Month: February 2018

February 28th, 2018

We are Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) located in Eastern Ontario, Canada. We are a federally registered Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue that has been operating since 1996. We focus strongly on the special needs and provide a safe Haven for those dogs that are deemed unadoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons. 

The purpose of this page is for supporters of the Brazil to Canada – Dane Angel Network to come together to help rescue/save another special needs Dane puppy. 

This sweet girl came on our radar February 14th and we are now in a position to mobilize to assist her!

We would like to call her ‘Valentine’ or ‘Cupid’. She is ~5 months of age, a female Harle GD. 

She comes from a horrific situation and she will require surgery on her hind end. She is also visually impaired. 

This is second biggest rescue effort to date and we need your support to make a miracle happen for this deserving puppy!

She is currently residing with an *independent* rescuer in Brazil and her chance of a quality filled future is slim. 

We will need to move her to a Vet Clinic to be boarded until we can organize all of her Vetting prior to transport such as Vaccines, De-worming – more than once, Fecals – more than once, Heartworm Preventative – monthly, Flea/Tick Preventative and she will need to have pre-operative blood-work in order for her to be spayed prior to transport. We will also need to test her for Distemper and make sure she is free from screwworm. 

We will need to pay for food, toys, blankets and other comforts too.

Boarding is $30/Day. She will need to be boarded for at least one month. 

AND we will need to figure out her crates size, Health Certificates that includes an International one and all Custom plus other legal paperwork required. 

Our strong position is that dogs do not know countries or borders. A dog in need is a dog in need and these are the next in need of our specialised programs. This is why we were founded in 1996.

We will be working with a local Pet Transport Company as we want to ensure that everything is done by experts to ensure her safe passage from Brazil to Canada. 

We know this shall be a costly rescue mission and our goal is to have her here within 6-8 weeks after we meet all vetting and paperwork requirements. So we have a tight deadline!

This You Caring Page is for angels to come together in support with  fundraising to help this sweet baby – we are told that she is really uber sweet! – that is deep in need of the BHRR Village to come together to surround her with kindness & helping hands.

For her to have any quality filled life – most dogs, not all – in Brazil are also kept outside, she will need a Haven such as Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) that can help her live to their full potential of happy quality filled lives! We will ensure that all of her medical, emotional and comfort needs/wants are committed to for her life!

Donations can also be made via email transfer too! gwen@birchhaven.org

Donations can also be made via PayPal too! gwen@birchhaven.org

Please also consider donating your Empties! 

Please help us help her…..with sincerest gratitude and humble thanks, please work with us to get them to Canada. 

BHRR’s Sawyer was at the Vet tonight.

He weighed a nice and slim/lean 45.8 kg(100.76 pounds) at 8 months of age. 

He did fantastic meeting everyone and was a good boy for his pre-op bloodwork including testing for Heartworm plus Tickborne Diseases. 

He had a thorough exam and was given a thumbs up to be scheduled for his neuter – which shall be March 8th!

He will be microchipped at that time and given a good nail trim. 

He is now on Bravecto for fleas/ticks preventative and also being proactively/preventatively de-wormed. 

His leash manners are a heck of a lot better than when he first arrived February 22nd and his car ride to the Vet tonight was AMAZING! 

He really has come a LONG way in such a short time and as per my one post, that is not all because of me…my Bakers Dozen Pups have been teaching him so MUCH! 

He is letting me groom him and we are getting lots of loose hair, drool mats etc. out of him and I was even able to give him a small bath today…MASSIVE progress. 

He wanted to toss his weight around a bit when his Vet checked his ears, yet he settled down well and the Vet had a good look at his ears. 

Heart/lungs all wonderful and everyone remarked on what a handsome boy he is! AND he is! 

I ordered a DNA kit for fun last week yet in person, you can truly see the Pyr in him…so, I am going to stick with Saint/Pyr for now as the obvious choices for him per his previous homes’ documention. At the end of the day, it truly does not matter….for the right matched personality fit home, it shall not matter either. 

He is going to need a home – once he is ready for adoption – that is experienced, and for all of our dogs takes a positive balanced approach to good manners/obedience. 

Cannot state it enough…consistency, structure, routine and clear open communication is so intregral to any dog’s set up for success story. 

