My final post of my night!
All of the winners of our flash online auction have now been notified via posts in the album, so please check the item(s) that you bid on!
Additionally, with spring, it brings mud and it means lots and lots and lots more of daily laundry and in this picture; we are down many dogs beds as we work both of our washers nonstop to get them constantly cleaned!
For those not yet aware, BHRR’s Coupe – seen in this picture -is also now bunking in with The Boerskins and has settled in beautifully. He is such a low maintenance chill dude!
With COVID-19 on the minds and conversations of so many, we sincerely hope that everyone is doing as well as can be expected during these uncertain and worrisome times.
Per a previous post made, The Boerskins are in self-isolation as Sean was away in SF and while he can work from home; I sadly; cannot and no work means no income and we deeply can empathise with everyone that is in the same situation. The Boerskins are all doing well overall and we are keeping the world in our hearts and best thoughts……
I do know that I find it hard not working as I know how busy my fellow veterinary team members have been at EVC and I wish I could be there assisting them.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes are being sent and please do remember that, if, we can do anything to assist you during your own time of need; please never hesitate to reach out……as a community we must be there for each other, united and keeping that social distancing so that we can flatten the curve.
THIS came on my radar last night!
Nicki is making handmade bracelets to benefit our Giant Breed Rescue & Rehabilitation Programs!
100% comes to BHRR and she is doing this indefinitely!
HOW creative, thoughtful and generous is this?!
I already bought mine!
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & to purchase yours:
Gemstone
“This bracelet is to support the Ottawa Birch Haven giant dog breed Rescue and Rehabilitation centre. (BHRR).
The unakite beads are a stone that is believed to help with feelings of abandonment and separation issues – very fitting as a representation for dogs that have lost their homes for various reasons. The cost of feeding, medicating, and housing giant breed dogs is much higher than rescues for smaller breeds so every little bit helps.
Paw print charm is made of brass”
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for almost 25 years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 20th, 2019 to Friday January 3rd, 2020 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Saturday January 4th, 2020!
As always during this time, BHRR is available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need. We shall also network accordingly for, as the local Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue since 1996, the welfare of the animals are our top priority. We do not wish to see any animal end up in a disreputable place of which sadly there are far too many out there.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
BHRR’s Winter Wonderland
November 11th, 2019
As always, they thrive best with consistency, structure and routine and are ‘on alert’ waiting patiently for Kinsley to come home from school. That time of day!
THAT we are currently receiving 15+cms of snow and it is a snow day, does not cross their minds!
AND there is always one or two that march to their own drum – Summit (Deaf/Blind) & Salt (Deaf/Visually Impaired) are the only SMART ones, realising that Kinsley is actually in the house and are facing the house!
Nothing wrong with their noses and they have excelled with their scent training! Summit & Salt win in knowing exactly where Kinsley is!
A great day for fun filled snow play and now all are crashed out by the fireplaces having nice snoozes!
BHRR’S Meadows face!
(Heavily blanketed Harlequin)
She remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
For those who do not remember, she is the Mama to the three blind/deaf mice and the fight was equally long and hard to save her. Sadly, I still cannot get the home to let the dad go(a white special needs Dane himself). I will not give up even though the hope gets slimmer by each passing day….
BHRR’S Meadow does not seem to be impressed by one of my Texans(Zero – deaf/visually impaired) not using the gate the proper way!
BHRR’s Bell(Deaf/Blind on her left side) is also seen in this photo! She is now part of our Haven program.
My Zero seems most interested in the yummy smells being emitted from the kitchen as we prepare for our family Thanksgiving dinner here.
Whatever you are doing today, may it be a safe, happy and healthy day for all…..from our home to all of yours Happy Thanksgiving!
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Hollywood to our Haven program and she is going to be perma-fostered by an amazing home!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Oliver(IW/GD) is settling in extremely well to his foster home.
Has been great with their Dane and two chi’s, the geese, the chickens, horses and even one feisty kitten!
He is getting lots of wonderful careful slow exposure to even more new things and people and they are managing his anxiety plus shyness beautifully.
They are a quietly well balanced social home so he will never be overwhelmed by huge numbers of people or places.
I am so proud of him. I have worked my butt off with this whole litter trying so hard to set them up for success and took criticisms from more than one person who felt they knew better about what was best for them.
I have been patient and have explained so many times over how genetics and not just environment plays a crucial role in how an animal is who they are.
All puppies are not born naturally bouncy, happy, social creatures.
Furthermore, their breed(s) also play a role in their individual temperaments. Additionally, throw in temperaments bred by puppy mills.
BHRR’s Oliver, your progress along with your litter-mates we kept back has been amazing and you shall continue to keep becoming the best dog you can be, as you are in the hands of a home that ‘gets it!’
I miss you and you did not think you could do this yet, we knew you were ready for this next step and you are MORE than doing it!
AND since you are now in great hands, I can bring in the special needs (Deaf/Visually Impaired) Dane, Miss Lily into my own home tonight.
AND as we have posted several times, our doors will then be indefinitely closed….we are battling so many unexpected Vet Expenses.
UPDATE: BHRR’s Oliver is now safely dropped off to his temp foster and a very brave boy he was!
He did not bother with their ducks, chickens or guinea pigs and was very respectful of their two chihuahua’s!
What a great boy he is!
AND I am off shortly to see if this may be a right matched foster for The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Oliver.
DNA proven IW/GD.
With him being fostered, I can then bring direct into my own home, the Deaf/Visually impaired GD Miss Lily. This will also be a great experience for him! He has come a long way with his play dates and he is ready for this.
AND gentle reminder, as of Thursday August 1st once Miss Lily arrives(Special Needs GD), our doors shall be closed indefinitely until we can achieve financial health again due to so many expenses, many of them unexpected with dogs we have been asked to assist…..
So, any consideration to our cause would be deeply appreciated so that we can continue to help dogs in need of our highly specialised programs…
As always donations for Vet care can be made direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
We will post an update ASAP re: BHRR’s Oliver!
***GRAPHIC PHOTO***
BHRR’s Fletcher it is official….you are either trying to kill yourself or me!
When I got home from work last night or rather the wee hours of this AM, as is my habit, I check in with the dogs and love on them while I eat a snack before going to bed.
From the time the rest of The Boerskins had settled the dogs in for the night and when I got home – not even 1.5 hours later, this was my scene when I went to the sunroom – the place Mr. Fletcher likes to sleep at night….
He has to wear a cone as his leg recovers and he was sitting there with no cone and a rubbed raw bleeding booboo on his head…..
Back to emergency we went……..
BHRR’s Fletcher, the already low money coffers have been dearly taxed and with your now two emergencies this week, the financial cupboards are completely empty….
We also have not one but two new dogs arriving this week with their own extensive Vet Bills – Miss Penelope the Newf & Miss Lily, the special needs Great Dane. We also had BHRR’s Miss Tilly’s own surgery this past week for her spay, which turned out to be an exploratory per our recent post.
The defiant look on his face says it all as to how he felt about his cone…rubbed several spots on his face raw – this one is the worse and he even poked a hole in his head. What on earth did you do?!!
AND to top it all off, chewed the newly installed wood on our window frame with sheer ‘tude.
BHRR’s Fletcher, you have got to be kidding me!!!! You are lucky you are so handsome!!!
Thank you again to the amazing soul who had donated $100 to his vet care when he was hurt on his play date earlier this week….
He will be moving under Eagleson’s Veterinary Care shortly and while the Emerge Hospital no longer take direct donations, Eagleson does. They can be reached at 613-383-8381.
Or, donations can also be made….if any one may consider his cause – we are just under bills of $1,500 this week alone for Mr. Fletcher, donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
May Saturday become a much better day for him and me!
**GRAPHIC PHOTO’S**
BHRR’s Fletcher is determined to give me more grey/white hairs or a heart attack…..
After successfully recovering from being caught in a poachers snare back in February while on a play date and de-gloving a good part of his leg and foot – took 5 surgeries….this is what he did on his play date just now!
About one hour ago, I got a panicked call from the home saying that he was doing his usual with their dogs; running/playing through the bushes and trees and when he came back for his ‘check in’ treat; this was his foot….
We are back into Emerge and at least one more surgery plus lots of antibiotics/pain meds for him.
Dear sweet boy, you are so determined to be your own $10,000 dog in Vet Bills…..
Please keep him in your thoughts and if anyone may consider helping us with his Vet bills, donations can be made via:
PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
This is not how I wanted his or my night to go…….
My last post of my night is one on behalf of Miss Sable & BHRR’s Rion!
She is quite sleepy with her head on my shoulder after a very busy day prepping for our largest fundraiser of the year!
Our 12th Annual Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser WITH so much more at Pet Valu Stittsville(1250 Stittsville Main Street)
A Silent Auction, Baked Goodies for humans/dogs, Some merchandise for Sale, Dog Baths, Face-Painting/Tempt Tats & Feathers etc.!
*9-4 PM
*No Appointments Necessary
*Dogs/Cats are to be minimally 8 weeks of age
*We will also do nails on pocket pets!
BHRR’s Sable wishes to say that we are also collecting Empties plus Canadian $ money tomorrow!
We will have one of our famous BHRR Raffle Baskets up for grabs with all money going towards helping her relative BHRR’s Rion. His mounting Vet Bills are now close to $12,000.
AND here is the link to our Pre-Event Online Facebook Auction!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, the warmest of good night wishes being sent and we hope to see many of you tomorrow!
The weather is going to be positively glorious!!!
UPDATE: BHRR’s Rion
He is one of the two Danes from the Drug situation.
This picture was taken today.
He was re-weighed and has put on ~17 pounds since he first arrived.
He remains having severe bruising along one whole side of his body – from armpit to groin. The trauma part of his horrible past is healing….yet, I continue to wonder what else may be going on…..
MRI, CT scan, U/S, X-Rays along with doing a scope/biopsy and absolutely everything else including bloodwork has come back clean.
His specialist team continues to grow and spans four Vet Hospitals now along with VIN.
He is still quite weak in the hind end and we are working on that for he and BHRR’s Sable were kept in horrifying conditions.
He is eating and drinking and the one thing that has now stopped is his regurgitation after eating.
Since I exclusively went to home-cooking, he has now put on almost 17 pounds plus has stopped regurgitating.
I had to to this with my Multi CH. Great Dane Tain as he was born with a small malformation in his small intestine. The only kibble that work for him was a low residue one from Euk – a puppy one, yet, the adult formula had just enough ingredient change that caused him to have severe issues again. He could not remain on the puppy one for a number of reasons.
So, I had to think out of the box and figured it out for Tain and once I did and I had to do it quickly, he lived a grand wonderful life and his internal medicine specialist at Alta Vista AH remained so impressed plus in awe of how he thrived.
So, I am back to thinking out of the box along with his incredible team of Vets/Specialists.
His Vet Bills are almost $11,000 and rising and I committed to him and he is the sweetest boy….so kind and loving and soft and gentle.
We are working on building up that muscle mass/weight in his hind end which is assisting him in becoming stronger too.
BHRR’s Rion, we are not giving up and you are improving….slowly yet you are…..
We go in for regular check-ups, continued testing, re-weighs and if anyone may consider his cause to support, you can donate via:
PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via
Email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Thank you to anyone that may help by donating even $5.00 to his care.
BHRR’s Rion(Severely Emaciated Great Dane from the drug situation) UPDATE:
I apologise that I have not yet updated re: BHRR’s Sable yet this past week has had to be very much more about poor BHRR’s Rion.
Since his arrival, he has been regurgitating most of his food and though, he has great days for drinking; he has just as many not so good days.
He remains weak, lethargic, is dehydrated and yet, through it all he is so sweet……
As he was not getting the nutrition that he needed and with deep concern re: his regurgitation right after eating; we ended up in emerge.
Though, all of his bloodwork to date has come back normal – we well know that just because the results are normal; this does not make a healthy dog.
He is negative for heartworm plus tick borne diseases.
He was admitted for IV fluid, antibiotic plus pain treatment and I bring him home at night to continue his round the clock care.
That redness/bruising from the suspected severe trauma remains all along his one side. We continue to do more testing, to see more specialists to rule out any deep underlying medical cause for this……
We have done x-rays to rule out broken ribs or anything else that may be causing his condition to worsen, not improve and also u/s.
Our next steps is to move to a CT scan and/or MRI.
When we were at Dr. Liston’s when the Dane Duo first arrived, he did not like the sounds of gurgling in BHRR’s Rion’s gut and that remains a big concern for his internal medicine specialist.
He is continuing to be a mystery to his vastly growing medical team and we would be so grateful as would he, for continued consideration to his mounting Vet Care Bills.
This week alone has seen another $1,700 in Vet bills come our way in our efforts to assist him.
As the emergency hospital shall not take direct donations; donations can be made:
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org OR
via Email Transfer: contactbhrr@gmail.com
This picture is of BHRR’s Rion at LAH.
Please also keep him in your best wishes, he needs those too.
When I see his tail now wag a bit when he sees me, I know that he is fighting with all that he has and thank you to everyone that may consider helping us help him!
He deserved so much better than he has received in life to date and he deserves this fighting chance……
My last post of my night…..
This is BHRR’s Rion – One of the two Danes from the Drug situation.
Sean has spoken and both finally have names – they did not have any names prior to Rescue.
As many are now aware, they belonged to a man who who went to jail for drugs and his father – also involved in drugs – took the two Danes.
Another man saw an ad on kijiji for chickens and when he arrived on the property, he was asked if he had any cocaine in exchange for two Danes.
The man said that he did not do drugs and when he saw the Danes – the male in particular is in terrible shape, he came back with his horse trailer and paid $100 for the Danes.
As the man was not comfortable with Giant Breed dogs nor did he know how best to assist them, they ended up with us. THANK you again Meg for all of your help! Picking them up and meeting me.
I had them both at the Vet immediately and the male weighs a severely emaciated 50.9 kg(111.98 pound). He will need at least 40 pounds of muscle mass/tone/weight to become healthy.
He is the sweetest boy. Reminds me a lot of BHRR’s Mr. Parker Paws in his handsomeness along with his lack of smarts – who on a side note also came to BHRR severely emaciated.
He is flat in the pasterns, has lick granuloma’s – one is still bleeding, is very weak – cannot be on his feet or move for any extended period of time, is ‘wonky’ in his hind end – especially the back left, has healing wounds all over – one of the wounds around his eye is a really fresh one(he is very lucky that he did not lose the eye), he has scars all over his body/face, needs a dental, we did a testosterone test as it is believed that he could be bilaterally cyptorchid – Dr. Liston could not feel any testicles even in his inguinal ring.
His Vet found him to be quite nearsighted as we expressed a concern re: his inability to see treats etc. when offered and other than saying that he was nearsighted, the rest of his eye exam was perfectly normal. His Vet said that his own dog is quite near sighted and not a big cause of concern.
His Vet did say that he did not like how much ‘gurgling’ was going on in his gut.
We also did bloodwork to see how his internal organ function is doing along with a Heartworm/Tickborne disease test. He is now being de-wormed too.
He was very smelly and his coat is full of dander. His ears were extremely full of dark waxy debris.
He has pressure sores and many callouses.
We are also deeply concerned re: what appears to be immense bruising all along one side of his body and into his groin area.
Dr. Liston could not rule out if this was only brutal trauma and not an underlying medical condition too. We are hoping the bloodwork may reveal some answers.
In this picture below, it still does not capture just how emaciated he is….it is hard to show his horrible level of emaciation being a black dog AND to put it in perspective, I can put both of my hands easily around his waist….THAT is not normal and not acceptable.
No dog should be in this condition.
We are feeding him 8 small meals a day trying to very slowly jump start his gut/stomach.
I will post re: the female tomorrow. I once thought they were siblings, yet I think she may be his mother.
He is about 12-15 months of age.
Donations to their ongoing care can be made direct to Liston Animal Hospital:
613-591-0966
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
His other needs:
1) A martingale collar to call his very own. As onepawtwopaw is on a short break, we are still going to WiggleBumz for our collar needs and they are equally lovely!
2) He needs an XL Costco Dog bed of his very own too.
Thank you to everyone from my heart once more that has contributed to their bills to date.
Their bills to date are just under $1,000 and shall continue to mount and I will post re: the female tomorrow. Sean has named her BHRR’s Sable.
We also wish to thank everyone for their words of support that has been given to us during this difficult time as I tragically lost one of my sisters, Barbara on Friday June 7th. Your kindness means a lot to our hearts/home.
THEIR STORY:
From what we have been told, these two Danes belong to a man who went to jail for drugs.
The two Danes then went to his father who was also doing drugs.
Another man saw an ad on kijji for chickens and when he went to the property was asked if he had any cocaine in exchange for two Danes/Dogs.
The man explained that he did not do drugs, saw the two Danes, paid $100, got his horse trailer and took the Danes. Kept them in his horse trailer for 24 hours and from there searched for a rescue to take them as he was not comfortable around them and did not know what to do for them.
Donations to the long rehab care that these two Danes shall require can continue to be sent to:
Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via Email Transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
This is BHRR’s Sable, another BBBBB!
She is the second of the two Danes from the Drug Situation.
Her body condition is much better than BHRR’s Rion.
Her weight was 46.1kg(101.42 pounds) at LAH.
We suspect that she may be pregnant and per Dr. Liston, if she is, it is really early – less than 21 days.
As always, with our posts re: spaying dogs that are in the early stages of pregnancy……this post is not a discussion as to if it is or is not right to be spaying a dog if they are pregnant.
This Dane has clearly had litters in her past, and she is not that old herself…..~18 months or so.
AND she is not going to be having any more babies if, at all possible. There are so many dogs already in the world that need homes and many dogs are being put to sleep daily as there are not enough homes, that we do not need to be deliberately bringing into this world even more puppies.
We do not feel that Rescue dogs having babies is anything to celebrate and she has been scheduled for a spay.
During her exam, her Vet noted the many scars on her too.
Like BHRR’s Rion, she will require a dental.
We did pre-op bloodwork as well as tested for heartworm plus tickborne diseases. Everything has come back fine on her.
Dr. Liston felt that she was healthy enough to begin her vaccine protocol also.
She is also being de-wormed.
As with BHRR’s Rion, she could use a collar and an XL Costco Dog Bed to call her very own.
If anyone may consider her cause to support with a collar of her very own – with onepawtwopaw on a short break, we are purchasing our collars from an equally fabu place – Wigglebumz or an XL Costco dog bed, please let me know.
We continue to fight the good fight with BHRR’s Rion – no conclusive answers to date and his Vet Bills are close to $10,000.
AND tomorrow, we shall be unpublishing our page for a couple of days for tomorrow is the funeral for my sister Barbara.
AND to those that have been asking re: sending flowers etc., donations to a cause that means a lot to your heart is being asked for in lieu……
From our home to all of our friends, families and supporters, please hug your loved ones as often as you can now…..as tomorrow may never come for some…..
SHORT NOTICE:
I meant to post last night yet my mind was so focused on getting the two Danes, time slipped by…..
ISO: a BHRR Approved Volunteer who is available for 12:45 pm to meet me at Liston Animal Hospital.
Both of the Danes from the drug situation are scheduled to see Dr. Liston for 12:50 pm.
If an Approved BHRR Volunteer is free, please email me ASAP gwen@birchhaven.org or text 613-725-4279
Thanks in advance!
AND thanks to all that have made lifesaving donations to date – will update right after their Vet visits and donations can also now be made directly to Liston Animal Hospital for their care:
613-591-0966
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*yes, a different address from PayPal
Thank you for helping us help them!! Posting the same pic as last night from Meg as I do not have new pics as of yet….
**UPDATE:**
Meg now has both Danes from the drug situation and is enroute.
The Male is in the worst shape per Meg.
Here is a pic….and if photos are said to put 20 pounds on, he is in dire straits. Per Meg ‘this is so bad.’
I have Vet appointments made for tomorrow yet, if need be, will take them direct to emergency tonight.
If, anyone may have some change to spare to assist in what will be a very long medical, physical rehabilitation, let alone their emotional healing journey, donations can be made:
PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*note, there are two different addresses depending on method of donation*
I promise to update ASAP and thank you to anyone that may consider their cause.
Drive safe Meg….tell them they are already loved and that I am on my way!
*URGENT*
We have been working around the clock on an urgent situation with another group – 2 Danes from a drug situation. ETA to BHRR is tonight.
A man bought the two Danes for $100 to save them and has been keeping them in a horse trailer. However, this person is not comfortable around giants plus is not in a position to medically/behaviourally assist them. They need out ASAP.
They need urgent medical attention and this is a picture is of one of them – severely emaciated.
We are seeking emerge temp fosters for two of our current fully vetted & successfully rehabbed available for adoption dogs so I can bring these other two direct to me:
1) BHRR’s Sawyer – Saint/Pyr – good with cats/dogs
2) BHRR’s Miss Holly – BoxerX – good with dogs, no small animals
Please email gwen@birchhaven.org if YOU ARE a BHRR Approved Home – any Approved adoptive home is also a BHRR Approved Volunteer!
This is extremely URGENT!
Thanks in advance….
*NOTE: We are not seeking new applications for consideration. We are seeking already approved BHRR Volunteers!*
She really is not impressed with my efforts for photo taking!
Yet, look at her amazing muscle tone!
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood is off with Kinsley & I for her annual.
She is not impressed with me trying to get pictures of her!
She remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
AND if anyone may consider donating a new collar for her; please do let me know. She really could use a new super pretty one…..
Today, we have two BHRR doggies on their own date auction play dates!
The GD/IW Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Juniper and also one of her brothers – BHRR’s Fletcher.
This is BHRR’s Fletcher when I told him we were going for a car drive!
He had a good drop-off and the home has had a date with him in the past and knows to just passively ignore him. He always takes about 30-45 minutes to settle in, realise he is going to be ok and then he actually enjoys himself.
He and BHRR’s Everly remain the two most genetically affected in this litter with their anxiety, fear plus shy behaviour, just like their Mama Gem.
If ever there were the best examples of how much genetics plays a role in temperament plus behaviour, this litter is hands down proof. We use the environment to make their behaviour the best it can be.
Thank you’s being extended to Sean for helping me to get BHRR’s Juniper to her date while I took BHRR’s Fletcher to his!
BHRR’s Meadow!
~18 months of age
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
Getting ‘still’ shots of this now uber happy full of zest for life girl is hard!
While she still can be a bit shy/uncertain in new surroundings/people, give her a few moments and her desire to want to make friends, be curious and get loved on comes out…..
AND the longer you are around her, her bubbly sweet, kind, gentle, calm, beautiful personality just shines.
She is such a goofy gal…..and loves her walks/hikes and being with her humans!
The way that she will lift her head and look at me, humbles me immensely. It has been a real privilege bearing witness to her coming into her own, developing confidence, learning to love herself and helping her develop into this truly stunning soul!
She can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired, retired etc. Another versatile BHRR dog.
She is wonderful to wash plus do nails!
We do not wish to see her in a home with children under the age of 12. A home with children 10 or 11, that are mature, may be considered for that right matched forever loving home.
Fast flighty movements can initially spook her a bit so calm and steady is the way to go! A million times better that she once was and she will continue to get better and better.
A far cry from the life in a pen that she once was in, this girl is living the life now and we want her to go that right matched forever loving home that is quietly social – not over the top yet has small groups of people over and visits friends/family from time to time.
We do not want her in a home that are strict home-bodies as that will not continue to show her that the world can be her big amazing oyster full of the best experiences and loving hands.
So, a home that is balanced. Not one that are social butterflies yet not a home that are hermits either.
She can be the only dog in a home or a home that has a right matched pesonality fit dog is equally wonderful. It is most important for her to have a strong social doggie social friend network. We need friends, so does she!
She is great in the car and crate trained plus 100% housebroken.
She is amazing and for those that are not aware she is the Mama to my 3 blind/deaf mice, the Dane Trio.
Sean says that if there was a dog that he would want to keep, it would be her.
For a girl that had little to no exposure to men prior to coming to BHRR, she is fabu!
Though, my heart remains saddened that the home that has the Dane Trio’s Dad still will not let him go….I am happy that this lovely Miss will no longer be having babies – babies having babies is not right – and can be cherished as she is meant to be for the rest of her life.
AND as always, should her right matched personality fit home not come along, she is living an awesome life with us and that is OK by us!
Miss Meadow, I am incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished and you shall be yet another dear BHRR dog that we will sorely miss!
AND for anyone that is interested in her, please do read her extremely detailed blog and our adoption processes, procedures plus policies.
Should you then believe that you may be that right matched personality fit home meant for her; you would be most welcome to submit an application to the members of the BHRR BOD to consider.
CONGRATS to you Miss Meadow!
Gwennie shall kill me for posting yet, this is just one candid picture among several taken over the years that demonstrate just how special this woman is to many!
That includes people as well as animals. Gwennie you are dearly loved, respected and valued.
I know you are hurting right now Gwennie, yet, know that you are amazing, inspirational, generous to a fault, dedicated, selfless, humble, brilliant, full of integrity and a whole hell of a lot more not to mention you remain my hero….
Here is the THREAD for all of the wonderful posts and likes/loves for The Gwennie!
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Clay to our Haven Program.
He has major issues with holding his collar. He will be fine 90% of the time and then when he is not, he will snap.
There are no known triggers or pattern at this time that we have been able to narrow down as to the ‘why’ in order for us to successfully address this behaviour. He has not demonstrated reliable well rounded nor well balanced behaviour when it comes to gently taking his collar or even after holding his collar for a bit.
It is in his best interest to be moved to our Haven program where we can continue to assess, monitor and work with modifying this behaviour as we can.
STAY TUNED!
These two beauties – BHRR’s Meadow & BHRR’s Volt are very excited to share some news!
It has touched my heart immensely with how far these two incredible dogs have come in not just their physical yet their emotional and behavioural rehabilitation.
I have spent over 14 years working on my formal education – and continue to take courses – to help dogs like these and I am beyond proud of them and so many others that we have been incredibly fortunate to have assisted since our inception in 1996.
May 1st, 2019
ALL I wanted was to do a weekly clean/purge of the fridge prior to making dinner….brought the garbage can in and thought that I could throw a load of laundry in before I started….
Had the kitchen free and clear and came back to this….Salt even grabbed a blanket and dragged it in to lay on!
Had a few (8) supervisors overseeing my work!
Talk about ‘laying down on the job’ though!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters warmest good night wishes being sent!
BHRR’s Miss Meadow
Rescued Mama to my rescued three blind/deaf mice
April 24th, 2019 – on our way back into KAH today
**GRAPHIC PHOTO’S IN THREAD**
IF YOU ARE BOTHERED BY BLOOD, DO NOT SCROLL DOWN*
As I was shopping for the family groceries yesterday afternoon, Sean called me to say that Meadow was suddenly actively bleeding from her privates.
Per Sean, there were not any signs of trauma and if, Sean says a dog is actively bleeding, I am going to move fast.
I immediately abandoned my cart of groceries and asked Sean to pack her up and meet me in Kemptville.
I called KAH and an appointment was made. I passed along what I knew to date from Sean.
Sean met me in Kemptville, we loaded her up into my car and on my way to KAH, I called them and updated re: her status.
Mentioned that she was passing massive blood clots and that I was taking her in through the side door as she was covered in blood.
Arrived to KAH and I shall be forever grateful to Dr. Ashdown, Cailey and to my *blood* partner Nadine who spent ages helping me to clean up after Miss Meadow…..the blood was everywhere and I mean everywhere..splattered and splashed and pooled and smudged.
Miss Meadow was throwing clots 5-7 cms in diameter and the amount of frank blood that was coming from her vulva was alarming.
Miss Meadow had not had any trauma, she was not exposed to any rodenticide on our property – neighbours do use yet her exposure to it was remote, we do not have her exposed to any intact males and she had been spayed elsewhere 13 days prior. Her spay incision was also nicely healed by this time.
She was having acute m3 vulval hemorrhage and every few minutes passing these huge blood clots.
No evidence of free abdominal fluid/hemorrhage seen on a brief ultrasound, PCV normal, bloodwork normal, elevated HR/BP – understandable.
She was placed on IVF and much discussion was had as to whether she should be transferred immediately to emerge – may need an exploratory.
Over the next couple of hours the bleeding slowed down once we got her into a run and quiet and the fairly probable cause of her hemorrhaging was narrowed down to a complication from her spay done elsewhere 13 days prior.
Possible erosion of uterine stump vessels or uterine stump ligature issue – so, complication from recent spay most likely the cause.
She ended up coming home on IV fluids as by the time 8:20 PM rolled around, the bleeding had pretty much completely subsided and though she had a clot protruding from her vulva, she was not passing any more clots.
The plan was that if she began to actively bleed again, we were heading straight to emergency.
She had a good night on fluids, drank, ate some small amounts of food & we were back first thing this AM.Temperature remained normal.
If there was limited improvement an emergency exploratory would have been done today at KAH or even at the Emerge Hospital.
PCV was repeated this AM and was normal and her personality while not quite back to normal, was getting back there…..
We wanted to keep her on IV fluids today at KAH yet she had other ideas…she pulled it right out from underneathe her bandages!
I am SOOOOOOOO grateful to her Vet Team at KAH for being there for her and I. So, a very special shout out to Dr. Ashdown, Cailey and Nadine. I could not have had her in better hands and as always you were amazing to work with!
AND she remains being closely monitored and should anything deteriorate, we will be into the Hospital or Emerge in a blink of an eye…..
What is so miraculous about this is that we were informed that these kinds of complications rarely resolve without surgical intervention and so we are all staying positive that she will not have to have surgery…..she is doing amazingly well.
I also much thank the anonymous donor who took a HUGE financial pressure strain off of me by making an incredibly generous and loving donation….you are truly a life saver.
While I have so much to do – lost last night, was up all night with Miss Meadow, worked an extremely long day, had to get those groceries to feed the family and the list goes on and on….tonight, I am calling it quits early, going to snuggle this beautiful gem of a dog that has come so far in her time with us and going to hold close to my chest that an angel was watching over her….
From my home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes being sent…..
As Nadine and I began to clean up one area & an example of the blood clots she was passing.
***EDITING to add as several seem to think that this GSD is BHRR’s Juneau, he is NOT. This is our own GSD Denali, a PTSD in training.
Anyone that has been following BHRR’s Juneau would be aware that any interaction of this kind would have been disastrous.***
My last post of my night….
We are calling the newest addition to the BHRR Family – BHRR’s Clay.
