So many of us want to focus and hold dear to our hearts the wonderful and greatly rewarding success and happiness of what r/q Rescue brings our way. Yet, sadly, tragically and unfortunately, this is not always what happens in r/q Rescue. R/q Rescue is full of dark and deep pain plus anguish and the level of heart wrenching devastation that hits us, more often than we would wish, is crushing………..

Today, I am finally ready to discuss and share my failure….and to all that know me, I will be haunted to the end of my days over the ones that I could not save in the end…… 🙁 🙁 This sweetie is even more hard to take the loss of having to let her go as I finally positively thought and felt with all my soul including her Vet Team of many, that we were going to be able to make her journey through a successful rehab to her forever loving adoptive home, happen. I wanted this so badly for her, I wanted this so much for her…..and, I feel like I failed her. Does not matter what the specialists has told me towards the end with the latest in findings, I will forever fell like I let her down in some way or manner. 🙁

This dog adored me and I had sincerely hoped and wanted with all that love, to in turn, give her the world…..For, I adored her no less. I would fundraiser and scrimp and save all I had to, to do what she needed as long as she had the will and desire to fight and go on. QUALITY OF LIFE ALWAYS!

On Tuesday October 9th, I received the following request for assistance for a GD, female, Harlequin, about 15 months of age. With the heartwrenching loss of dear BHRR's Concert, we have the spot to help another animal in need of BHRR. We mobilized fast and she was expected to arrive to BHRR on Sunday October 14th, 2012.

We called her ‘BHRR’s Autumn’. AND, here is her blog…..

http://www.birchhaven.org/archives/category/adoption/autumn I have tried to keep it updated(still think I needed those one round of u/s photos to post)….there are photos, and stories and video and I do not know when, if ever, I will be ready to visit her blog again with such anquish in my soul…..one month later and the pain is as raw as ever. 🙁

Per a post that I did make the day of her arrival, she was in a very bad neglected state…I called her my ‘hot mess’ with SA – two blown cruciates, food allergies, suspected possible seasonal allergies, ear and eye infections, growths/lumps, emaciated(2/10), overgrown nails, over-bred, FAD, UTI, in a false pregnancy and the medical list goes on. We battled continuous weight issues and she visited specialists and had a dedicated Vet team that in numbers would rival any baseball or football team! AND, her fan club….no one could have wanted more in quality and heart and dedication!

With the BHRR army of our village surrounding her, she began her rehab medically and emotionally……

AND, as I keep saying…. that one reason why she had survived for as long as she did…that backbone of steel that these dogs that are emaciated, neglected and terribly emotionally and physically not done right by those that should have treated them with respect and love, is what makes these dogs such survivors!

We conquered together, her SA, all infections with eyes, UTI and ears etc., her food allergies, her possible hormone issue via spaying, her nails, all growths/lumps addressed and were working on her seasonal allergies AND FINALLY FINALLY, we were getting a slow yet steady upward weight gain…..finally……the cheers rocketed from the rooftop!! YES! This girls future, finally was more than promising, it was THERE! IT was going to happen. Just more time…and, I was patient and committed to her forever. I was already thinking about the things we could do to fundraiser (we were already almost $8,500 in bills and rising and another $8,000 expected to come her way with two more surgical procedures with those cruciates) and I had a couple of folks on her Autumn’s Adventure Team to help raise more funds with our creativity!

We spared no effort or test or procedure to help her become healthy and the best dog that she could be AND the healthier she got, the more that already bigger than life personality came out!!! She was feeling so much better and was so much happier! She was beautifully stubborn and obstinate and I LOVED it! I could not get enough of those flews and jowels and the way she looked at me, just made my insides turn to mush every time……NOT much I would have ever denied her yet, Gwennie’s Doggie Boot Camp remained in full swing FOR she well knew her charm and body weight – even emaciated!

When we discovered that she had a positional hm, she had a cardiac u/s to rule out any DCM etc. She had x-rays and u/s of almost her whole body other than her brain was the running joke! We ruled out cancer and Cushing’s and Addison’s and everything in-between to be sure that she was receiving everything she needed. We jumped up and down and up and down when we were told that she was a candidate for her cruciates! We were seeing a horizon stretching forever for her….bright and full of sunshine…..one step at a time….

Sadly, On June 14^th, very shortly after being placed in her approved temp foster home(to see if we could get the weight coming on more steadily), she had a bad fall on some wet grass. I told the foster home that this could have happened to her anywhere and do not blame themselves. I rushed her in and x-rays were performed. It appears that not only were her cruciates affected prior to arriving to BHRR(one of them so bad, it was chronic and not sure if it could even be helped in the end – yet, we would cross that bridge when necessary), her PCL was now blown. This was devastating news for both her back legs were already bad and she had put so much strain on her front end already in trying to compensate. I was told with her not so best stability due to her two blown cruciates, the chances of additional injuries was not uncommon

Per my June 14^th blog: “This is a huge step back as due to the pain, her weight gain is going to stall yet, I am at least happy to know what is happening….
She will be a million dollar dog when all is said and done and her worth is priceless!!!
BHRR's Autumn came to us with two blown ACL's. She now has a blown PCL. We have done many TPLO's and Extracapsular surgeries and have had wonderful success. BHRR's Autumn's situation is not the norm with this positional HM, her continued unanswered medical question of the lack of weight gain plus that she does not recover from sedation and anaesthetics well.”

On June 16th: UPDATE: BHRR's Autumn is not doing well. Crate Rest and lots of meds are not greatly assisting her at this time. She is understandably weight bearing all on her other leg and with that having also a torn ACL prior to coming to BHRR, it is just not able to keep trying to compensate for both back legs now. She is not eating well nor drinking normally. I am worried. I am very concerned. I have conversed with one of her Vets and so, a new pain management schedule is in place and I said I would give her another 24 hours yet, would be bringing her in as I am worried…..The swelling plus edema is so bad. Icing and massaging as per the treatment plan too. Please, may I ask that all her fans and friends send her positive thoughts and energy. I adore this dog as much a life itself and I committed from day 1 to her wellbeing and she has come so far in her journey to date and she has a long way still to travel and my wish is for her to be able to travel that journey to a success chain of success chapter one day…..