He also will need a home that does not mind drool for he is a drooling monster! 

As he was never properly allowed to run and did not obtain enough exercise – emotional and physical, especially off-leash – in his previous home, within less of 24 hours of being in our our home, he had scaled our brick wall and just wanted to run and run he did! When he was done racing and zipping plus zooming, he was so happy! 

The reality for people to know is that he can scale 6 foot walls without any effort! 

BHRR’s Rain – 7+ years old
*One of our Perma-Fosters*

Her brother, BHRR’s Beau was successfully rehabbed at BHRR and then adopted March 7th, 2012.

Today, BHRR’s Rain was one of three BHRR dogs at the Vets…..fun times!

She is battling ear infections, so she was seen at LAH today.

AND while she was there, I was off with BHRR’s Booker and The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Murray to KAH – I will do another update on them….yet, poor BHRR’s Murray has taken a HUGE slide backwards as can happen with Puppy Strangles. They can and do often have a re-lapse. More on that shortly.

Also a small update on BHRR’s Rain from her perma-foster mom:

“Hi,
Here is a mini update on BHRR Rain.She had a blast on Christmas opening up her Secret Santa gift. She was spoiled again this year.

She has been loving the snow, hikes in the forest and checking on her chickens.”

Thank you to her amazing perma-foster home for loving on her and keeping her safe and happy!

 

Sneak Peek as to ‘who’ we are seeing if we can assist next from Brazil.

This is a 5 month old female Harle GD pup.

She first came on my radar February 14th and I would love to call her “Valentine” ? That is one big name though!

She will require surgery on her hind end and appears to be visually impaired from what we can see.

Much for Maíra Souza Monteiro, Andrea Glaucia C. Peixoto, Sean Boers & I to converse in respect to…….

Her past was horrific…..

I will be spending a lot of time on this tomorrow to see if we have a great chance of successfully being able to get her to Canada.

She does not have much of any future without BHRR.

UPDATE: thank you Lucie for assisting Sean & I at this home-visit today! 

Unfortunately, this truly wonderful home is not the right match fit for BHRR’s Poppy. BHRR’s Poppy cannot go to a home that has kids under the age of 10 and this home does plan on a future that includes kids. 

This home is truly lovely and this was both a good home-visit and also a hard one. 

BHRR just does not have that right match fit dog in our program for them at this time. 

Sean & I are thankful and grateful to them in spending this time today with us and in giving BHRR’s Poppy another great positive experience. 

We have reached out to our r/q network to see if we can assist them in having the one meant for them found….they are going to give a great dog a great home!

BHRR’s Poppy IS BACK BEING AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

Someone made use of all of the furniture in our hotel room! 

She ROCKED her first hotel experience and thank you to the kind couple that were patient and understanding and did not force themselves upon her to give her the time she needed to size things up and then let them give her some gentle loving. 

She then came back for a little bit more more and then again for a little bit more! 

BHRR’s Poppy you are amazing!! 

We are now on our way to go to the home- visit. 

BHRR’s Poppy will let us know if this home is meant to be her new forever loving adoptive family! 

As we get ready to settle in for the night with some special snacks and cuddles, The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Poppy & I wish all of our friends, family & supporters wonderful good night wishes! 

We shall update as we can and as per usual, regardless if this is the right matched personality fit forever loving home meant for her or not, what BHRR’s Poppy gets out this is another great experience to continue to help make her the best well rounded and balanced girl she can be. 

BHRR has never focused on adoptions…we have always focused on helping the next in need of us and will remain doing so.

I truly am so proud of this BBBBB and of all of her litter-mates. We have travelled extremely far together and what an honour…as I have said before, this fight to help them and their Mama GD Gem has been one of the top five most difficult and one of the top five most rewarding times of my Rescue Career and life. The deep impact of the amazing miracle making highs to the devastating crushing lows will forever be carved into my heart and soul….

 

Hmmmm…I have evidence that says otherwise! This is her when I came out of the bathroom!

We have arrived safely at our hotel and I have The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Poppy all set up with plush comfort and amusement AND guess what she is eyeing up?!!

My bed!! 

Yeah….no! 