This is for a number of reasons and I shall not bore all with a Gwennie novel as to why!
Yet, one only has to look up some of the definitions to get a glimpse into why we chose that name for this really precious boy.
No more basements, starvation – I am told that he has put on 20 pounds since he was first taken from living in the basement – neglect, being bred etc. for you sweet man. NEVER again shall you know anything but a loving caring supportive hand.
We will post an update after his Vet visit tomorrow…….
BHRR’s Clay would also like to gently remind everyone about our 8th Annual ‘1-on-1’ Special Date With A BHRR Dog Online Auction!
To view the 26 amazing dates that we have up for grabs – we have DAY and OVERNIGHT Dates – please do visit THIS LINK for all of the details and to bid!
We currently have bids of $775!
Our unique Date Auction Event ends 9:00 PM EST on Thursday April 18th, 2019!
From our home to all of our friends, family plus supporters, good night and try to stay dry wishes being sent!
Got him!
In the extreme weather system coming in fast, I drove out for the 3 year old Dane that had been living his life in a basement.
Thank you to Jane of Just Paws for reaching out to us and thank you to Donna & Roger for taking him in, loving on him and then meeting me today!
From additional information I have been given, apparently he was starved during his time in that basement plus that the conditions were deplorable.
Dear sweet man, though I know you are nervous – that you pulled to come to me when you first saw me makes my heart hurt knowing that you were missing out in so much love, proper care, attention and social experiences.
Tomorrow, he shall come to work with me and we shall walk your rehab journey together ……you are not alone…..
The next in need of us!
As already stated, while I am not giving up on the special needs sire to The Dane Trio(my amazing three blind/deaf mice), I am no longer as positive that he will come to us.
In the meantime, we must move forward in helping the next that we can assist and is in need of us.
This is a 3 year old Male fawn GD that was once kept in a basement. He was then given to someone and is now residing temporarily with a friend of the person he was given to.
Thank you to Jane of Just Paws Animal Rescue for reaching out to us.
ETA being worked on……
*NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION*
75% Lab / 25% Saint Bernard puppy, very visually impaired & after arrival he was diagnosed with Grand mal seizures. Attempting to reach his previous owner to obtain any information / prior knowledge that could help his Vet Team including Neurologist proved futile.
It is not that we would have turned our backs on him if we had known re: his seizure activity…it just would helped us be that much more proactive right from the start of his owner surrender in helping him.
We love the special needs, 98% of the dogs we help are special needs, it is why I Founded BHRR in 1996 to be there for those others cannot or will not….it is BHRR’s Barney’s well-being that we want as a priority.
We still need another $2,500 for his MRI and our next flash auction shall be helping him and also BHRR’s Volt who is back at the Vet next week herself.
Next week shall be a busy one as BHRR’s Connery sees the ortho Specialist & The Dane Trio pups are also back to see the Vet for their own next recheck.
I so adore BHRR’s Barney and we continue to work hard on controlling his seizures and he deserves everything great that the world can offer!
He is no longer sad or confused or abused….he is so cherished. Helping hands only…
We received another 15 cms of snow overnight and he is a hoot!
This is BHRR’s Meadow at KAH yesterday….those eyes….one day they will not be filled with so much worry……
BHRR’s Miss Meadow!
Today, at KAH, she weighed a fairly solid – some wiggling going on – understandable due to her level of anxiety 51.8 kgs(113.96 pounds). That she even went up on to the scale was a wonderful thing.
She is out of shape and lacks muscle tone yet that will come!
She did not have the best of nights, neither did The Boerskins yet we are used to that with a new rescue like her in the home. As her Vet said today, dogs like her ‘is not our first rodeo.’
I always tell my adoptive plus temp fosters in addition to my behavioural clients that as bad as the first night is, the second night is always worse and then there is that light at the end of the tunnel – you just have to hunker down and keep up the ‘tough love’ of passively ignoring and get into the house routine ASAP.
You cannot feel sorry for these dogs….you may want to cry on the inside, yet you cannot on the outside. You need to do right by them. You do not wish to create or enable SA behaviours and we start from the get go about teaching her to like herself and that it is important for her to have her alone time.
AND while today, I questioned a thing or two that happened at work, I do not ever question why I founded BHRR and why I am still doing this 23+ years later.
I only have to look at her and all the others like her over the years to know why I am still doing this.
I am extremely proud of her and as explained to one person today, a wagging tail does not mean that a dog is happy.
A low tail wag or a tail between the legs wag is not the sign of a dog that is 100% comfortable or happy. They are anxious, unsure and fearful. It is a communication sign to be cognizant of and to act appropriately.
Where the success was had in seeing that small low tail wag, is that her tail went from curled up to her belly and lowered as she began to feel a bit more confident and secure.
She remained panting and paced. These remain signs of a dog that is not 100% comfortable with what is going on.
She did eventually lick up some treats too. That was good!
She went from barking at all people to by the time I left, not barking at anyone. Yet, she did bark off and on in her run and that was very present throughout last night.
She has gone through a lot of change over the last 24 hours and this is a lot of stimuli she is being exposed too – car rides, people, dogs, sounds, sights and smells she has never had before.
She does not like getting into the car as that stresses her out – another understandable thing. However, in leaving the Hospital after work, it was just her and me and she did eventually put her front end in the car on her own and I hoisted up her back end. She is always tethered for safety.
She had a good exam – her Vet believes that she is not pregnant from examining her – yet, this is not 100%. We have moved forward with her bloodwork – what a good girl she was! – to do a pre-op plus her tickborne disease and heartworm testing.
I am waiting for her to give me a fecal sample to test. She has not had a bm since she has arrived yet with her minimal eating, not surprising. She is drinking better and better though!
Her Vet took her heart rate at two different times and it had greatly come down as she was becoming less tense.
Her ears were fine and her mouth will be looked at closely at a future Vet visit. There was no need to stress her out any further than necessary to get what was really pressing to be done today.
She began her vaccine protocol – rabies will be done later – and we will start de-worming her plus place her on flea/tick meds.
The earliest we could get her booked in for a spay – for if she ‘is’ pregnant, it would be super early – is April 3rd. I called LAH and their earliest is April 5th with Dr. Liston, so April 3rd at KAH it is!
This post is not a discussion as to if it is or is not right to be spaying a dog if they are pregnant. This Dane had babies when she was 10 months of age. Babies should not be having babies.
AND she is not going to be having any more babies if at all possible. There are so many dogs already in the world that need homes and many dogs are being put to sleep daily as there are not enough homes, that we do not need to be deliberately bringing into this world even more puppies.
AND in this case, we already know that any babies would be at big risk of being high special needs – the five that survived the last litter she had are all special needs – the three that I have are extremely special needs. The other five died from what had been told to us. Dad is a white Great Dane special needs himself.
This is a picture I captured of her today when leaving the Hospital.
Baby steps young lady….You will be just fine in time and as I said to some of the lovelies I work with, when we go back, you will be much more of an sassy goofy baby! It is in there, I already see glimpses. Your daughter is very much in your splitting personality image!
*NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION*
BHRR’s Meadow
March 17th, 2019
Sadly, my day did not yield what I hoped it would…..
After over 2 months of working so hard to investigate, research and then locate the Mama and as a result finding the Dad…then trying to get the parents of The Dane Trio Pups – whole story on how I found them on the Puppies blogs – with constant cancellations and re-scheduling, today was to be the ‘new’ day that I was to get both Danes.
I made the three hour drive and waited….and waited and waited some more. I kept their emerge temp foster homes updated and shared my anxiety and worries the more time ticked on by and still no Danes.
After almost 1.5 hours, no responses to my texts, calls or emails, I was getting ready to leave and then a vehicle finally pulled up. Like many o/s, the home did not want me to go to their place of residence and desired to meet in a gas station parking lot.
Yet, there was only one Dane inside, not two.
The Mama was inside, yet not the Dad(special needs white male).
I was told that in a couple of weeks, they would meet up for me to get the male.
This is the female – 15 month old heavily blanketed harle and extremely terrified. Undersocialised and I was also told upon pick-up that she did not like men. She has had very limited exposure to them.
We are calling her BHRR’s Meadow.
She came with a choke chain knotted on a lead and I asked the O. to place this martingale on her. It is a Wiggle Bumz collar that was won by Annette S. who then donated it so generously to BHRR. I then asked the O. to hook up my leash to the martingale, help get her into my car and distract her so I could tether her up for her safety….and mine.
She is SO scared and I spent the whole time on our long drive home, alternating between praising her for being such a good plus pretty girl, passively ignoring her and telling her that she will be ok.
By the time I got her home, I was able to remove the choke and knotted leash. I would like to shorten up the martingale a bit more yet I have invaded her space more than enough for now and she has tolerated things as well as can be expected so, it can wait another day.
I have tried to find out when her last heat was and if there was a chance she was pregnant again or if she is in a false pregnancy. I was not given any response to assist me in that area. She was housed with the intact male……
As scared as she is of me, she is ten times more of Sean and Mason.
This pic is one that Sean took when we got home – I was now her ‘safe person’ and she leaned into me and looked at me for guidance yet only barely in her absolute fear.
Her tail can be seen tucked up and this was before it reached her belly as that is where she wrapped it up tightly to.
I reached out to who was to be her lovely emerge temp foster Mama and we always have to take what information comes our way with a grain of salt and mentioned that perhaps we should switch up who goes to their home as this girl is going to need a lot of extensive rehabilitation.
She barks a lot with her stress and the one dog that seems to be ‘soothing’ her from a distance is BHRR’s Connery.
She is a long way away from being integrated with anyone….
Tomorrow, I will take her to work with me so that we can begin her vetting protocol and see if we can better rule out any possible pregnancy.
As soon as I saw her, I could see BHRR’s Sleet in her face and already I can see that Mama and daughter share some obvious similar temperament/behaviour traits.
We will post more as we know more and do promise to keep everyone updated re: the Dad – we did hear that he is blind yet, he mostly likely is deaf too. I worry about what health issues he has.
Today, was just not the day I had hoped it would be….I am distressed that I did not get both Danes yet I remain steadfast that BHRR’s Falco(the name that we are giving the Dad) will be safe with us in a matter of weeks too.
*NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION*
Also, a gentle reminder that our latest Flash Auction ends Tuesday March 19th @ 9 PM EST. HERE IS THE LINK!
BHRR’s Barney Update
75% Lab / 25% Saint
Not long after BHRR’s Barney arrived to BHRR, he became to have grand mal seizures.
In attempting to reach out to his previous owner, no response was had – not surprising – and we are scheduled to see a neurologist as part of the next steps.
All of BHRR’s Barney’s bloodwork had come back normal from what we had done upon his arrival to BHRR and the suspicion is that these seizures are trauma based.
May also explain his visual impairment, he is quite visually impaired yet, and as demonstrated in the one video we posted, is doing fabu with his scent plus touch training. As his confidence level increases, his comfort level and trust in himself also has increased and his movement, even in our 3+ acre fenced is almost completely natural now.
In what little information that I was able to obtain re: his previous vet history paperwork, there is not one mention of any visual concerns or problems at all….really odd for if his previous home ‘got him that way’ and had him at the Vet for exams twice(paperwork indicates they have had him since he was a pup – not 6 weeks as previously indicated), his Vet would would have noted it in the medical records.
LOVE this young man!!
AND we are still ISO: items for our next flash auction as BHRR’s Barney’s own Vet Bills continue to mount.
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you may have something to donate.
As always, thank you from our hearts for any consideration!
I so needed this beautiful welcome me home greeting today…..
They make every day special and today even more so.
BHRR’s Barney had a grand mal seizure on Wednesday February 13th, another one on Saturday February 16th, another one on Wednesday February 20th and another one on Thursday February 21st.
All of the detailed bloodwork that we did on BHRR’s Barney on February 11th can back normal.
We have been referred to a neurologist for it is believed that this seizure activity is neuro in origin – not chemical as his potassium levels etc. were completely normal. The one thought process is past trauma that may well also explain his vision impairment in that it may not be genetically related; it may be trauma.
Pheno has not been able to control his seizures at this time and Potassium Bromide is being added.
BHRR’s Barney!
February 12th, 2019
Winter Wonderland Video
He is loving the start of the 45+ cms of snow that is expected!
He is severely visually impaired and in just a matter of days, his confidence is such that he can now do this and feel safe in our 3+ acre fenced in yard!
Yes, he demonstrates some clumsiness – he is also a puppy! – yet, as he is learning his world, he is flying! He just needed some encouragement and to know that he was not alone.
He has picked up scent training like a pro and now he is ‘off to the races’ as the expression goes. Big objects, he sees their shapes and for the most part their exact position. Small objects or when something is mid or higher or to the sides of his eye level is nil.
He is making such wonderful progress!
He was at KAH with me on Monday and weighed 69.96 pounds – in really good body condition considering.
His fecal was negative yet that does not mean that he does not have parasites, it just means at the time that the fecal test was done, that the sample that was done did not note any parasites.
So, he remains being proactively/preventatively dewormed.
His bloodwork came back great including that he is negative for heartworm plus tickborne diseases.
I also microchipped him on Monday.
He is a super sweet boy that is just starved for affection and is slowly learning that it is ok to ask for it….poor boy….so worried about rejection.
Baby steps dear man…baby steps! You will get there and understand that you are worthy, that you are surrounded ONLY by helping hands and not one hurting hand shall touch you again…..
Words from his emerge temp foster Mama and Transport Angel; Gail, who helped get him closer to me:
BHRR’s Barney!
I GOT HIM!
Today, I made the drive – the third time in just a week that I have made a drive for a BHRR dog in need!
No wonder my 2017 Mazda is almost at 120,000 kms!
This is the 75% Lab & 25% Saint that is said to see about 10% – in having him now in my care, yes, he is visually impaired yet he does sees more than that.
There is not a vision test available to date that can actually test for percentages of how much a dog can see. Other tools plus expertise are used to help determine visual impairment. This boy gets around very well though.
He is the 8 month old puppy that I had worked so hard to find an emerge temp foster spot for and then put into place transport arrangements for February 9th.
Then, on February 6th a message went out to the approved BHRR Volunteer that was going to pick him up and meet me on the 9th – I had put the two of them in touch to confirm pick-up time – that the O. had ‘lost it’ on this puppy(they had been very open about at least one of them in the home hating this puppy).
They had threatened for some time to not just our group yet others that they would dump him, including in the bush and stated again that they would do so if he were not picked up that very day.
As of the 6th, he has been in emerge temp foster care with Gail and with everything that happened to BHRR’s Fletcher, I met her today to pick him up instead of yesterday.
Thank you Gail for dropping everything, re-arranging your schedule and keeping him safe for me.
You are an exemplary example of how invaluable our BHRR Approved Volunteers are. You have made these past few days, a lot less stressful.
Knowing he was in such capable caring hands that would work to set him up for success, giving him loving positive experiences, being patient, kind and just accepting what he could give as he could give it; makes me feel truly indebted to you.
You are the first strong link of what shall be a truly amazing BHRR “CHAIN OF SUCCESS” in his rehabilitation journey moving forward.
This boy is so low maintenance, calm and sweet and though quite skittish now, that will change in time…..
AND yes, he is small! He was 75 pounds earlier this week.
Other than his forehead and something about his tail plus back feet, he is literally all lab, no Saint and 100% stunningly handsome.
He will come to work with me tomorrow to continue with his vetting protocol.
We gave him the name of BHRR’s Barney for a new name for the start of the rest of his amazing life that we have promised him that he deserves and shall have.
From there, after he settles a bit, he will head off to Bob/Hazel, who are going to be his fabu temp foster family!
Welcome to BHRR Barney!
You are safe….you are loved…..you are special!
UPDATE: On the 7-8 month old Lab/Saintx Puppy
75% Lab & 25% Saint
Blind – Sees about 10%
I had everything ready to go and organised for this Saturday for him to be picked up – I then put the O. directly in touch with our BHRR Volunter to confirm pick-up time – and today I received a call from the wonderful BHRR Approved Volunteer going to help get him closer to me.
Per what I was told, the owner stated that he ‘lost it’ on this puppy last night and if he were not gone by today, he was going to dump him. Threats had already been made in the past to our group and to other groups, that if he was not rescued shortly as one partner in the house ‘hates’ him, that they would dump him – even in the bush.
Thanks to our amazing Volunteer, she re-arranged her own schedule, picked him up and he is safe with her until we meet on Saturday.
When it is said that fostering saves lives, a more truer statement could not be real for this handsome young pup……
I had so much worry re: finding a spot to save him in the first place and then after getting this call today, my heart just sank.
Yet, he is now out of that home and in the warm loving embrace of the angel who literally worked magic to open up her own schedule to get him out of this home so fast.
Here is a wonderful perfect example of the BHRR ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ in action. The strong beating heart of any r/q organisation are their fabu Volunteers and all of ours are so appreciated plus deeply valued! We cannot do this alone!
Thank you Gail!
****REQUEST is FILLED! Thanks Hazel/Bob!**
ISO: BHRR Approved Emerge Temp Foster
Male, ~8 months old
75% Lab & 25% Saint
Dad(chocolate lab) & Mom(Saint/Lab)
This sweet boy only sees about 10% and his home does not feel equipped to best take that on. He gets around quite well so do not let his lack of eyesight deter you from stepping up. We will be with you in support, guidance, assistance 100% 24/7!
We have had four people reach out to us re: him including his present home.
He currently lives with three cats and another dog without any issues. Weight is ~75 pounds.
Good with kids and is silly, playful and loving.
BHRR cannot help him unless we have a BHRR Approved Volunteer Home step up to assist. Remember, if you are an approved adoptive home, you are also an approved Volunteer and if your circumstances allow for temp fostering, you are welcome to step up!
We need a commitment of 12 weeks from the time he arrives for this emerge temp foster and location to me is not as important as ensuring that he is safe for he is at huge risk right now for the one person in the home really does not want him. The other member is trying so hard to find a spot for him so that he is not dumped somewhere – even in the bush.
Please if we have any of our approved homes able to assist, please do advise ASAP for this is so time sensitive.
We will provide food, bowls, stand, collar, leash, dog beds and vetting etc.
We need you to provide a warm, caring, positive balanced, consistent structured plus safe home for him.
We cannot commit unless we have a spot for him as I cannot bring him into my own home right now with four special needs puppies needing me!
Thank you for any consideration!
AND we are going to call him BHRR’s Barney – you are getting a new name for the beginning of a new life that you deserve young man!
***URGENT***MEDICAL***URGENT***
BHRR has just been contacted by one of the wonderful emergency hospitals that we work with – Alta Vista – about a 3-4 month old Rottie puppy that has been electrocuted.
From what we have been told, this happened on Friday and she was brought to the emergency today.
She has severe oral burns and per the Vet, has a significant amount of dying/dead flesh, not to mention pain.
Per the emergency Vet, Dr. Jones – she was our amazing intake Vet when we transferred Bane to Alta Vista – they believe that she has a good prognosis and that is why they reached out.
This sweet puppy will need to be there for a couple of days, have a feeding tube, antibiotics, fluids, pain meds and her mouth wounds addressed etc. She has had zero preventative/proactive care in her life to date either yet all of that can be dealt with later. We need to get her healthy first.
BHRR had to act fast and thank you to Sean for being supportive in having us step up to save her. Like many groups, the bills run high, the food runs low yet……yet….
Sometimes, the right thing to do is dig deep and keep having faith that she will have a village surround her with what she needs.
The Emergency Hospital – Alta Vista – does not take direct donations any longer, therefore….
If anyone can spare even $5, please from the bottom of our hearts, donations can be made:
Email Transfer: contactbhrr@gmail.com
OR
PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (friend & family option)
We promise to update as we can and from my heart, my soul and with all that I am, please know that your consideration is truly lifesaving…..
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Everly & BHRR’s Oliver were at the Vet today for their annual!
BHRR’s Everly weighed a very lean 102.08 pounds and still growing.
BHRR’s Oliver weighed a big boy 124.96 pounds!
BHRR’s Everly, you were so brave and the progress you have made has been truly outstanding. You are a complete goofy over the top affectionate girl around your small trusted set up for success circle.
Today, with even more loving hands to show you just how safe and ok you are, you took yet another big step forward.
Very proud! Baby steps my dear and you are doing it!
BHRR’s Oliver, you and BHRR’s Juniper have made the most progress of all in this litter and you continue to reach your full incredible potential more and more each day!
You certainly do not have any interpersonal space issues when you are comfortable! You soaked it all up today, meeting and greeting everyone and what a social ham!
While you started off a bit ‘wolfie’ aloof, the Dane in you did not take long to come out and the leans and the loving came on in earnest!
Getting pictures was not that easy yet here are two from their well deserved run after we got back home!
Special shout out of thanks to Holly at KAH for being truly awesome in helping me with them both and with poor BHRR’s Everly’s stress bm. THANK you again from my heart Holly!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Everly & BHRR’s Oliver were at the Vet today for their annual!
BHRR’s Everly weighed a very lean 102.08 pounds and still growing.
BHRR’s Oliver weighed a big boy 124.96 pounds!
BHRR’s Everly, you were so brave and the progress you have made has been truly outstanding. You are a complete goofy over the top affectionate girl around your small trusted set up for success circle.
Today, with even more loving hands to show you just how safe and ok you are, you took yet another big step forward.
Very proud! Baby steps my dear and you are doing it!
BHRR’s Oliver, you and BHRR’s Juniper have made the most progress of all in this litter and you continue to reach your full incredible potential more and more each day!
You certainly do not have any interpersonal space issues when you are comfortable! You soaked it all up today, meeting and greeting everyone and what a social ham!
While you started off a bit ‘wolfie’ aloof, the Dane in you did not take long to come out and the leans and the loving came on in earnest!
Getting pictures was not that easy yet here are two from their well deserved run after we got back home!
Special shout out of thanks to Holly at KAH for being truly awesome in helping me with them both and with poor BHRR’s Everly’s stress bm. THANK you again from my heart Holly!
AND another picture of BHRR’s Char!
Another photo of this gorgeous BBBBB!
AND yes, her tail is up and wagging happily behind her.
BHRR’s Char!
~15 months of age
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She told me that she is finally ready to make her own special announcement!
ISN’T this BBBBB just gorgeous?!
Her scars are her badge of survival…a symbol of her incredible strength.
Though, others tried to break her, she is a thrivor.
She had her latest Vet Visit yesterday and she was deemed healthy for her third boosters and though she could still gain a bit more muscle mass and weight – she has put on almost 30 pounds to date – it is nothing that cannot be done in a right matched personality fit home.
THIS girl should not EVER weigh more than 100-105 tops, she should be lean and obese dogs remain one of my biggest pet peeves.
She is not skinny, she is no longer emaciated, she is looking beautiful…really stunning!
She can go to a home that works full time, part time, works from home, is semi-retired or is retired. She is another incredible versatile BHRR dog.
We will NOT consider any homes with children under the age of 12.
We do not know how she is with cats yet we would prefer a no cat home for her with how her play style is – can be quite rough – better than it was yet this is also her personality. She is a princess in many ways yet a tomboy in others.
She needs a quietly social home, one that is active for she loves her walks/hikes and car rides and she needs to have the proper level of mental plus physical stiumation.
She is young, happy, healthy and wonderfully busy girl.
At her Vet visit yesterday she was fantastic with EVERYONE!
She only did one moment of inappropriate attention seeking behaviour by giving some barks to a couple that were there to drop off some Empties for our Holiday Season Drive.
She corrected well and felt quite proud of herself, which while it makes me smile on the inside is not acceptable.
We would love to see her in a home with at least one other right matched personality fit dog. We need friends, so does she yet what is most important is that she has a strong social doggie friend network. Therefore, if that right matched personality fit home did not have another dog, they must have a network in place for her.
She is playful, affectionate, has learned to love herself and that her own company is ok, can be a bit pushy and when gently reminded, remembers her manners.
She is full of life, crate trained, washes well and is wonderful to do nails.
Her leash manners are now at a level of ‘diamond in the rough’ and she is very eager to please. So attentive almost 75-80% of the time now. WTG!
She sure has discovered the comforts of the couch and for a dog that was chained up outside in the mud, good for her!
She is not for the faint of heart. She has spirit and backbone and is sweet, saucy with a healthy dash of spicy mixed in.
She will never go to a home that would not accept her for who she is, work to help her reach her WOW potential and she needs a home that is patient, has a good sense of humour and will give her that positive balanced approach to living that she so needs.
She may be a smaller female Giant yet she is massive in personality…you know when BHRR’s Char enters the room.
She is a great companion to watch a movie or read a book and cuddling up with a cup of tea by the fireplace.
She is equally a great companion for walks/hikes and car rides are a thrill for her!
She took some time to settle in as she packed so much into each day as if it was her last of freedom and now she ‘gets’ that she will have so much time in our 3+ acre fenced in yard to run/play.
She ‘gets’ that she will not be starved and will be fed on time, fed enough food and that no other dog or person is going to take her food.
She ‘gets’ that leashes are not scary horrible things that will tie her up outside and leave her all alone.
She ‘gets’ that she will not be left outside and never be allowed to come in for warmth, love and comfort. That did break my heart when she first arrived…..she was so worried about not being allowed to come in. She needed reassurance that she is important and that she lives inside the home and can come in and out as needed.
BHRR’s Char ‘gets’ that she is worthy and her head is now held up high, her tail is not tucked tight up to her belly, that she does not have to slink around or rush from A to B as close to the ground as possible.
She is proud and happy and healthy and I am bursting with so much happiness for her.
She did it Karen and Samantha and Jane! She DID it! Thank you for entrusting her to us……
She is going to make that right matched personality fit home a really blessed addition.
BHRR’s Flyn – A picture from our annual XMAS Eve photo shoot!
She is a fiesty, pushy, mind all of her own kind of gal yet that has helped make her a survivor. She is affectionate, likes to often ‘talk back’, makes me laugh and giggle and keeps me delightfully on my toes with her antics.
She is a giant puppy and has come a long way in such a short time and her progress from emaciated, terrified, could not be touched to now is truly remarkable.
Love her very much!
She is a big personality filled girl in a small ‘giant’ Great Dane package!
She will be having vaccines soon and then not long after should be ready to make her own special announcement!
She is a bit of a black blur in almost every photo we took that evening!
Love this one with her tongue sticking out!
BHRR’s Char – ~12-15 month GD
November 2018
She is slowly and so wonderfully putting on the much needed muscle mass and weight that she needs.
Yes, the way she is standing ‘hides’ quite a bit of her still current state of emaciation yet I love this photo as you can see how truly gorgeous she is!
She is no longer cowering with tail tucked tight up to her body from the first pictures sent our way of her.
Yes, she has scars on her face and on her body and survived being hit by a moving vehicle – one note stated train and AC who remembers the call have told us it was a transport – and also survived being chained up outside in the mud, starved plus neglected.
This BBBB is amazing! She is absolutely a beautiful girl…inside and out! Strong, feisty, a real character, small, mighty, playful and has been amazing with all the dogs to date.
Her eyes no longer hold terror and confusion.
She does suffer from understandable SA and we are working through that one day at a time.
Her manners are also greatly lacking yet baby steps….
I remain so grateful to Sam, Karen & Jane for all that they have done to help save her!
Our 11th Annual “JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS” Online Auction shall have all monies raised go towards her mounting Vet Bills. Auction ends Thursday November 29th @ 9 PM EST
Bills To Date: $645.33
Our 11th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction now has 109 amazing items up for bids!
We have just added our last wonderful 12 items!
Auction ends TOMORROW – Thursday November 29th @ 9 PM EST!
We have just added more of Kimberly’s incredible homemade vanilla and also Bailey’s fudge, kitchen towels, 3 x gorgeous The Crazy Dog House Key Chains plus a See Sawyer Run Web Master Harness!
Thank you’s extended once more FROM our hearts to Kimberly, Jan & Uta for their lovely donations!
To learn more and to bid on any of the wonderful gems up for grabs, you have to visit the Auction!
**NOTE: PLEASE note the pick up area(s) for any items you may be interested in. NOT all items can be shipped!**
For anyone that may have an item to donate, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com It is not too late to consider our cause. All monies raised shall go to the emaciated/severely neglected GD BHRR’s Char!
We remain so devastated that we could not save BHRR’s Bane yet are hoping that you may continue to consider supporting our rescue efforts so that we can help BHRR’s Char.
Our 11th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction now has 86 amazing items up for bids!
We have just added a Kobot RV353 Robotic Vacuum!
Description: Entry-level robotic vacuum. Can be programmed to run at a scheduled time. Includes charging station and pad for wet or dry sweeping.
Donated so generously by Dolores! Thank you!
To learn more and to bid on any of the wonderful gems up for grabs, you have to visit the below link!
**NOTE: PLEASE note the pick up area(s) for any items you may be interested in. NOT all items can be shipped!**
For anyone that may have an item to donate, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com It is not too late to consider our cause. All monies raised shall go to the emaciated/severely neglected GD that arrived on last week!
BHRR’s Char weighs just under 80 pounds and though she may be emaciated plus on antibiotics for healing wounds etc., she is absolutely stunning!
BHRR’s Char, our newest BBBBB was at the Vet Today.
Yes, that is a scar on her face from some past trauma and she has many scars on her body. Does not detract from her stunning beauty though!
She now weighs 79.2 pounds!
She has put on significant weight since she was first rescued and needs at this time – for her current age ~12-15 months and body frame – about another 20 pounds of muscle mass/weight gain.
She did so well for her exam, especially for a Dane that recently could not even be touched.
We could not get a great look in her mouth or ears yet nothing was alarming with what was seen and as she settles, her Vet will be able to examine her even more thoroughly.
She has been placed on antibiotics for the wounds on her feet and we do not want her to develop any behavioural inclination towards continuing to lick at the sores. So, she wears a cone and we have Cortavance Spray to help with soothing the area’s.
We did a more detailed blood panel on her today and it came back with great results! Once she has put on more weight plus muscle mass and is less stressed/anxious, she will be spayed.
To date, she has been tested for heartworm plus tickborne diseases, had pre-op blood work done, a fecal done, was de-wormed twice and we are de-worming again, was treated for fleas and shall remain on flea medication, has been placed on tick and heartworm meds, has been microchipped etc.
Her Vet noted in her records that it states that she was actually hit by a train and not a vehicle that caused that leg injury. This poor girl certainly has gone through a lot in her life.
Her leash manners basically are non-existent and that will all change.