On June 19th: UPDATE: My last post before I go to bed for a couple of hours is an update on BHRR's Autumn. As shared with a couple over the last 24 hours, I talked to two of her Vet team plus one of her specialists on Tuesday and I needed to converse about quality of life. To have even uttered those words on a GD that came to me such a 'hot mess', broken and emaciated with many medical conditions, to have come through over 8 months of a miraculous journey with her, telling her daily that she is DESERVING and that she is WORTHY, to adore this dog the way I do…..uttering those words through the huge lump in my throat and the sickness in my stomach was just the worst feeling ever…..I have promised to each and every dog that crossed my door and heart that they will lack for nothing, that I will always do 'right' by them and it is about quality of life…..BHRR's Autumn's blog is very detailed with all her updates, photos, videos and the friends and fans she has captured with her paws and heart since we were first contacted to assist her….Her journey from the States to us was just the beginning….and to be at this point over a bad fall she took slipping on wet grass, is crushing…..something that could happen to any dog, yet, to have happened to her, with her already broken body….was more than devastating. She has not used her leg in a week, she had been sedated to try and keep her more quiet to get the swelling and edema to go down and to give her time to try and get some healing in, she was off her food, limiting her water intake and that 'almost violent in her affection' Autumn was fading like a beautiful sunset…..I said that I would bring her back in on Thursday to re-evaluate and on my way home, I called Sean and I told him I need to ask Autumn what she wants….We had changed her pain management protocol as she was just too doped up and we were having to put two slings on her to help her go outside and she was just not 'her'……I could see how glazed her eyes was, the pain, the weight loss…..and, I needed to try and keep being objective….very hard, when you are so subjectively attached to her…..People say that a dog will let you know when they are ready…I have had that experience….yet, I have had equally as many experiences that *I* needed to speak on behalf of the animal and do the humane thing…the right thing, the hardest thing ever…..When I came home, I crawled into her colossal crate and I looked at her….I just sat and asked her what did she want…that, I did not want to be selfish and it was hurting me to see her hurt…..not to see her bigger than life personality just lighting up our home….her happiness, her joy, her everything….As crazy, as it sounds…4:30 AM and being up almost 21 hours, can make the brain a wee bit fuzzy, yet, her eyes were clearer than they had been in almost a week…..the heavy dose of meds were finally leaving her system, she actually sat up…..and, then she laid a paw on me and put her head on my shoulder and sighed…..and nuzzled me….When she moved away, I knew what she wanted…..and, I am going to give it to her….she wants more time….She ate the most that she has done in days….she was almost at her normal water intake and when she peed, she was actually putting her 'bad' foot down to give herself more balance and I only needed one sling to assist her in and out of the house….I am keeping it 'real'….I know that she is nowhere close to being out of any 'woods'….yet, I am taking it day by day and continuing to try and do things right for her…..quality of life….quality of life….AND, you know what is the best sound in the world….hearing her snore for the first time in almost a week! She is actually having a good rest…..

Day by Day…….

On June 20th, she had a re-evaluation and we repeated x-rays and I had a very long talk with one of her specialists. Her x-rays and case would be sent off by review by yet, another specialist and team of experts for additional consultation. In my heart, I was terrified…..in my stomach, I was quite nauseous and I was trying so hard to ‘listen’ to her…..I could see myself what was in these x-rays….we did back and front legs this time. The swelling in her front legs was alternating and I knew it was not just from the seasonal allergies and not being on the Vanectyl P.

On June 22nd, she was loved on by so many at our BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House and she was somewhat feeling still sedated from her meds and several of us had a very open and honest discussion. AND, every time, I was around her, that head would tilt in my direction, those eyes would reach out to me and she was determined to be near me. She was eating, and drinking and yet, she was not quite my ‘Autumn’.
I was determined that quality of life always first and foremost and I began to give her as many more visits and memorable experiences as I could for her.

On June 24th, a 2+ hour consultation was had and the news was crushing….the x-rays were confirmed that this was one tough and amazing dog. I already knew she was a miracle and it was said that when her cruciates blew back when she was in Ohio, that she had managed in only using her front legs until they ‘healed’ as they could on their own and she could work through the pain and being so poorly bred, plus having been bred quite a few times herself, plus being a giant breed dog(and still growing), plus having been given such poor nutrition, improper exercise AND neglected, her front legs were full of healed small fractures from all that weight bearing she had done back then. AND, now that both her back legs were going under this new stress of an added PCL, she was back to using her front end as much as possible and you could begin to see all these tiny little lines of new fratures appearing.

Per the specialists, they told me and tried to assure me(like that was even possible… 🙁 ) that we would have walked down this road ‘if’ we had tried to do her cruciate repair and she had not blown her PCL. They said it was like a ‘blessing’ and I found it to be anything but. Yes, medically I ‘got it’, emotionally, I did not and wanted to scoop her up and run away…far away…. 🙁 They said, that with the shifting in weight that she would have had to do through her healing process of the cruciate repair, she would have likely blown her PCL anyway by taking some fall then and/or, yet mostly likely both, had fractures appear in her front legs as she compensated.

I just felt my knees crumple as I gathered her into my arms and wept into her neck and she licked my face and kissed my tears…..to the very end, she tried to comfort me and be there for me….I kept telling her over and over and over and over again, that I am sorry…so sorry, that I would not see her suffer and that I have failed her…..that she gave me the best of everything over the last 8.5 months and I am sorry that I could not give her everything back in turn…..

I spent the next few days, loving on her, and giving her all that I could yet, the one thing I could not give her, haunted me….a forever loving home of her own….. 🙁 🙁

On June 26th, as we watched the sun set on top of one of the hills on our property(one of her fav spots), she rested her head in my lap and looked at me…..I knew….I knew what she was asking and wanting….I knew it was coming and I knew I was going to have to make the decision myself soon and I bawled again…..I hugged her close….told her how much I adored her and always would and once again, told her how sorry, I was….

On Friday June 28^th, just 24 hours after letting our beloved Guinness go, Sean & I held this magnificent being of BHRR’s Autumn in our arms and kissed and stroked her soft fur and said, that it is ok…to go and be free and know a world without pain. I asked for her forgiveness and told her that with each of my tears, that it was a measure of my bottomless cup of love for her and that she taught so many so much and was completely inspirational and that no one could ‘land swim’ like her nor drink water and sharing it so well with others at the same time! I smiled as I told her that I was so amazed that she could store so many kibbles in those cheeks of hers for later! Just as the light faded completely from her eyes and she crossed over, she put a paw over my arm and kissed the back of my hand……

While I feel that she may forgive me for failing her, I will never……

One month later, I am still thinking about all the ‘what ifs’….the ‘what could I have done’…..the ‘was there something else for her’……

I know this is a HUGE Gwennie novel yet, I almost feel that if I stop writing, BHRR’s Autumn’s journey ends and that crushes my heart…she was suppose to live…she was suppose to have a forever loving home of her own…..she was suppose to have a great future for she sure as heck was not given a good past and I can only hope that in the ‘present’ of her time with me, she did live…..and, had fun and enjoyeda wonderful quality life…..

RIP my incredible ONE of a KIND priceless ‘almost violent with her loving affection’, full of heart, nothing half measure done dream girl!

My heart just bleeds and bleeds….

UPDATE: My last post before I go to bed for a couple of hours is an update on BHRR's Autumn.

As shared with a couple over the last 24 hours, I talked to two of her Vet team plus one of her specialists on Tuesday and I needed to converse about quality of life. To have even uttered those words on a GD that came to me such a 'hot mess', broken and emaciated with many medical conditions, to have come through over 8 months of a miraculous journey with her, telling her daily that she is DESERVING and that she is WORTHY, to adore this dog the way I do…..uttering those words through the huge lump in my throat and the sickness in my stomach was just the worst feeling ever…..

I have promised to each and every dog that crossed my door and heart that they will lack for nothing, that I will always do 'right' by them and it is about quality of life…..