We had a great drive down! So proud of her! Right now she is ‘chatting up’ the gorgeous BBBBB she sees in the mirror! 

AND we are NOW on our way!!

On our way to the TO area to prepare for a home-visit tomorrow AM for a possible Approved adoption of one of our Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Poppy.

She was the first one born in this litter and survived miraculous odds. The second smallest in the litter and now bigger than many of her siblings!

She is wearing Brazilian Dane Baby BHRR’s Jackson’s old half check martingale. She is so pretty in purple. 

You can really see her Wolfie genes coming out to mingle with her Mama GD Gem genes.

This litter has been DNA Proven To Be GD/IW

We will update more after we settle into our hotel. 

I GOT Him!

Thank you sent out to Holly again for meeting me to help make the transfer go so smoothly!

This photo is also one sent my way from the Home as it was pitch black when I arrived. 

I asked the home to confirm his Breed mix for he did not look like a Saint/Shep and he is in fact a Saint/Pyr. 

The one O. said Shep in error. 

This 8 month old boy has huge anxiety issues….

The home mentioned that he was not good in the car and in fact around cars at all and he was certainly stressed in the car. I gave him a calming word and then passively ignored and he settled down well other than a moment or two here and there of a whine or a bark on our 1 hour drive home. 

I even made a point of just going through a drive thru in Kemptville and by then, he was content to just look quietly around and received praise for being a good boy and then passively ignored again. 

The home mentioned that he stresses out around strangers and that they have not walked him much. 

He does lack serious manners and proper social communication skills. Like all dogs, they need a positively balanced, structured and consistent environment with clear open communcation of the expectations being asked of them. He is confused and has been running the home. The one person did say that he does not listen well to them at all and only a bit better to the other. AND most certainly, he has also been putting himself above the two children in the home. 

He clearly has ‘had’ his way for some time and I did not need to see a picture to know that he had been allowed ‘high value’ item privileges and that all stops now. Yet, I do have a picture of him not just on their couch yet laying completely on top of one of their kids and not in a cuddling manner either. 

All of that ended the moment we left….he is now in a new world…mine and as much as I will be teaching/guiding him….who is going to teach him the most is my Bakers Dozen Pups. They are going to teach him SO much about proper behaviour and communication. 

He is a strong minded, strong willed, full of personality, a true character, a smart plus loyal boy and inside I know there is a mushball of a wee lost giant pup – still a strong boy yet a vulnerable one – that needs to find his way back on course…..

Tomorrow is a brand new day for a brand new beginning….

From our home to all of our friends, families and supporters, warm good-night wishes being sent!

BHRR’s Poppy’s home-visit for a possible approved adoption is now scheduled for Sunday February 25th. We will update as we can. 

BHRR’s Sawyer – He now has a name!

8 month old Male SaintX
Born June 11th, 2017 

*NOT YET AVAILALBLE FOR ADOPTION*

HE is uber handsome!

He will be our first Rescue of 2018 and is the next in need of us.

Reason For Surrendering:
“He lacks manners/obedience, is nipping at the 2 children in the home – one has CP, plays too rough and requires too much attention.”

They are not in a position to give him what he needs and want to do right by him.

As we have stated many times in the past, BHRR is not here to judge….we are here to assist and we ask that our supporters, followers and fans also do the same.

This home wanted what was best for this boy and their family and are doing everything right in having reached out to BHRR for assistance.

Please join us in supporting them as this was not an easy decision for them.

ETA to BHRR: February 22nd

The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Poppy is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION.

This litter was DNA Proven To Be GD/IW.

We will update as we can.

BHRR will ONLY approve a right matched personality fit home for any of our dogs and she needs a very specific forever loving home to set her up for a life-time of success. We have worked so hard to have this litter work towards achieving their full potential and this must continue in their future approved homes.

 

 

BHRR’s Booker
February 18th, 2018

He had his second special Date!

This date was won by a sweet person in our annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction. They wished to have the date organised after January 25th and when that time came, they no longer felt in a position to have this Date and asked if it could be gifted to another with our permission. 

We then reached out to said person they wanted to donate this date to! What a beautiful gesture made by the first home! 