She does some inappropriate displays of behaviour such as barking twice in the car on the drive in to get people to notice her plus in her run at the Hospital.
She has anxiety mixed into the mix and a reminder to all to remember about a reactive dog is that they are not trying to give us a hard time, they are trying to tell us they are having a hard time.
I called Sean and he left work early – Gosh, how I LOVE that man! – to pick her up and bring her home so that she did not have to stay any longer than necessary.
She is excellent in her colossal crate at home and her rehab journey is just beginning…
Her personality is vast like the universe and she has already determined that she is to be integrated with the other dogs! She is a force to be reckoned with this one and not going to be for the faint of heart!
She is already working to keep me on my toes and I absolutely am loving every minute! ?
Just a reminder that our 11th ANNUAL ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ online auction is running and all money raised shall go towards her mounting Vet Bills.
We currently have 74 WOW items up for grabs!
Please pay attention to the pick-up location(s) as NOT all items can be shipped – and to bid!
We will continue to try and add items daily! Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you may consider BHRR’s Char’s cause to support and wish to donate an item!
Vet Bills To Date: $645.33
DONATED TO DATE: $250
BHRR’s Bowen along with the newest addition taking a walk about!
He has completely taken her under his wing…if anyone understands what it is like to be severely neglected, BHRR’s Bowen does….
He is scheduled for his next recheck on Friday and then is scheduled to have his next surgery on the 28th. We continue to forward on all documentation to the SPCA of Welland. He has an investigator assigned to his case.
I do not believe our newest beauty is 18 months of age. I believe that she is younger. Once she settles more, I will get a good look at her molars etc.
She makes my heart just pitter patter. She is so precious and to think that someone would knowingly chain her up outside and starve her is so heart breaking. This young lady already had a prior history of being hit by a car and the locale humane society paid to fix her leg.
A special shout out to Karen plus Samantha of Coffee County AC plus to Just Paws for tagging us to assist her!
Thank you to each and every angel that helped transport her, to those that overnighted her on Friday, to Sandy for overnighting her last night AND also for your generous donation of that lovely coat to help cover up that poor emaciated body in this cold.
To whomever gave her that cute collar, THANK YOU!
AND here is the link to our 11th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction to help with her bills. Currently, we have 70 items up for bidding!
All money raised shall go towards her mounting Vet Bills. She is back at the Vet on Tuesday. She has lick granuloma’s, we want a re-weigh and to do a more detailed blood panel on her etc.
The progress this girl has already made has been amazing! Just amazing! When she was first rescued, she could not be touched at all……and the weight gain she has already had. YOU go sweet girl!
She is still nameless…so keep the great name suggestions coming!
Got her!
I finally get to put my loving hands on her!
She will need a name also! Name guru’s?!
More soon as there are so many to thank and my first post went MIA!
Not the best pics yet here she is!
AND here is the link to our 11th Annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction to help with her bills. Currently, we have 53 items up for bidding!
This gorgeous picture was take by Sandy who so kindly did one of her overnights!
THANK you also to Sandy for her generous donations towards our 11th Annual “JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS” Online Auction whereby all monies raised will go towards her care.
Per Sandy, she was incredible with their dogs, loved to play and even sat on their laps! Well, that sounds like a true GD!
A photo courtesy of Holly taken on one of her legs of her transport!
I have been hearing how sweet and smitten people are with her.
AND she is on her way….
The severely neglected/emaciated ~18 month old Female Great Dane. Where once she could not even be touched, amazing progress has been made – Thanks Karen, Jane & Samantha for all you have done for her! – and she has put on significant weight.
She had been chained up outside and starved.
Last weight was just over 80 pounds.
Safe travels pretty girl….I cannot wait to meet you.
Soon….
Vet Bills To Date: $230
DONATED TO DATE: $250
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for over 2 decades.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Thursday December 13th, 2018 to Thursday January 3rd, 2019 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Friday January 4th, 2019!
As always during this time, BHRR is available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need. We shall also network accordingly for, as the local Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue since 1996, the welfare of the animals are our top priority. We do not wish to see any animal end up in a disreputable place of which sadly there are far too many out there.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
This December 24th, 2017 picture is of Mason & his Dane, Dynamo(Cookie Dough Dynamo)
On September 2nd, we received an email from BHRR’s Hollywood’s adoptive home to say:
‘I am sorry to say that I do not believe that I am the owner for Holly. I have come to realise that I do not have the energy or patience required to bring out the best in a puppy.’
The home went on to say that she did not trust her around her grandchildren. We had made it very clear from the moment this application was received that BHRR’s Holly was not to be set up for failure and be around young children. She was to have extreme little exposure. She is young, very active, extremely affectionate and we also were full of disclosure re: her tendency to want to resource guard at times.
Throughout, the complete adoption process that included a home-visit, this home had been conversed with in respect to the above.
We also made it very clear that we would not adopt her to a home with young children or a home that would have young children frequently visiting. We were assured many times over that this would not be the case. We stressed that we were aware that they had grandchildren that lived nearby and that we did not wish to have BHRR’s Holly nor any human set up for failure. We continued to be assured that this would not happen.
We emphasised the big need for her to be kept active and mentally plus physically stimulated. We were informed re: their plans for walks, off leash time etc.
We were full of disclosure re: BHRR’s Holly. We feel seeing a dog end up in rescue one time is one time too many and this breaks our hearts when a dog comes back to us. BHRR has a second to none adoption success rate and this is because we know these dogs inside out and we work to be beyond thorough in our adoption processes.
Yet, unfortunately, in this case, BHRR’s Holly came back to BHRR on September 4th and this is through NO fault of her own. We must stress this. She did not do anything wrong in the home and we have kept her in our rehab program allowing her to settle back in. When she first arrived back to us, she was doing a bit of growling at The Boerskins plus the dogs.
However, it did not take much time for her to relax back into our house. We then spent many weeks discussing if we should place her back up for adoption and we do feel hopeful that there is a right matched personality fit home meant for her out there so, she is now back as AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
We wanted to share that this poor female Dane is the next one in urgent need of BHRR.
She was chained up outside and brutally starved after being sold. She is barely 18 months of age, horribly emaciated, extremely terrified and we are working with two other organisations to get her safely to BHRR.
Being an unspayed female, we do also have to worry about a possible pregnancy. Pregnancy is hard enough on a healthy dog yet we know firsthand how hard it is on an emaciated dog and the last two Rescue litters we had to whelp, were to badly emaciated danes.
I had noted a leg injury and was told that prior to going to this home, she had been hit by a car in her previous home and that her local humane society paid for the repair.
I am also told that she was one of many dogs kept in such deplorable condition on the property.
Poor girl….
Thank you to Just Paws & to Coffee County AC for all that they do! Feel truly fortunate to be working with you both.
We made the decision to move BHRR’s Raven to our Haven Program.
We have now moved the Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Fletcher and BHRR’s Everly to our Haven Program.
We will continue to keep The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Oliver and BHRR’s Juniper up for adoption for awhile longer and should their right matched personality fit homes not find them, then, we will also move them to our Haven Program.
In just under 1 hour from now, 1 year ago today….I began one of the most difficult yet one of the most rewarding rescue moments of my life.
I began to whelp The Bakers Dozen – 1st puppy born 10:13 PM on September 12th, 2017 – BHRR’s Poppy & the last puppy was born 9:29 AM on September 13th, 2017 – BHRR’s Fletcher.
Tragically, emaciated, traumatized, terrorized puppymill Mama Gem(once only known as D211 to her greedy breeders) rejected her puppies. The smallest puppy, wee BB was barely even 9.7 oz. Giant Breed puppies, when healthy should be born 1-1.5 pounds each. She gave all she had to ensure that we had 13 live births.
Thank you SO much to Mason who worked with me to help whelp them and to stimulate them as several were quite blue.
From tube to dropper to bottle feeding to there being a manufacturer shortage of Esbilac, Sean & I experienced the absolute best in people yet sadly, the absolute worse in one person also during this life and death 24/7 journey for this litter/Mama.
I want to wish The Bakers Dozen a beautiful and special 1st Birthday! 
You have touched my heart and soul like no other time in my life has and while FPS tried to steal you all away; you fought hard to live. I was not giving up on this litter or Mama. So many health issues and so many battles won….and with tears in my eyes, some battles lost. 
RIP to those of my wee angels that were stolen away all too soon. I remain confused, hurt, devastated and so angry that you were taken away from so many that love you like The Boerskins do.
THANK you to every Bakers Dozen Angel that donated goods, monies & hands to help us assist them in their plus Mama Gem’s biggest times of need. Thanks also to our Vet Team that was right by their/my side every step necessary.
This is a bittersweet Happy Birthday moment for me…..I am so happy yet my heart is also very heavy with sadness.
BHRR’s Flyn!
This stunning BBBBB had her annual today and weighed almost a slightly plump 50.3 kg (110.66 pounds). Since her arrival she has put on almost 17 pounds and has gone from quite skinny to needing no more weight to be put on!
She remains our ‘mysterious’ woman….cloaked in secrecy with her many depths and layers. 
She had a great day hanging out at KAH today while I worked and her Vet visit was a total thumbs up. I also did her ears plus had her nails done and she was so rock solid.
Her Vet marvelled at how shiny/glossy her coat was and that she had shades of brown within it. This picture was taken in the rain when we got home so she is not as gleaming….
She is still a bit nervous/cautious in new situations yet from where we were first asked to assist her, her anxiety level was 8/10 then and now we are maybe a weak 2/10! WTG BHRR’s Flyn!
She remains Available For Adoption to that right matched forever loving home and has an extremely detailed individual blog that outlines the home that we are seeking for her.
She is so lovely and that masking gene is becoming even more prevalent on her face! Makes her look all the more gorgeous.
UPDATE: His surgery went well yet the undescended testicle was in his abdomen, poor boy.
I picked him up from LAH and then ended up driving immediately to KAH as on the drive home, he became very nauseous. A cerenia injection later and some tender loving, he is now tucked back into my car and we will continue to head home.
He will be on antibiotics and pain meds for the next while along with tons of extra loving!
**Graphic photo yet part of his incision…if extends up to his abdomen**
Thank you to both Hospitals for taking such wonderful care of my boy!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Furry Murray!
*DNA Proven GD/IW
He was full of so much zipping and zooming this AM when I told him we were going for a special car ride! Was hard to even get any pics of this furry lean mean running machine!
I did not have the heart to tell him that this special car ride was going to be to the Vet for his de-twinkling apt… 
AND that means, he did it!! He beat Puppy Strangles not once but twice since November 2nd, 2017! 
It was a long, rocky and sometimes scary road yet he did it!! WTG! I adore this wee Giant with all that I am….he, as with quite a few of his litter, battled medical issues since they were born – he also had bone issues and could not walk at one time yet look at him now!
AND he is also now healthy enough to be de-twinkled today.
Three in his litter were cryptorchid and while BHRR’s Fletcher’s one testicle dropped prior to being altered, BHRR’s Mortimer and BHRR’s Furrry Murray’s did not.
This wee giant weighed 96.8 pounds today! He remains the smallest in his litter yet one of the mightiest. His personality is massive and his sheer love of life enormous.
He will remain in our Haven Program yet he still has four litter-mates still available for adoption to those right matched personality fit homes. As with all of our dogs, only the right matched fit homes shall be approved and they need extremely specific homes.
Good Morning!
This gorgeous girl continues to just shine and is keeping her incredible emerge temp foster on her toes! 
She is loving everything and everyone and was up ready and determined to take on the whole world today!
I am enjoying the updates plus the *giggle* moment stories shared my way and Tracey – you are so amazing!
She now has a name and thank you to Melissa for the idea – keeping in line with the beer theme was perfect and in also wanting to honour The Bakers Dozen of Baby Carlsberg……BHRR’s Denmark shall be her name!
The beer Carlsberg is believed by many to have been named after the district located in Denmark….. 
Good Sunday AM to all from BHRR’s Denmark!
Cuddling with her rescue angel Tracey!
BHRR’s ??
Needs a name!
I am thinking that she is no more than 15-18 months of age from what I have seen to date and I am hearing that she is sweet, gives the best kisses, loves to play fetch, loves her turtle toy and is a true goofy goober! 
I remain so grateful to Tracey for stepping up to get her pulled from this pound so fast! 
She will need a name and I know this picture is a bit blurry/dark – lightened it up as I could – yet I love it! She is so so so adorable!
She was picked up as a stray and has a scar on one of her cheeks yet that only makes her more endearing!
Name guru’s help!
Tracey HAS her!
Look at the three lovely ladies!
Thank you SO much Tracey! My heart is so at peace now knowing she is out of the pound and safe with you!
Tracey shall emerge temp foster her until the 12th and then we shall get her transported to her next foster rescue angel Ellie!
Thank you again to Kim for contacting us to help her!
WHAT a great rescue Saturday!
A picture that Sean took of him today with his Canon 77D!
More to post on this uber handsome Senior boy tomorrow.
I picked him up from his emerge temp foster family last night(have not seen him since I picked him up, vetted him and dropped him off to them June 21st) & GOT to visit with BHRR’s Peanut also – Adopted September 2012 and I have not seen her since then…HUGE HUGE HUGE hi-light for me!
THANK you to The Janzens for letting me love and be loved on by her….AND for emerge temp fostering this big lug of love! You helped save his life…..so grateful.
He came to work with me to KAH today and more to come!
He deserves to be our Cover Boy and from our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes being sent!
SHE IS SAFE!
Thanks to Tracey for stepping up, this girl will have a safe place to rest her head as of tomorrow night!
Tracey will emerge temp foster her until the 12th so that she can get out of the pound and then she will go to her second rescue temp foster angel – Ellie from there….
THANK YOU to you both for saving her life!!!
I can now rest more easily tonight and yes, I also suspect she is not a singlebred Dane. Does not matter…she is scared/stressed in this very rural pound and needed to be saved.
We have heard that once she is out of the pound she is so happy and goofy and in seeing this photo, what a mug!
Thank you to Kim for reaching out to see if we could assist.
This is Rescue #10 for BHRR for 2018!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes being sent!
***UPDATE** FILLED
ISO: URGENT EMERGENCY TEMP FOSTER FOR:
~2 year old female Great Dane
*Scared in pound yet goofy and friendly and happy when taken outside
*Has proven fine with dog testing – initiated play
As some are aware, I am trying…and trying hard…LOL to have my first Vacation with Sean in 19 years and we urgently need an emerge temp foster home for her.
Looking for ~3 weeks – Until August 26th, 2018
If you are able to assist us with an emerge temp foster of this lovely Dane, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org ASAP
Please do not post your kind offer here, it may be missed.
We supply the food, stand, bowls, collar, leash, beds, crate if needed etc…you supply the loving stable home!
NOTE: If you are an approved adoptive home, you are already an approved volunteer and if your home circumstances allow for it, you can temp foster too!
Thanks in advance for the consideration!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Fletcher had a GREAT DAY date!
DNA Proven GD/IW
The home did as requested….passively ignored him and sure enough in his usual ~1 hour time frame had self soothed and realised that he was ok and had that confidence!
By the time I picked him up Elaine was getting tons of kisses, paw requests for more belly rubs and layed right by her side. AND when he stood up, the Dane leans were in full swing!
He went for a short walk in their neighborhood too! What a rock star!
This is this particular homes third date with a BHRR dog in 2018 – his sister BHRR’s Everly had her own date as did Mr. Squishie.
Thank you SO much Elaine and to your mom again for everything!!
This is what it is all about….getting these fabu dogs into the hands of other people to help make them that much more well rounded plus balanced.
We continue to wait patiently for that right matched forever loving adoptive home to find him and should they not come along over the next couple of months, we shall move him to our Haven Program. We are committed to him as with all of our dogs for life…..he lacks for nothing and is deeply loved by us.
He was #13 born on September 13th, 2017 @ 9:29 AM!
What a handsome boy!
Good Sunday AM!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Fletcher (GD/IW) is off to have his own special DAY date won in our 7th annual unique date auction!
With every wonderful positive experience in the hands of kind caring souls, he continues to reach his amazing potential more and more……
He will always be Fletcher yet we work to help him be the best Fletcher he can be and as with all the dogs, he is one mighty fine young man.
UPDATE:
I am so so so happy to say that BHRR’s Bear(Almost 9.5 year old Saint) has had an amazing BHRR approved home step up to temp foster him from August 7th – August 25th inclusive!
This home has adopted three BHRR dogs over the past many years yet this shall be there first temp foster for us!
THANK you to The Bethunes! SO much!
He shall be getting his boosters on August 4th, then he shall be neutered. After that, he shall then head to his temp foster home for some new wonderful positive experiences including lots of love!
So grateful to this home for stepping up! Incredibly so!
BHRR’s Bear(9+ year old Saint) & BHRR’s Peanut(Freedom Dane from Paws R Us Seizure)
BHRR’s Peanut was ADOPTED September 13th, 2012!
BHRR’s Peanut has been showing BHRR’s Bear the ‘ropes’ and I have heard that he recently did his first play bow to her trying to get her to play! WTG BHRR’s Bear!
LOVE this photo of the two of them! 
URGENT NEED: STILL ISO: A Temp Foster Home for BHRR’s Bear (9+ year old Saint) from August 7th – August 25th, 2018
He shall be having his boosters and will be neutered at the beginning of August, then I am seeking a wonderful BHRR approved temp foster home from August 7th – August 25th!
Please EMAIL
Thanks!
ISO: A Temp Foster Home for BHRR’s Bear (9+ year old Saint) from August 7th – August 25th, 2018
He shall be having his boosters and will be neutered at the beginning of August, then I am seeking a wonderful BHRR approved temp foster home from August 7th – August 25th!
NOTE: If you are a BHRR approved adoptive home, you are already a BHRR approved Volunteer and can temp foster if your circumstances allow for it.
Please do EMAIL
Thanks!
Somebody has finally figured out how the bed works!
BHRR’s Bear
(Born: May 9th, 2009)
Please do keep him in your best thoughts as his emerge temp foster home reached out to me yesterday to say that he started to suddenly limp on one of his hind legs. So, something unfortunately happened and he is scheduled to see a Vet today @ 4 pm.
We will update as we can…back leg injuries in Giant Breed Dogs can be very serious yet one step at a time and we are thinking positive thoughts!
We shall update as we can……
On a side note: I know many are waiting patiently still for our final totals of our biggest fundraiser of each year yet, sadly, I am still trying to make a connection with 10 people on their silent auction items. This will make a different of $154 should we not obtain successful closure so I will try for a few more days before calling it.
She has a 9 year old ‘big’ brother Grissom and she really loved running around with him! 
We shall miss her yet she does not need us any longer and the home will ensure that she is properly loved and taken care of!
She looks so pretty in pink!
Congratulations again!!
I am just getting ready to now make the drive home and wishing all of our friends, family & supporters a wonderful good night!
SHORT Notice:
ISO: A BHRR Approved Volunteer to assist in doing a home-visit with me on Friday July 6th.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Russell, Ontario
This is for BHRR’s Hollywood’s possible Approved Adoption.
Please do not post your kind offer here as it may be missed! Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org
Note: if you are a BHRR Approved Adoptive home, you are already a BHRR Volunteer too! 
A close-up of that uber handsome mug!
Thank you to his emerge temp foster home for taking such excellent care of this fine senior gent that looks/acts way younger than 9+!
With how amazing he is doing – he is no longer nervous of their own dog, BHRR’s Peanut, he now loves her plus he has always adored people – a huge social king to humans – we are becoming even more sure that there should be no reason for him not to be placed up for adoption to a right match personality fit home.
He had extremely limited to zero exposure to dogs for many years prior to Rescue and he has been great to go on walks – ‘walking and talking’ does not give him time to think as much about his worry of dogs – and is learning all about the good things canine friends can provide in companionship with BHRR’s Peanut.
With patience, consistency, time, stability, understanding and structure, he will be an excellent wonderful addition to a home. A home that will make sure he has frequent/regular access to water as he loves laying in it, is going to be a must! That is his favourite thing and we are not going to deny him this life pleasure.
Yet, we will shall see how the next few weeks go – he has more vetting to come and I want to see more weight on him.
He is so incredibly handsome!
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION!
We shall update as we can…..
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood
8 Months Old
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She is ready to make her own special announcement!
This girl is incredibly happy, social and has the best ‘wiggle butt’ in the world!
She travels great in a car, loves people, has been mostly indifferent to dogs – yet loves BHRR’s Burst & The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Juniper!
Her leash manners have come a LONG way and she can still pull in distraction situations.
She is so eager to please, loves to lean right into you or sit on your lap – right Liz? 
She is incredibly beautiful with soul reaching eyes.
She is tolerant of baths and ear cleanings plus nails.
You cannot push this girl….she has been manhandled in her past and that will cause her to have so much stress.
Patience, understanding, consistency, clear open communication so she is not confused about expectations is so important!
Structure, obedience and a ton of love are additional ingredients needed to set her up for success!
Her biggest thing is to not feel worried that someone is going to mess with her bowls or anything that she believes is high value – ie some toys. We have worked hard for her to trust us to be able to take away from her the things that we need to – ie at this professional photo shoot there was shredded pieces of material and I had zero issues removing it from her mouth and praised her hugely!
She is fed in her crate and she is relaxed.
She has learned to share some toys and the communal water bowls yet there are still some days that are a bit of a work in progress yet HUGE HUGE HUGE strides taken.
She is housebroken and crate trained but still as a baby is not ready for full run of the house.
She loves her ‘humans’ yet so as to not set her up for failure, we do not wish to see her adopted to a home with children under the age of 10.
I cannot say in words just how happy this stunning girl is. She just packs so much life into her little body!
She is a big personality and likes her long walks, short hikes and is playful, affectionate and extremely loving.
She can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired, retired etc. for she is another versatile BHRR dog. She is a baby still and has a lot of emotional maturing left to do. She is pretty much full grown in body size – she may grow another 1″, most likely not. She will fill out more yet any right matched personality fit home will ensure that she remains lean and fit.
Where once she was skittish of things like collar holding or strange places – now she shows interest in them and we encourage her to be curious and explore.
We do not know how she is around cats.
We want her to be in a home that is calmly social.
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood – you have been a dream to have with us!
AND to that right matched personality fit home, they will continue to set you up for success and keep developing upon the strong foundations we have put in place…she is comfortable, she has confidence she has learned that her own company is ok and to self-soothe. She has learned that she will not be forced, bullied or man handled.
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood, you have realised that you are not a wallflower and your strength of personality is amazing!
Thank you again Liz for the wonderful photo’s!
BHRR’s Miss Hollywood
June 26th, 2018
This is her waiting for her professional photo shoot!
SHE shall have her special announcement to make later today….stay tuned! 
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Miss Hollywood!
Within the week – as soon as her professional photo’s come back – she will be making her own special announcement!
What a doll of an 8+ month old puppy she is! She just needed someone to set her up for success and learn that we were not going to torment or tease her with her food, water or toys and the moment she realised that, she completely relaxed, all tension left her body and what a WOW puppy! There is absolutely zero reason why anyone should man handle or stress out a dog in situations that clearly they are not comfortable with.
She is full of so much life and personality!
BHRR’s Bear!
(Born May 9th, 2009)
DONATED TO DATE: $305
His amazing emerge foster home is keeping us regularly updated and he is starting to settle in beautifully. Their time plus patience is setting him up for success!
He just adores people!!
He is booked for a good grooming session in early July, once he relaxes even more – yet, you can see he is starting to figure out the whole bed thing! 
– and he is being treated for a broken nail and being such a good boy….
He absolutely loves the water and likes to lay down in it.
We are not yet sure if we will be placing this amazing handsome senior gent up for adoption at some point or have him placed in our Haven Program and cherished in one of our incredible perma-foster homes…..still really early to know one way or another. Stability is so important for any dog and we want what is best for all of our dogs.
Thanks shouted out again to the Janzen’s (& BHRR’s Peanut) for stepping up to temp foster him! This is their second foster for BHRR and we are truly thankful….
BHRR’s Bear! (Born: May 9th, 2009)
DONATED TO DATE: $105
At just before 3:30 pm today, I did the hand off to Judy, his emerge temp foster home in Westport and she then took this handsome 9+ year old man back to her place in Kingston.
He had a really busy day and I am so proud of him from me picking him up in Quebec and bringing him to my work to see the Vet @ KAH and from there making the drive to Westport. He loved every person! He travelled well – & hair bombed my car!
So gentle in taking treats too! It did not take him long to begin to bond with me and he takes a piece of my heart with him already!
I have heard that he has already been in the lake at Judy’s and seems to know what the king size bed is for!
I am so grateful to Judy, Ron & BHRR’s Peanut for stepping up to emerge temp foster him.
I shall update further once his bloodwork returns from his thorough Vet visit today.
We would appreciate any consideration to his mounting Vet Bills – he has more Vet visits plus a good grooming session to come – and he has a file ‘Bear’ under the Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation account at Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
OR you can donate via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR you can donate via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
My own day has been extremely long and a cold has suddenly come upon me during my driving today – I was on the road by 6:00 AM and got home just before 5 PM tonight yet so worth it all to see BHRR’s Bear all safely tucked into his emerge temp foster home.
On that note from our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, good night wishes are being sent!
BHRR’s Bear – at Kanata Animal Hospital
What we know so far:
Age: 9+ (Birth Date May 9th, 2009)
*Owners owned him for his whole life
Reason For Surrender: They are moving to an apt.
Last Vetted: September 12th, 2009 from the Vet Records surrendered with him
At KAH Today:
*Weight: 59.5 kg(130.9 pounds)
*Not Neutered
*Overgrown nails – yet, with all else we were able to do today, they can wait
*Needs Grooming – home had washed him yet he needs a good groom session
*Heart & Lungs sound good
*great teeth for a 9+ year old
*Very straight angled in the hind end yet moves incredibly well for a 9+ year old giant senior
*mild arthritis in his hind end – remarkably so
*we did a thorough clean on both of his ears as they were filled with debris
*we did blood work to test for tickborne diseases plus heartworm
*we did blood work for internal organ function and pre-op
*no presence of any skin conditions
*thorough exam
*he had his first vaccines
*he will begin a proactive/preventative de-worming protocol
*he will begin a proactive/preventative heartworm/flea/tick protocol
Great with all people he has met – movers at the home, people at work
Travelled great in the car from his pick-up in Quebec to KAH
Now on my way to meet up with his emerge temp foster home Judy in Westport. She will then bring him to her home in Kingston. Thank you again so much Judy, Ron & BHRR’s Peanut for stepping up so we could save him!
I have a new leash for him from my stash and a gently used collar for him for a new beginning.
I am told he loves water so he is going to adore Judy’s place!
If anyone would like to donate to his mounting Vet Bills, you can call Kanata Animal Hospital directly at 613-836-2848 – he has an account ‘Bear’ under the Birch Haven Rescue account.
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (friend & Family option).
Good Morning!
Long before many were even awake today, I was on the road driving to Quebec to pick up this handsome 10 year old Saint Bernard…’Bear’
We are now on our way to Kanata Animal Hospital to begin his vetting.
Will update as I can!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Poppy
ADOPTED April 29th, 2018
With one of her litter-mates BHRR’s Furry Murray – Blue Fawn(Haven Dog). Not the best picture yet she was zooming and zipping and staying still was not easily in her vocabulary for she was so over the moon happy to see her litter-mate.
Last night Sean & I were able to visit and hang with BHRR’s Poppy’s wonderful forever loving adoptive home and the two siblings had a lot of fun together!
Thank you to this home for working and wanting to do right by BHRR’s Poppy and for giving her such a wonderful home.
We heard about how attached she is to their cat too!
BHRR’s Poppy was extremely happy to see us, yet she knows ‘who’ home is and that made Sean plus I feel so thrilled.
BHRR’s Furry Murray was incredibly fascinated by their lovely drink tray by their patrol furniture!
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Ivy to our Haven Program. If that right matched forever loving right match fit home does find her, then we can/would still consider a possible approved adoption – as we did with BHRR’s Ani – yet for now, we feel she is best loved and cared for plus lacks for absolultey nothing with us.
While no one to date has wanted her for the right reasons nor has a right match personality fit home found her – for she is NOT a guard dog, none of our dogs shall ever be; she is not a ‘status’ symbol’ and she deserves to be part of an adoring home, which she gets with BHRR.
Testimonial From The Home Who Had The Special Picnic Play Date With BHRR’s Oliver Today:
“He was an excellent guest. Very chill and loving fellow. He was quite content to follow us and receive pets. He loved Ms Sally and made an excellent companion to watch the World Cup with. “
AND they are getting ready for another round of play…he is blowing his blue puppy coat so looks a bit brown in places. Lord knows how much I hated showing my own blue boyz in the ring when they were not blue but brown splotched dogs during this phase! 
AND it was a fabu drop-off! A picture I took. So so so proud of the progress this gorgeous young man has made!
New friend! This is BHRR Puppy Pile Sapphire! He loves their Pugx girl too, Sally. You can see Sally laying down!
AND BHRR’s Whisper got in on the action – she ended up having a sleepover at this home last night after her own day play date with another home.
AND on my way with special picnic play Date #4 of 5 for this weekend! Well, not a weekend for us but for others it is! 
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The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Oliver!
This is what he thinks of early AM’s! While he loves getting up between 5-5:30 AM, he likes his routine and after going out, he slowly wakes up, he eats breakfast, and then goes for a snooze around this time….
AND this is The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Everly!
She had a good play date visit herself today! Nervous for the first ten minutes or so and for her very first play date completely without me, she truly did so well overall. Proud of you!
She plunked down on their couch and spent a quiet day and thank you to the home that won this special date with her and giving her another amazing positive experience in her life.
She comes away knowing that she was ok, that there are loving hands surrounding her and that Mama Gwennie set her up for success.
She then came with me to pick up her brother BHRR’s Oliver from his own special picnic play date and hung out for a bit.
They are funny siblings as both want to be the first in the car and if they are not, the other one does not want to go in.
This weekend turned out to see 6 dates had! WOW!
BHRR’s Granite, BHRR’s Whisper(overnight) as I had to pick up BHRR’s Burst early for she hurt her shoulder playing on her own date & BHRR’s Oliver – thanks to the Maracle Family!
BHRR’s Whisper – thanks Sue B.!
BHRR’s Everly – thanks Elaine & to your Mom!
AND Denali also got to hang out and drain the kiddie pool at the Maracle’s when I dropped off BHRR’s Granite.