BHRR's Autumn's blog is very detailed with all her updates, photos, videos and the friends and fans she has captured with her paws and heart since we were first contacted to assist her….

Her journey from the States to us was just the beginning….and to be at this point over a bad fall she took slipping on wet grass, is crushing…..something that could happen to any dog, yet, to have happened to her, with her already broken body….was more than devastating.

She has not used her leg in a week, she had been sedated to try and keep her more quiet to get the swelling and edema to go down and to give her time to try and get some healing in, she was off her food, limiting her water intake and that 'almost violent in her affection' Autumn was fading like a beautiful sunset…..

I said that I would bring her back in on Thursday to re-evaluate and on my way home, I called Sean and I told him I need to ask Autumn what she wants….

We had changed her pain management protocol as she was just too doped up and we were having to put two slings on her to help her go outside and she was just not 'her'……I could see how glazed her eyes was, the pain, the weight loss…..and, I needed to try and keep being objective….very hard, when you are so subjectively attached to her…..

People say that a dog will let you know when they are ready…I have had that experience….yet, I have had equally as many experiences that *I* needed to speak on behalf of the animal and do the humane thing…the right thing, the hardest thing ever…..

When I came home, I crawled into her colossal crate and I looked at her….I just sat and asked her what did she want…that, I did not want to be selfish and it was hurting me to see her hurt…..not to see her bigger than life personality just lighting up our home….her happiness, her joy, her everything….

As crazy, as it sounds…4:30 AM and being up almost 21 hours, can make the brain a wee bit fuzzy, yet, her eyes were clearer than they had been in almost a week…..the heavy dose of meds were finally leaving her system, she actually sat up…..and, then she laid a paw on me and put her head on my shoulder and sighed…..and nuzzled me….

When she moved away, I knew what she wanted…..and, I am going to give it to her….she wants more time….

She ate the most that she has done in days….she was almost at her normal water intake and when she peed, she was actually putting her 'bad' foot down to give herself more balance and I only needed one sling to assist her in and out of the house….

I am keeping it 'real'….I know that she is nowhere close to being out of any 'woods'….yet, I am taking it day by day and continuing to try and do things right for her…..quality of life….quality of life….

AND, you know what is the best sound in the world….hearing her snore for the first time in almost a week! She is actually having a good rest…..

Day by Day…….

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.

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 $8,328.36
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
Fiona and her family
Kathryn
Karen
 

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**

UPDATE: BHRR's Autumn is not doing well. Crate Rest and lots of meds are not greatly assisting her at this time.

She is understandably weight bearing all on her other leg and with that having also a torn ACL prior to coming to BHRR, it is just not able to keep trying to compensate for both back legs now.

She is not eating well nor drinking normally.

I am worried. I am very concerned.

I have conversed with one of her Vets and so, a new pain management schedule is in place and I said I would give her another 24 hours yet, would be bringing her in as I am worried…..

The swelling plus edema is so bad.

Icing and massaging as per the treatment plan too.

Please, may I ask that all her fans and friends send her positive thoughts and energy.

I adore this dog as much a life itself and I committed from day 1 to her wellbeing and she has come so far in her journey to date and she has a long way still to travel and my wish is for her to be able to travel that journey to a success chain of success chapter one day…..

Below are two of her x-rays taken on June 14th, 2013

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.

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 $8,328.36
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**

BHRR's Autumn – June 14th, 2013 @ KAH

Please keep our 'hot mess' BHRR's Autumn in your thoughts today….
She had a slip on the wet grass and she is not weight bearing on her one back leg. It is very swollen.
Instead of BHRR's Kaden coming to work with me today; I have brought her instead and will update as I know more….  🙁

There is nothing we have not done for her to date that she has needed and there is nothing we will not do for her that she may need. I adore her.

UPDATE: June 14th, 11:00 AM:
UPDATE: So, BHRR's Autumn has been examined and even in the time from when I arrived with her to when the Vet saw her, the swelling plus edema(especially in her knee and hock) has significantly grown.
The heat radiating from her leg is unbelievable.
AND despite all, for those who know her, they will understand when I say that she is still 'violent' in her love and affection for me and charm to others!
AND while we wanted to give her NSAIDS, she is on Vanectyl P and there could be the development of stomach ulcers.
I asked to do x-rays and go from there.
AND then, the concern comes that as good as she is, for her safety and comfort – the bending of her leg and knee would be painful; she would need some sedation to do the x-rays. Her history wtih three past sections has ranged from various degrees of scary. They hit her hard and with her positional heart murmur.
Yet, we needed to know if there was a break or fracture.
So, we went with an even lower dose of the torb/ace and monitored her heart throughout.
Next update coming soon!! Keep her in your thoughts!!

UPDATE: June 14th, 1:43 PM:
UPDATE: review of the x-rays for BHRR's Autumn has revealed no fractures or breaks….phewwwww….that is the good news…
The bad news is that it is likely that when she went down, she caused significant trauma to her PCL. So, the leg that was chronic from her ACL tear prior to coming to BHRR, has additional damage now.
AND, as we know, her left leg also has an ACL tear prior to coming to BHRR.
After much discussion and research, the decision has been made to take her off the Vanectyl P, put her on Tramadol, Gabapentin, Previcox and Sulcrate……
With her not so best stability due to her two blown cruciates, the chances of additional injuries was not uncommon…..
I will update her blog and please keep her in your thoughts…
She needs more weight to be able to have any surgery and we were getting there….finally….
This is a huge step back as due to the pain, her weight gain is going to stall yet, I am at least happy to know what is happening….
She will be a million dollar dog when all is said and done and her worth is priceless!!!
BHRR's Autumn came to us with two blown ACL's. She now has a blown PCL. We have done many TPLO's and Extracapsular surgeries and have had wonderful success. BHRR's Autumn's situation is not the norm with this positional HM, her continued unanswered medical question of the lack of weight gain plus that she does not recover from sedation and anaesthetics well.

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.

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 $8,328.36
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**

BHRR's Autumn – recovering from her sedation post-x-rays – June 14th, 2013 @ KAH

UPDATE: On our beloved 'hot mess' BHRR's Autumn!
She is at KAH today with me over last night and she has put on another 5.94 pounds!!!!
To some, and for those not familiar with her story, this may not seem like much yet, it is HUGE!!! Just HUGE!
She is now 116.16 pounds(52.8 kgs)!!
If I can get another 10 pounds on her, 15 preferably, we can schedule that first of two possible cruciate repairs!!
To all those that wanted us to 'give up' on her, that chastised us for spending the thousands we have on her to date – cardiac u/s, abdominal u/s, specialists, treatments for so many things including all my work determining her food allergies and now discovering her seasonal allergies – I can only say that the mandate of BHRR is to help the next in need.
AND that we focus on those special needs!
AND we will continue to be committed to BHRR's Autumn's welfare!!
It is not her fault that she was bred and bred and that both of her cruciates blew and we left untreated, that she was so neglected and abused that her body score was barely a 2/2.5…..
I could almost weep that finally, finally I am getting all of these puzzle pieces to fall into place to keep moving forward with her journey and for her to one day have a great forever adoptive home of her own!
GO BHRR's Autumn GO!! So happy to see this weight gain!!