The home gifted this date chose Mr. Squishie as their date of choice and also invited Kinsley, myself and Sir-Bounce-A-Lots to spend the day/early evening with them.  We came armed with food, snacks, drinks and dogs! AND the home also so deliciously made their famous meatballs & rice.

There was no lack of amazing things to eat or to talk about or dogs to love on for this home also has two dogs of their own. Truly, an amazing time spent….

What a beautiful day it was! As people are aware we are an all Volunteer group and I am in these Rescue trenches 24/7. Sunday was a delightful treat to share good food with good company and wonderful dogs! Thanks for inviting us! 

Here are some pictures I took from this special Play date yesterday! BHRR’s Booker is looking at me and clearly saying ‘the no couch rule does not apply today Gwennie’ 

Thank you to this lovely home for a great day and further great experiences for Mr. Squishie! 

Today is Family Day and in observation of such and that my family gets extreme little quality family time, we are doing….well….special family things! 

We hope all of our friends, family & supporters are having an equally fabu day!

Mr. Squishie!
February 17th, 2018

He had his first play date away from me today! 

This was a special picnic snack play DAY date that was won in our recent auction. 

THANK you to the wonderful home that won this date and for giving him a truly amazing day!

THANK you also for the toys for him! SO generous and loving!

I heard he had a really fabu day!! 

AND I am a broken record I know yet this is why we have our extremely popular program for it is essential and so important to have our dogs get into the right hands of others helping to make them the most well rounded and balanced dogs possible!

AND tomorrow he is on another special DAY Date! More about that then…..

AND we have a BHRR dog ready to make his special announcement tomorrow and we have some EVENT news to share too! 

I also need to share an update on The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Murray’s latest Vet Visit. 

This photo was taken after I picked up Kinsley and before he was safely tethered in the back again….he needed to say HELLO first! 

From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters….warmest good night wishes being sent!

We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Leroy into our BHRR Haven Program.

He shall continue be cherished, adored, spoiled and done right by for the rest of his days…which we hope is for many more years to come!

The Bakers Dozen!
February 15th, 2018

They had their latest professional photo shoot today and what a shoot it was!  Here is a candid I took!

Thank you to all of the Volunteers that spent about 35 minutes with Sean & I, puppy loving and puppy wrangling! Record time! Thanks Anne, Annette, Elizabeth, John, Meaghan, Sean & Brenna!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as their heads were ‘not in the game’ and in the clouds instead! 

Annette you get the prize – and I will find something for you!  – for the true meaning of puppy wrangling!  You rocked that wrangle tackle on BHRR’s Juniper! 

This is why I love martingale’s so much for unlike the quick release buckles, they provide security and safety. NOT that BHRR’s Juniper would have gone far – super pack oriented to her siblings she is – yet case in point about the martingale’s being a much better collar. Unfortunately, we just do not have enough of them for their current size.

Thank you also Annette for the home-made treats! These pups were really distracted today and overall I plus Liz have to express how much more calm & less busy BHRR’s Everly was compared to November!  It was BHRR’s Juniper – who is known to be a busy bee herself – that truly was everywhere and anywhere!

BHRR’s Oliver – you have come so far with your anxiety and shyness!!  You were so much more solid.

BHRR’s Fletcher -yes, well…what can I say?! You remain such a suck and this is why you remain paired up with the person who will not unconsciously enable your own anxiety & shyness. While you would prefer to be glued to my side, from the moment you were old enough – barely 2 weeks – was never allowed to happen as I want you to become the best dog you can be! 

BHRR’s Poppy – wallflower you are no longer!

BHRR’s Furry Murray – you were so in your element!

This litter has been in the hands of others consistently since they were 2 weeks of age and have gone to public education/awareness events, have had five professional photo shoots to date, have been to so many Vet visits since they were born interacting with many and experienced plenty of dates both in and out of our home.

Anyone who knows me is very aware of our BHRR play date and visitation programs – around for over 22 years now – and how much they mean in assisting to help make our dogs the most well rounded plus balanced they can be. I am always putting our dogs into the hands of others as soon as the dogs are ready and we have now seen over the past five years just how many other groups have been following our lead to do the same.

Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.

As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.

Five currently remain available for adoption and BHRR’s Murray could be available for adoption by April.