I am so wonderfully exhausted from a busy weekend – between work at the Hospital, taking BHRR’s Burst to the Hospital x 2, Denali had his own Vet visit, visiting PV Stittsville, 6 play dates, 4 picnics, several errands, filling up with gas over and over, time at the drive-in with Kinsley and driving NO less than 2,000 kms between Friday AM & now!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, good night wishes being sent for I am heading home to spend some time with Sean as it is Fathers Day too!
THE Emerge Temp Foster REQUEST HAS BEEN FILLED!
THANK you Judy, BHRR’s Peanuts’ amazing forever loving adoptive Mama!
This shall be their second temp foster for BHRR!
Another Picture of the handsome boy!
The next in need of us!
10 year old Male Saint Bernard
Reason For Surrender: O’s are moving to take care of sick grandparents & are going into an apt.
ISO: Emergency Temp Foster for him for ~6 weeks from one of our ALREADY approved BHRR Volunteer homes.
**Note: if you are an approved BHRR adoptive home, you are also an approved BHRR Volunteer. So timeline is to about August 1st.
Said to be: Good with other dogs, good with Kids, loves everyone.
We provide all the vetting, food, stand, bowls, dog bed, collar and leash etc.! You provide the love!
You can email gwen@birchhaven.org if you are interested and wish to know more details.
ETA being worked on
May 11th, 2018 Professional Photo – Thanks Liz!
Furry Murray Update!
**$690 Donated To Date**
**$2,700+ Vet Bills To Date**
UPDATE: BHRR’s Murray has now been weaned down to 7.5 mg of Pred EOD and next week, should he continue to do well, go down to 5 mg and this is when he had his last relapse. So, in the weaning of his pred this time around, his Vet is going even slower and to date, BHRR’s Murray is responding great!
His bones continue to cause him issues and we have intermittent swelling plus limping on one of his front legs that is being monitored closely.
AND through it all, Mr. Furry Murray has been a rock star!
He may be a LOT smaller than his litter-mates yet he is mighty and strong and a thrivor. 
Plus, he is so freakin’ adorable.
Once he is healthy, we can then neuter this cryptorchid boy.
His Story:
Unfortunately, as can happen with Puppy Strangles, BHRR’s Murray had a relapse and the relapse was worse.
He was back at the Vet February 26th when he had the relapse. So, we had to increase the Pred(he has been on it since November 2nd, 2017) and he went back up to 25 mg BID from 5 mg EOD.
He was also losing weight.
His lymph nodes were still swollen. So, he was not able to be neutered at this time. He also remains cryptorchid.
AND once he gets into the exam room, he tries to jump and climb on to the exam table as this is where he has been examined since he was a wee squeaker.
Tried telling him that at over 75-80 pounds, perhaps the exam table is not ideal for being examined any longer yet, he feels differently! So, on the exam table he continues to go! LOL
He is responding well to the increased Pred and every two weeks, the dose has been dropping by 2.5-5 mg.
Since November 2nd, 2017 –
He was first rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital on Thursday November 2nd, 2017.
Then he has had appointments:
Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 9th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 16th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 21st
Kanata Animal Hospital November 28th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 5th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 18th
Liston Animal Hospital January 18th, 2018
Kanata Animal Hospital February 12th
Kanata Animal Hospital February 26th
Kanata Animal Hospital March 6th
Months ago, we made the decision to move Monsieur Furry Murray to our Haven Program. He has had medical issues since he was born and has overcome much with his hind end and to all that meet him, he is not conformationally built like his siblings.
We adore him and his fan club adores him and we are committed to him and he will be given the best of lives…..
For anyone who may consider helping us with his ongoing care:
Donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital:
613-836-2848
*Murray has an extensive file under the “Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ account
OR
Via Email Transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR
Via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
Another pic of this brindle beauty!
Miss Hollywood was at KAH tonight and we went strolling and did a walk-about too!
She weighed 30.4 kgs(66.88 pounds).
For a dog that we were informed was terrified of men, she does back flips to love on them and loves women – only slightly less than men and teenagers too! She is totally enamoured with people! So excited to greet and love on them.
She has proven excellent with all the dogs to date – mostly indifferent yet has chosen BHRR’s Burst as her play pal and plays rough, so we are working on being more gentle. She is a ball of sheer vibrating love of life!
We did bloodwork and a thorough exam while she was here and she did fantastic. Her leash manners are a big work in process yet she would sit and lay down and stay when I asked and overall I am giving her an ‘A’ for being such a great girl when we were out.
She travels great in the car and Miss Social she is.
She needs a lot of work still on her obedience and manners and she is not yet fully housebroken yet these things shall come. She has only been with us since May 26th and incredible progress made.
She is happy, a big wiggle butt and she is slowly learning about sharing too.
We may DNA this girl for she is very BoxerX – just for fun and sheer curiousity for what her papers say is not what she resembles, at least not as a single bred dog. As always, does not matter….she will be adored for who she is, not what she is.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly
Almost 8 Months Old – May 11th, 2018
DNA Proven GD/IW
This is from their latest professional photo shoot! Thank you Liz SO much for doing this for BHRR. I know you are super busy!
BHRR’s Everly remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving home.
GUESS Who?
May 11th, 2018
This is a Bakers Dozen Pup – BHRR’s Everyl!
Right up close and personal with Liz Bradley at their latest professional photo shoot!
Another photo of BHRR’s Fletcher!
BHRR’s Fletcher remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving home.
Another picture of BHRR’s Oliver!
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver
Almost 8 Months Old – May 11th, 2018
DNA Proven GD/IW
This is from their latest professional photo shoot! Thank you Liz SO much for doing this for BHRR. I know you are super busy!
BHRR’s Oliver remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving home.
Got her! On my way home now!
Wee pretty thing!
Thank to SO many for making this transport happen!!
The face that I saw upon her arrival to KAH!
Picture credit to Christine T., one of her Transport Angels
Two more transport angel photo’s!
AND Miss Hollywood is on her way – She has been travelling since early this AM.
I have been told that she is travelling very well and in about one hour, I should have her in my own hands.
I look forward to meeting her, having her settle in and being able to properly assess/evaluate her and work on her training, social and resourcing needs and/or whatever else we learn/she needs when the honeymoon period ends!
My remaining Bakers Dozen will do so much in guiding and teaching her also!
Thank you again Annie for asking us to assist her…..
The beautiful photo credits are to the Transport Angels that are helping to get her closer to me!
BIRTHDAY: October 6th, 2017
Testimonal Sent From The Home Who Had The Special Overnight Play Date with BHRR’s Juniper:
“Juniper was a blast to have over. Once she settled and got comfortable she was quite the love bug. Not a fan of stairs but she loved bellyrubs and ear scratches. She barely even noticed the cats and chickens, too busy exploring the yard and house. She is an independent fiery girl that will make a Fab addition to a loving family.”
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Juniper!
*DNA Proven To Be GD/Wolfie
She had an awesome OVERNIGHT special picnic play date!
When I arrived to pick her up, she was totally relaxed, social, happy and very comfortable.
I am so freaking proud of her progress!!!
She fit right into their home – they are perma fostering a BHRR dog, have another dog of their own and cats plus chickens and an over 10 year old human ? – and BHRR’s Juniper did fantastic!!
A little wobbly on their stairs yet she got the job done!
Thank you again to this home for giving her this incredibly positive personal experience and in being open in sending us a testimonial for her blog.
We work so hard to set our dogs up for success and thank you for helping us do this for BHRR’s Juniper.
She remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving adoptive home!
In the second picture, you can really see her beautiful Wolfie coat coming out.
Another photo of the handsome man!
AND here is The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Fletcher on his own OVERNIGHT special picnic play date!
I hear that he is doing well! Took about an hour of them being patient and passively ignoring him and then he settled in and was comfortable exploring and is now like their shadow. 
This home also has cats as did the home of his last play date.
I remain very grateful to so many for helping us help these incredible BHRR dogs become that much more well rounded plus balanced! It is so important for them to keep getting into the hands of other kind souls.
From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, good night wishes being sent!
Two of The Bakers Dozen Pups are on their own special OVERNIGHT picnic play dates.
We have a total 16 special Dates for 2018!
BHRR’s Juniper – featured in the below photo and the home having the date says she is ‘adorable!’
BHRR’s Fletcher – is also on his own date and we have not yet received any update/photo’s and I shall touch base shortly with them to see how things are going!
BHRR’s Hollywood
The next in need of us!
She is a 7 month old CC. Surrendered as snapped at an adult over food – no contact made. The pound has found her to be uneasy when tested yet no snapping etc. noted.
She is undersocialised, resources and has territorial tendencies plus is shy.
ETA to BHRR TBA
NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
The Bakers Dozen had their next professional photo shoot today! 
Thank you to Elaine, Ashley & The Boerskins for helping to puppy wrangle!
This is a candid that I took!
BHRR’s Oliver you thrived under the quiet calm and kind touch of Ashley as I knew you would! While slightly anxious, you were so much more relaxed this time.
BHRR’s Fletcher, while you still had some anxiety, you rocked this session a million times better than February’s and the camera was not as scary to you! Good boy! You even allowed me to take more than a step away from you for your pictures as the camera made you not as nervous.
BHRR’s Furry Murray – what can I say?! You remain the class clown and a true ham! Content to do whatever as long as I remained within your sight….while you wanted to be closer to me, you were great at being Mr. Independent overall.
BHRR’s Everly – as gorgeous as ever and as busy as ever! You gave Elaine quite the work out! 
Such a delightful handful!
BHRR’s Juniper – the queen of selective hearing and you are quite the busy bee yourself.
You and your sister are not for the faint of heart 
and to all of my GD/Wolfie Babies, you did so well today….we can see where the distraction training has greatly improved from February’s professional photo’s and where work is still needed yet as almost 8 month old puppies, I remain very proud of your emotional and behavioural development! We battle your genetics every day and use the environment to help to make you the best dogs that you can be in being as well rounded plus balanced as possible!!
Happy Friday to all!
BHRR’s Raven!
May 2nd, 2018
This is the first really dry day that we have had to be able to work on spring cleanup on the property from all of the brutal winter damage and BHRR’s Raven is royally supervising our slow painstaking efforts!
Still so much water and snow in places yet we can at least begin in earnest now.
What a slave driver!
We made the decision to move BHRR’s Dickens into our Haven Program and he now resides in a great match fit perma-foster home.
These pictures are from his professional photo shoot that I had done on February 8th.
This boy is what I call a ‘mirror image’ reactive dog and he has made leaps and bounds with his rehab journey. He will be what I also call a wonderful ‘lifetime labour of love’ and we will ensure that he lives the best quality filled life.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Furry Murray Update!
**$690 Donated To Date**
**$2,500+ Vet Bills To Date**
Unfortunately, as can happen with Puppy Strangles, BHRR’s Murray had a relapse and the relapse was worse. 
He was back at the Vet February 26th when he had the relapse and first picture is of his tail. So, we had to increase the Pred(he has been on it since November 2nd) back up to 25 mg BID from 5 mg EOD.
He was also losing weight.
Second picture is from March 6th at one of his recheck visits – the wee hamburger! He thinks the benches are for him as it is an Animal Hospital after all.
AND once he gets into the exam room, he tries to jump and climb on to the exam table as this is where he has been examined since he was a wee squeaker.
Tried telling him that at over 75 pounds, perhaps the exam table is not ideal for being examined any longer yet, he feels differently! So, on the exam table he continues to go! LOL
He is responding well to the increased Pred and every two weeks, the dose has been dropping by 5 mg and as of tonight, he can go to 15 mg daily.
Since November 2nd, 2017 –
He was first rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital on Thursday November 2nd, 2017.
Then he has had appointments:
Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 9th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 16th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 21st
Kanata Animal Hospital November 28th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 5th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 18th
Liston Animal Hospital January 18th, 2018
Kanata Animal Hospital February 12th
Kanata Animal Hospital February 26th
Kanata Animal Hospital March 6th
We have made the decision to move Monsieur Furry Murray to our Haven Program. He has had medical issues since he was born and has overcome much with his hind end and to all that meet him, he is not conformationally built like his siblings.
We adore him and his fan club adores him and we are committed to him and he will be given the best of lives…..
For anyone who may consider helping us with his ongoing care:
Donations can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital:
613-836-2848
*Murray has an extensive file under the “Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services’ account
OR
Via Email Transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR
Via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
Special Snack Play Date Summary from his human date below. They have been involved in his life since he was almost 3.5 weeks of age.
“I love him so much “
Respecting the no couch rule! 
Photo compliments of his human date!
Close-up! Picture also complimentary of his human date.
BHRR’s Fletcher proves that he is cat friendly.
Picture compliments of his human date.
Another photo on our drive in!
AND The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Fletcher is on his own special picnic snack play date!
This date was won by someone in our annual ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction and they asked if it could be given to someone else as a surprise gift. We were in 100% support of who they wished to gift this date to and we reached out to them. They chose BHRR’s Fletcher for their special date.
What worked for them was March 11th yet that AM, BHRR’s Fletcher did a face plant on the ice and came up lame. So, his date was rescheduled to today and now he has been dropped off!
I am very proud of his progress….we had a good drop-off. He was happy and excited to have his collar and leash put on and pranced out of the yard, jumped into the car without issues and his anxiety in the car lasted no more than 10 minutes.
He took a few mini Natural treats and was given a calming word/touch and had a great drive in!
Some anxiety upon drop-off yet he is in good hands and already I am told his whining stopped shortly after I left and he was then off exploring.
In the right hands, this boy will thrive…in the wrong hands an anxiety ridden monster would be created/encouraged. He and BHRR’s Oliver have come a long way with their genetics of inherent anxiety and we have worked so hard to set them up for success with the right environment to help them to develop into the best dogs they can be! They ooze with so much potential!
He remains AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to that right matched forever loving home and if they never find him, he lives a super amazing quality filled life with us.
His human Date for the day remarked on how wolfie he is turning into and yup…the hair and face for all of The Bakers Dozen pups are really maturing into wolfie. Their wee beards are adorable!
Have a great day to you BHRR’s Fletcher and to your human! This date is going to be so fabu for you to help you become that much more well rounded plus balanced!
Please consider saving your Empties to donate OR return your Empties and consider sending the funds to help us help BHRR’s Valentine!
She is the 5 month old special needs Harle Great Dane in Brazil that we are working hard behind the scenes to save. She requires surgery on her hind end and is visually impaired. This is our second ever biggest rescue mission and she needs a village to surround her!
She is currently being treated for KC and boarding alone is $30/day.
This is a picture of the Empties that Sean picked up – he made the almost 2.5 hour roundtrip – from Suzanne S. today! So worth it! Thank you Suzanne!
He returned them and $41.60 was raised!
Our drop-off locations are:
1. Rachel – 42 Stocks Lane, Aurora, ON L4G 0Y3
2. Rachel’s Parents – 885 Surin Crt, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8R3
3. Dawn – 424 Pickford Drive, Kanata, ON K2L 3R4
*’people can drop off at house anytime & just leave it on the front steps*
4. Gail – 47 Taylor Road, Ajax, ON L1S 2X5
5. The Maracles – 1728 Harvest Cres, Orleans, Ontario K1C 1V4
Maggie -391 Tillbury Avenue, Apt. #4, Ottawa, Ontario
For those that may wish to donate to BHRR’s Valentine’s cause:
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org
OR
Email transfer: gwen@birchhaven.org
AND here is her YouCaring Page
Updates are being posted there and also on our Brazilian Dane Baby To Canadians Group
We need another $6,000+ and we are not giving up on her!
TOTAL DONATED TO DATE: $893
UPDATE!
March 12th, 2018
On the 5 month old beautiful female Harl puppy we were contacted to assist in Brazil. We are calling her BHRR’s Valentine – first came on our radar February 14th – and she needs surgery on her hind end and appears to also be visually impaired.
Unfortunately, we were unable to get our hands on her last week. 
YET….we got her today! We were able to pick her up today! YES! YES! YES!
She does not stand much of future in Brazil and we believe that dogs do not know borders or countries.
I have just sent over to Maira $700 to help cover 14 days of boarding – $30/day, $100 for food and the rest for vetting to start.
We are trying to move as fast as we can to get her safely to Canada.
We are going to need some help to make this next miracle happen…..we really need Brazilian Rescue Angels to please surround her with support and help us help her. 
Thank you in advance for any consideration to her cause.
The earliest that I have been told that she can come is third week of April and here is the link to her Fundraising Page via YouCaring.
OR Donations can be made:
Email Transfer: gwen@birchhaven.org
OR
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org
ANYTHING would be SO appreciated….Even $5 is not too little.
BHRR’s Mama GD Gem
Beautiful Mama to The Bakers Dozen
March 2nd, 2018
So hard to believe that she was once so emaciated and heavily pregant at only 99 pounds with 13 babies.
Then, after giving birth she dropped down to 84 pounds and today she is now a happier, healthier almost 112 pounds.
Liz, her talented, patient and caring professional photographer marvelled as to how she could have even carried that many babies….
I love this photo as she is truly such a ‘goofy gal’ to her small set up for success network of family/friends.
She contorts her body in all sorts of really awkward ways and oozes personality!
She can now hold her head up more often, does not always cower in a corner with sheer terror to be found in her eyes with body shaking…..she is no longer slinking around looking over her shoulder and the darkness does not make her whimper in fear.
She has a full bellly, is warm, lacks for nothing in comfort, love, consistency and vetting! She has many layers of comforters that she likes to ‘nest’ them into a big pile and bury herself into…how she just rubs her head with sheer pleasure amongst the blankets touches my heart deeply.
She shall be a BHRR Haven Dog and be cherished, kept safe and we will help her continue to be the best dog that she can be!
Once she relaxed around Liz – Liz was very respectful and gave BHRR’s Gem lots of space, she then began to show some of her goofball antics and contorsionist moves! 
Thank you again Liz Bradley for the photo’s for this BBBB deserved her own professional photo session!
Each day we try to show her that she is so wonderful, deserving and should have always been treated as a princess!
The Dane that was once only known as D211, being bred for greed, living in terror, neglected, abused, freezing and starved is a terrible thing of her past….never shall it be her present nor her bright future…my promise to her is that she will lack for nothing ever again.
BHRR’s Ryder has another apt. scheduled with Dr. Liston on Tuesday March 13th as that part of his one eye has ‘failed’ again. 🙁
His eye is not as bad as it was originally yet, part of that area has ‘popped out’ again. 🙁
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Fletcher
DNA Proven to be GD/IW
February 15th, 2018
*Next professional Photo Shoot and THANKS again Liz*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.
As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver
DNA Proven to be GD/IW
February 15th, 2018
*Next professional Photo Shoot and THANKS again Liz*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.
As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Juniper
DNA Proven to be GD/IW
February 15th, 2018
*Next professional Photo Shoot and THANKS again Liz*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.
As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly
DNA Proven to be GD/IW
February 15th, 2018
*Next professional Photo Shoot and THANKS again Liz*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.
As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.
She has a ‘ham’ side….it comes out here and there and more and more and this is her face when I said no more treats for now! 
She was ‘working’ it for more treats!
This stunning BBBBB rocked her own professional photo shoot today…..
I use the word ‘proud’ often and I am! I am so beyond proud of the progress made by these once deeply broken and battered dogs.
For those who do not recognise this stunning girl, it is Mama GD Gem, once known only as D211. She is the mama to The Bakers Dozen. As Liz said today, it is so hard to believe that she carried 13 babies, she is so tiny.
She went from an emaciated 99 pounds heavily pregnant to 84 pounds after giving birth and now is hanging around 110 pounds. Dainty in physical appearance yet strong in survival skills.
Mama Gem you ‘done good’ as it is said…though you were so emaciated – barely 99 pounds and heavily pregnant with 13 pups – you gave all you had to them and though you were never meant to be a Mama, to me, you are amazing.
The impact that this beautiful Dane has had on my heart and soul cannot be measured in words…..a mere baby herself to have lived the life she did prior to her Rescue, no dog should ever have experienced that kind of hell.
From being catatonic & terrified to trusting me and blossoming slowly like the most precious of flowers into what Liz saw today – cautious plus still worried around strangers yet bouncing and happy and so affectionate to me and open to displaying that love she is developing for life in front of Liz.
While it has bothered some that so many ask about and want her pups – and to date only a mere handful have ever asked about Mama Gem – to me, I want BHRR’s Gem – wanted her since we were first asked to assist her – and she will remain safe in our Haven program for life….we will travel far together as there is so much that I want to slowly introduce her to and show her about the loving helping hands of the world….slowly take away the memories of the hurting hands that tortured and neglected and used her for their own greed.
BHRR’s Gem, your body, heart and soul may bear the scars of so many wounds of your past yet it is my life commitment to you to give you new memories and experiences, ones of so much joy, happiness and spoiling! I promise to keep you safe and cherish you forever.
You shall never know another day of pain or sorrow….you shall never know another day without a soft bed to lay in, never know another day starving with a stomach empty of food, having a bruised and bleeding body, freezing and alone and being afraid of every sound and person…..the darkness shall not scare you any longer….
I adore you..accept you….understand you and am here for you…..
I love you and you are a gift….one day, may you know just how much of a gift you truly are.
So today, BHRR’s GD Mama Gem had her own professional photo shoot and it was all about her and the princess she is and she deserved her own special time in front of Liz’s camera!
She just shined!
Thank you Liz for your generous time and talent again today!
BHRR’s Gem, we founded BHRR for dogs like you and we are honoured to have you with us…
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Murray
DNA Proven To Be GD/IW
February 15th, 2018 Professional Photo Shoot
*Sneak Peek* Photo!
Today, Liz sent me The Bakers Dozen’s latest professional pictures! Thanks so much Liz Bradleyfor everything that you do for so many!
As things continue to unfold – and not as we would wish for BHRR’s Murray – we shall update.
The scars on his face are from his continued battle since November 2nd, 2017 with Puppy Strangles.
Scars or not, he is one uber handsome boy, inside and out!
UPDATE:
So, Andrea, Maíra & I are an all go on our end to try and make another miracle happen…..
We are going to try a YouCaring Fundraiser Page this time as the fees are ‘less’ than the GoFundMe page. BHRR used YouCaring for BHRR’s Angel Noelle many years ago…..
It is going to cost us $30/day JUST to board her and she has to board at a Vet Hospital. Andrea is not able to board her.
We are also asking people to please consider donating their Empties to her cause.
I am working on a flash auction item to help with costs and we have a lot of work ahead of us yet Team ‘Valentine’ is ready and we hope that she will have a village step up to help us help her too!
Here is her YouCaring Page and we shall update as we can…..
More details to be posted as we go along re: her story…..
February 28th, 2018
We are Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) located in Eastern Ontario, Canada. We are a federally registered Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue that has been operating since 1996. We focus strongly on the special needs and provide a safe Haven for those dogs that are deemed unadoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons.
The purpose of this page is for supporters of the Brazil to Canada – Dane Angel Network to come together to help rescue/save another special needs Dane puppy.
This sweet girl came on our radar February 14th and we are now in a position to mobilize to assist her!
We would like to call her ‘Valentine’ or ‘Cupid’. She is ~5 months of age, a female Harle GD.
She comes from a horrific situation and she will require surgery on her hind end. She is also visually impaired.
This is second biggest rescue effort to date and we need your support to make a miracle happen for this deserving puppy!
She is currently residing with an *independent* rescuer in Brazil and her chance of a quality filled future is slim.
We will need to move her to a Vet Clinic to be boarded until we can organize all of her Vetting prior to transport such as Vaccines, De-worming – more than once, Fecals – more than once, Heartworm Preventative – monthly, Flea/Tick Preventative and she will need to have pre-operative blood-work in order for her to be spayed prior to transport. We will also need to test her for Distemper and make sure she is free from screwworm.
We will need to pay for food, toys, blankets and other comforts too.
Boarding is $30/Day. She will need to be boarded for at least one month.
AND we will need to figure out her crates size, Health Certificates that includes an International one and all Custom plus other legal paperwork required.
Our strong position is that dogs do not know countries or borders. A dog in need is a dog in need and these are the next in need of our specialised programs. This is why we were founded in 1996.
We will be working with a local Pet Transport Company as we want to ensure that everything is done by experts to ensure her safe passage from Brazil to Canada.
We know this shall be a costly rescue mission and our goal is to have her here within 6-8 weeks after we meet all vetting and paperwork requirements. So we have a tight deadline!
This You Caring Page is for angels to come together in support with fundraising to help this sweet baby – we are told that she is really uber sweet! – that is deep in need of the BHRR Village to come together to surround her with kindness & helping hands.
For her to have any quality filled life – most dogs, not all – in Brazil are also kept outside, she will need a Haven such as Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) that can help her live to their full potential of happy quality filled lives! We will ensure that all of her medical, emotional and comfort needs/wants are committed to for her life!
Donations can also be made via email transfer too! gwen@birchhaven.org
Donations can also be made via PayPal too! gwen@birchhaven.org
Please also consider donating your Empties!
Please help us help her…..with sincerest gratitude and humble thanks, please work with us to get them to Canada.
Sneak Peek as to ‘who’ we are seeing if we can assist next from Brazil.
This is a 5 month old female Harle GD pup.
She first came on my radar February 14th and I would love to call her “Valentine” ? That is one big name though!
She will require surgery on her hind end and appears to be visually impaired from what we can see.
Much for Maíra Souza Monteiro, Andrea Glaucia C. Peixoto, Sean Boers & I to converse in respect to…….
Her past was horrific…..
I will be spending a lot of time on this tomorrow to see if we have a great chance of successfully being able to get her to Canada.
She does not have much of any future without BHRR.
We have made the decision to move BHRR’s Leroy into our BHRR Haven Program.
He shall continue be cherished, adored, spoiled and done right by for the rest of his days…which we hope is for many more years to come!
The Bakers Dozen!
February 15th, 2018
They had their latest professional photo shoot today and what a shoot it was! Here is a candid I took!
Thank you to all of the Volunteers that spent about 35 minutes with Sean & I, puppy loving and puppy wrangling! Record time! Thanks Anne, Annette, Elizabeth, John, Meaghan, Sean & Brenna!
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as their heads were ‘not in the game’ and in the clouds instead!
Annette you get the prize – and I will find something for you! 
– for the true meaning of puppy wrangling! You rocked that wrangle tackle on BHRR’s Juniper!
This is why I love martingale’s so much for unlike the quick release buckles, they provide security and safety. NOT that BHRR’s Juniper would have gone far – super pack oriented to her siblings she is – yet case in point about the martingale’s being a much better collar. Unfortunately, we just do not have enough of them for their current size.
Thank you also Annette for the home-made treats! These pups were really distracted today and overall I plus Liz have to express how much more calm & less busy BHRR’s Everly was compared to November! It was BHRR’s Juniper – who is known to be a busy bee herself – that truly was everywhere and anywhere!
BHRR’s Oliver – you have come so far with your anxiety and shyness!! You were so much more solid.
BHRR’s Fletcher -yes, well…what can I say?! You remain such a suck and this is why you remain paired up with the person who will not unconsciously enable your own anxiety & shyness. While you would prefer to be glued to my side, from the moment you were old enough – barely 2 weeks – was never allowed to happen as I want you to become the best dog you can be!
BHRR’s Poppy – wallflower you are no longer!
BHRR’s Furry Murray – you were so in your element!
This litter has been in the hands of others consistently since they were 2 weeks of age and have gone to public education/awareness events, have had five professional photo shoots to date, have been to so many Vet visits since they were born interacting with many and experienced plenty of dates both in and out of our home.
Anyone who knows me is very aware of our BHRR play date and visitation programs – around for over 22 years now – and how much they mean in assisting to help make our dogs the most well rounded plus balanced they can be. I am always putting our dogs into the hands of others as soon as the dogs are ready and we have now seen over the past five years just how many other groups have been following our lead to do the same.
Temperament is very much genetically oriented and we have to use the proper set up for success in environment to help these dogs reach their full potential. Therefore, I am always handing off our dogs – when they are ready – to right matched people to help the doggies. So many think all puppies are bouncey and naturally social and over the top friendly and that could not be further from the truth. They are a big product of their genetics- Mama Gem’s genes live strong in these pups – and we have worked and remaining working hard to guide plus develop this litter into the Best Dogs they can be.
As such, like any of our dogs, they will only be approved to the right matched personality fit forever loving homes. Period. We provide so much detail in their blogs about the homes we want for each of our dogs and we do not want to see our dogs set up for failure. We will not compromise on what we know is in their best interest.
Five currently remain available for adoption and BHRR’s Murray could be available for adoption by April.
Thank you to Brenna for the amazing $16.20 from the returning of Empties! AND for the generous $20 donation to add to our Sunday Event total! 
We are asking people to please do consider donating your Empties to help the BHRR animals! 
Thank you again to Liz for her time and own patience to try and capture these wiggling, distracted and really amazing 5 month old Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane pups!
Any one else see the perfect ‘7’ on BHRR’s Everly’s chest?!
Too bad she was the 2nd born, not the 7th as that would be freaky!
We wish to SHOUT out the best and biggest thanks to so many that made our Sweetheart SPA event ‘pawsitively’ wonderful and so successful!
DRUMROLL: $813 Raised! – $103 was from Empties!
Thank you to Bre of Pet Valu Stittsville in hosting us on Sunday and to her really lovely staff in being so patient with the BHRR invasion of dogs and humans!
We want to thank our fabu BHRR Approved Volunteers who gave up a Sunday to spend it with us and with BHRR’s Booker & The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Murray! Aaron, Cherie, Gracie, Margaret and Doogie plus Sean & Kinsley, I remain really grateful for your support.
Thank you to every fabu dog and their human(s) that came out to visit us! At one point we had a line-up of incredible dogs waiting for us to pamper them! Thank you everyone for your amazing patience as we worked to give each and every gorgeous animal individual love and attention….their humans too!
The smooching that went on, the roses that were given out – should have bought more as 24 were gone in a flash! – the baking was equally popular – Kendra I still think that your baking is a work of art! – AND the tears that flowed….
This was a very emotional day for quite a few of us. The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Carlsberg should have been there….and while his brother BHRR’s Murray, our puppy strangles pup – more on his own latest vet visit last night – rocked the day making me immensely proud – it was also such a heart wrenching day too. Thank you to so many kind and caring folks for the ‘gentle kicks, punches & hugs’ of support. I remain so raw over his loss.