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! 😉

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. 🙁 AND, I realised that I have NOT yet posted her x-rays! BAD Gwennie! 🙁 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! 😉

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. 🙁

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**

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

Tonight, we received an email in regards to Virtual Fostering of a BHRR animal and we have chosen BHRR's Autumn for she still one of our very needy medical dogs at BHRR. THANK YOU!

We are still battling that weight issue and I cannot move forward on that cruciate repair until she puts on more weight. 🙁

We are in a hold pattern and I will be posting some videos shortly of yesterday's WINTER WONDERLAND day at BHRR and you will see how much better she can now move and how much more healthy she is since her arrival to BHRR and how happy she is BUT, we still working with her skinniness issue. 🙁

THANK you to her angels of Shelly & Derek – $50 towards 2 months Virtual Fostering for BHRR's Autumn – THANK YOU!

To learn more about our VIRTUAL FOSTERING PROGRAM, please visit HERE!

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

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) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,276.81 donated to date & Bills $6,475.42
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

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
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

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

BHRR's Autumn had her abdominal u/s this time with Dr. Javinsky and her heart u/s on the 5th.

In conversing in depth with Dr. Javinsky, he said that in his expert opinion, that her positional hear murmur, that is only heard while she is under sedation is due to the sedation meds itself, not because of any underlying heart disease. None of us could ever recall hearing a HM when she was not sedated. He also did not believe that based upon her age that she had DCM and was causing her to not gain weight.

Yet, in order to stay proactive and preventative, he was very respectful with my request to still do a heart u/s. We wish to adopt BHRR's Autumn at some point and I do not want anyone having any questions re: her heart. I wanted that closed with a final professional analysis. If this was my own dog, I told Dr. Javinsky, I trust him 100% and would not question his expertise and that I still was not questioning his expertise, yet, it is so important to me to have everything covered and documented and closed off on so that any future adoptive home will know that we have been honest and upfront and extremely diligent about her welfare.

I am committed to BHRR's Autumn as I am with all of our dogs and I will keep going the process of elimination as needed to figure out this lack of weight gain.

Her weight was back up to 50.1 KGs(110.22 pounds) and Dr. Javinsky asked me what I would like to see her at and I said 125 minimum right now. Ideally, 130 pounds etc.

We have had her at this exact weight in the past and I was happy to see it going up again. THOUGH, not as much as it really should be.

One of the other Vets asked about her de-worming protocol and we went through her file and the suggestion was to try de-worming her a third time again.

The abdominal u/s showed normal gallbladder(large as she was fasted for breakfast), normal kidneys, liver etc. ALL normal!

Her heart u/s showed per Dr. Javinsky, one of the best Great Dane hearts ever! 🙂 No signs of any DCM and her heart was pumping beautifully. He was so happy, as was I!

No masses found and so, her lack of weight gain remains a mystery….Dr. Javinsky suggested that maybe, I should consider Pred and to think about it a bit.

He did say that he would be measuring her intestines and recorded them from the u/s as IBD is his next possible thought. She does have food allergies yet she does not have any vomiting or diarrhea or pain/discomfort upon examination to suggest any IBD. He said that the only true way to know is a biopsy of her intestine yet, did not feel this is the route we should be going down right at this time.

I want to thank Dr. Javinsky for all of his time, patience in answering my endless questions, his sense of humour, he care of BHRR's Autumn and being so willing to help figure out what may be happening.

Everyone at the Hospital also agreed that this is one HEALTHY dog with her 'bulldozer' and 'violent in affection ways' and that she is full of muscle and happy and alert and not acting in any manner sick…another thing that Dr. Javinsky and I discussed is that she does not have any coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath etc. Yet, we still went ahead with the u/s to close off.

I want to also thank him for the 10% discount on her bills for that day.

From here, my next move forward approach was to go alternative and holistic….acupuncture and massage. It would not hurt and I was beginning to wonder just how stoic this dog is with her two blown cruciates and chronic state of such. Sooooooooooooooo, if one is not 100% comfortable and being distracted by play or friends etc., one has more time to focus on pain and I am wondering if that is part of her eating or rather lack of eating woes.

I have to say that in less than a week of doing this, she has put on some weight….not a heck of a lot AND so, it is not hurting and is helping some.

I have been de-worming her again, we shall repeat fecal, urine and bw all over again within a month. She has battled so much that I am wondering that if it is like BHRR's Bishop…way too much and the 'good' stuff of meds was beginning to affect her already compromised immune system.

I strongly believe in a balance between conventional and alternative/holistic medicine and for those that follow the blogs, they will confirm that.

I am going to stay positive on this next stage of where I am with her and see what the end of February brings with weight gain etc. I am not putting this dog under such a long anaesthetic to repair one, let alone possibly two cruciates in two separate surgeries unless I can make her more healthy. I would rather her move to our HAVEN PROGRAM and be on palliative care for quality of life over such a high risk of losing her under such a surgery or two being this skinny.

February 5th's bills were just over $1,000 and so we are really going to have to work on some Fundraisers for her. I have some photos of her from her one abdominal u/s from KAH and then the ultrasounds with Dr. Javinsky and shall post them later….bed is calling my name…. 🙂 It has been a very busy weekend and this next week is going to be incredibly busy too.

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,276.81 donated to date & Bills $6,475.42
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

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
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

BHRR's Autumn is now scheduled for her U/S for 2:30 PM on Tuesday February 5th.

I am hoping they find nothing yet, on the other hand, hoping they find something that can easily explain why she is not gaining weight and as easily resolved.

KEEP her in your thoughts!

UPDATE:

BHRR's Autumn finally had her hands on exam with Dr. Philibert yesterday and he feels that YES! She is a surgical candidate for a TPLO! She was not a candidate for extracapsular surgery with LAH and so, we needed to wait and see what DP felt re: any TPLO possibilities for her.

We would do a TPLO on her left cruciate first and if there was significant improvement, then consider the right(the right is worse and chronic yet, has it has been that way for so long prior to her rescue, Dr. Liston felt that little to no benefit may be obtained for her, yet, recommended do the left first and go from there). AND with Dr. Philibert confirming that yes, she is a candidate, very exciting news.

SO, YAY! FOR some good news for her! 🙂

Now, the next step is to see what Dr. Javinsky feels in regards to her gallbladder(KAH did an u/s last week as well) and heart and if a piece of the non weight gaining puzzle can be better resolved. We were hoping for something this week, yet, whatever works for Dr. Javinsky, we shall accommodate for whatever his schedule allows. 🙂 The x-rays we did on her heart indicated that it is a normal size yet, with that positional HM discovered, we are doing further investigation to try and rule out any underlying heart disease for this lack of weight gaining.

Her C&S has came back and the Vet has put her on an extra week of Clavamox for her persistent UTI.

We cannot put the cart before the horse, yet, I was thrilled to learn the news re: TPLO surgery for her if everything else falls into place. 🙂

Process of elimination continues for her and she was loved by the fabu extreme staff at KAH! 🙂

She remains our 'almost violent in affection', happy, bull in a china shop, vibrant GD!