Thank you to Brenna for the amazing $16.20 from the returning of Empties! AND for the generous $20 donation to add to our Sunday Event total! 

We are asking people to please do consider donating your Empties to help the BHRR animals! 

Thank you again to Liz for her time and own patience to try and capture these wiggling, distracted and really amazing 5 month old Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane pups!

Any one else see the perfect ‘7’ on BHRR’s Everly’s chest?! 

Too bad she was the 2nd born, not the 7th as that would be freaky!

We wish to SHOUT out the best and biggest thanks to so many that made our Sweetheart SPA event ‘pawsitively’ wonderful and so successful! 

DRUMROLL: $813 Raised! – $103 was from Empties!

Thank you to Bre of Pet Valu Stittsville in hosting us on Sunday and to her really lovely staff in being so patient with the BHRR invasion of dogs and humans! 

We want to thank our fabu BHRR Approved Volunteers who gave up a Sunday to spend it with us and with BHRR’s Booker & The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Murray! Aaron, Cherie, Gracie, Margaret and Doogie plus Sean & Kinsley, I remain really grateful for your support.

Thank you to every fabu dog and their human(s) that came out to visit us! At one point we had a line-up of incredible dogs waiting for us to pamper them! Thank you everyone for your amazing patience as we worked to give each and every gorgeous animal individual love and attention….their humans too! 

The smooching that went on, the roses that were given out – should have bought more as 24 were gone in a flash! – the baking was equally popular – Kendra I still think that your baking is a work of art!  – AND the tears that flowed….

This was a very emotional day for quite a few of us. The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Carlsberg should have been there….and while his brother BHRR’s Murray, our puppy strangles pup – more on his own latest vet visit last night – rocked the day making me immensely proud – it was also such a heart wrenching day too. Thank you to so many kind and caring folks for the ‘gentle kicks, punches & hugs’ of support.  I remain so raw over his loss.

For those who have not yet seen the memorial movie or post I made February 7th, here is THE MOVIE LINK

Thank you to Jan B. who won our famous BHRR raffle basket & donated it back to BHRR. 

Thank you to Pauline for donating a doggie wheelchair to help us with a future BHRR doggie in need of one. 

Thank you to Doogie in making lunch for the Volunteers and staff at Pet Valu Stittsville. 

Thank you to those that donated their Empties – we still have to bring them back and will add them to the final total raised. 

Thank you to Jan H. & Jenny for donating new age appropriate toys for The Bakers Dozen and two toy storage bins. We were running very low on toys. 

Thank you to Margaret for the donating of future auction items that she bought in Florida – for our upcoming 11th Annual Microchip Clinic. 

Thank you to all of the BHRR Alumni adopters and doggies that came out – it always warms my heart and BHRR’s LT, I cannot believe that we are coming up on 10 years in June since your own meant to be approved adoption. We continue to work hard to dispel so many wrong beliefs and myths that Danes only live to age 7. This does our breed a huge disservice.

Too much in wrong information remains out there re: life expectancy, what constitutes proper diet, weight and exercise plus not all Vets should be seeing the giants so many of us adore. Giants are not like other size or breeds of dogs and as such need to be fed, exercised and vetted appropriately. That is why events like Sunday are so great….they provide a necessary and much needed invaluable opportunity to publicly educate and create the correct awareness re: Giants. Almost 30 years and thousands upon thousands of Giants we have been deeply involved with and our work shall never end.

AND as a small personable special needs strongly focused Rescue, we work extra hard to demonstrate to others how normal they are and how precious they are as beloved and cherished family members. No animal or person is perfect and we are all perfect in our imperfections!

AND if I am forgetting anything, that error is completely mine and please do forgive me. I was not operating at my absolute best on Sunday for a number of reasons and yesterday was equally stressful. 

The money raised will make another dent into what we owe in Vet Bills and we remain deeply thankful to so many for assisting us in helping those in need of our specialised programs. As people know, we have not taken in an Animal since 2017 for we must remain about the high standard of quality of our programs to each and every dog in our care.

When we can, we will re-open for intake and again help the next in need of BHRR. We cannot nor will not compromise on what each and every animal needs.

Some have been asking about our next event and at this time, we do not have anything concrete planned for March. We will be doing one more Flash Auction item and then have our annual BHRR date auction coming up in April etc. 

