry Eyes on May 16th. Now, that she is older, we are going to give this one more try.

Should this third surgery fail, we will not be putting her through a fourth surgery. She will have had enough.

Keep everything crossed that this time works for her!

 

Wonderful

wonderful looking dogs — very well cared for

"Spare a thought of goodness for BHRR's Pumbaa if you could……


Last night at The Lion Kings lastest MMMM movement experience, I found a lump on BHRR's Pumbaa's left front lower leg. Two of us at the visit examined it last night and I have him booked into to KAH today…..

Please think of him………"

UPDATE:

BHRR's Lion King BHRR's Pumbaa is up another 7.7 pounds! His brother Lion King Timon is up another 1.98 pounds!! He came to provide his brother with moral support!!

Both had Mani/pedi's!

Unfortunately, the cytology done on BHRR's Pumbaa's mass was not per his Vet terribly diagnostic. Both FNA's smears done contain mostly RBC's and a smaller number of normally differentiated monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils. No extra or intercellular organisms seen.


The mass is quite hard on the surface.


So, he was sedated and puncture biopsies have now been performed and will be set off for pathology.

At this time, nothing bad can be ruled out. That is came up so fast and is larger than it was last night.


Please keep my Lion King in your blessings….

His brother is very sad without him as BHRR's Pumbaa still is waking up from sedation."

UPDATE:
In walking Lion King Pumbaa outside after he came out of sedation; I noted that his right front leg was suddently swollen.


Discussed with his Vet and his two legs were measured and his right was 2 cms larger than his right and as he was not yet fully recovered from sedation; hard to determine discomfort or reaction level.


This was the leg that did blow a vein when sedating and possibly some of the meds got into his muscle and he was having a reaction.


I elected to do x-rays to be proactive over doing a monitor situation based upon how fast that mass developed too. We did both front legs as a comparison and as he already has severe HD, to see what may be going on.

He was a ROCKSTAR! Took three of us to lift him and from there he was fantastic!! So proud of him!! So proud!!

We do see DJD for sure in the right yet, once I have a full report, will update…..


Keep those amazing vibes flowing!

Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 and they will take Visa, M/C and AMEX over the phone under the account of 'Birch Haven Rescue' for 'Pumbaa' & 'Timon'. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario

You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:

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

OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via PayPal(please use the 'gift' option)

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

BHRR's Pumbaa's "DREAMS DO COME TRUE" Angels: Donated to Date: $497.06 & Bills To Date: $2,382.13
Fiona's Mummy – A Collar each and a Blankie each
Caren – A Dog Bed each
Pet Valu Event February 16th – $187 for BHRR's Timon too
Dog Haus Montreal Fundraiser – $285.06 for BHRR's Timon too
Suzanne
 

**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**

YOU CAN FOLLOW our three MAGICAL MASTIFFS journey on our BHRR FB Page where they have their own Album – HERE

PumbaaMay820132Postsurgerymay82013 (Medium)
BHRR's Pumbaa – May 8th, 2013 @ KAH
 

AND…just to top off a lovely Tuesday night – besides the Sens just tying the game up… HOW about a BHRR's Salma story!

You know that you cannot wait….so, grab your fav beverage, popcorn, chips, peanuts or granola bar and enjoy!

This AM, as I am typing away, I feel a plunk at my feet…I look down and there is a water bowl….

Now, I learned… That a dropped water pitcher at my feet means the water bowl is empty and I must fill it up for HQD.

So, what does a dropped water bowl at my feet mean?….so, I push back my chair, pick up the bowl and go from the sunroom to the fireplace tile where we have the two enormous water bowls and I look down.

The one I have in my hand is clearly empty…the other is about half full and I look over and HQD is sitting….that wonderful sit that she has perfected and is just watching me….time begins to tick away…one second, two….and I am thinking…I am thinking!

Then, I decide to fill up the bowl I have with fresh water and I put it down as I know that I am not fully 'clicking' yet, she brought me a water bowl and there was no water in it. I also noted that the towels around the bowls are very wet.

So, I am thinking, hmmmmmm, did she tip the bowl deliberately and if she did….why?!!!?

I put down the fresh bowl of water and she gets up to go over to drink from it and dear sweet BHRR's Cancun gets in there first along with BHRR's Windsor and BHRR's Maverick. She then sits and waits….when the boyz are done, she gets up and goes over and the bowl is about half full still and she sticks out a paw and flips the bowl…water everywhere….she, then picks up the bowl and drops it at my feet.

I then look back over to the other bowl and….light-bulb!!! There is some drool in the bowl and she is expressing her displeasure that it was not fresh just for her.

We freshen up the water ALL the time, and, clearly, I was not doing this fast enough today and she was NOT drinking from a bowl that had drool in it….

We have other dogs that refuse to drink from bowls that may have some drool into it BUT they have never deliberately tipped the bowl and brought the bowl to me!

To test this theory, I observed and watched over the next few hours and yup, if she wanted water and if it was even remotely 'icky' in her mind, she would flip the bowl and pick it up and bring it over to me….

So, this story goes nicely with the photo I posted of Lion King BHRR's Pumbaa!

I am going through a lot of loads of towels to wash for our inside water bowls. I put many on the deck outside for the dogs in this weather when they want to go out for a bit and do not mind her flipping those…

So, we are being even more diligent about the bowls inside JUST for her!

GOTTA love Salma! I know I do!

BHRR's Freedom was ADOPTED today!

I have asked his adoptive home to send us a fav photo so we can post it. πŸ™‚

AND here is the photo!

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BHRR's Freedom – May 2013
*photo courtesy of C. Desjardins

BHRR's Dozer wanted me to make his own SPECIAL announcement! πŸ™‚

For those who know him and have witnessed his rehab journey from the beginning to present, they can note so many wonderful things…more relaxed, trusting, outgoing, no longer defensive and calm. What a love he is!

AND as many can confirm, he has gone from being stressed and worried around most dogs to being good with dogs over 45+ pounds.

WELL, he is now very comfortable and super around any canines over 25+ pounds. He has been enjoying The Hobbits like crazy! YAY! WTG BHRR's Dozer! THUMBS UP!

AND in fact, I am jumping up and down for you….HIGH! πŸ™‚