For those who have not yet seen the memorial movie or post I made February 7th, here is THE MOVIE LINK
Thank you to Jan B. who won our famous BHRR raffle basket & donated it back to BHRR.
Thank you to Pauline for donating a doggie wheelchair to help us with a future BHRR doggie in need of one.
Thank you to Doogie in making lunch for the Volunteers and staff at Pet Valu Stittsville. 
Thank you to those that donated their Empties – we still have to bring them back and will add them to the final total raised.
Thank you to Jan H. & Jenny for donating new age appropriate toys for The Bakers Dozen and two toy storage bins. We were running very low on toys.
Thank you to Margaret for the donating of future auction items that she bought in Florida – for our upcoming 11th Annual Microchip Clinic. 
Thank you to all of the BHRR Alumni adopters and doggies that came out – it always warms my heart and BHRR’s LT, I cannot believe that we are coming up on 10 years in June since your own meant to be approved adoption. We continue to work hard to dispel so many wrong beliefs and myths that Danes only live to age 7. This does our breed a huge disservice.
Too much in wrong information remains out there re: life expectancy, what constitutes proper diet, weight and exercise plus not all Vets should be seeing the giants so many of us adore. Giants are not like other size or breeds of dogs and as such need to be fed, exercised and vetted appropriately. That is why events like Sunday are so great….they provide a necessary and much needed invaluable opportunity to publicly educate and create the correct awareness re: Giants. Almost 30 years and thousands upon thousands of Giants we have been deeply involved with and our work shall never end.
AND as a small personable special needs strongly focused Rescue, we work extra hard to demonstrate to others how normal they are and how precious they are as beloved and cherished family members. No animal or person is perfect and we are all perfect in our imperfections!
AND if I am forgetting anything, that error is completely mine and please do forgive me. I was not operating at my absolute best on Sunday for a number of reasons and yesterday was equally stressful. 
The money raised will make another dent into what we owe in Vet Bills and we remain deeply thankful to so many for assisting us in helping those in need of our specialised programs. As people know, we have not taken in an Animal since 2017 for we must remain about the high standard of quality of our programs to each and every dog in our care.
When we can, we will re-open for intake and again help the next in need of BHRR. We cannot nor will not compromise on what each and every animal needs.
Some have been asking about our next event and at this time, we do not have anything concrete planned for March. We will be doing one more Flash Auction item and then have our annual BHRR date auction coming up in April etc.
BHRR’s Murray was at KAH for a recheck and pre-operative bloodwork in anticipation of being neutered if he was deemeed healthy enough. He remains cyrptorchid. He is getting ready to reduce his Pred to 5 mg EOD. He has been on Pred since November 2nd, 2017.
His Vet remarked on how much better his skin looked and noted that his lymph nodes are about 1 cm. So, still swollen. He was given the thumbs up to reduce his Pred to 5 mg EOD.
Isn’t he so handsome?!
ISO: 4 MORE BHRR Approved Puppy Loving Wranglers!
For The Bakers Dozen’s next Professional Photo Shoot!
Date: Thursday February 15th, 2018
Time: 3 PM
Location: Nepean
Please do NOT post your kind offer here, it may be missed! Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can help!
This photo is a throwback of The Bakers Dozen at their 4th professional photo shoot on November 24th, 2017!
Five are curently Available For Adoption to ONLY the right matched personality fit homes and BHRR’s Furry Murray shall hopefully be available over the next 6 weeks or so!
He is doing SO well with his battling of the Puppy Strangles since November 2nd, 2017.
All the puppies were at LAH on January 19th for vaccines and re-weighs plus rechecks. THANKS to all of the approved BHRR Volunteers who helped wrangle that day!
BHRR’s Dickens!
On our way to his professional photo shoot! He will have his special announcement to make shortly.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age
At 4 months of age – January 18th – He weighed 29.2 kgs(64.24 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Photo is from November 24th @ his 4th Professional Photo Shoot
His next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.
His very detailed blog:
http://www.birchhaven.org/
He will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for him or for any of our dogs.
All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.
Should any home feel after reading his extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt him, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review.
http://www.birchhaven.org/
*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Juniper (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age
At 4 months of age – January 18th – She weighed 21.8 kgs(47.96 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Photo is from November 24th @ her 4th Professional Photo Shoot
Her next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.
She will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for her or for any of our dogs.
All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.
Should any home feel after reading her extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt her, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review.
http://www.birchhaven.org/
*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Fletcher (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age
At 4 months of age – January 18th – He weighed 26.3 kgs(57.86 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Photo is from November 24th @ his 4th Professional Photo Shoot
His next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.
He will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for him or for any of our dogs.
All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.
Should any home feel after reading his extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt him, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review.
http://www.birchhaven.org/
*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Now 4.5 months of age
At 4 months of age – January 18th – She weighed 23.5 kgs(51.7 pounds)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Photo’s are from November 24th @ her 4th Professional Photo Shoot
Her next professional photo shoot is on February 15th.
Her very detailed blog:
http://www.birchhaven.org/archives/category/adoption/puppy-2
She will ONLY go to a right matched personality fit home and we will not compromise on that requirement for her or for any of our dogs.
All of our adoption proceses, policies plus procedures can be found on the below link.
Should any home feel after reading her extremely thorough blog and our adoption criteria that they may qualify to adopt her, they are more than welcome to submit a fully completed application to the BHRR BOD for review.
*THANK you to Liz again for the stunning photo’s!
BHRR Winter Wonderland!
February 4th, 2018
We have some of our perma/temp foster dogs over for a play date today to hang out, visit and have fun in the snow!
They are waiting for other friends that just arrived to come into the 3+ acres fenced in yard to play with!
My Ice & Zero are also in this picture so excited to be able to hang out with their old buddies!
This is Gwennie!
Many of you may not know this face for she is always hiding from the lime-light.
Today is a very special day for today is Gwennie’s Birthday!
If it were not for this truly amazing woman, BHRR would not exist and thousands upon thousands of animals/people would not have been helped over the past 22+ years.
The truly broken physically and/or behaviourally…Danes, Giants and Honourary that have been saved thanks to her. Dogs & Horses that many others would not or could not help. 98% of the dogs that come to Gwen are special needs for this was her mandate for BHRR and are often the dogs’ last chance at having a future. AND Gwennie delivers. She gives these dogs the best of everything.
Many friendships would never have been formed if it were not for this great woman either.
She has not only brought many dogs and people together, she is the glue that keeps those links on her BHRR Chain of Success so strong and stable.
She is often giving credit to others, even when it should come to her….content to stay in the background and let others be the focus of attention. Humble, generous, thoughtful and caring, nothing Gwennie would not do for anyone she felt was worthy.
Loyal to a fault and though trust is hard earned, once earned it is steadfast and solid. Break that trust and that is a whole different story!
Where Gwennie does not take a back seat is when it comes to the animals and people in need. She has no hesitation in standing up for what is right, takes a zero tolerance approach and will go toe to toe in any situation that there is a need.
She has never once waivered in her vision over the past 22+ years for BHRR and has kept BHRR being a highly reputable, responsible and quality filled rescue. No animal lacks for anything and corners are never cut and she has kept BHRR small, personable with having second to none success rates.
She creates miracles every day…..many have born witness to this. She has never shied away from the difficult, heart wrenching and financially demanding animals in need. Even knowing that her heart will be ripped to shreds again and again, Gwennie continues to find strength and heart to save the next in need of her.
These animals are treated like cherished family members and anyone that visits BHRR has seen firsthand how the dogs follow and look for Gwennie. People can see how they look at Gwennie, the trust, the mutual respect, the love that they have. It is a beautiful and humbling thing to witness as these animals learn to be dogs and blossom plus grow under her care.
Time and time again, Gwennie has worked magic and has successfully rehabbed dogs to either be placed up for adoption or kept safe in BHRR’s Haven Program. She has given life to so many, great life.
Gwennie does without to ensure that the animals get everything…the big joke is how Gwennie does not even own a winter coat or boots!
It would be lovely if we could come together as her village and community and donate some funds to help Gwennie continue the extremely important work that she does.
**Email Transfer or PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org**
Do also join us in wishing her a wonderful day as we celebrate her!
HAPPY Birthday Gwennie! 
Your Loving BHRR Family/Team
**$410 Donated To Date**
6 of The Bakers Dozen were at LAH today for their latest exams, to get updated weights and for vaccines!
BHRR’s Murray while still being weaned of off his pred from his puppy pyoderma – now getting 10 mg daily – is finally healthy to begin his own vaccine protocol! YAY!
Here are their weights from today. For those not kg savvy, just multiply by 2.2 to get their weights in pounds. 🙂
Unfortunately, there is no group photo as Sean forgot to get one and as I had to be at Alta Vista AH as BHRR’s Carlsberg(one of their litter-mates) had been admitted the night before through emerge there, I could not take one myself.
BHRR’s Juniper was noted as having some slightly swollen lymph nodes on her face and the Vet felt it was due to teething.
BHRR’s Murray is still unilaterally cryptorchid(three in this litter were – BHRR’s Fletchers dropped prior to his neuter yet BHRR’s Morty’s did not and per his Vet once he was in doing the surgery, it never would have as it was stuck in the inguinal ring). So, definitely a genetic component with three males all having an Un-descended testicle!
AND this is what happens when you leave the baking alone for 1 minute!
Thanks BHRR’s Ryder!
That has always been his ‘thing’ and it is NOT his fault.
Having been rescued at 48 pounds @ 10 months of age….food is his ‘vice’.
He is a countersurfer expert and is the first Dane in close to 30 years of working, owning, rescuing, training, rehabilitating them etc. that has ever been able to swipe food off the top of our fridge.
He was kind enough to leave 4 intact so, dessert can still be had for The Boerskins! 
BHRR’s Dickens was scheduled to have his Vet Visit on December 28th yet due to another client at the Hospital needing to be seen, we rescheduled to Saturday December 30th.
He is just over 110 pounds now! Having put on almost 12 pounds since his arrival on December 7th. He is looking good! Some more pounds and more muscle mass plus tone and he is going to look even more handsome! He still has quite a bit of dander yet his coat is finally becoming more sleek and shiny. Excellent food, proper exercise, grooming and love is going to make his coat be very glossy.
He was a good boy at the Vets. Did well for everything other than ear checking and the taking of his temperature in his ears. Having had ear infections when he was dumped at the pound, and not having had a good history of proper handling, he is understandably stressed and also due to lack of manners, he liked to try and ‘throw’ his weight around.
His leash manners are also still a bit of a bull in a china shop yet improving daily! Managed to get a weight without any issues though. WTG BHRR’s Dickens…baby steps.
He was fantastic for his bloodwork and vaccines!
We are back in a month for boosters and a re-weigh, recheck and with even more handling and love and patience and time and consistency, will be even better.
I was so proud of him for he trusted Sean & I and while a bit nervous here and there, overall was quite solid. For a dog that was dumped at the pound said to be ‘aggressive’, not one aggressive bone to be found in his body to date. Such an overused and wrongly used term for so many dogs. He is what I call ‘mirror reactive’ and as we are calm, positively confident and being open with our expectations plus communications, he is not confused and is equally calm and settled and a happy, goofy, affectionate boy he is demonstrating to be.
He has had zero issues with any of the dogs here other than being a bit ‘woofy’ at BHRR’s Ryder and vice versus yet with both being around the same age….they are both ‘jockeying’ for a spot higher than each other in the hierarchy. Nothing serious yet being monitored closely.
BHRR’s Dickens best friend is BHRR’s Mama GD Gem though. She likes to push/boss him around yet god forbid he goes too far away from her and then she is right at him giving him a piece of her mind for leaving her….and he is quite happy to have her devoted attention…she is such a tiny explosive kanga-dane now to all in her small set up for success circle. The public arena’s terrify her so much still yet one small step at a time….
This picture is of BHRR’s Dickens from our annual traditional Christmas Eve Photo shoot on December 24th, 2017. He did so well!
As we head into New Years Eve, here is Sean’s end of year statement.
Sean is Co-Founder and a BHRR BOD Member of BHRR. This photo is of him and BHRR’s Daffodil from our traditional XMAS Even Photo shoot – December 24th, 2017! She remains Available For Adoption!
In Sean’s Words:
‘Here we are again – at the end of another year. Time to reflect on the great, the good, the bad and the ugly and set our sights on the year to come.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t specifically take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made a positive contribution to BHRR. I couldn’t possibly name everyone – but you certainly know who you are!
The contributions you’ve made through time and effort, vet bills, food, auction donations, cleaning supplies, transport, etc. is precisely what allows us to do what we do! We are a community – and stronger because of it. I offer my most heartfelt thank-you to all of you. I count our interactions with all of you as part of the highlight reel.
So many wonderful people have come into our lives.
Together we’ve done a lot of great things in 2017. There are so many BHRR dogs in forever loving homes, there have been successful events for awareness, education and fundraising. One of the most significant and recent successes for this year is The Bakers Dozen and demonstrates perfectly how everyone came together as strong links on the BHRR “CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ when needed.
This was a huge outpouring of support!
It blows my mind to contemplate the amount of puppy formula that was donated and consumed! This would not have been achievable without the enormous outpouring of support given. Seriously – the amount of formula we went through would make several mortgage payments look like chump change!
And the ugly…… I’m not generally one to dwell on the negative – but I think it is important to acknowledge and address what I feel is a growing and unfortunate trend. Let’s address something that is very real yet seldom openly discussed.
A trend not just with us, but across the internet, business and personal interactions all around. Over the past several years, we’ve seen an increasing amount of destructive and abusive interactions.
This year we were subjected to a new low – as at least one person out there already knows – BHRR was subject to a malicious attack. In the end, we were proven/validated to be operating a stellar, highly responsible, excellent and much needed organization for the animals. As this was not based in fact or naive ignorance, they received a cautionary warning and we are now investigating possible further legal venues.
However, our initial response from the actions of this vindictive individual was a ‘Wow – never saw that one coming…’
We have hosted regular BHRR events here – 6 a year for over 2 decades – for people’s benefit and for the animal’s of BHRR.
We open up our home to the scrutiny of strangers and, we have done so gladly, and, openly for we have nothing to hide………..
We commit to giving up what could be very precious, valuable coveted family time for the sake of our guests. We feel it is so important for people to witness firsthand what we do and, why we do it and, that we are not like ‘every’ other group or org. out there…..
We have even had people from approved Volunteers, the curious, the interested, stay here overnight, for days and even weeks at a time.
We have always remained full of disclosure and have shared the ups, the downs, the good, the bad and the ugly with all of our followers, supporters, friends and family.
But to the individual responsible for a baseless complaint – thank you so much for putting our family on edge and under the microscope. I can’t tell you how much we appreciated the surprise and shock instead of an open dialogue with anyone who may have had questions or concerns.
So much better to lob a hand grenade from the bushes and run away. This doesn’t feel constructive, or motivated by the best interests of the animals – this feels very personal and malicious. We are very proud of what we’ve done with our lives – can you say the same?
While I’m also not prone to extolling our own efforts – we have dedicated almost 22 years of our life to the protection of animals, particularly the special needs dogs and the giant breeds – those least likely to be picked up by high turnover rescues. Animals others cannot or will not assist. 99% of those we help are the truly medical and/or behaviourally broken, We are small, personal and dedicated. We’re not trying to be dramatic when we say this – even those who know us have absolutely no idea the level of personal commitment and sacrifice this has taken from our family. The sheer amount of physical work, the hours night and day, the successes and the heartbreaks.
Responsible/quality rescue is 24/7. We do not ‘dabble’ in rescue, only do the ‘fun’ things, hang out, visit and then get to go home to relax and enjoy 9 hours of restful sleep. The stress, lack of sleep, financial drain and complete lack of freedom for something as simple as a family vacation – or even a movie or dinner night out is our lives day in and day out and we have done this gladly! The cyberbullying endured, the tens of thousands of pounds of food transported and stacked. Hydro bills – OVER $1,100/ month and enough laundry – up to 12 loads daily – to choke a laundry mat.
We’re not looking for the thanks, the praise, the accolades, or parades in our honor. We do this for the dogs, not the recognition or for any ‘pats on the back’.
At the same time, we have grown even less tolerant of the abuse, the hand grenades thrown from the sidelines, the armchair quarterbacks who find it so easy to second guess and criticize – to judge, without ever actually seeking to understand or becoming involved.
Cyberbullying is a very real problem and after much research and conversations held with cyberbullying experts, professors and lawyers, note that regardless of the occupation, paid or volunteer, everyone has the right to work in an environment free from personal threat, free from worry about emotional and/or physical harm and the right to not be bullied. This is punishable by law.
Social media is an amazing thing, it is also an awful thing that so many spanning across a vast amount of businesses, non-profits, other professional venues and personal arena’s have been enduring some level/form of bullying.
Those who want to blame, point fingers instead of learn and understand, shame on you. Those who want to take shortcuts and then foist their problems on us, shame on you. Those who want to be coddled and told they are doing everything properly when in fact they are the issue, not the animal, shame on you. Those who are turned down for an adoption and respond by spewing accusations, sour grapes and names, shame on you. Since our inception in 1996, we have retained a zero tolerance approach with the amount of nonsense, armchair quarterbacks and negativity endured.
Setting our sights on the year(s) to come – what’s next for Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services? Same wonderful people – same Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services – same strong rescue mission. Absolutely nothing will change
overnight – we will continue to do what we have always done. We continue to help the next dog in need – we continue to place adoptable dogs into their right matched forever homes and we continue to provide a safe haven for those animals that need us.
Over the coming years – we will gradually transition to our long held vision of more of a haven program (which is already a large part of what we do). We will always focus on the giant breeds and canines/horses with special needs. These are the ones that need us – these are the ones we feel we can provide the greatest benefit to with our education, experience, knowledge and heart.
As of January 2018, one of our changes shall be to our adoption area’s covered – we will adopt up to an including the Barrie and Cambridge, Ontario area’s from our location and into Quebec, we will cover up to the Montreal area. We will still rescue all across the world.
Over the next year, will also be implementing an ‘Advisory Round Table Board’ of like-minded BHRR approved Volunteers in addition to our BHRR BOD Team.
We will be adding two more BHRR approved Volunteers to our Community Education Liaison Member Team too.
I look forward to working with all of our supporters in 2018 – let us do as many wonderful things this coming year together as we were able to accomplish in 2017!
Sean
BHRR Co-Founder
BHRR BOD Team Member’
UPDATE: The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Murray (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Donated To Date: $650
His Bills Are Almost $1,500
This is BHRR’s Murray. He was rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital on Thursday November 2nd.
Then he has had appointments:
Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 9th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 16th
Kanata Animal Hospital November 21st
Kanata Animal Hospital November 28th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 5th
Kanata Animal Hospital December 18th
He weighed 14.4 kgs(31.68 pounds) on December 5th and then weighed 16.9 kgs(37.18 pounds) at 12 weeks of age.
He remains on Pred and now we are finally reducing the dosing over the next 8 weeks.
As long as he progresses and does not have a relapse, he can have vaccines around January 18th at his next recheck! He may have scarring on his face for life yet he shall always be super handsome to those who love him!
WTG BHRR’s Murray!
First picture is from December 5th and the second picture is from December 18th!
HISTORY:
I had rushed him into Kanata AH on Thursday November 2nd for when I got home with BHRR’s Everly from her own recheck and repeat x-rays at LAH, we were getting ready to feed and the pups had been moved to their stimulation area – Sean and Kids were home ahead of me and had most things ready – and BHRR’s Murray LOVES his food!
When he did not rush in BHRR’s Murray’s style to get dinner, I knew something was immediately wrong.
I took a look at him and his eyes – left more than right was swollen – and he had hives plus he was quite ‘flat’.
I immediately called KAH as I suspected a possible allergic reaction – to what I had no idea as they have limited exposure to things. We had opened up a new pack of Pee pads that day and they were now getting a different canned food transitioning as of the day before for they stopped liking the PVD Essential Care Canned. Nothing else has changed for The Bakers Dozen.
By the time I got to KAH – his ears and tummy and even penis had lesions and his lips and muzzle were swollen.
Two Vets diagnosed juvenile cellulitis. He had swollen lymph nodes. Per his Vets, onset is very sudden and often mistaken by many as being an allergic reaction.
We also did skin scrapings.
Juvenile cellulitis is also sometimes called puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma. This is an IDIOPATHIC skin disease occurring in 3-16 week old puppies. No etiologic agent has been identified per the Pediatric Emergencies II research paper found on VIN – Veterinary Information Network – that his one Vet printed out for me.
Further to this paper published by Douglass K. Macintire, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, this disease is characterised by facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, deep pyoderma of the head and face, fever, depression etc.
Juvenile cellulitis appears to have an auto-immune mediated cause. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal.
This is NOT contagious.
Treatment involves topical therapy with antibacterial shampoos, antibiotics and prednisolone. This treatment will be continued for many weeks.
BHRR’s Murray has had his recent share of stress for sure with being under the care for his hind end with both Dr. Liston and Dr. Parker(Ortho).
This Bakers Dozen has had so many odds stacked against them being born to an emaciated Puppymill Mama…. 
??We pretty much have lived at the Vets at least once a week with them fighting so hard for them….
The bills continue to rise for The Bakers Dozen and if anyone may consider a donation you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We remain so grateful for any and all consideration…..
BHRR’s Rickards XMAS Eve Photo – part of our annual traditional candid photo shoot!
BHRR’s Dickens is scheduled to have his Vet visit on December 28th! He is going to make a truly lucky home an amazing addition! HE is so awesome!
Two more pictures of this amazing boy!
The Bakers Dozen were at LAH tonight for their next exams, boosters and here are their weights in kgs!
BHRR’s Murray came to hang out at LAH – he is not ready for vaccines and I have two updates to do on him! After hanging out with his litter-mates at LAH, he had his own appointment, for a recheck at KAH. He weighed 16.9 kgs(37.18 pounds).
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for 2 decades.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 22nd, 2018 to Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Thursday January 4th, 2018!
During this time, BHRR is always available 24/7 for requests for assistance of animals in need and we shall then network accordingly for as the local Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue since 1996, the welfare of the animals are our top priority. We do not wish to see any animal end up in a disreputable place of which sadly there are far too many out there.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
AND thank you to Xandria for surprising us so wonderfully wiith this fabu photo!
Sean has decided on a name!
BHRR’s Dickens!
He had a fantastic night!
He has been out in our 3+ acres of fenced in yard…..sniffing and exploring and strolling around. After about 10 minutes he came to the door -Sean & I stood outside on the brick deck observing him – and saw Sean and skittishly skittered away.
Naturally worried re: Sean and lets me gently take his collar and pet him slowly and softly with a few strokes.
AND is now having a little bit of breakfast. Has not drank anything to date yet his breakfast has some canned food in it and he has access to fresh water. Not unusual behaviour.
Today is the first day of his new beginning and learning more about each other.
Sean will go over all of the name suggestions to date made in both threads and we all wait with bated breath as to his final decision! Keep up the great name suggestions!
Today at her spay, BHRR’s Everly – 11 weeks of age – weighed 16.1 kgs(35.42 pounds).
Today at his neuter, BHRR’s Morty – 11 weeks of age – weighed 17 kgs(37.4 pounds).
The Bakers Dozen BHRR’s Sprocket!
DNA Proven – Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane
11 weeks of age
She is the first of The Bakers Dozen to leave us for her forever loving adoptive home….
This is on our way in for her to officially fly Mama Gwennie’s Nest and while she did not exactly fly or race or even walk to leave me, she will be ok…..their time and love and consistency plus patience etc. will help her reach her full potential!
I want to thank each and every Bakers Dozen Angel that has stood so solid and strong beside them and us during their intense rollercoaster of incredible highs and devastating lows. We have witnessed first hand how strong our BHRR village remains! What a heart touching and significant validation that all our round the clock efforts, our willing and enormous sacrifices of time, money, heart and sleep is acknowledged plus supported. Thank you!
Thank you to those that have remained sensitive to how emotional this bittersweet sorrow of parting ways is for The Boerskins. These precious creatures are part of our 24/7 lives and saying good-bye is never easy.
We do what we do for the right of the animals and each one carves a deep wonderful PawPrint in our hearts and souls……no matter how long or short our journey’s are with them….
BHRR’s Sprocket only the best right match homes are meant for our dogs and you are in a most wonderful home and shall lack for nothing! You are already so dearly loved by your new family and I am so happy for you and them. Excited too!
Yes, I had a tear or two on my way in knowing that our chapter ends together yet in that tear or two was an equal mixture of a lot of happiness to see another one of our fabu BHRR dogs end up where they are meant to be!
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Carlsberg leaves us on Monday….another truly amazing filled with joy and also sadness day to come for all of us…..and we know he will truly be adored in his own forever loving home!
AND we are finally home!
BHRR’s Mr. X is settling in quite well.
It was a rocky start at the shelter and as I figured out quite quickly in watching the video Maira sent, he is what I call a ‘mirror image’ Dane.
If someone is nervous, he is nervous.
If someone is calm and quietly assured, he is calm and quietly assured
If a dog reacts and barks or lunges, he reacts and backs and lunges
I watched the short video Maira sent to me when they went to pick him up at the shelter and in the run, he was just being an adolescent gooberhead.
Yet, as the Shelter staff was nervous of him, he became nervous. Once he was away from them, he settled beautifully. He was very treat motivated for Maira.
Dogs reacted to him, so he reacted back at the shelter yet now at my home, he is in his collosal crate settling in.
He was more scared of Maira’s Male travel buddy than her and by the time I met them in Cornwall, all were fast friends! I asked him to be the one to load Mr. X up as Mr. X knew them some and I was now the stranger. Yet, there was some leash malfunctions and I ended up tethering him without issue…he had some little grumps and I just took my hands away, showed him I was a non threat and got back to the business of tethering him. Travelled wonderfully on the way home!
Understandably stranger danger in seeing Sean and Mason outside and not a peep from him when we were inside and they will spend time with him once daylight comes and he can decompress from his journey tonight.
Both Sean and I thought the same thing in only being around him a few moments – he reminds us of BHRR’s Rubble in quite a few ways. Looking forward to learning more about him and taking this rehab path with him!
His body condition is actually quite good….he lacks muscle mass and tone yet he is not thin or skinny or emaciated. A rarity for us at BHRR as we specialise heavily in dogs in such poor physical condition.
This BBBBB is behaviourally in big need of us….
He is a smaller Male Great Dane yet nicely in proportion! Really handsome. I would say he is between 120-125 right now. Love his ears and head and those eyes! Yup…another ‘do not look too deep into the eyes kind of dog or you may be sunk!’ 
I am deeply indebted to Maira for helping to get him closer to me!
We did not think we could help another Dane/Giant or Honourary Giant until 2018 yet with 7 Approved adoptions since October 1st, 1 Pending Adoption – Home-Visit on Sunday and sadly the loss of two of our 9 year old amazing Seniors, we felt we could help one more in need of us in 2017 and this boy needed a XMAS miracle. He is emotionally and behaviourally mixed/messed up, lacks proper human and dog social skills not to mention obedience. He really has zero idea that you are talking to him and trying to communicate with him….all that shall change!
Welcome to BHRR, Mr. X and thanks Maira for the pics as I could not get any! Way too dark and I was all by myself.
Mr. X still needs a name!
From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, good night wishes being sent!
AND Maira has Mr. X!
It was a rocky start yet she now has him!
I am making the drive to meet up with her shortly in Cornwall! A long night for all of us – after a long day as we both worked – yet we are this boy’s XMAS Miracle and thanks to the dedication and big heart of Maira, we are going to make this happen for him!
Drive safe Maira and see you soon!
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver
DNA Proven to Be Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane
9 weeks of age
November 24th, 2017
He is still AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION to the right matched personality fit forever loving home.
He has this individual blog & people interested in being considered for him are strongly recommended to read his whole detailed individual blog which documents his story from before he was even born!
AND to read our adoption processes, polices and procedures. We do not MAKE exceptions.
Additionally, he does not languish in a kennel or pound or shelter environment. He resides in a loving home, is socialised, being trained and adored!
Thank you to Liz again for taking this fabu photo at his fourth professional photo shoot!
BHRR’s ??
Needs A Name! Name Guru’s?!
He is a 1 year old black Male Great Dane. Dumped as the Owners say he is not good with other dogs(was ‘ok’ with their own and as been fine at the pound) and clearly lacks manners and proper socialisation. Plus, from what has come my way, he was ‘man-handled’, so is *quirky*. The Pound workers do not trust him and are not comfortable around him.
It never ceases to make us cringe over the high number of Great Danes/Giants:
1) that are purchased from backyard yard breeders and puppymillers
2) that never were properly socialised
3) that never were properly positively balanced trained
4) that people think that man handling and forcing a dog through harsh, punitive and painful methods is an acceptable and successful method of training
5) that people think are a disposable commodity
6) that when they have kids it is ok to get rid of their pets
7) that get a dog whether they do or do not have kids and they do not get a dog based upon what is the best match personality fit for their home and then the dog is labelled – often incorrectly -in any number of ways and then gotten rid of
AND the list goes on and on….. 
The genetic personality and temperament of a dog is present since birth and the right environment is necessary to help make any dog reach their full potential and become an asset to home plus community.
We will be stepping up to assist this soon to be BBBBB as he needed his own XMAS Miracle.
Thank you to BHRR BOD member Mary for offering to be his special Secret Santa!
Thank you to Maira for being so willing to help transport him closer to me!
Today at her spay, BHRR’s Juniper – 10 weeks of age – weighed 13.1 kgs(28.82 pounds).
Today at her spay, BHRR’s Poppy – 10 weeks of age – weighed 12.2 kgs(26.84 pounds).
3 Hour Count Down Reminder!
Our 10th Annual “JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS” Online Auction ends tonight- Thursday November 30th @ 9 PM EST
We currently have 136 amazing items up for grabs!
All money raised goes to help The Bakers Dozen and their Puppymill Mama GD Gem!
It is going to cost many thousands to spay/neuter and to microchip all of these special creatures….
This is a photo of BHRR’s Fletcher at KAH yesterday in recovery from his neuter. Thanks KAH for the picture!
6 of the Bakers Dozen were altered this week with more to be done next week.
To see all of the items we have up for grabs so far AND to bid, please USE THIS LINK!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: When bidding please bid per the rules with your full name and contact information AND NOTE the location for pick-up as not all items can be shipped or are available in our neck of the woods!