BHRR’s Murray was at KAH for a recheck and pre-operative bloodwork in anticipation of being neutered if he was deemeed healthy enough. He remains cyrptorchid. He is getting ready to reduce his Pred to 5 mg EOD. He has been on Pred since November 2nd, 2017.

His Vet remarked on how much better his skin looked and noted that his lymph nodes are about 1 cm. So, still swollen. He was given the thumbs up to reduce his Pred to 5 mg EOD. 

Isn’t he so handsome?!

My GD Salt, Mr. Squishie & BHRR’s Potter
February 10th, 2018

Mr. Squishie is getting his beauty rest for tomorrow!

This is my final post of my night as we are in big preparation for tomorrow for our Sweetheart SPA Event at Pet Valu Stittsville!

Mr. Squishie and The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Furry Murray shall be on hand to love on our visitors!

They are doing pooch smooch sessions on the famous BHRR Red carpet!

We are also doing dog washes, ear cleanings and nails! Doogie will be on hand with feathers for you or your pet!

We will have some baked goodies for sale – we are baking up a storm right now! – some merchandise for sale and have one of the BHRR famous raffle baskets up for grabs!

For those coming out tomorrow and they have Empties or Canadian Tire $ they would like to donate…we are collecting!

The weather promises to be great in the AM yet in the afternoon, not so pleasant so just as a heads up to those planning on attending. 

AND for those asking, my Salt who has always been there for all the dogs….has stepped up BIG time to help Mr. Squishie after he lost his bff of The Bakers Dozen BHRR’s Carlsberg and so has BHRR’s Potter. 

AND for those who know this ‘tudy boxer, they KNOW that this is huge…..he has taken this DDB puppy under his paw…both of them have.

AND BHRR’s Furry Murray has stepped up hugely in being one of BHRR’s Bookers’ besties when it comes to playing as has Salt. 

From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, the warmest of good-night wishes being sent!

 

 

ISO: 4 MORE BHRR Approved Puppy Loving Wranglers!

For The Bakers Dozen’s next Professional Photo Shoot!

Date: Thursday February 15th, 2018
Time: 3 PM
Location: Nepean

Please do NOT post your kind offer here, it may be missed! Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can help!

This photo is a throwback of The Bakers Dozen at their 4th professional photo shoot on November 24th, 2017! 

Five are curently Available For Adoption to ONLY the right matched personality fit homes and BHRR’s Furry Murray shall hopefully be available over the next 6 weeks or so!

He is doing SO well with his battling of the Puppy Strangles since November 2nd, 2017.

All the puppies were at LAH on January 19th for vaccines and re-weighs plus rechecks. THANKS to all of the approved BHRR Volunteers who helped wrangle that day!

BHRR’s Dickens!

On our way to his professional photo shoot! He will have his special announcement to make shortly.

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Carlsberg
September 13th, 2017 – January 21st, 2018
His Memorial Movie

A post that I have been absolutely sick to my stomach to write for it makes the reality of his short life final…..

I wish to thank the few that were aware of his final chapter and allowed/respected us to have the time to try and grieve – it shall never end this horrible pain – and to collect ourselves to be able to post in his honour plus extend our incredible thanks to Team Carlsberg, his Fans & Supporters.

Dr. Chauvet – We could not have asked for a better Neurologist. From Day 1, you called yourself his ‘godmother’ and he could not have had a better one.

Nancy – You were his Rehab Angel at Alta Vista SS. Though, we wished you came into our lives a different way, we remain so grateful to know you.

Dr. McIsaac – I could not have asked for any better to be there when I rushed him back into Emerge January 21st. I know we keep saying to each other that we need to meet under better circumstances….and we really do. Thank you for your compassion and kindness.

If love alone could have saved this sweet boy, he would still be thriving.

As a few are aware, my goal in 2018 was to begin to make movies of all of the BHRR doggies and this is not how I wanted to do my first movie…. 

As Sean knows, I still wake up saying that I have to flip him, offer him water and food, make sure he is warm enough, make sure that he is clean and comfy, to do his rehab exercises, to love on him etc…

AND BHRR’s Booker does the same, looks for him and then cries…he was so distressed that his bff did not come home. My Salt has been helping him go through his own grieving process.