GAIN WEIGHT BABY GIRL! YOU NEED TO GAIN! 🙂

AND the one thing that was not done when Sean dropped her off at KAH(I am stil off work), was a weight check! BOO! 🙁 I have been trying to monitor that very closely.

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,226.81 donated to date & Bills $5,349.25
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

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
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

BHRR's exam with DP is later today!

KEEP her in your thoughts!

BHRR's Autumn had her abdominal u/s today with her Vet at KAH. Nothing obvious was found yet, her gallbladder could not be located(she is a huge dog, even if she is skinny!) BHRR's Autumn was put under a light sedation and snored her way through most of her ultrasound. Her right kidney also could not be located.

She was cleary uncomfortable when it came to the deep pressure being applied between her ribs or deep in her belly. Another Vet also was not able to locate her Bladder.

Good news, no obvious masses were found, bad news, her gallbladder could not be found either or one kidney.

So, as we have to see Dr. Javinsky for her heart u/s, we will re-visit her gallbladder then too.

She is so sad when she is at the Hospital.

AND her fecal came back Giardia Elisa Positive.

I picked up the meds for her continued UTI and we are awaiting the C&S results as this UTI is proving very resistant.

Will being shorthanded today, I was unable to take a video or photos. It was ALL hands on deck and in this case, I got the head and shoulders and her great lippies to love on! 🙂

Her weight was 49.4 KGs(108.68 pounds). Up .1 kg (0.22 of a pound) since Monday.

Bills For Today: $702.54

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,226.81 donated to date & Bills $5,238.35
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

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
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

Some results are back on some of BHRR's Autumn's repeat and additional testing:

She still is battling an UTI. 🙁

Her ALP is now quite elevated whereas the last bw we did it was completely normal. She is 798. Normal 5-131.

Cortisol was normal and due to her youth, unlikely to have Cushing's.

Possibility is gallbladder.

Recommendation is an u/s of her stomach now.

We have asked to have an u/s of her heart done at the same time with Dr. Javinsky.

We have our first BIG BHRR BOD meeting tonight and shall be brainstorming on creative thoughts to fundraiser for her ever mounting bills as we remain committed to her welfare and in receiving the best care possible.

AND those cruciates, one or both depending on what Dr. P also feels once we get to that point as I am staying positive!

She remains happy, full of energy, alert and her affection level could knock you over in its violent expressions of love! 🙂 She is so deserving! Her Vet even commented about how less lame she is now and not toe touching due to all the muscle and tone she has developed. 🙂

We are looking at having the abdominal u/s on Thursday and seeing about getting the heart done then too if not, shortly afterwards.

I shall be picking up more antibiotics and we are sending off for a C&S on the urine.

BHRR's Autumn's Bills $4,535.81

UPDATE: BHRR's Autumn was back at the Vet today as we begin the next steps for her.

Her weight was down…. 🙁 49.30 KGs(108.46 pounds). All marveled at the amazing muscle tone she has developed since her arrival though. 🙂

Everyone had a giggle at how she kept wanting to sit on the Vet's lap! Her energy level is FANTASTIC! She is playful, affectionate, strong and no temp etc. If she was not so skinny, you would not think anything was wrong with her. She is bright eyed and happy and she is still only eating about 50% of what she should be.

We have begun the next move forward steps for her in trying to determine why she is not putting on any significant weight plus checking out that heart. We are repeating a UA, another fecal, did a Cortisol sample, tick panel and even more bw including Superchem, CBC and T4 etc.

In listening to her heart, the Vet could not hear any HM yet, we do know that it is positional.

Her eye and ear infections are all gone, her hair is coming in nice and soft now that we figured out the food allergies. 🙂

From here, we are waiting an exam with Dr. Philibert to see if he believes both cruciates can benefit from a TPLO once we figure out her heart and weight concerns. He does feel that she is a surgical candidate yet, for both, is the question and that will depend on whatever else we can find out.

Her vet wanted to see the results of the latest testing before moving to an ECG or Echo.

So, now we wait for the latest results.

Her bills today were: $535.84 and the total of her bills to date are:
$4,535.81

Up until February 8th, 2013, you can put in an order of BHRR's Journey's Heart Biscuits or two other amazing varieties(Kyo Kisses & Danelet Delights) through the Anna and the FACEBOOK PAGE she created where all monies raised up to $2,000 shall benefit Genesis and BHRR.

We would be using any monies raised that would come to BHRR for dogs like BHRR's Autumn. 🙂

Below are two photos of BHRR's Autumn from our traditional Christmas Eve Photos! 🙂

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,226.81 donated to date & Bills $4,535.81
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

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
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

BHRR's Autumn – she loves her GWENNIE! & BHRR's Autumn with Mason – December 24th, 2012

UPDATE: BHRR's Autumn is with me at work today and good news; she has out on more weight – she is now 110.22 pounds yet, the bad news the weight that she has put on is 1/3 of what she should have put on…. 🙁

So, we are now going to proceed with further investigation on that positional hm found during her spay for we need to know if she has any underlying heart disease and if that could be the reason why she is not weight gaining….

That means we remain in a 'hold' pattern for her knees yet, am still waiting to see what DP thinks of the latest findings found by LAH during her spay……

Poor sweetie yet, she is as happy and stubborn as always!!

BHRR's Autumn is coming to work with me tomorow to get a new weight. EVERYTHING crossed!

On Thursday December 19th, Dr. Philibert had called to discuss BHRR's Autumn and indicated that he would review the x-rays and get back to us on the 20th.

I did a gentlte follow-up note to her Vet when I was at work on Saturday the 29th re: this.

Will update as I can.

BHRR's Autumn had her 'special' Date on Saturday December 15th from her offer of a date with her to help raise funds in her EMERGENCY ONLINE AUCTION AND loved it!

Apparently, she most enjoyed taking over their couch and having a good long sleep with plenty of snoring with one of their children! LOL

She let them know when she had to go outside and LOVED spending time with them. She even helped me make(did not taste test though! LOL) the homemade picnic including special dessert for the home!

I forgot to get a photo! DARN!!!

I am also updating her donation angel posting below as I forgot one in my last update…..all donations mean the world to BHRR and to the animals and I try to ensure all is reflected accurately and in double checking and cross-referencing my emails to the donations, I realised I left one donation off. ALL should be better reflected now! 🙂 It is soooooooo important for us to have things properly and fully disclosed.
 

AT this time, we have a remaining bill of ONLY $226.84 on her current bills to pay off at Liston Animal Hospital and any TPLO surgery(ies) shall be determined as to which Hospital we shall be using. Will post as I know more…….including any echo needed on her heart.

AND this small remaining bill is THANKS to each of you that have given of themselves to help us take the best of care of her!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 OR Liston Animal Hospital (613) 591-0966 and 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  $4,226.81 donated to date & Bills $3,999.97
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

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

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

UPDATE: BHRR's Autumn weighed only barely half a pound more than she did over her last weigh-in. Her spay was over by 11:00 am at Liston Animal Hospital in Kanata, Ontario.