2 Hour Count Down Reminder!
Our 10th Annual “JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS” Online Auction ends tonight- Thursday November 30th @ 9 PM EST
We currently have 136 amazing items up for grabs! So many beautiful items thanks to our Auction Angels!
All money raised goes to help The Bakers Dozen and their Puppymill Mama GD Gem!
It is going to cost many thousands to spay/neuter and to microchip all of these special creatures….not to mention the over $10,000 spent to date to care for all….
This is a photo of Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem, mere hours before she began to whelp The Bakers Dozen….this is where she felt safe and nested and wanted to have her babies….on the double futon bed in our recreational room, I was sleeping on beside her since she arrived into our care.
She weighed 99 pounds heavily pregnant and after giving birth to 13 babies, she dropped down to barely 85 pounds and now weighs a wonderful 115 pounds! Her physical wounds have healed, and scars or not she will always be a stunning BBBBB to us! My heart is just wrapped up so tightly in her soft paws…..tears will jump so easily to my eyes when I think of her….I love her that much! Emotionally, she was broken and she has a long way to go…..I am beside her every step she takes in her rehab journey.
She will never know another bad day, never be forced to breed, be hurt, beaten, starved and she shall never know another night or day in a place of hell with no light and surrounded by death and pain of hundreds upon hundreds of others That suffered like her.
Known only as D211 to the puppymillers, to us we named her BHRR’s Gem….To us she is so special. When she is emotionally ready, she will have her own professional photo shoot.
6 of the Bakers Dozen were altered this week with more to be done next week.
To see all of the items we have up for grabs so far AND to bid, please visit the below link!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: When bidding please bid per the rules with your full name and contact information AND NOTE the location for pick-up as not all items can be shipped or are available in our neck of the woods!
http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-2…/online-auction-2012
Today at his neuter, BHRR’s Oliver – 10 weeks of age weighed 15.6 ks(34.32 pounds)
Today at his neuter, BHRR’s Fletcher – 10 weeks of age weighed 14.7 kgs(32.34 pounds) – I noted that the one undescended testicle had dropped when I checked on Sunday and so, BHRR’s Fletcher was good to be neutered today.
BHRR’s Fletcher – photo sent my way by KAH.
Another picture of this stunning BBBBB!
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
BHRR’s Ryder!
~16 months
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
He is ready to make his own special announcement!
He is the Great Dane that was rescued at around 10 months of age weighing barely 48 pounds and with a medical eye condition.
To those who felt sorry for him, look at him now! He did not need people to feel sorry for him. He needed people to understand and help him and we are forever grateful to those who helped transport him and have stood by his and our side during his extensive rehabilitation!
What was once thought to be a cherry eye was actually eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane. The first eye surgery he when he was neutered failed and he required a second surgery in September. Which if you look at his photo was successful!
Can you even tell which eye had the two surgeries?! 
His coat, once brown, dull, full of dead hair and so thin not to mention full of dander is now sleek and black and glossy and so shiny! 
He is currently ~115-120 pounds and as a young now healthy growing Dane, he is still gaining.
This boy has personality!! Oh! How I love his temperament. He is a true character and if people just give him a few moments to size up a room/situation, he relaxes and is the class clown. With all that he went through prior to Rescue, who can blame him for wanting to be sure everything was ok before jumping in.
He is friendly, happy, goofy and so loyal…..the way he looks at me once again, has me feeling incredibly humbled.
His biggest vice remains counter surfing. I cannot stress it enough that this is the biggest thing that we continue to patiently work on. He will need a home that shall remain consistent and positive balanced based in their approach to this behaviour. For a Dane that has been starved, who can blame him for wanting the goodies to be found yet, we are making slow but steady progress.
He can still be strong on a leash yet also has greatly improved. He is an adolescent that did not have much to no training prior to his rescue and he is equally doing so well in this area!
Fine to bathe, do nails and clean ears.
He still has some mild anxiety here and there in his crate when he first goes in at night and we passively ignore and he settles beautifully.
Travels amazing in a car now and no longer tries to climb the seats…even when tethered/seat belted, he would try and these days is most content to look out the windows or lay down to chomp a Butchery marrow bone etc.
We prefer a home with children no younger than 13, if said right matched home had children.
He can go to a home with or without a dog already residing in it and male or female does not matter as it is always about the right match fit personality, not the sex of the dog. He is not a wallflower and does still take some pleasure in attempting to push the softer Dogs a bit, like one of my own Wolfies Brogan. That being said, on the inside he really is a big softie that is working on his proper manners.
He has learned so much since he first arrived to us in July and while he is very much a gorgeous diamond in the rough in some ways, he does not have need of me any longer and that right match fit forever loving home can continue to build upon the strong foundation we have worked so hard to build for him.
He is not a high maintenance Dane to us….more of a low middle end kind of boy and for us a true riot!
He needs a home that walks three times a day, has a good sized fenced in backyard and has a strong small social network in place both people and dog wise for BHRR’s Ryder to keep moving forward in his manners and social skills. He loves his close few friends and needs his set up for success circle.
He can be adopted to a home that works full time, or part-time or works from home or is semi-retired or retired. Another versatile BHRR dog.
I am so going to miss this stunning BBBBB when it is his time to leave me….he has been an absolute delight to have been asked to assist and like all the BHRR Dogs over the last shy of 22 years, will be a part of my heart forever!
I am over the moon proud of you BHRR’s Ryder! We also sincerely hope that the select few who could not look past his emaciation/eye/coat to what he had the potential to be now see why BHRR exists and are the experts we are in these situations. 
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This boy deserved the opportunity as any other dog does to live a super quality filled life filled with so much care and surrounded by so much love! 
He is happy and healthy and lives his every day to the fullest….
Thank you again to Liz Bradley for the gorgeous pics!
The Bakers Dozen – 5 of them!
DNA Prove To Be Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound
9 weeks of age
November 24th, 2017
This is at their fourth professional photo shoot!
Thanks so much again Liz Bradley for your time and patience as the puppies were being wrangled… 
L-R
BHRR’s Poppy, BHRR’s Juniper, BHRR’s Everly, BHRR’s Fletcher & BHRR’s Oliver
These five are still available for future approved adoptions.
BHRR ONLY places per right match personality fits and each of these amazing pups have extremely detailed blogs from even before they were born!
Sadly, we also still have people not reading our adoption process/policies and procedures that includes our adoption area covered etc.
We remain patient…..
THANK you to Melissa Anne, Gracie Walker(AND your lovely mom, Ellen for stepping up at the last minute as we had two Volunteers end up not being in attendance), Kayla Baxter & Mason Ross Boers! – Thanks Mason also for stepping in when needed!
We are NOTHING without our absolutely incredible approved BHRR Volunteer team and so so so so grateful!
Liz & BHRR’s Oliver(Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane)
9 weeks of age
September 24th, 2017
Available For Future Approved Adoption!
Today 5 of The Bakers Dozen had their 4th Professional Photo Shoot!
BHRR’s Oliver took to Liz Bradley so fast and strongly!
She asked me to snap a few photo’s of them and this is one of the pics!
AREN’T they adorable?
I want to share this photo as Liz is a huge part of BHRR’s “CHAIN OF SUCCESS”
Her time and talent with professional photo’s has enabled BHRR to see so many of our BHRR animals’ *captured* so beautifully!
She is a strong link on our ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ and we are deeply blessed.
I love this photo!
Thank you to all of the BHRR Volunteers that braved a windy day today to help puppy wrangle!
Thank you LIz for everything you do for so many in the community that has enabled more animals’ to be adopted from many r/q groups!
BHRR’s Fletcher – Fourth Professional Photo Shoot! 9 weeks of age.
BHRR’s Ryder had his professional photo shoot today!
As soon as the pictures are back, he will be ready to make his own special announcement!
This is the Great Dane that was rescued weighing 48 pounds at only 10 months of age.
He is now a gorgeous BBBBB weighing almost 115 and after needing two eye surgeries, he is happy and healthy! AND he has learned a lot about manners yet he still likes to counter surf if ever given the chance! ?
Jane, your boy is doing fabu! ?
I am off shortly to make the drive do a third home-visit this week for a possible Approved adoption with another one planned for Sunday! Tonights home-visit is for The Bakers Dozen BHRR’s Carlsberg. We will update as we can!
UPDATE: The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Murray (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Donated To Date: $550
His Bills Are Already Over $1,200
This is BHRR’s Murray. He was rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital on Thursday November 2nd and then was at Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th and then he was at Kanata Animal Hospital November 9th and again on November 16th.
Tonight – November 21st, he was back for another recheck at KAH.
He weighed 12.1 kgs(26.62 pounds) at 9 weeks of age at KAH
The day after he was at KAH, Forti Flora was added to his food, as he was having bloody mucousy stool due to the meds dispensed the night before – more info. below.
Tonight, he was re-weighed, examined, temp remains normal, still has swollen lymph nodes and in doing a ‘tape’ test on the lesions on his face, no yeast was found and only mild cocci.
He remains on Pred and Clavamox and also the ear drops he began last Friday for the cocci/rods found.
The latest fecal we did – November 16th was negative as was the first one we did when the litter was 2 weeks of age as we have been following proper Vet protocol in de-worming this litter at 2,4,6 & 8 weeks. They will be de-wormed again at 10 weeks and then monthly after that.
I also did his nails again tonight.
We will be back next week for his next recheck.
I had rushed him into Kanata AH on Thursday November 2nd for when I got home with BHRR’s Everly from her own recheck and repeat x-rays at LAH, we were getting ready to feed and the pups had been moved to their stimulation area – Sean and Kids were home ahead of me and had most things ready – and BHRR’s Murray LOVES his food!
When he did not rush in BHRR’s Murray’s style to get dinner, I knew something was immediately wrong.
I took a look at him and his eyes – left more than right was swollen – and he had hives plus he was quite ‘flat’.
I immediately called KAH as I suspected a possible allergic reaction – to what I had no idea as they have limited exposure to things. We had opened up a new pack of Pee pads that day and they were now getting a different canned food transitioning as of the day before for they stopped liking the PVD Essential Care Canned. Nothing else has changed for The Bakers Dozen.
By the time I got to KAH – his ears and tummy and even penis had lesions and his lips and muzzle were swollen.
Two Vets diagnosed juvenile cellulitis. He had swollen lymph nodes. Per his Vets, onset is very sudden and often mistaken by many as being an allergic reaction.
We also did skin scrapings.
Juvenile cellulitis is also sometimes called puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma. This is an IDIOPATHIC skin disease occurring in 3-16 week old puppies. No etiologic agent has been identified per the Pediatric Emergencies II research paper found on VIN – Veterinary Information Network – that his one Vet printed out for me.
Further to this paper published by Douglass K. Macintire, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, this disease is characterised by facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, deep pyoderma of the head and face, fever, depression etc.
Juvenile cellulitis appears to have an auto-immune mediated cause. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal.
This is NOT contagious.
Treatment involves topical therapy with antibacterial shampoos, antibiotics and prednisolone. This treatment will be continued for many weeks.
BHRR’s Murray has had his recent share of stress for sure with being under the care for his hind end with both Dr. Liston and Dr. Parker(Ortho). 
This Bakers Dozen has had so many odds stacked against them being born to an emaciated Puppymill Mama…. 
We pretty much have lived at the Vets at least once a week with them fighting so hard for them….
The bills continue to rise for The Bakers Dozen and if anyone may consider a donation you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We remain so grateful for any and all consideration…..
UPDATE: The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Murray (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Donated To Date: $450
His Bills Are Already Over $1,000
This is BHRR’s Murray. He was rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital on Thursday November 2nd and then was at Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th and then he was at Kanata Animal Hospital November 9th.
Tonight – November 16th, he was back for another recheck at KAH.
He weighed 11.3 kgs(24.86 pounds) at 8 weeks of age at KAH
The day after he was at KAH, Forti Flora was added to his food, as he was having bloody mucousy stool due to the meds dispensed the night before – more info. below.
Tonight, he was re-weighed, examined, temp remains normal, still has swollen lymph nodes and is now having his Prednisolone increased and had ear cytologies done again and he has cocci and rods in the one ear. 
I did his nails again also tonight.
He will begin ear medication and his dosing of pred will be increased again this week. He was put on interceptor and we are running a fecal as it is time for another fecal for The Bakers Dozen! Fecals done to date have been negative and all puppies have been de-wormed per proper Vet Protocal at 2,4,6,8 and then will be de-wormed again at 10 weeks.
We will be back next Tuesday to KAH for another recheck, re-weigh etc.
I had rushed him into Kanata AH last Thursday for when I got home with BHRR’s Everly from her own recheck and repeat x-rays at LAH, we were getting ready to feed and the pups had been moved to their stimulation area – Sean and Kids were home ahead of me and had most things ready – and BHRR’s Murray LOVES his food!
When he did not rush in BHRR’s Murray’s style to get dinner, I knew something was immediately wrong.
I took a look at him and his eyes – left more than right was swollen – and he had hives plus he was quite ‘flat’.
I immediately called KAH as I suspected a possible allergic reaction – to what I had no idea as they have limited exposure to things. We had opened up a new pack of Pee pads that day and they were now getting a different puppy canned food transitioning as of the day before for they stopped liking the PVD Essential Care Canned. Nothing else has changed for The Bakers Dozen.
By the time I got to KAH – his ears and tummy and even penis had lesions and his lips and muzzle were swollen.
Two Vets diagnosed juvenile cellulitis. He had swollen lymph nodes. Per his Vets, onset is very sudden and often mistaken by many as being an allergic reaction.
We also did skin scrapings.
Juvenile cellulitis is also sometimes called puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma. This is an IDIOPATHIC skin disease occurring in 3-16 week old puppies. No etiologic agent has been identified per the Pediatric Emergencies II research paper found on VIN – Veterinary Information Network – that his one Vet printed out for me.
Further to this paper published by Douglass K. Macintire, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, this disease is characterised by facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, deep pyoderma of the head and face, fever, depression etc.
Juvenile cellulitis appears to have an auto-immune mediated cause. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. This is NOT contagious.
Treatment involves topical therapy with antibacterial shampoos, antibiotics and prednisolone. This treatment will be continued for several weeks.
BHRR’s Murray has had his recent share of stress for sure with being under the care for his hind end with both Dr. Liston and Dr. Parker(Ortho). 
This Bakers Dozen has had so many odds stacked against them being born to an emaciated Puppymill Mama…. 
??We pretty much have lived at the Vets at least once a week with them fighting so hard for them….
The bills continue to rise for The Bakers Dozen and if anyone may consider a donation you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We remain so grateful for any and all consideration….. 
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Fletcher-Fletch (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
*This litter has Been DNA Proven to be GD/IW*
AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ADOPTION!
8 weeks of age
Puppy #13 – Thirteenth Born – September 13th, 2017 @ 9:29 AM
Brindle Boy
Birth Weight: 475 g(1.04 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week: 1 pound, 9 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks: 3 pounds, 3 oz
November 7th: 7 weeks: 9.5 kgs(20.9 pounds)
This boy is hilarious! On the move! LOVES to eat and it is like he does not have a ‘full’ button and you have to monitor him closely.
He can be busy at times yet when it is time to settle down, he is a dream. He is a lot less busy than he used to be too! So much more calm and settled and he loves to be picked up by Kinsley and snuggled. He is far less active than BHRR’s Everly and BHRR’s Juniper!
As of last Saturday, we have created/renovated a 750+ square foot area in our rec room for the puppies and they also now have almost 3/4’s of an acre safely fenced in just for them with direct access from our rec room. They have wall to wall windows and French doors with so much wonderful sun light. They even have their own 54” TV and two fireplaces!
With the additional space and freedom, he is receiving all of the necessary physical stimulation he is currently needing in addition to the continued obedience and emotional stimulation plus oodles of love!
He has some anxiety issues that we have been working through and he is responding so well. New things have made him a bit nervous yet he is beginning to take more things in instant stride now. We are getting the right people to assist in holding and loving on him at the Vets/Photo Shoots to enable me to help him reach his full potential and he is doing great! He really is!
His true small anxiety moments come when his ‘kid’ or we leave him when it is time for quiet time or night time sleepies. He will sit and give a few whines and then he is over it….so much better than what it used to be.
When he makes up his mind that he wants to do something or go somewhere, watch out! LOL He will do all he can to meet that goal he has taken upon himself to do! He is a true hoot!
He is so much fun!
He is no longer a rough player…..he is learning to be gentle yet again, he is a big boy – second biggest in the litter as of 7 weeks of age on November 7th and he has learned much about the power of his paws and puppy teeth. He has learned ‘kisses only’ and ‘no biting’ and is smart!
You could not ask for a better snuggler when the time comes and he is ready for a snooze!
He is not high energy, just when he sets his mind to something & is comfortable, he just wants to do it! Then, he becomes a ‘man on the go!’ It is a real delight watching him think and ponder things through to trying to do what he wants and going where he wants!
This litter is average/top average for Giant Breed puppies now! GO PUPS GO!
He playful, shares well with his litter-mates and has made friends with both of the BHRR Saint Ladies, BHRR’s Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson along with three of my own dogs – my almost 13.5 year old GSx Cherokee and my own two Wolfies.
He is so handsome and while not a totally pushover in temperament, he is a team player, quite soft in personality over all and just loves his ‘pack’! A really sweet boy. 
He loves being around his humans.
He is such an easy keeper to us. Easy to do nails and to bathe plus clean ears! Travels great in a car!
If you do not have time to commit to a dog, please do not consider applying. He deserves a home that will take him for walks, strolls, new places, visiting friends and family and we are not seeking a super busy/active home. One that is average/normal in social activity both in and out of their home. A home that will commit to his needs and ensure that he is part of the family.
He can go to a home with children over the age of 10 and homes that feel it is ok for their children to ride or lay on dogs, need not bother applying. This is completely inappropriate behaviour.
We could only afford to do three DNA kits and we did a draw as to which three puppies would be done and the results came back supporting that all three pups done were Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane. This does not surprise me in knowing what the puppymiller was breeding.
Knows words such as his name, good and boy and sit and no plus treat/snack and so many others!
He, like his litter-mates love their giant stuffies to and cuddle with. Much comfort has been given by these stuffies as their Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem sadly rejected them shortly after birth.
He can go to a home either as an only dog or to a home that already has a right matched fit dog already in it. It is most essential that he have a strong dog social network. We have friends and so should he and it will help keep him well balanced & rounded. These puppies are very much a product of their genetics. If he is an only dog, he really would benefit from having a Giant stuffie.
A home that shall not cater/enable to his small amounts of anxiety and one that has the experience/knowledge to be a proper positive balanced home for him.
Before applying to adopt him, please read our adoption processes and policies on our www.birchhaven.org
We are getting many inquiries on The Bakers Dozen litter from all over the States for example and our adoption area is clearly posted on our websites and in the adoption application.
People are also getting caught up in looks and their breeds and are not reading The Bakers Dozen’s detailed blogs about the homes we are seeking for the remaining pups in this litter. We go to great lengths to provide this information that shall answer almost all of your questions. 
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Photo is from his second professional photo shoot on October 22nd at almost 5.5 weeks of age. His third professional photo shoot was on November 5th!
He will be ready to go to his approved right match fit forever loving home by December 22nd, 2017. He and his siblings are scheduled to be altered between November 28th & December 8th. His first vaccines were November 7th.
He also has this individual blog:
Thank you to Melissa for the great professional photo’s & to Ellie White for being his amazing puppy wrangler at the professional photo shoots and at the Vet!
BHRR’s Every’s DNA Certificate. All three in the litter that we randomly did came back as Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound like we strongly suspected this litter was based upon what we were told the puppymiller was breeding.
BHRR’s Oliver’s DNA Certificate. All three in the litter that we randomly did came back as Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound like we strongly suspected this litter was based upon what we were told the puppymiller was breeding.
UPDATE: The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Murray (Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound)
Donated To Date: $330
This is BHRR’s Murray. He was rushed into Kanata Animal Hospital last Thursday and then was at Liston Animal Hospital on November 7 and now he was back at Kanata Animal Hospital tonight – November 9th.
He weighed 8.3 kgs(18.26 pounds) at almost 6.5 weeks of age at KAH
The day after he was at KAH, Forti Flora was added to his food, as he was having bloody mucousy stool due to the meds dispensed the night before – more info. below.
He weighed 9.2 KGs(20.24 pounds) at 7 weeks of age at LAH November 7th – he had ear cytologies, temp taken – still normal – and ears cleaned/ointment put in them and he still had swollen lymph nodes and had been re-weighed. His ear cytologies showed skins cells from inflammation.
Tonight he weighed 9.9 KGs(21.78 pounds) at 7 weeks of age at KAH – he had 3 more skin scrapings, was re-weighed, examined by two Vets, temp remains normal, still has swollen lymph nodes and is now having his Prednisolone increased and is being changed from clavaseptin to clavamox and dose is also increasing.
We will be back next Thursday to KAH for another recheck, re-weigh etc.
I had rushed him into Kanata AH last Thursday for when I got home with BHRR’s Everly from her own recheck and repeat x-rays at LAH, we were getting ready to feed and the pups had been moved to their stimulation area – Sean and Kids were home ahead of me and had most things ready – and BHRR’s Murray LOVES his food!
When he did not rush in BHRR’s Murray’s style to get dinner, I knew something was immediately wrong.
I took a look at him and his eyes – left more than right was swollen – and he had hives plus he was quite ‘flat’.
I immediately called KAH as I suspected a possible allergic reaction – to what I had no idea as they have limited exposure to things. We had opened up a new pack of Pee pads that day and they were now getting a different puppy canned food transitioning as of the day before for they stopped liking the PVD Essential Care Canned. Nothing else has changed for The Bakers Dozen.
By the time I got to KAH – his ears and tummy and even penis had lesions and his lips and muzzle were swollen.
Two Vets diagnosed juvenile cellulitis. He had swollen lymph nodes. Per his Vets, onset is very sudden and often mistaken by many as being an allergic reaction.
We also did skin scrapings.
Juvenile cellulitis is also sometimes called puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma. This is an IDIOPATHIC skin disease occurring in 3-16 week old puppies. No etiologic agent has been identified per the Pediatric Emergencies II research paper found on VIN – Veterinary Information Network – that his one Vet printed out for me.
Further to this paper published by Douglass K. Macintire, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, this disease is characterised by facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, deep pyoderma of the head and face, fever, depression etc.
Juvenile cellulitis appears to have an auto-immune mediated cause. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. This is NOT contagious.
Treatment involves topical therapy with antibacterial shampoos, antibiotics and prednisolone. This treatment will be continued for several weeks. He was prescribed clavaseptin and prednisolone.
BHRR’s Murray has had his recent share of stress for sure with being under the care for his hind end with both Dr. Liston and Dr. Parker(Ortho).
This Bakers Dozen has had so many odds stacked against them being born to an emaciated Puppymill Mama…. We pretty much have lived at the Vets at least once a week with them fighting so hard for them….
The bills continue to rise for The Bakers Dozen and if anyone may consider a donation you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We remain so grateful for any and all consideration…..
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Oliver – Great Dane/Irish Wolfhound
AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ADOPTION!
7 weeks of age
Puppy #10 – Born Tenth – September 13th, 2017 @ 2:45 AM
Blue with White Male
Birth Weight: 501 g(1.11 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week old: 1 pound
September 29th: 2 weeks old: 3 pounds, 4 oz
November 7th: 7 weeks old: 9.8 kgs(21.56 pounds)
He is a big uber handsome boy! He is not the bravest of souls…..has some anxietty that has been coming along famously! We are seeking a proper dog experienced home for him.
His confidence is improving daily and we are working on getting the right people to hold and love him when we are out at Vet visits/photo shoots etc…as each positive experience is making him reach his full potential.
He is not a leader….he is content to eat, be held and be loved on! He and Kinsley take many naps together! 😀
He will lay by my feet when it is feeding time…not demanding attention, yet making his presence known. He used to fall asleep due to stress for he did not understnad why he was fed some food and then he had to wait and be fed more food etc. Now, he is right in there making sure that he gets his turn!
He is learning so much and is a gentle player….he is not a rough and tumble boy….at least not yet!
Stability, routine and consistency is what he needs….and he is thriving so well.
New situations make him a bit nervous yet once he gathers up his courage and realises that he is ‘ok’, he will take the world in stride.
Just needs a few minutes to size up the world and then his off to the races!
He is so sweet….so loveable. Patient, kind, quiet, totally sweet.
This boy is so chill. Extremely quiet, calm and we have worked to make sure that he gets more than his share of love and not be overshadowed by the more ‘in your face’ puppies.
He is going to be a big boy and this litter though born emaciated and tiny is thriving! He is the biggest in the litter right now.
We did DNA testing on three of these puppies, BHRR’s Everly, BHRR’s Oliver and BHRR’s Carlsberg. We could only afford three DNA kits, did a draw and the results have come back for BHRR’s Everyl & BHRR’s Carlsberg to date and they are GD/IW pups. Based upon what the puppymiller was breeding, this does not suprise me.
We will approve a home for him that is not always on the go. He needs a stable, calm, structured, consistent home. Quietly social with smaller groups of friends and family both in the home and out, yet not flittering here and there and everywhere.Walks, strolls, small hikes are good and having a good social doggie network is important yet he is not a puppy that loves ton of action. Playful yet not overly.
He is relaxed and will do best in a home that is equally relaxed and while that home is social, there is ‘no place like home’ kind of family is ideal for him.
Rain days with a good book or a movie in front of the fireplace on after a short walk is this boyz cup of tea!
He will not be approved to be adopted to a home that has children UNDER the age of 10. Homes with more than 2 children also shall not be considered.
Homes that feel it is acceptable to have their children ride or lay on dogs, need not bother applying. This is completely inappropriate and painful to the dog.
Easy to do nails and to bathe plus clean ears!
Travels wonderfully in a car and at 7 weeks of age, knows words such as his name, good. sit, snack and boy and so many others!
He, like his litter-mates love their giant stuffies to and cuddle with. He really does. Much comfort has been given by these stuffies as their Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem sadly rejected them shortly after birth.
He can go to a home either as an only dog or to a home that already has a right matched fit dog already in it. It is most essential that he remains having exposure to other dogs and like we have friends, he should have a few good friends too.
He is so handsome and mellow.
He is very even tempered.
Before applying to adopt him, please read our adoption processes and policies on our www.birchhaven.org
Photo is from his second professional photo shoot on October 22nd at almost 5.5 weeks of age.
He will be ready to go to his approved right match fit forever loving home by December 22nd, 2017. He and his siblings are scheduled for their spays/neuters between the end of November and the beginning of December.
He had his first vaccines November 7th.
He also has this individual blog:
Thank you to Melissa for her time/talent capturing The Bakers Dozen and to Bob for being his professional Photo/Vet Cuddle Buddy!
The Bakers Dozens’ weights at LAH today:
It has been a Bakers Dozen week and it is not over yet!
We still have four more to be placed up for adoption and I shall continue that tomorrow. BHRR’s Murray remains on medical hold.
All puppies(DNA Proven To Be Dane/Irish Wolfhound pups) were at LAH tonight for 5 pm for their next progress/recheck exams and vaccines, other than BHRR’s Murray due to his compromised immune system.
It was a BHRR small yet mighty village invasion and before we went in, I snapped a quick group photo – MIA are Elizabeth & Christine who had not yet arrived.
They are 7 weeks of age and weights ranged from(I have all of their weights and will put into their blogs) from 7.8 kgs(17.16 pounds) with BHRR’s Poppy, next smallest was BHRR’s Juniper at 8.1 kgs(17.82 pounds) and the biggest was BHRR’s Oliver at 9.8 kgs(21.56 pounds) and the second biggest was BHRR’s Fletcher at 9.5 kgs(20.9 kgs)!
While born super tiny and emaciated, they are not any longer! They are mid to above average now for Giants. Go Babies Go!
BHRR’s Fletcher’s dark brindling colouring is deceiving as many think he is one of the smallest but he is the second biggest.
We will need to re-arrange the currently booked spay/neuter schedule as both BHRR’s Morty & BHRR’s Fletcher still have one undescended testicle and Dr. Liston recommends doing them last on the list – so December 8th – to give them more time to ‘drop’ if they are going to.
BHRR’s Murray had his temp taken – remains normal, had cytologies done on his ears – just skin cells, no infections and he is back at KAH on Thursday for another recheck, re-weigh and new dosing of his clavaseptin antibiotics & Pred meds. He is stronger in the hind end than he was with the strengthening exercises we have been doing and Dr. Parker, the ortho specialist will continue to monitor him as he grows as will Dr. Liston.
Dr. Liston found BHRR’s Oliver to not be as bad as BHRR’s Murray with his eastie eastie stance and ‘loosey goosey’ hind end yet noted that until he actually begins to move, he has some weakening in the hind end yet Dr. Liston did note that the slippery floor did hinder things. We will monitor and work on his own strengthening and stimulation further.
BHRR’s Poppy’s eyes were given a thumbs up so she will also be placed up for adoption shortly.
I did all of their nails other than BHRR’s Murray as I just did them last Thursday and will do them again this Thursday at KAH.
We were in and out within 1.25 hours and none of this would have been possible without all of the amazing Volunteers who came to help me or the staff at LAH and Dr. Liston himself!
This litter as with all that we have helped over the past almost 22 years has a village helping to raise them and thank you! Thank you for giving them different hands of love and kindness in touching and holding them.
Thank you for giving them further amazing wonderful experiences helping us help them become the best dogs they can be.
Thank you for the compliments on how calm and easy going and relaxed and social these puppies are….we have worked so hard as we do with all of the dogs we are entrusted with to do right by….
We remain truly forever touched by our committed and dedicated supporters for standing strong beside the animals!
We are continuing to think of creative ways to pay for their mounting vet bills too!
***UPDATED WITH DNA BREED RESULTS***
Both puppies of The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly & BHRR’s Carlsberg are: Drumroll…..
Great Dane AKA German Mastiff(Mama Gem) & Irish Wolfhound(Dad)
Guessing TIME!
DNA Results are in for The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Everly & BHRR’s Carlsberg! We are still waiting for BHRR’s Olivers’ results. We could only afford to do three out of the litter and did a draw as to which three would be done.
Some of you are going to be surprised! 
Any guesses as to what they are? Are they single bred Danes? Are they mixes? If so, with what breed or breeds? Are they dual sired?
Any guesses?
As many know, I had my own strong suspicions of what they may be…and did the DNA Results prove me wrong? 
Pictures of BHRR’s Everly & BHRR’s Carlsberg in this post for people to guess.