Kinsley, no pup could wish for a better ‘kid’ to have on their side, no mother either. You rarely missed a rehab appointment – always wanting to be there – and could always be counted on. You were his snuggle and cuddle person and on the days when he would not eat for me, he would for you and vice versa! Thank you for being you……your strength to be there to help him cross-over was powerful.

Baby Carlsberg and I have been closely together since I helped him take his first breaths – September 13th @ 12:15 AM – and 24/7 since December 10th, 2017.

Sean can attest to the night I woke up, just panicked as I could not find BHRR’s Carlsberg. He could only hold me until I fully woke up to realise that Baby Carlsberg was no longer there…

As with many of our BHRR doggies, to find the right words to truly honour them is a struggle and I sincerely do hope that one day I can honour this fine young man and how he honoured my life…what a gift he was.

This litter & Mama Gem were way behind the 8 ball from Day 1 and they had/have a Vet Team including specialists that spanned four Hospitals from the moment Mama Gem came into BHRR.

Responsible/Quality Rescue is not easy…in fact, it is hell in a lot of ways yet regardless of the evil and maliciousness of some in the world, I would not trade one moment, despite this pain that makes even taking one breath difficult. For without BHRR so many would never have been given a chance at a great QOL filled future.

We need to keep finding the strength to pick up the pieces and help the next one in need of us for so many others will not or cannot.

It is just so devastating that you cannot save them all…no matter how hard you try.

Baby Carlsberg….I was there by your side helping you take your very first breaths and I was there by your side when you took your last…..there is no greater love of selflessness to give than to embrace you with such adoring tears to ensure that you are not in any pain or suffering…..

You were surrounded by those that loved you and then you took your final ride to come home and be laid to rest next to my Big Blue Bronson who as Sean said ‘will watch over you and take care of you as he is doing for your siblings that passed away from FPS shortly after birth.’

HERE is BHRR’s CARLSBERG’S MEMORIAL MOVIE

I hope I came even close to giving justice to this beautiful boy…my heart bleeds……just shattered.

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Poppy (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age

At 4 months of age – January 18th – She weighed 22.7 kgs(49.94 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Photo is from November 24th @ her 4th Professional Photo Shoot

Her next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.

She will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for her or for any of our dogs.

All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.

Should any home feel after reading her extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt her, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review. 

http://www.birchhaven.org/contracts-policies/application-fees

*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age

At 4 months of age – January 18th – He weighed 29.2 kgs(64.24 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Photo is from November 24th @ his 4th Professional Photo Shoot

His next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.

His very detailed blog:

http://www.birchhaven.org/archives/category/adoption/puppy-10

He will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for him or for any of our dogs.

All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.

Should any home feel after reading his extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt him, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review. 

http://www.birchhaven.org/contracts-policies/application-fees

*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Juniper (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age

At 4 months of age – January 18th – She weighed 21.8 kgs(47.96 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Photo is from November 24th @ her 4th Professional Photo Shoot

Her next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.

She will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for her or for any of our dogs.

All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.

Should any home feel after reading her extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt her, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review. 

http://www.birchhaven.org/contracts-policies/application-fees

*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Fletcher (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age

At 4 months of age – January 18th – He weighed 26.3 kgs(57.86 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Photo is from November 24th @ his 4th Professional Photo Shoot

His next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.

He will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for him or for any of our dogs.

All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.

Should any home feel after reading his extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt him, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review. 

http://www.birchhaven.org/contracts-policies/application-fees

*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!

The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age

At 4 months of age – January 18th – She weighed 23.5 kgs(51.7 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Photo’s are from November 24th @ her 4th Professional Photo Shoot

Her next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.

Her very detailed blog:

http://www.birchhaven.org/archives/category/adoption/puppy-2

She will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for her or for any of our dogs.

All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.

Should any home feel after reading her extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt her, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review.

*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!

BHRR’s Booker
February 4th, 2018!

He wishes to thank ALL of our BHRR supporters, fans, friends plus family for all of the assistance given to make our 5th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake Online’ Auction our most successful year yet! 

In 2018; TOTAL RAISED $1,203.00 on 54 amazing items!