Per Dr. Liston, her ovaries and uterus were normal and her spay went well. This is where things go south…. 🙁

After receiving Dr. Liston's vm, I went back to talk to him in person and checked on her in recovery. She was hav

UPDATE: I know I have much to update in BHRR's Autumn's blog and before I go to bed in the wee hours; I shall update her blog plus add photos from her x-rays – taken of both legs, chest, back, legs, heart etc. on October 24th, 2012 and you can find them below! 🙂

YET, today is a very special day for her…..SPAY day! She is still thin, no doubt about that yet, we are in that catch twenty-two….due to the hormones, she continues to lactate and be in a state food going to produce milk instead of putting in weight. YET, being thin, makes it more risky to spay. 🙁 She needs to gain weight yet, cannot really well as she is in this false pregnany hormone out of balance state. So, we are about 10 or so more pounds that we were with her weight and the go ahead has been given to spay.

4055 Carling Av Kanata  Kanata, ON K2K 2A4 (613) 591-0966

and 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  $4,148.81 donated to date & Bills $3,497.98
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

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

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

Good NEWS: BHRR's Autumn Update: just received word that her x-rays were reviewed and she IS a candidate for surgery on her cruciates!! Yay!

Per Dr. Liston:

"On the lateral view of the stifle I can see excess fluid in the joint, but at least there appears to be minimal arthritis there already.  We could tackle the worst leg first, and if needed the second leg a month or so later.  Mostly at this point we need to know that she is improving in her health , ie, gaining some weight etc.  If you want me to do an extra capsular repair, I will order in the extra strength nylon and crimps, that should only take a few days to arrive."
 

The bad news is that we are still trying to figure out the non weight gain problem and she is lactating even more now than her second and even first vet visits. We will repeat u/s and x-rays of needed re: possible pregnancy yet, her vaginal swab indicated diestrus. The thought process is still a false pregnancy and it is taking all her nourishment. The poor girl does not eat well to begin with.

This is a photo of BHRR's Autumn on Saturday October 27th, 2012.

The 'white' at the edge is a sheet that she likes to have placed over her and yes, thanks to BHRR's Blossom, she has tried to stay all snuggled up on the couch! She has her own memo to read….. 😉

I am still awaiting to hear back from the specialist re: her cruciates and if she is a possible surgical candidate. I have all her x-rays via email now and shall post them as I can.

She has also decided that she shall no longer eat the FROMM Whitefish, so we are working on the FROMM Salmon now.

She will be as much as, if not more to rehab than BHRR's Ava Marie who came into BHRR, who was successfully rehabbed and adopted! I believe in her and I am hoping that the community shall as well and help us help her!

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $1,135 donated to date & Bills $2,898.73
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
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Dog Coat – XXL
FROMM – Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits
 

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

BHRR's Autumn – October 27th, 2012

UPDATE: October 25th, 2012

She weighed ONLY 48.6 KGs(106.92 pounds) at Kanata Animal Hospital last night. She has ONLY put on .5 of a kg since she arrived. This confirms my fears/worries that she is NOT putting on the weight as she should be. WHY? The question is why…..is it pain? pregnancy? cancer?


So, she had another head to toe exam – lungs and heart sound good – X-rays confirmed no cancer found at this time in the lungs or chest etc., she was sedated to do the x-rays for as good as she is, we also needed to x-ray those knees. She had a Flurorescein eye stain done – conjunctivitis confirmed so on meds and yes, the entropic eyes, to continue with the Clavamox for her UTI, her KC is almost gone(YAY! for some good news for her!), got a much better look in her mouth(dorm/torb is great stuff! ) and nothing appears to be obviously chipped or broken – shall investigate further when she is spayed, she had a manicure/pedicure, FNA – and she is lactating – Colostrum and milk present this week over last and the FNA pulled out milk. Those 'growths/lumps' are actually milk pockets. We are doing slides of them to confirm that we are not looking at anything else too. The strange thing is that the milk pockets are not around the nipples, they are above and this also confused the Vet that saw her last night, same as last week plus myself.

We x-rayed for babies – none seen(too early?), we did an U/S and nothing seen(too early?) and we also did a vaginal swab to see where she is during her cycle.


Did she have an re-absorption of a litter? Is this a false pregnancy? She is so emaciated, she cannot handle being spayed now if she was in an early or any stage of pregnancy and she is so young plus her life is at risk if she is pregnant as she is just skin/bones. Is this why she is not having a weight gain? Babies taking all the nourishment?

We x-rayed both knees and it does appear that my concern re: her cruciates is confirmed. It appears that she has two blown cruciates – right worse than the left. I am waiting to receive the x-rays to forward on to Dr. Liston for review. Is is pain that is not enabling her to put on weight? Her hind end is so lacking in muscle and yes, she has muscle in the front end yet, is that also from really compensating to keep a lot of weight off the hind end? Her hips are not great……

She has been de-wormed and is on Revolution and shall be de-wormed again next week and if need be, put back on Metronidazole. Still waiting for fecal sample. Her bw did not indicate parasites and she was proactively/preventatively de-wormed as we do with all the dogs at BHRR.

She shall remain on Deramaxx and she is not a running, crazy girl to begin with, quiet walks and lots of rest as we review with the Vets her next steps. She cannot have any surgery right now though…..and if she does require both cruciates, one shall be done and then another. Per the X-rays, her cruciates have been this way for some time, the poor thing…..

She also had a hard time getting back up after the quick reversal Antisedan was given. Her appointment was at 6:50 PM and I left KAH at almost 9:30 PM last night. Her temperature also dropped….

Her Vet bills to date are close to $3,000 and she needs her fans plus supporters to believe in her and to consider assisting her along her road to health. We may have to do some emergency fundraising for to repair both of those cruciates is giong to be $6,000 if not more.

She will be as much as, if not more to rehab than BHRR's Ava Marie who came into BHRR, who was successfully rehabbed and adopted! 🙂 I believe in her and I am hoping that the community shall as well and help us help her!

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $610 donated to date & Bills $2,898.73
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
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Dog Coat – XXL
FROMM – Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
Cube Large Tube Body Pillows x 4

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

BHRR's Autumn – chiling before her Vet apointment and then on the x-ray table after sedation – October 24th, 2012

BHRR's Autumn – after sedation and looking positively ADORABLE – LOOK at her tongue! October 24th, 2012

I am bringing BHRR's Autumn into KAH tomorrow at some point. I am not feeling good about where she is and where I wish and feel she should be at.

Two of those growths are bigger and while I know that she is still emaciated, they need to get biopsed. 🙁 Colostrum can be seen from several of her nipples this week over last.

She is not eating the way I would like to see, she is so roachy and looks uncomfortable a lot of the time, her back end is quite stiff – especially with the cooler weather and my instincts plus medical education/experience are telling me that she has to get back into the Vet ASAP. I am worried about her weight…. 🙁

She appears to be favouring one side on her hind end more than the other even more now as the colder weather hits ( cruciates? ) and she has been on Clavamox for her UTI plus KC that she arrived with. I want to be sure that her KC has not deteriorated. In her poor condition….. 🙁

So, we are going back in!