The Bakers Dozen of BHRR’s Everly, BHRR’s Morty & BHRR’s Poppy wish all a good-night from our home to all of our friends, family & supporters!
That is also BHRR’s Oliver in the picture!
They are now 7 weeks of age and tomorrow they are at Liston Animal Hospital for their recheck exams and vaccines – other than BHRR’s Murray who will not be having vaccines for a long time to come. He will just have a recheck….and he is back at KAH for another recheck on Thursday, re-weigh again and to obtain more prednisolone plus clavaseptin for his puppy strangles.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Juniper
7 weeks of age
AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ADOPTION!
Puppy #9 – Born Ninth – September 13th, 2017 @ 2:10 AM
Black Female #2
Birth Weight: 480g(1.05 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week: 1 pound, 2 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks: 2 pounds, 13 oz
November 7th: 7 weeks of age: 7.8 kgs(17.16 pounds)
This BBBB is not like most of her siblings. She has her own agenda and while not as much as she used to be…she used to be a bit of a loner….she sure has come a long way!
She is feisty, adventurous and quite the explorer these days!
Out of all of the puppies, she is the one that looks most like her stunning Puppymill Mama Great Dane Gem and also is so like her with her ‘KangaDane’ antics plus her vocalisation in greeting me in the AM or at feeding time. ??
She is more interactive with the other pups than she was when she was first born, playful and yet, she is clearly her own woman. This girl is smart! Not as brilliant as her sister BHRR’s Everly yet not far behind! She is a thinker and she also observes a lot…she watches things closely, sizes things up and then makes whatever ‘move’ she feels is best.
She is one of the first of the litter to discover the TV along with BHRR’s Poppy and can be found sitting along with the kids watching whatever show they are! ?
Quiet and calm and also mixed with feistiness plus sassiness, she no longer tends to let most others take the attention as she has had to learn that she is equally important and deserves love/time and attention too!
She so often comes to us on her own bidding and I love how her wee paw comes out to reach for me and I am so proud of her in learning that she is deserving too! She can now be downright insistent times to get her share of attention and good for her!
She is not a wallflower….she is just unique….she is a thinker….totally loving, gentle and sweet and does not seem to ‘get’ what all the fuss is about from some of the more ‘in your face pups’! She is patience personified!
AND, I love the wee white tip on her tail!
We are doing DNA testing on three of her siblings, BHRR’s Everly, BHRR’s Carlsberg & BHRR’s Oliver. We could only afford three DNA kits, did a draw and we are looking forward to the results. I suspect from being told what this puppymiller was breeding that she is is a Dane/Irish Wolfhound. We shall see!
We will approve a home for her that is not always on the go. She needs a consistent, stable home that while active is not extremely busy and will understand that she really needs a ‘job’. She is so super smart that it would be a shame to see that wasted.
She can go to a home that does have children over the age of 8 yet no more than two children in the home, if the home does have kids.
Easy to do nails and to bathe plus clean ears!
Travels wonderfully in a car and at 7 weeks of age, knows words such as her name, good, sit and girl and so many others!
She, like her litter-mates love their giant stuffies to and cuddle with. Much comfort has been given by these stuffies as their Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem sadly rejected them shortly after birth.
She can go to a home either as an only dog or to a home that already has a right matched fit dog already in it. It is most essential that she has a strong dog social network. Our preference would be to see her in a home with a right match personality fit dog in it yet not a deal breaker. One that is balanced, one that shall compliment BHRR’s Juniper and one that shall continue to help BHRR’s Juniper be the best dog she can be for she just overflows with so much potential!
Before applying to adopt her, please read our adoption processes and policies on our www.birchhaven.org
Photo is from her second professional photo shoot on October 22nd, at almost 5.5 weeks.
She will be ready to go to her approved right match fit forever loving home by December 22nd, 2017. She and her three sisters are scheduled to be spayed December 6th & December 8 (2 & 2 on those days). Her first vaccines are scheduled for November 7th.
She also has this individual blog:
http://www.birchhaven.org/archives/category/bhrr-rehab-dogs/puppy-9
Thank you to Melissa for the great professional photo’s and to Holly for naming her!
BHRR’s Fletcher’s third professional photo shoot between the rain drops on November 5th!
A picture of BHRR’s Juniper from the third professional photo shoot on November 5th, between the rain drops.
A picture from BHRR’s Everly’s third professional photo shoot between the rain drops on November 5th.
She remains AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ADOPTION to a right matched forever loving home.
BHRR’s Oliver from The Bakers Dozen’s third professional photo shoot on November 5th. Between all the rain drops!
ISO: two puppy wranglers for tomorrow for The Bakers Dozen third professional photo shoot!
Sunday in Manotick for 11:45 AM
We had two Volunteers having to cancel and please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can assist. Please do not post here as we may miss your offer!
They are now 6.5 weeks of age.
This picture is from their second professional photo shoot on October 22nd.
The Bakers Dozen – BHRR’s Everly (Great DaneX)
AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE ADOPTION!
6.5 weeks of age
Puppy #2 – Born Second September 12th, 2017 @ 10:56 PM
Blue Fawn Female
Birth Weight: 470 g(1.03 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week old: Weight: 1 pound, 3 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks old: Weight: 2 pounds, 10 oz
October 12th: 4 weeks old: Weight: 3 pounds, 1 oz
November 2nd: 6.5 weeks of age: weight 7.4 kgs(16.28 pounds)
This girl could walk out of a mud pile clean! She is always super clean. Such a soft coat and she is one of the three that we are waiting for DNA results on. We could only afford three DNA kits and her name was drawn and we are looking forward to the results. I am suspecting based upon what the puppymiller was breeding that they are Dane/Irish Wolfhound pups.
It would never cross BHRR’s Everly mind to step on anything dirty! She is a wee bit of a princess.
We will approve a home for her that is experienced for she is a strong minded girl, sweet as they come yet can be bossy. She is smart and needs to be properly mentally and physically stimulated. She is active and I love how she gets all feisty after eating! Prances and trots and is so proud of herself.
We are not seeking an overly active home for her. She will deeply benefit from calm and quiet and a home that while goes for walks, short hikes and is social, yet is not a home that are social butterflies and always on the move/go. She needs stability and consistency and structure plus routine.
She will need a home who understands the importance of not being too active after eating and staying quiet for 1-2 hours post eating.
She will not be approved to be adopted to a home that already has children or are planning to have children. This is not in her best interest.
Easy to do nails and to bathe plus clean ears and loves to be held with her body cradled in hands yet not touching ones body…yup…she is different!
Travels wonderfully in a car and at 6.5 weeks of age, knows words such as her name, good and girl and sit and no plus treat and so many others!
She, like her litter-mates love their giant stuffies to and cuddle with. Much comfort has been given by these stuffies as their Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem sadly rejected them shortly after birth.
She can go to a home either as an only dog or to a home that already has a right matched fit dog already in it. It is most essential that she have a strong dog social network.
Her face is the ultimate in feminine looks, her coat is super soft and she is incredibly beautiful! She is more outgoing and curious plus more adventurous than almost all of her siblings. She is quite a solid tempered personality filled gal.
Regal and poised she is!
Before applying to adopt her, please read our adoption processes and policies on our www.birchhaven.org
Photo is from her second professional photo shoot on October 22nd at almost 5.5 weeks of age. Her third professional photo shoot is on November 5th.
She will be ready to go to her approved right match fit forever loving home by December 22nd, 2017. She and her three sisters are scheduled to be spayed December 6th & December 8th(2 each day). Her first vaccines are scheduled for November 7th.
She also has this individual blog.
Thank you to Melissa for the great professional photo’s and to Tracey for naming her and to Elaine for being her photo/Pet Valu cuddle bud
Bakers Dozen BHRR’s Everly had her recheck with Dr. Liston today!
She weighed 7.4 kgs(16.28 pounds). For a litter born so emaciated and tiny they have made immense progress and now at 6.5 weeks of age are mid to top average for Giant Breed Puppy growth. Go babies go!
Her repeat x-rays showed that her green stick fracture is now 80% healed and that she is doing fabu! Yay!
Per Dr. Liston, she can also go up for adoption for application taking today also! So, stay tuned…we will have 7 of The Bakers Dozen making their special announcements tonight.
Next week, we hope to have another one ready for future adoption application taking after the whole litter has their next progress exams plus vaccines. It shall be a BHRR invasion at LAH on the 7th!
AND all of their spays/neuters are now booked as per the court they wanted the litter done by 8 weeks yet due to my excellent standing with those legally involved with this case, we are able to do 10.5-11.5 weeks of age.
If all goes well and we have right match fit personality homes for all of them – they will be in their forever loving homes no later than December 22nd – which is also when we shut down each year for XMAS for we do not adopt our during the holiday season.
NOTE: all of our adoption processes and policies can be found on our www.birchhaven.org home website including the application.
We can also say that none of these puppies shall be adopted to a home with children under the age of 8 plus to homes with more than two children if said interested homes do have children.
Additionally, a number of the puppies will not be approved to be adopted to homes with any children.
This is BHRR’s Murray. He and I are at Kanata Animal Hospital right now. He weighs 8.3 kgs(18.26 pounds) at almost 6.5 weeks of age.
I rushed him into Kanata AH for when I got home with BHRR’s Everly, we were getting ready to feed and the pups had been moved to their stimulation area – Sean and Kids were home ahead of me and had most things ready – and BHRR’s Murray LOVES his food!
When he did not rush in BHRR’s Murray’s style to get dinner, I knew something was immediately wrong.
I took a look at him and his eyes – left more than right was swollen – and he had hives plus he was quite ‘flat’.
I immediately called KAH as I suspected a possible allergic reaction – to what I had no idea as they have limited exposure to things. We did open up a new pack of Pee pads today and they were now getting a different puppy canned food transitioning as of yesterday for they stopped liking the PVD Essential Care Canned. Nothing else has changed for The Bakers Dozen.
By the time I got to KAH – his ears and tummy and even penis had lesions and his lips and muzzle were swollen.
We are now at KAH and as I am here, there will be a delay of the 7 of The Bakers Dozen that were going to go up tonight for adoption.
He has had an initial assessment and two Vets have diagnosed juvenile cellulitis. He also now has swollen lymph nodes. Per his Vets, onset is very sudden and often mistaken by many as being an allergic reaction.
We also did skin scrapings.
Juvenile cellulitis is also sometimes called puppy strangles or juvenile pyoderma. This is an IDIOPATHIC skin disease occurring in 3-16 week old puppies. No etiologic agent has been identified per the Pediatric Emergencies II research paper found on VIN – Veterinary Information Network – that his one Vet printed out for me.
Further to this paper published by Douglass K. Macintire, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, this disease is characterised by facial swelling, lymphadenopathy, deep pyoderma of the head and face, fever, depression etc.
Juvenile cellulitis appears to have an auto-immune mediated cause. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal.
Treatment involves topical therapy with antibacterial shampoos, antibiotics and prednisolone. This treatment will be continued for several weeks. He has been prescribed clavaseptin and prednisolone and I gave him his first doses and we now await for the Vet to come back.
BHRR’s Murray has had his recent share of stress for sure with being under the care for his hind end with both Dr. Liston and Dr. Parker(Ortho).
This Bakers Dozen has had so many odds stacked against them being born to an emaciated Puppymill Mama…. We pretty much have lived at the Vets at least once a week with them fighting so hard for them….
The bills continue to rise for The Bakers Dozen and if anyone may consider a donation you can donate direct to Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 – we are here now!
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We remain so grateful for any and all consideration…..
Bakers Dozen BHRR’s Oliver wishes all of our friends, family & supporters a good night!
Tomorrow, after BHRR’s Everly’s recheck visit with Dr. Liston, we are hoping to have 7 of these amazing puppies available for future adoptions and will be back open from our annual Halloween closure for the intake of applications to consider for them.
All puppies are back at Liston Animal Hospital(LAH) on the 7th and we then hope to be able to place one more as available for a future adoption.
BHRR’s Murray shall remain on ‘hold’ as we watch him mature & develop. As some are aware he and BHRR’s Carlsberg were at LAH on the 24th of October and on the 26th of October, Dr. Parker, an ortho specialist(he was the specialist that amputated BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s leg and also did Matrix’s eye enunciation) reviewed the x-rays we did on the 24th.
The Bakers Dozen are now a miraculous almost 6.5 weeks of age (born September 12/13) and their third professional photo shoot is this Sunday November 5th.
BHRR’S Murray
5.5 weeks of age
October 22nd 2017
He was 14.08 pounds on October 24th, 2017
Two more pictures of BHRR’s Fletcher from October 22nd’s professional photo shoot – their second one!
The Bakers Dozen
October 22nd., 2017
*5.5 weeks of age
Their second professional photo shoot!
I captured this candid with my iPhone! A bit blurry I know. 
Adore them with all that I am…..what a journey we have all taken together…..I am so beyond proud of them! So beyond proud…not a day goes by that I do not think of their lost to FPS Siblings and they will forever be known as the Miraculous Bakers Dozen!
It was a glorious fall AM with amazing BHRR Approved Volunteers, Friends, Family and so much fun!
All have names other than the first one born – the wee black beauty who is not far off from some of her siblings now and the last born – the Brindle Boy.
We hope that the winners of their Name Game Bid Auction have names for them soon!
*NOTICE*:
BHRR shall be closed for the intake of adoption applications and shall not approve any adoptions from Monday October 23rd to Wednesday November 1st inclusive.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many other Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will network these requests to r/q organisations for we remain closed for intake.
This photo is of BHRR’s Navy.
This BBBBB had his second surgery today at LAH to see if we can get that one eye fixed once and for all!
Dr. Liston called me to say that his several further attempts today to ‘tuck’ that third eyelid of BHRR’s Ryder’s back down did not work….it just kept rolling right back up.
So, Dr. Liston did some research and wanted to try cauterising several area’s to then ‘tighten’ things up. If that failed, he would have no choice but to remove the third eyelid as was discussed previously.
Dr. Liston says there is also a malformation of some sort that makes his third eyelid almost too big for his eye.
Dr. Liston feels that the cauterising should work and now we are on our way home after this surgery. His eye is incredibly swollen which Dr. Liston told me it would be and would remain that way for a good 5 days or so.
We have more eye drops – maxitrol to use three times a day for a week and we will monitor.
He is so handsome regardless of his swollen running eye and still dopey from the anesthetic!
We will post updates as we can.
We are at Pet Valu Stittsville to 4 pm today!
The Bakers Dozen (no touching allowed) are on hand to thank so many for helping them to date!
This is the handsome Blue Boy – Puppy #10! They are now 4.5 weeks of age!
Thank you to so many for standing by our and their side assisting with their needs!
We are collecting Pee Pads, Giant Breed Puppy toys, Empties & Canadian Tire $!
Thank you to Bre & her fabu staff for inviting us to their lovely location today! Thank you to all of the BHRR Volunteers for your caring hands!!
Thank you to all of our amazing Visitors so far today for coming. You touch my heart deeply!
Thank you Aaron Maracle for this great pic!
Another picture of this awesome and uber handsome Big Blue Baby Boy!
Another photo of this gorgeous beauty. This one in Sean’s arms when we were at LAH.
Bob Levesque – here is a great photo of the two of you at their Professional Photo Shoot on the 10th!
I think Miss Blue Fawn understands it was a total accident too….
This is in our drive-way before we headed to the Vet and I put her safely in her carrier to travel.
Sean is one of the kindest people ever.
Puppy #12 – Twelveth Born – September 13th, 2017 @ 4:04 AM
Blue Fawn Male
Weight: 450 g(0.99 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week: 1 pound, 4 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks: 2 pounds, 13 oz
This boy loves his food! OH my, does he ever! LOL
He is so worried about missing any meal and is quite vocal to tell me that he is there….
Once he has had the first round, he settles down and is content to lay by my chair and wait his turn.
He can be a bit of a rough player yet that is because he just does not know his own strength. He is learning about being gentle…he snuggles so well with Blue and Tan collar Boyz…they are his ‘buds’. He likes to spoon with them!
Cuddly, kind, loving and so handsome he is!
A big mushball when it comes down to it!
Puppy #13 – Thirteenth Born – September 13th, 2017 @ 9:29 AM
Brindle Boy
Weight: 475 g(1.04 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week: 1 pound, 9 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks: 3 pounds, 3 oz
This boy is hilarious! On the move! LOVES to eat and it is like he does not have a ‘full’ button and you have to monitor him closely.
He can be busy yet when it is time to settle down, he is a dream.
He has some anxiety issues that we have been working through and he is responding so well. New things have made him a bit nervous yet he is beginning to take more things in instant stride now. We are getting the right people to assist in holding and loving on hiim at the Vets/Photo Shoots to enable me to help him reach his full potential and he is doing great!
When he makes up his mind that he wants to do something or go somewhere, watch out! LOL He will do all he can to meet that goal he has taken upon himself to do!
He is so much fun!
He is a rough player…..he is learning to be gentle yet again, he is a big boy and only 4 weeks old -rock solid – and has much to learn about the power of his paws and puppy teeth.
You could not ask for a better snuggler when the time comes and he is ready for a snooze!
He is not high energy, just when he sets his mind to something, he just wants to do it! Then, he becomes a ‘man on the go!’
Puppy #10 – Born Tenth – September 13th, 2017 @ 2:45 AM
Blue with White Male
Weight: 501 g(1.11 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week old: 1 pounds
September 29th: 2 weeks old: 3 pounds, 4 oz
He is a big uber handsome boy! He is not the bravest of souls…..has some anxietty that is coming along nicely.
His confidence is improving daily and we are working on getting the right people to hold and love him when we are out at Vet visits/photo shoots etc…as each positive experience is making him reach his full potential.
He is not a leader….he is content to eat, be held and be loved on!
He will lay by my feet when it is feeding time…not demanding attention, yet making his presence known. He used to fall asleep due to stress for he did not understnad why he was fed some food and then he had to wait and be fed more food etc.
He is learning so much and is a gentle player….he is not a rough and tumble boy….at least not yet!
Stability, routine and consistency is what he needs….and he is thriving so well.
New situations make him a bit nervous yet once he gathers up his courage and realises that he is ‘ok’, he will take the world in stride.
Just needs a few minutes to size up the world and then his off to the races!
I am sad to make this post…..Sean feels just awful.
Today, The Bakers Dozen – Miss Blue Fawn had to go to the Vet as an emergency.
Sean was wonderfully overseeing The Bakers Dozen as I had to be out and I received a call.
When he was done feeding her, he was putting her back into the puppies pen and she wiggled and dropped about 18 inches.
Her right front elbow area was in pain and she was not weight bearing. Minimal swelling, not hot to the touch.
I rushed home and on the way, scheduled to get her in immediately see the Vet yet then we had to be rescheduled as another emergency took priority. Another dog had an obstruction and needed emergency surgery, that poor doggie.
This is Miss Blue Fawn in Sean’s arms at Liston Animal Hospital….he feels absolutely wretched. Accidents can and do happen no matter how careful one is.
She weighed 3.1 pounds today and is 4 weeks of age.
She has what the Vet called a ‘Green Stick Fracture'(In Children it is often called a ‘Buckle Fracture’). Being a Giant Breed puppy with such big growth plates and bone still developing, this could have been a lot worse scenario.
She cannot go on pain meds as she is too young so no burprenorphine, tramadol, gabapentin or Deramaxx etc., for her. She can have the area iced.
She has to be segregated from her siblings – we are allowing the quieter, calm ones – such as big Blue boy and wee black girl to sleep with her.
The Vet says casting or splinting is of no big benefit and she is to come back in three weeks for a re-visit and repeat x-rays to be sure that all is healing well/properly. The Vet took several views to determine if there were several area’s of concern for she did have a slightly swollen toe too yet all appears to be isolated to this one fracture on her right leg.
Her Vet said that within three weeks, she should heal up beautifully being so young and fast maturing. Yet, we will be monitoring as shall her Vet, Dr. Liston.
Lots of TLC given….
I am now in need of an extra approved BHRR Volunteer for our event on Sunday October 15th to be with her exclusively. Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you want a beautiful young puppy to be in charge of from 10-4 pm this Sunday @ Pet Valu Stittsville.
It has been a brutal worrisome day and I keep saying tomorrow shall be better…
Puppy #2 – Born Second September 12th, 2017 @ 10:56 PM
Blue Fawn Female
Weight: 470 g(1.03 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week old: Weight: 1 pound, 3 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks old: Weight: 2 pounds, 10 oz
October 12th: 4 weeks old: Weight: 3 pounds, 1 oz
This girl could walk out of a mud pile clean! No matter the amount of ‘slurry’ that gets slung around, she is always super clean.
It would never cross her mind to step on a dirty pee pad either.
When we first started to introduce ‘slurry’, she was a bit possessive yet has settled down wonderfully.
Her face is the ultimate in feminine looks, coat is super soft and she is incredibly beautiful!
Regal and poised she is!
The Bakers Dozen – First Professional Photo Shoot!
AND THEY ARE OFF!
October 10th, 2017
Almost 4 weeks of age! Born September 12th & September 13th, 2017
There are 5 boyz and 4 girls.
Sadly, FPS stole from our hearts/arms our two handsome black boyz and a blue girl and a brindle girl on September 20th, September 23rd, September 24th & September 25h. 
They will always be The miraculous Baker’s Dozen!
The odds they and their puppymill GD Mama Gem have overcome and continue to overcome is nothing sort of amazing…..
Puppy #9 – Born Ninth – September 13th, 2017 @ 2:10 AM
Black Female #2
Weight: 480g(1.05 pounds)
September 20th: 1 week: Weight: 1 pound, 2 oz
September 29th: 2 weeks: 2 pounds, 13 oz
This BBBB is not like many of her siblings. She has her own agenda and while not as much as she used to be…she was a bit of a loner….
She is more interactive with the other pups now, playful and yet, she is clearly her own woman.
Quiet and calm, she tends to let most others take the attention and she has had to learn that she is equally important and deserves love/time and attention too!
She is now more likely to come to me on her own bidding and I love how her wee paw comes out to reach for me and I am so proud of her in learning that she is desrving too!
She is not a wallflower….she just is unique….she is a thinker….totally loving, gentle and sweet and does not seem to ‘get’ what all the fuss is about from some of the more ‘in your face pups’! She is patience personafied!
AND, I love the wee white tip on her tail!
First professional photo shoot!
Finally….all are at least still….even if they are not looking at the camera! 
Blue boy is fast asleep as is Blue Fawn Girl!
Mr. Brindle’s siblings look over at him/Elizabeth as if to say ‘Good Luck Elizabeth….’
Mr. Brindle says ‘I am outta here!’
Elizabeth putting Mr. Brindle Boy back into ‘formation’. What a hoot this night was!
‘Still’ Shot Attempt #2! 
Sneak Peek!
One of the Candids I managed to snap tonight at The Bakers Dozen’s (almost 4 weeks old) first professional photo shoot! 
There are so many reasons why I love this photo and one of the biggest is that these amazing kind generous souls represent some of our small yet mighty fabu village that makes the heart beat so strongly for BHRR!
Thank you for coming out tonight to spend 1.5 hours giving these precious wee babies a positive experience! This is so essential to their proper development and reaching their full potential as they mature!
It is not ‘I’ that deserve any credit….it is all of you that are there for BHRR for you have done & do so much!
You are those strong links on BHRR’s ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ and The Bakers Dozen would not be doing as well as they are without such rescue angels giving of themselves by donating their hard earned money, much needed items and/or time to assist us…..YOU DONE SO GOOD as the expression goes! 
I am so grateful to all of you. I am blessed as are all the animals of BHRR for I cannot do this alone and my family’s belief and your belief has enabled us to be here almost 22 years later helping the truly broken, the urgent, the underdogs that others cannot or will not assist and helping them have such wonderful futures.
Each of you have helped write the next beautiful chapters for the journey’s of so many over the years….
You have my eternal gratitude, my humbled thanks and my forever appreciation….
From my home to all of our friends, family & supporters, Good Night!
All loaded up!
AND we are on our way……shortly!
First a late afternoon snack on the porch of our cottage building.
Tonight, The Bakers Dozen are having their first professional photo shoot! They shall be four weeks old very soon! Another huge milestone!
From there, we will do our name game fundraiser and begin to take applications for possible future approved adoptions when they are ready to go!
Blue Whelping Collar Boy – Is turning more into a blue fawn brindle as he grows!
BHRR Breaking News / Updates / Alerts!
1) I wanted to extend the biggest and most sincerest and incredibly humbled thanks to so many Powdered Esbilac Angels! I have been witness to a lot of amazing and touching acts of kindness over the past 21.5 years BHRR has been around and what has come this way to The Bakers Dozen has warmed me right to my soul. I was so fearful of having our needs for Powdered Esbilac for The Bakers Dozen filled and when we posted our urgency, a wonderfully strong community of caring hearts came together to assist us. I am deeply and forever indebted to each of you…. Thank you everyone for helping us!! I have always said it takes a village to raise children and it is no different for a litter of puppies, especially those sadly rejected by a broken emaciated Puppymill GD Mama. She is doing quite well physically herself now and emotionally it shall be a lot longer to rehab. One day at at time!
Our remaining urgent needs are Pee Pads, appropriate Giant Breed puppy toys and donations towards their Vet Bills which will be into the many thousands.
PVD Essential Care Puppy canned & Kibble are also in big need – Vet Food
Accounts are set up at Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 and also Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 under their Mama Gem.
The Bakers Dozen are all back to Liston Animal Hospital on November 7th!
2) We ONLY have 7 more BHRR Custom, One-of-kind 2018 Calendars left available for ordering! $30 each and s&h if needed is $7 Email gwen@birchhaven.org
We will take orders until October 12th @ 9 pm.
3) I hope to get the Flash Auction up soon. I am doing my best!
4) The Bakers Dozen have their next Vet visit scheduled for Tuesday November 7th @ 5 pm at LAH and I am seeking 8 more approved BHRR Volunteers for extra puppy wrangling…..I mean loving hands to assist me at this Vet visit! Please email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can help! Please do not post in this thread for we may miss your wonderful offer!
5) The Bakers Dozen shall be at Pet Valu Stittsville – 1250 Main Street – (if all is going well!) on Sunday October 15th from 10 AM – 4 PM as part of Pet Valu’s annual Thanks For Giving Event. We will be doing nails, dog baths, ear cleanings, have cotton candy, popcorn and baked goodies for sale too!
6) YES! By popular demand! The tickets for our 2018 Annual Dine With The BHRR Doggies are now on sale! We are already more than 50% SOLD Out!
This is a limited registration attendee event.
Date: Saturday September 22nd, 2018 – same place BHRR! Same times – 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
We are not raising our ticket costs. They have been the same price for many years and we shall keep the prices the same for 2018!
$45/per ticket or $85/pair
Please email gwen@birchhaven.org to purchase yours! More information found in the below link. This year’s total raised is still being calculated yet I can say we are over $3,400 and counting!! How deeply humbling!
http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-2008/sept-28-dine-bhrr
7) Yes, we shall be hosting our annual popular November BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House. Please email gwen@birchhaven.org for date/times! Attendance is by registration only and this is a limited attendee event. Attendance is a $10/pp donation fee to be paid at the time of registration. Please email gwen@birchhaven.org if interested! We feel it is so important for people to experience first hand what we do, why we do it and why we are so needed in the community.
8) BHRR’s 15th Annual SS(Secret Santa) to the BHRR Doggies is coming up fast! More information on our unique and creative annual event can be found in this link. At this time, BHRR has 31 more amazing dogs in need of a special secret Santa to call their own! Please email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can help us give the BHRR Doggies a most wonderful XMAS spoiling time!
http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-20…/2009-secret-santas
9) Our 6th Annual BHRR’s CHAIN OF SUCCESS “THANK YOU” Potluck is Saturday December 16th from 2 PM – 8 PM.
FREE YET PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED & You can join our facebook group for more information and all the fun details!
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php…
This picture is of The Bakers Dozen today – 3.5 weeks of age – in the ‘feed’ part of their 8 x 5 x 4 pen. They are now devouring 38.5 cups of Powdered Esbilac a day!
We have also been introducing them to ‘slurry’ once a day – two cans of PVD Essential Care Puppy Food extremely well mixed into 6 cups of Esbilac with a dollop of corn syrup etc. They are not quite developmentally ready yet they are being exposed to it as no less than two puppies are quite texture phobic!
The area on the left that you see a crate piece covering is a hole we have in the custom pen Sean & Mason built that allows us to put one of the electric fireplaces on to add additional heat if needed into their pen. We have not had to do so since they were first born as they are regulating their bodies wonderfully!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, Happy Thanksgiving! We feel we have so much to be thankful for, even in the days we are feeling so much darkness….we know we have many blessings, even if we do not realise it at the time…
One Of The Bakers Dozen – October 6th, 2017
*3 weeks of age*
Puppy #10 Blue Male Born: 2:45 AM on September 13th, 2017
Weight: 501 g
On September 29th, at 2 weeks of age he weighed 3 pounds, 4 ounces
I use a receiving blanket or thick towel across my lap when I bottle feed them and he likes to hang by my feet on the side of my chair.
My towel fell down as I was putting his brother – Brindle Boy down and he crawled right in it and fell asleep…
DID not have the heart to disturb him! I just got another towel and kept feeding…
This litter has me so emotioinally tied to them….ADORE them!
PS: Puppies are born with really long nails as that is what they need to ‘claw’ their way around to feed as they cannot walk. THEY sure are sharp as the marks on my arms and fingers can attest too!
Next week when they are 4 weeks of age, I will do a small trim on them as they are all up and rolling and wobbling and bobbling and getting stronger every day.
Mark Your Calendars! One Day ONLY!
We shall be at Pet Valu Stittsville (1250 Main Street) on Sunday October 15th from 10-4 pm!
The Bakers Dozen shall be there – no touching shall be possible yet they will be on hand to help us thank so many in the community for stepping up on an urgent basis to help us help them! Puppymill Mama Gem understandably shall not be in attendance.
We will be doing nails and dog baths and ear cleanings for $10 AND we are hoping to have some kind people step up to help us bake some goodies to offer visitors as this is all about The Bakers Dozen! ?? Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you would consider baking something.
We will have our signature/tradition of having popcorn & cotton candy for sale too!
We could use one more approved BHRR Volunteer for that day. Please email!
Thank you to Gail/Ryan for the spectacular poster and to Bre of Pet Valu Stittsville for inviting us to their beautiful store!