My fingers are trembling and tears are in my eyes in just typing that grand total!

For the moment, this has taken an enormous amount of weight off of our shoulders for while the bills shall continue to mount, we cannot thank everyone enough for your kindness, caring hearts and generous natures in helping!

THANKS to so many, we have been able to pay off what we currently owed at both Alta Vista Animal Hospital AND Liston Animal Hospital! 

I sincerely do aologize for the delay in posting this final total as I had to do gentle follow-ups on some items….

THANK you from my heart also to each winner that rounded up or donated extra funds! So heart-warming….

Just a gentle reminder that we are at Pet Valu Stittsville on 
Sunday February 11th from 10 AM – 4 PM for our exciting Sweetheart SPA Fundraiser!

This will be our first public awareness event / community eduation event since 2017!

More details in the poster in this thread yet we are doing nail trims – cats/dogs/exotics, dog washes and ear cleanings for $10

Dee Dick shall be on hand for a $5 donation to take photo’s on the Red Carpet for our famous Pooch Smooch Sessions or to put feathers in human or canine friends hair!

We will have some baked goodies and other merchandise for sale too!

We will also have one of our famous BHRR Raffle Baskets up for grabs plus we will be collecting Canadian Tire Money plus Empties that day.

BHRR Winter Wonderland!
February 4th, 2018

We have some of our perma/temp foster dogs over for a play date today to hang out, visit and have fun in the snow!

They are waiting for other friends that just arrived to come into the 3+ acres fenced in yard to play with! 

My Ice & Zero are also in this picture so excited to be able to hang out with their old buddies!

This is Gwennie!

Many of you may not know this face for she is always hiding from the lime-light.

Today is a very special day for today is Gwennie’s Birthday! 

If it were not for this truly amazing woman, BHRR would not exist and thousands upon thousands of animals/people would not have been helped over the past 22+ years.

The truly broken physically and/or behaviourally…Danes, Giants and Honourary that have been saved thanks to her. Dogs & Horses that many others would not or could not help. 98% of the dogs that come to Gwen are special needs for this was her mandate for BHRR and are often the dogs’ last chance at having a future. AND Gwennie delivers. She gives these dogs the best of everything.

Many friendships would never have been formed if it were not for this great woman either.

She has not only brought many dogs and people together, she is the glue that keeps those links on her BHRR Chain of Success so strong and stable.

She is often giving credit to others, even when it should come to her….content to stay in the background and let others be the focus of attention. Humble, generous, thoughtful and caring, nothing Gwennie would not do for anyone she felt was worthy.

Loyal to a fault and though trust is hard earned, once earned it is steadfast and solid. Break that trust and that is a whole different story! 

Where Gwennie does not take a back seat is when it comes to the animals and people in need. She has no hesitation in standing up for what is right, takes a zero tolerance approach and will go toe to toe in any situation that there is a need.

She has never once waivered in her vision over the past 22+ years for BHRR and has kept BHRR being a highly reputable, responsible and quality filled rescue. No animal lacks for anything and corners are never cut and she has kept BHRR small, personable with having second to none success rates.

She creates miracles every day…..many have born witness to this. She has never shied away from the difficult, heart wrenching and financially demanding animals in need. Even knowing that her heart will be ripped to shreds again and again, Gwennie continues to find strength and heart to save the next in need of her.

These animals are treated like cherished family members and anyone that visits BHRR has seen firsthand how the dogs follow and look for Gwennie. People can see how they look at Gwennie, the trust, the mutual respect, the love that they have. It is a beautiful and humbling thing to witness as these animals learn to be dogs and blossom plus grow under her care.

Time and time again, Gwennie has worked magic and has successfully rehabbed dogs to either be placed up for adoption or kept safe in BHRR’s Haven Program. She has given life to so many, great life.

Gwennie does without to ensure that the animals get everything…the big joke is how Gwennie does not even own a winter coat or boots!

It would be lovely if we could come together as her village and community and donate some funds to help Gwennie continue the extremely important work that she does.

**Email Transfer or PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org**

Do also join us in wishing her a wonderful day as we celebrate her!

HAPPY Birthday Gwennie! 

Your Loving BHRR Family/Team

**$410 Donated To Date**