She really really really needs her believers and supporters to stand by her. Please keep her in your thoughts and please do consider helping us with her bills.

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels ; $490 donated to date & Bills $1,729.53
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
;

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
Cube Large Tube Body Pillows x 4

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

Here are some photos of BHRR's Autumn from October 22nd, 2012. This is ONE week post-arrival to BHRR and I still cannot quite capture in photos JUST how poor her body condition is. 🙁

Very tragic.

It is important for people to understand that this type of abuse is out there, even closer than they may realise/think and we must work together to effect positive change for those that cannot speak and defend themselves.

This is why BHRR is here, to help special needs dogs like them. AND we cannot do it without the support of our believers and I reach out in THANKS again to each of you!

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $475 donated to date & Bills $1,729.53
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
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
Cube Large Tube Body Pillows x 4

BHRR's Autumn – you can see all her ribs, bones on her back and hips – October 22nd, 2012

So, BHRR's Autumn is battling a nasty UTI as I suspected and per the C&S, a number of antibiotics should be effective. So, she is on Clavamox 375 x 2 BID for the next 14 days.

She is doing well….

One of those mammary lumps is larger and she does not appear to be really putting on the weight like she should and I shall have back at KAH later this week now that she is stronger and more healthy than when she first arrived.
 

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $475 donated to date & Bills $1,729.53
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
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
Cube Large Tube Body Pillows x 4

BHRR's heartworm test is NEGATIVE! YAY! YAY!

So many more test results to come in yet YAY! YAY! 🙂

Wednesday AM VIDEO TIME of BHRR's Autumn and my daughter waiting for the school bus.

Her UA came back with tons of ecoli and the c&s shall take another week for those results.

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $350 donated to date & Bills $1,356.73
Anna & Peter
Maggie/Derek – bag of FROMM dog food
Rachel
Jan
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes

UPDATE:

BHRR's Autumn. She weighed an emaciated 105.82 pounds(48.1 KGS) today. She needs at LEAST another 30-35 pounds of muscle mass/weight to be where I want to see her right now for her bone/substance and conformation. Her body score is barely a 2.5/10.

I microchipped her, we collected urine by cysto and shall be doing a UA include C&S on her, her heart and lungs sound clear/good, her teeth indicate that she is NO more than around 15 months of age and her playful demeanor is very indicative of an overgrown puppy, could not fully examine all teeth at this point for breaks, chips and fractures, she has three mammary growths/tumours that we shall biopsy, we cannot do a fecal smear or fecal at this time as the own stool that has come out since her arrival is when she has strained and it was blood with foam, we did a couple of skin scrapings – no demodectic mange, ear swabs – yeasty yet not terrible, suspected food allergies for sure – going to keep going with the FROMM Whitefish for her for now, she has entropic eyes – right worst than left – she can see yet, not very well in the one eye due to the placement of the eye in the socket – if you hold all the skin back, she can see much better!, hearing impairment is somewhat questionable still, she is on metronidazole and Panacur and I started Revolution yesterday for possible FAD etc. She also had a heartworm test plus presurgical bw including CBC, full exam noted hind end is not strong and possible hip and/or cruciate concerns to be re-visited when stronger/healthier etc. etc.

We shall monitor for possible seasonal allergies as we go along yet, with the frost coming, we may not really know for some time if she also has seasonal allergies.

BHRR's Autumn had a good night. Not a peep!

She definitely has a UTI and something is going on with her bowels – she had her first BM just now and it is sheer blood with some white foam.

She is going to need all those positive vibes people can send. We are off to the Vet today and despite how crappy she has to be feeling, she is wagging her tail, wanting to play with the other dogs(she has been integrated with most) and already has discovered the couch! NOT the doggie one at that! 😉

She had a small accident in her crate between 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM and I had already suspected she had a UTI last night as I did not like the colour nor smell of her urine. What I discovered in her crate really confirmed that…..poor baby…..

I am also looking over those nipples of hers and I cannot tell if she had a litter recently or………….. 🙁 So, we shall determine if she may be pregnant or a false pregnancy. Maybe, she is coming into a heat or just out of one yet…………..

We often see dogs that have given birth and then are dumped at shelters or in rescue…….none of the females have any 'interest' in her, so yet, her nipples are enlarged, enlarge vulva – both common after a heat or false pregnancy or after weaning a litter or in a pregnancy. Her nipples also have a small 'pocket' of swelling under them as if there was a milk production.

She is so emaciated….so young. 🙁
 

BHRR's Autumn really needs some extra warmth and kindness to come her way…….I shall have a file set-up for her at Kanata Animal Hospital as of Monday October 15th in the afternoon. I will be bringing her to work with me. I had hoped to give her a couple of days to settle in upon arrival, yet, she is in a very bad neglected state. VERY bad….

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $300 donated to date & Bills TBA
Anna & Peter
Maggie/Derek – bag of FROMM dog food
Rachel
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes

Here is my first VIDEO of BHRR's Autumn, very shortly after I arrived home with her today.

Per the video, you will hear me talk about her eyes, her ears – vision and hearing possible problems, possible FAD, food and/or seasonal allergies, that her body condition is between 2/2.5 max., that she has infections, hair loss and she could well have possible demodectic mange(do not supsect sarcoptic at this time) and we will do skin scrapings. She has rub marks on her tail and various parts of her body like from being confined in an area too small for her, long nails and with her being so worried right now, I have not yet looked at her teeth and inside her mouth. AND she has had at least one litter in her very young life…. 🙁 Her poor body. 🙁

She is settling in well, is very sweet, bonds fast and she absolutely LOVES my daughter Kinsley.

She wants to be in the house all the time, is nervous about being left outside and her leash manners are really quite good. She will follow me everywhere and she is working on her crate training and after only a small moment the very first time, she walks in without any problems. She has a stubborn streak. She showed that to me very well and YAY! FOR that is one reason why she has survived for as long as she has…that backbone of steel that these dogs that are emaciated, neglected and terribly emotionally and physically not done right by those that should have treated them with respect and love, is what makes these dogs such survivors!

She has drank some, had a good sized pee and has eaten a tiny bit. I am offering her food every 3-4 hours for she is in really bad shape. 🙁 Her tummy and digestive system will need to get used to having nourishment, the proper kind.

She has the potential for bad SA and so the crate training is doing a most wonderful thing for that so that she can learn that her own company is good and ok and her crate is right near where my main computer is and other than some small whines earlier today as she was worried that she would be left alone, she is fast learning that she is not going to be forgotten about and gosh, my heart is just throbbing for love for her!

Will update her blog after her vet visit…..
 

BHRR's Autumn really needs some extra warmth and kindness to come her way…….I shall have a file set-up for her at Kanata Animal Hospital as of Monday October 15th in the afternoon. I will be bringing her to work with me tomorrow. I had hoped to give her a couple of days to settle in upon arrival, yet, she is in a very bad neglected state. VERY bad….

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $300 donated to date & Bills TBA
Anna & Peter
Maggie/Derek – bag of FROMM dog food
Rachel
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
 

UPDATE #1: Sunday October 15th, 2012 from one of her rescue angel transporters, Charlotte:
 

For someone who prefers the company of male dogs, I didn't think I'd fall for Star/Autumn like I did. Even during my brief time with her, I could see what a darling girl she is. At first, she was reluctant to get into my car (I was the first leg after her overnight visit). I'm sure she was hoping she had finished traveling. Once in the car, I got a few face snuffles from her and a big, wrinkly head rested on my shoulder. We got moving and she laid down in the back. What a good girl she is in the car!

A short trip later, we arrived at the next hand-over location. We took a little walk around on the grass while we waited for her next "chauffeur" to arrive. Even though she did seem confused during the process, she still wanted to meet everyone. I even got a lean from her!

For having met her for only a very brief time, and during a very confusing couple of days, her sweetness was incredible. I can't even imagine what a love she'll be once she's settled in and comfortable around her new foster parents.

She really made an impression on me. I'm hoping once she's available for adoption, I'll be in a position to put in an application for her.

Send her some kisses from me!

Charlotte

UPDATE: #2 Sunday October 15th, 2012 from one of her rescue angel transporters, Rachel:
 

I feel proud to say that I am a part of such a wonderful team!

Autumn has certainly wormed her way into my heart and I know its a long road ahead for her, but she'll pull through with your gentle guidance and care.

Attached is a picture of her on our way to Prescott. She slept right through with the aid of Elton John ballads.

Rachel

P.S. She certainly has the snoring down pat haha, though very lady like
 

BHRR's Autumn really needs some extra warmth and kindness to come her way…….I shall have a file set-up for her at Kanata Animal Hospital as of Monday October 15th in the afternoon. I will be bringing her to work with me tomorrow. I had hoped to give her a couple of days to settle in upon arrival, yet, she is in a very bad neglected state. VERY bad….

Thank you to Rachel, who along with her sister is going to be BHRR's Autumn's SS for the collar, rope toys and dog bed and bones!

Thank you to the lovelies who sent treats and dog booties for her!
 

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $300 donated to date & Bills TBA
Anna & Peter
Rachel
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
Packing Blankets

Photos courtesy of Charlotte

First photo courtesy of Rachel & in second photo – Rachel with BHRR's Autumn

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to write!

UPDATE: Saturday October 13th, 2012 from Barry who was one of her rescue angel transporters:

I have never had a Great Dane in my car before so this was a first. As you can see by the picture, Autumn/Star made a great back seat driver on the Blue Ash/Grove City run!

Take Care,

Barry

UPDATE: Saturday October 13th, from Lindsay, another transporter who overnighted three small dogs for another r/q Rescue:

*she was playing with the other dogs
*very sweet
*gorgeous dog
 

UPDATE: Saturday October 13th from Cathy & Erik who overnighted her:

Star has discovered that guinea pigs are quite fascinating!  

Star is having a sleep right now. So far so good. She definitely needs some fattening up! I'm sure you folks will take fabulous care of this SWEET, sweet girl!
 

She also seems to think that Erik should share his doritoes. She would be wrong. 

😉

Sweet dreams to all!

BHRR's Autumn really needs some extra warmth and kindness to come her way…….I shall have a file set-up for her at Kanata Animal Hospital as of Monday October 15th in the afternoon. I will be bringing her to work with me tomorrow. I had hoped to give her a couple of days to settle in upon arrival, yet, she is in a very bad neglected state. 🙁 VERY bad…. 🙁

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 'Autumn'. 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)

BHRR's AUTUMN's AWESOMEFIED Angels  $100 donated to date & Bills TBA
Anna & Peter
 

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
Packing Blankets

First photo courtesy of Barry & second photo courtesy of Cathy/Erik

BHRR's Autumn meets Cathy/Erik's guinea pigs! 🙂
*photo courtesy of Cathy & Erik

On Tuesday October 9th, I received the following request for assistance for a GD, female, Harlequin, about 15 months of age(we will better determine age once she arrives). With the heartwrenching loss of dear BHRR's Concert, we have the spot to help another animal in need of BHRR. We mobilized fast and she is expected to arrive to BHRR this Sunday October 14th, 2012

Once she has arrived safely, I will begin a file for her at Kanata Animal Hospital, whereby any fans and supporters of her may wish to contribute to her Vet Bills. She shall require the rest of her vaccines(when healthy enough), Heartworm testing, heartworm preventative, bloodwork, to be spayed(when healthy), most like Ester C and a collar/leash to call her own, a dog bed, packing blankets(she is emaciated), oatmeal shampoo, extra lean ground hamburger, rice etc. We need to address her ears plus her eyes – she has terrible HAWS the poor thing and it is hard to tell if she has any other eye issues. HAWS is quite common in many lines of dogs.

If she needs x-rays or any other medical intervention, she shall receive it without hesitation!
 

"…..was an owner surrender, scared of cats, gets along with other dogs, and I do not know about children because I don’t have any children to test her on. LOL  I have not seen her show any aggression towards other dogs since being here. When she first got here, she was growing at some of the staff, but I have not had any problems with her at all. She wants to sit in my lap. She is very sweet, playful, and lovable. She has already bonded with me so she will accept a new home with no problem. I have fed her treats and took her food away and she has not displayed any food aggression towards me. Her eyes concern me as you can see in her pictures and she has something going on with the tips of her ears. It is very dry and crusty. She is thin and needs to put on some weight.  The runs here are too small for her, she cries when I put her in one. She needs out a.s.a.p."

UPDATE #1: Friday October 12th, 2012:

UPDATE: The female Harle GD began her transport to BHRR today. She is now safely tucked in her overnight home….

We have been told that she has been horribly neglected and is naturally confused plus nervous yet: sweet.

Soon sweet girl….you shall be here very soon….

UPDATE #2: Friday October 12th, 2012 from the ACO of the Shelter:
 

Hello everyone, 

I just want to say Thank you to Jeff for giving me an update on Star tonight, for keeping her over night. I am so grateful for Rhonda, Gwen, and each one of you that make all of this possible for these dogs. 

X is a great girl that deserves more than what she had received in her past life, now she has a wonderful future. I will miss her. She does well on a leash and will warm up to you quickly. We wree mixing dry food with can food to try to put some weight on her and to entice her to eat more. Loves to be loved on and loves to give you love!! 

Grateful,

Marsha

UPDATE #3: Friday October 12th, 2012 From the family overnighter here:
 

X is a big, big, girl. She is thin, but very tall, and will require a large crate on the transport. (I think that she could be a good candidate to be tethered though, if needed. She’s pretty laid back.) We had her in a 42” crate when transporting her from Williamstown to home, and she still seemed cramped. She is a real sweetheart, and if I thought that I could talk Debbie into keeping her, I would! She ate very well, and was given a second portion, and ate all of that too. She walks well on a leash, doesn’t pull much at all. She is very loveable, and will make someone a great companion and friend once she gets adjusted. Since she is going across the border to Canada, we checked her paperwork, and it all seems in order.

That’s about it for tonight. I will send an update in the morning if needed. Safe travels everyone.

                                                                Jeff

BHRR's Autumn – At the Shelter in KY, USA

NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!