We will also be collecting Canadian Tire money, Empties, Pee Pads, Pet Valu Gift Cards at this event!
BHRR attends very few community education & public awareness events each year and this will be our second last of 2017!
ISO: Puppy Wranglers!
The Bakers Dozen shall be a miraculous 3 weeks of age shortly!! Three pups were back at the Vet today – Liston Animal Hospital – for various reasons and all of The Bakers Dozen are doing so well….truly, one of the most exhausting and difficult top five things I have ever done in my almost three decades in rescue and also one of the most rewarding…..
As they come close to 4 weeks of age next week, we are preparing for their first photo shoot – at just shy of 4 weeks of age at that time – with the ever talented Melissa! She assisted us in documenting the BHRR Puppy Pile x 7 born into rescue in 2016 and it was a wonderful journey doing this with Melissa.
I am in need of 9….YUP! 9 BHRR Approved Volunteers to help love on and keep track of The Bakers Dozen puppies at this professional photo shoot.
Date: Tuesday October 10th
Location: Manotick – I will send the link to those that sign up
Time: 5:45 pm
Please do not post here for I may well miss your kind offer of help! Please email gwen@birchhaven.org
*NOTE: if you have a sick dog at home, please do not sign up….The Bakers Dozen are vulnerable.*
I posted this picture earlier in another thread yet this is of one of the Blue Fawn boyz(blue whelping collar) after a good feed at the milk bottle bar.
Once we have the professional photo’s, we will do our name game fundraiser to help raise much needed monies for their care which is going to cost many many many thousands of dollars.
At that time, we shall also then consider applications for possible future approved adoptions. Note: We only place per right match personality fit and their temperaments have been present from birth and we have a whole range again in this rescue litter.
Puppymill Mama Gem will be with us a very long time before she will be ready to make her own special announcement…..one day at a time….
DESPERATELY NEED Powdered Esbilac!
Here are three of The Bakers Dozen! After a good feed at the milk bottle bar!
Unfortunately, we are in a panic situation right now. Even though we have had several posts and/or emails of kind people offering to assist us and donate Powdered Esbilac, we have not yet had any come our way from our latest urgent request…. 
I did manage to find two large 794 g containers of powdered Esbilac in Barrie, Ontario today after doing the hv for BHRR’s Gus and that will enable us to have enough for The Bakers Dozen until Tuesday night.
This is a terrifying situation to be in and I am sincerely hoping with all my heart that some angels may help us with our urgent need of more Powdered Esbilac for The Bakers Dozen.
They are not yet even three weeks old and we need another 3.5-4 weeks worth…..
Please please please consider their cause….
**DROP-OFF – Powdered Esbilac can be dropped off to 424 Pickford Drive, Kanata – Anytime**
Email transfer or PayPal funds – gwen@birchhaven.org
First picture is Brindle Female, Second picture is Blue Fawn Boy(Whelping Collar Yellow) & Blue Fawn Female.
Happy HUGE Milestone Birthday to BHRR’s The Bakers Dozen!
2 weeks old! Happy Birthday!!
They are enjoying one of the last days of late summer in the rays/warmth of the setting sun getting some vitamins.
We remain taking it one feeding at a time….one step at a time….one breath at a time….
So many to thank, so many that we are deeply indebted to for the donations of everything from fitted flannel sheets, blankets, paper towels, laundry soap, Pinesol, towels, pee Pads, stuffies, toys, powdered Esbilac and monies to help us purchase what we urgently need.
We have a long road still to travel and I remain exhausted yet so dedicated/committed to doing all that needs to be done. Having been doing 12 loads of laundry a day for the last two weeks nonstop(we usually do 5-7 daily), our washer and dryer – not even that old – decided to die and to us, it is just one more thing thrown into our path as another obstacle that we shall overcome and keep going forward….we will not just lay down and give up…
This weekend, if all goes well, we can begin to introduce some soupy mush to the stronger babies.
They are currently drinking anywhere from 70 mls(wee baby black girl) to 140 MLS per feeding and I am now feeding every 2.5-3 hours with each feeding lasting about 1-1.5 hours. This means Gwennie gets to eat with the family, take a shower and nap….oh, those naps are so awesome!
They are quickly outgrowing their latest sleeping tote and by Friday, we will have them 24/7 in their stimulation pen as they are beginning to really motor around – some more wobbly bobbly than others.
Most have at least one of their peepers now open and three remain on eye drops.
3 boys also remain on polysporin for their privates from their litter-mates sucking on them. Dr. Liston did say that this should stop once all of their eyes are open.
The one boy who is on Clavamox antibiotic drops plus yogurt as he had an aspiration during a feed on Monday is doing well. So easy for them to aspirate and develop pneumonia.
Their next Vet visit Road Trip has been booked and I shall post our Volunteer needs for it will be a wild adventure at that visit!
AND in two weeks, we hope to do their first professional photo session with the uber wonderful Melissa and from there do our Name Game Fundraiser to help raise much needed funds for their care.
We still have URGENT Needs….
1) Powdered Esbilac
2) PVD Essential Care canned Puppy – Vet Food
3) PVD Essential Care Kibble Puppy – Vet Food
4) Giant Breed puppy appropriate toys – we are going to need a lot!
Puppymill Mama GD Gem is eating a bit better now and drinking quite well and hopefully we can get the weight coming on her soon. Such a pretty wee thing and the little black female pup looks just like her Mama.
Accounts are set up at both Kanata AH 613-836-2848 & Liston AH 613-591-0966 and
Email transfer or PayPal consideration can be sent to gwen@birchhaven.org
I am still slowly getting back on track with emails etc., so thank you to all that have been patient and so understanding! All urgent and emergency requests and calls etc., are being promptly handled and the rest I am addressing as I can.
From The Bakers Dozen and their Mama Gem, good night wishes being sent from our home to all of our friends, family & supporters. Please know how truly grateful I am to all…..
URGENT: I know I am a broken record yet we urgently need more Powdered Esbilac. We only have 9 days left at the current rate they are eating and that amount increases daily…..
Please consider helping us!
Sadly, puppymill Mama Gem rejected them shortly after birth and we have had to go from tube feeding to dropper and bottle feeding with powdered Esbilac.
9 days sounds like a lot yet it is not…they need to be on the Powdered Esbilac via bottle and then in their mush until they are on straight Kibble around 7 weeks of age.
We need 5 weeks more of Powdered Esbilac to fill their needs….
Thank you for any consideration…..
The Bakers Dozen also thanks you…..this photo is of 12 of them on Wednesday September 20th. 1 week of age. Late summer warmth of the setting sun getting some important vitamins.
The Bakers Dozen – first road trip!
They will be turning 14 days old on Tuesday/Wednesday of this week! Big milestone.
Off to Liston Animal Hospital!
All had thorough exams
3 puppies are going on eye meds for a slightly goopy eye – eyes are just starting to open.
1 puppy is going on antibiotics & plain yogurt for he aspirated during a feed and is now sounding a bit raspy
2 puppies weights are on the lower end of where all of us would like to see yet considering how emaciated they were when born….
All puppies were de-wormed
A fecal was done on one of the puppies – clear at this time yet per their Vet, things like roundworms will not be found at this young of an age. If one puppy had something, all would as they share the same environment.
My wee black female that FPS has been trying to steal from me also was given a positive review today. I am fighting hard as is she.
3 of the males need a bit of polysporin on their privates as their litter-mates have been sucking in that area. Dr. Liston said that will stop once all of their eyes are opened.
Here is a picture and as I have posted before those who have been stolen from our loving embrace all too soon, will never be forgotten and remain forever honoured as they are all part of The Bakers Dozen – a miracle birth story of survival for them and their puppymill GD Mama Gem.
Our URGENT NEEDS remain:
1) Powdered Esbilac – when I started to feed them, I was feeding 5 scoops per feeding and as of today, they are now getting 20 scoops per feeding. Mama rejected them shortly after birth so we have been hand rearing them.
2) PVD Essential Care canned puppy – Vet food
2) PVS Essential Care Kibble puppy – Vet food
Their is an account set up at Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 as well as Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 under Mama Gem
Email transfer or PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org
BHRR’s Leroy had his special picnic auction Day Date today.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
Lucky special handsome boy had one in July and now another one today.
BHRR had 23 dates for 2017 and we only have one left to do! BHRR’s Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson has another special picnic snack day date to come.
Thank you to so many in giving our BHRR dogs extra special loving and time plus experiences in your hands….truly does help them become even more well rounded and balanced and live up to their full potential.
Good AM! Or is it Good-Night?!
The days and night are all blended into one!
This cutie is Blue Fawn Girl – Born September 12th @ 10:56 pm. She was the second pup born out of The Baker’s Dozen. She weighed 460 g(1.03 pounds).
All but 1 pup are reliably on the bottle now. BB – Brindle Baby Girl remains on the dropper.
Puppies are fed every 2-2.5 hours and feeding now takes me just under two hours each time. So, in doing the math…..I am always feeding. BB is offered food every 45 minutes to an hour….
So, there are times that I push the next feeding to the 2.5 hour mark so I can get a power snooze. Today, I am going to take a shower….Gwennie Goal #156 for the day to accomplish! 
Thank you to Sean for making me the best sandwich last night that I could munch at my leisure. Sean also ran out to Pet Valu Kemptville to pick up their remaining nursing kits.
Puppies are eating anywhere from 15 MLS – 60 MLS per feeding. BB is about 5 MLS each time. She is feisty, vocal at times as she does have a bit of a mind of her own and continues to pee and poop and as long as she has fight, so do I.
Mason and Kinsley feel that with each feeding, the puppies are getting bigger! They would be right. Three puppies were born really late on the 12th making them shy of five days at the time I type this. The remaining 10 puppies are just in the 4 day old range now.
That all 13 were born alive and are still here is a miracle in so many ways….so many things can go wrong in such a large litter and also born without Mama having any proper prenatal care until we got her and Mama having rejected them quite fast. Yet, all are still here and I hold no false illusion that at any moment, one or more could devastatingly pass away. For now, I fight the great fight with them and can only express again my thanks to those who understand why we do not want all of these pairs of loving yet also very much stranger, germ hands here. They are so fragile, tiny and need quiet, calm and stability and they know my touch and scent and are feeding very well, reliably so.
I know how each one wants to be held when feeding, I know how each one likes their Formula temperature-wise – some like it warmer then others and others like Brindle Boy born #13 could care less! As long as it is food, he is happy! Others like theirs cooler or even on the cold side.
I know how much pee and poop each one is producing and which puppy tends to want to aspirate when feeding and how each puppy likes to be burped. Sean has become an expert burper and he is offen now doing that role for the harder pups so I can move to feeding the next one.
By having absolute control and consistency as to who is doing the feeding, any minute changes can caught fast and handled appropriately. Having people not love and hold them and try to assist in feeding has nothing to do with us not wanting to share! 
For those that know anything about me, they know just how much importance I stress on our dogs getting into the hands of others. Our popular and well copied play visitation and play date programs attest to that! Believe me, when they are ready, I shall be sounding the bell and pleading for people to handle them, love them, spend time with them etc. They just need time…time to get stronger and healthier.
Feeding them is like a roller coaster…hi-lights and low-lights. My heart stops and my breath catches every time I look into their tote and does not start again until I know all are breathing and alive…..so stressful as I adore them all so much already and would give my left arm if it meant they would all thrive….
I know I sound like a broken record yet taking care of 13 vulnerable babies puts us into a position of having urgent needs….a few of them are below and vet files for Mama GD Gem
& The Bakers Dozen are set up at:
Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 – first Vet visit is on the 25th! Sean, Kinsley & I have this visit all covered yet their 4 week one is going to be all hands on deck! We will post for Volunteers when that date/time has been booked.
AND also set up at Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848
Email and PayPal donations can be made to gwen@birchhaven.org
Properly Vetting & caring for them shall cost easily $15,000-$20,000+ for we do not cut corners at BHRR. They all shall have proper de-worming at 2,4,6,8 weeks etc., Exams at 2,4,8,12 weeks etc., vaccines at 4,8,12 & 16 weeks, fecals, and all shall be spayed and neutered – courts wanted by 8 weeks of age and once again based upon my excellent long standing relationship with the authorities, we shall be able to alter this litter as we did with the Puppy Pile in 2016 closer to 10-12 weeks. Food, Esbilac, treats and more shall also add to their care bills.
Everything I beg and plead for is for the animals….everything donated goes to them…and some our URGENT NEEDS are below:
1) POWDERED Esbilac 794 g containers if possible – I am going through 2 x 340 g containers a day. They are eating more and more with every feeding and at the present, this means I only have 6 days left of Esbilac. They will be on it until 7-8 weeks of age between now, in their mush and until they are consistently eating kibble well.
2) Pee Pads
3) PVD Essential Care Canned Puppy – Vet Food
4) PVD Essential Care Kibble Puppy – Vet Food
5) Pet Valu Gift Cards OR Costco Gift Cards(thanks Amy for the great idea!)
6) Pinesol
As always, please know how much every email or text of support means, every phone message, every donation of every nickel sent our way and every item!
My worry and stress is lessened with each kind and caring gesture shown…we are the little guys doing big things for special Giants and we cannot do it alone…
BHRR’s Chain Of Success links are being proven strong thanks to so many in our village!! We are only at the beginning of this miraculous journey with The Bakers Dozen and not to be forgotten about Great Dane Mama Gem. I sincerely look forward to doing it with our supporters, family plus friends walking by our/their sides….
I am humbled and feeling so many blessings….
Note: I am going through 340g – one small container – of powdered Esbilac every 6 feedings. That means two small containers a day right now for they feed every 2 hours and as they get stronger and bigger, that shall greatly increase.
They will be on Esbilac as a milk replacer and then in their mush & then kibble for up to 8 weeks of age.
My last post for tonight! Gwennie Novel Style!
I am working hard to respond to people’s messages ASAP and please forgive for taking longer than usual for I am 24/7 on puppy duty right now. Thank you.
We are still ISO: the items below as well as auction items, draw prizes and surprise loot bag items for our upcoming popular Annual Dine With The BHRR Doggies fundraiser coming up super fast! This year may be more about dining with the BHRR Baker’s Dozen! 
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you have an item for our cause. All money raised will be going to the Puppymill Great Dane Mama Gem and her 13 puppies born between September 12/13th.
Sean and I had our 21st wedding anniversary yesterday and we said to each other that the best celebration would be seeing all 13 babies thrive. No time for flowers, cards or dinner yet what was most important and special, we were both together last night doing something truly needed and amazing….helping Mama Gem & Her Babies.
As promised, I am going to share the birth details and posting some of the same information shared earlier today.
This photo is of BB – Baby Brindle Girl – #6 born weighing only 276 g(9.7 ounces)
While Mama Gem will not feed them nor does she even have enough to feed 13 puppies even if she did….she will at least let 5 of them snuggle around her now for a bit of time. This is great for the babies.
She is not the best herself, not eating well nor drinking well yet she just had 13 babies in under 12 hours.
1:00 pm today was their first attempt with the bottle from tube feeding and I got at least 1 ml into each Baby with the stronger one getting 15 ml. The whole process took 2.5 hours.
The next feeding, more progress was made and fast forward onward and I now have 9 babies strong on the bottle – I always worry re: aspiration- and 4 still not faring as well.
The more time passes, those getting stronger are pulling farther away from those not thriving as well. I am not giving up….as long as they have fight so do I!
Gearing up for the next feeding and staying positive. Thank you to Sean and Kinsley for being the best wingmen ever in helping me!
**’NOTICE: For those seeking to drop-off items, unless Gwennie has put you in direct contact with exact details of where items can become be dropped off to, no other place/s are approved. This is a public page for all to see. Unbeknownst until just now is that we have had someone taken advantage of and now much needed items & $225 cash has been stolen by another. 
Please email Gwen directly at contactbhrr@gmail.com OR gwen@birchhaven.org if you have anything to donate.**
URGENT NEED FOR DONATIONS: BHRR’s Mama Gem & The Baker’s Dozen Pups
We shall need so much and we are already incredibly grateful knowing that there are a lot of beautiful folks wanting to step up at a moment’s notice!! We promise to update as we can, when we can on their progress.
Here is a list of our current urgent needs and we remain forever indebted to anyone that may consider our cause. Every puppy shall have their own individual blog page too. NONE of them are available for adoption at this time and will not be for a long time.
May we also ask for people not to just drop by with donations. That is equally stressful on puppymill Mama Gem and if we are feeding at that time, greatly disrupts the stability we are trying to keep here. We have a super person in Ottawa – Brenda(lives near Bayshore) that generously offered up her home for donation drop-off, Dawn in Kanata has also kindly offered up her home and if people email us at contactbhrr@gmail.com, additional arrangements can be made. Please DO not drop off items/monies to anyone that we have not put you in touch with….
Mama Gem does has a file set-up at both Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 and also at Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 for anyone that may wish to donate direct to the Vet Clinics for the care of her and her babies.
gwen@birchhaven.org is for email transfers AND
gwen@birchhaven.org is for PayPal Donations
1) Flannel FITTED Sheets – Queen or Twin
2) Pet Valu Gift Cards
3) Pee Pads
4) POWDERED Esbilac – 794 g is the better value
5) Large to XL Stuffies
6) Pinesol
7) 7 cases of PVD Essential Care Puppy canned food – Vet Food
8) 9 bags of 8 kg PVD Essential Care Puppy Kibble – Vet Food
9) Dane sized durable/appropriate puppy play toys
10) Auction items for our September 23rd Annual Fundraiser
From our home to all of our supporters, family & friends, good night wishes being sent! Someone get a wee bit of sleep for me too please!
**’NOTICE: For those seeking to drop-off items, unless Gwennie has put you in direct contact with exact details of where items can become be dropped off to, no other place/s are approved. Unbeknownst until just now is that we have had someone taken advantage of and now much needed items & $225 cash has been stolen by another. 
Please email Gwen directly at contactbhrr@gmail.com OR gwen@birchhaven.org if you have anything to donate.**
We have 13 babies born and with Mama rejecting them, all are tube fed. 5 will be ready to go to bottle soon.
URGENT NEED FOR DONATIONS: BHRR’s Mama Gem & The Baker’s Dozen Pups
First and most important, we really want to take a moment to thank those that have reached out to us after learning that the puppymill Mama Gem gave birth to 13 puppies. Angels! Just so many wonderful people in the community! I truly do have tears in my eyes for the love that is pouring out our way in messages of well wishes etc.
Please know that each and every offer/message has been appreciated and touches our hearts more deeply than you shall ever know.
I do want to explain why we cannot have strange hands coming in – as kind as I know they would be – and handling these really small babies – wee pup #6 BB girl was born at only 9.7 ounces and her litter-mates not a heck of a lot bigger. Average Dane puppies should be a birth weight of 1-1.5 pounds. That we had all 13 born live is a miracle unto itself considering the conditions Mama came from prior to rescue. Big thanks must again be shouted out to my 17 year old son Mason who stood solid by my side from mere moments after I whelped the first pup – a gorgeous BBBBB girl – and if it were not for him helping to tag team with me – we know that at least 6 babies may well not have survived much past birth. We had puppies coming as fast as every 6 minutes at one point and three puppies in a row were not good upon birth and need much stimulation.
Thank you Mason! We have 13 babies still alive and while none are even remotely out of the woods, all 13 are still here and we are working so hard to ensure their thrival.
We just cannot have these babies exposed to germs and the stress of outside hands plus smells. They need stability and quiet/calm and to be handled by so very few people right now to give them the best chances of survival. They are extremely vulnerable and fragile right now and I hope that people can understand that we all should want what is in their best interest.
The Boerskins are not new to Danes or whelping rescue puppies, dealing with round the clock feedings – tube feedings at that and while we do not have a crystal ball to say how many or if all of these puppies will surivive, we have almost 22 years of experience through BHRR with rescue litters and in particular litters born to Mama’s that have had no prenatal care. We want to ask to please understand and let us do what we are experienced/knowledgeable at and know that as these babies age and get stronger plus healthier, we are going to need your kind, caring plus loving hands SO much as we did in April of 2016 and December of 2015 for example for other rescue litters we have assisted. 
?
Prior to the litter being born, I had already lined up the fabu Melissa Roy for their professional photo’s development journey’s like we did with Mama Marbles’ litter. We shall need many hands to make that magic happen at 4, 6 & 8 weeks etc.
We will need an army of kind souls to help me get them to their Vet visits starting at 2 weeks of age! That is always an adventure unto itself!
We will need our community to help us socialise and expose them to the fabu wonders of the world when it is time.
We shall need so much and we are already incredibly grateful knowing that there are a lot of beautiful folks wanting to step up at a moment’s notice!! We promise to update as we can, when we can on their progress. 
I am sharing this picture of the BHRR’s Bakers’s Dozen taken last night. A bit blurry as they were moving!
Here is a list of our current urgent needs and we remain forever indebted to anyone that may consider our cause. I will update on the litter and have pictures, birth weights etc. later today. Every puppy shall have their own individual blog page too. NONE of them are available for adoption at this time and will not be for a long time.
May we also ask for people not to just drop by with donations. That is equally stressful on puppymill Mama Gem and if we are feeding at that time, greatly disrupts the stability we are trying to keep here. We have a super person in Ottawa – Brenda(lives near Bayshore) that generously offered up her home for donation drop-off and if people email us at contactbhrr@gmail.com, additional arrangements can be made. ?
Mama Gem does has a file set-up at both Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848 and also at Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 for anyone that may wish to donate direct to the Vet Clinics for the care of her and her babies.
gwen@birchhaven.org is for email transfers AND
gwen@birchhaven.org is for PayPal Donations
1) Flannel FITTED Sheets – Queen or Twin
2) Pet Valu Gift Cards
3) Pee Pads
4) POWDERED Esbilac – 794 g is the better value
5) Large to XL Stuffies
6) Pinesol
7) 7 cases of PVD Essential Care Puppy canned food – Vet Food
8) 9 bags of 8 kg PVD Essential Care Puppy Kibble – Vet Food
9) Dane sized durable/appropriate puppy play toys
10) **Very Urgent: 4 x New Born Nursing Kits For Milk Replacers – PetSmart – picture in post**
UPDATE:
Please know I am not ignoring calls, emails, messages etc. I have been up since 5 AM Tuesday and after whelping puppies throughout the night/early AM then had to go to work for 8 hours, pick up some wonderful donations for the pups afterwards and have since been back home with family and puppies etc. I also spayed BHRR’s Daffodil!
I am hoping that tonight I can get some rest between feedings and will post more re: our needs and on the pups plus Mama Gem tomorrow.
We will be having a flash auction to help raise urgent funds for their care. 13 Giant Breed puppies to properly vet which includes de-worming from 2 weeks onward, their vaccines plus boosters, spays/neuters, fecals, food, etc…shall cost thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars. We do not cut corners at BHRR. Each puppy plus Mama Gem will receive everything they need plus more.
I will say that right now all 13 puppies are hanging strong as can be. Wee brindle baby girl born at only 9.7 ounces too. Mason and I had spent a lot of time on her when she was first born and almost as much time on 5 other of the 13 babies to help them survive plus thrive.
I leave all with a picture of the BHRR’s Baker’s Dozen taken a couple of hours ago.
A bit blurry as they move about!
Update: another puppy born 9:29 AM
That makes 6 girls and 7 boys and 13 puppies so far.
This is a Baker’s Dozen and they are going to need their village as are we to help ensure their survival.
Mason and I had to spend some working on 6 of the puppies born and the smallest is only 276 g and so tiny….all the puppies are small.
I am worried about all surviving…..
Mama Gem ‘might’ accept the puppies still….always a small hope….she has tried to attack two when we tried repeated attempts to re-introduce them to her. It is not safe for babies.
13 puppies now and no rest in sight! Sean got up every couple of hours to see how things were going and Kinsley slept and Mason and I whelped.
Just left work to pick up some donations and on my way home to tag team.
This is a 24/7 job to work to try and keep them alive and thrive. The odds are not in their favour being so small, mom not having had the best care prior to rescue, her having rejected them etc…
Yet, we are not giving up….we committed and committed we are. We have beaten the odds before, many times and are determined to do so again!
13 puppies now and mom rejected them.
We are now 12 and I have to be up by 6:00 AM for work….. 
UPDATE: we are now at 10 puppies and this photo is of when we had 8.
FINAL PUPPY COUNT: 13! & all born alive!
Individual pictures and weights to come later.
Mama is doing well….Mama Gwennie also and to think I have to be up in a few hours to go to work! This was not the night I wanted them to be born!
Do not think Mama Gem is done and the smallest is only 276 g a wee female
Puppy #7 Black Male Born 12:45 AM
Weight: 360 g
Puppy #6 Brindle Female born 12:35 AM
Weight: 276 g
Puppy #5 Black Boy born 12:21 AM
Weight: 450 g
Puppy #13 Male Brindle Born: 9:29 AM
Weight: 475 g
Puppy #12 Blue Fawn Boy Born: 4:04 AM
Weight: 450 g
Puppy #10 Blue Male Born: 2:45 AM
Weight: 501 g
Puppy #9 Black Female Born: 2:10 AM
Weight: 370 g
Puppy #8 Blue Female Born 1:24 AM
Weight: 480 g
Puppy #2 blue female born 10:56 pm
Weight 470 g
Babies are coming!
BHRR’s Gem Update:
The stunning BBBBB once known a D211 – puppymill Dane #211 and we have called BHRR’s Gem is getting closer and closer to giving birth.
Yup…she was just a number to track how much money was made off the babies they forced her to pump out. 
She is barely picking at her food, nesting and Annette – one of the toys you sent our way, a Stuffie Penquin has become her ‘baby’.
She is finding it harder to get comfortable, doing some pacing, a little panting from time to time and has decided that instead of the 8 x 5 x 4 custom whelping box Sean & Mason made for her comfort( BHRR’s Marbles was made 6 x 5 x 3), she wants the futon bed I have beside her whelping box and have been sleeping on to be by her side. I am trying to have some casual dialogue with her that this would not be my preference! 
BHRR’s Marbles had wanted to have her own rescue litter in April 2016 under my desk and she & I had a few conversations about that not being ideal!
BHRR’s Gem’s wounds have been healing wonderfully yet her spirit, soul and heart shall take much longer to heal. While she still does some flinching when my fingers trail gently across her mid-back when she walks by me – she will now want to be around me, not too close yet she does watch me – she no longer drops to the ground or cowers. I just go about my day and passively ignore her and she is getting used to me being around and the trust earned is slow yet rewarding….
She really feels comforted with the three night lights to help her feel a little more safe at night.
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson still ‘watches’ over her and she does derive peace in having him around.
Per a couple posts made, we have been busy working quietly behind the scenes as we ready everything for the litter of babies she is expecting soon.
She is only the 15th dog for us to assist in 2017. She most likely shall be the last we can assist in 2017 along with her unborn babies for we have to remain about quality, not quantity. Unless, we have more approved adoptions, our doors shall remain closed for intake until 2018.
In going through the list of items we still need for her and her puppies, I am posting an update of what we still need in case someone may have what what we are looking for or may consider our cause:
1) Flannel FITTED Sheets – Queen or Twin
2) Duvets/Comforters/Sleeping Bags
4) Pet Valu Gift Cards
5) Pee Pads
6) POWDERED Esbilac – 794 g is the better value
7) Large to XL Stuffies
8) Pinesol
9) 7 cases of PVD Essential Care Puppy canned food – Vet Food
10) 9 bags of 8 kg PVD Essential Care Puppy Kibble – Vet Food
11) Dane sized durable/appropriate puppy play toys
BHRR’s Gem has a file set up at both Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 as well as Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
Email Transfer: gwen@birchhaven.org
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org
We will keep everyone updated as we can….
Thank so in advance to all for any consideration as always!
So BHRR’s Ryder was back at Liston Animal Hospital (613-591-0966) today for his eye as a post op check to his surgery on August 31st as it is no better and in fact, looks worse post op.
Sadly, as per our other post, the repair of what was not Cherry Eye as we know it yet, was eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane was not successful. As you can see in the photo taken today on our way in to see Dr. Liston, his eye is not good.
Today, to see what may be going on, Dr. Liston put a local freezing on his eye and pulled up the third eyelid yet the one corner with every attempt made kept rolling back down within moments and the cartilage pops back up and is exposed.
Dr. Liston will operate again at the end of the month – when he also has his first opening and if the surgery fails again, he shall do a third surgery and remove the third eyelid. We discussed the long term effects of having the third eyelid removed and I was told that ‘he could be more prone to eye infections in his future.’ No crystal ball. He would not need eye drops as the tear duct would not be affected.
We will do whatever is in his best interest.
He is healing well from his neuter though – also done on August 31st – and is now almost 103 pounds! Where once he was an emaciated barely 48 pounds at 10 months of age, is now lean and muscled and has a fabu glossy shiny healthy black coat.
He will not be making his special announcement until we can get that eye of his properly repaired.
I shall update on Puppymill Mama BHRR’s Gem tomorrow and I know we have a Saint Lady excited to make her special announcement tomorrow too.
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters, we wish you a good night!
BHRR’s Ryder! He was supervising me getting gas on the way in for his surgery consult.
He had his neuter and eye repair done on August 31st.
Per his surgeon, once he was operating, he told us that it was not Cherry Eye as we know it. What BHRR’s Ryder had was eversion of the cartilage of the nictitating membrane.
This was repaired and his surgeon told Sean upon pick-up that his eye would look bad for at least five days. Sadly, we have seen zero improvement in these five days and BHRR’s Ryder has been getting his eye drops every 8 hours plus wearing a cone.
He is scheduled to go back to the surgeon on Thursday for a recheck.
In other BHRR news – BHRR’s Lacey was spayed today and charmed all as these Saint Ladies tend to do! 
Once she has recovered, she will be ready to make her own special announcement. She is such an adorable patient!
This now leaves us remaining to do BHRR’s Daffodil’s own Spay and mass removal and this was originally scheduled for September 13th yet we are now on active baby watch with BHRR’s Gem at this time too so, day by day!
We do remain ISO: auction items, draw prizes plus surprise loot bag goodies(40) for our upcoming annual popular and incredibly unique BHRR ‘Dine With The BHRR Doggies!’ We only host 4 planned fundraisers a year and this year’s monies raised shall go towards BHRR’s Gem and her unborn babies.
Any consideration as always would be so appreciated…..
From our home to all of our supporters, friends & family, good night wishes being sent…
This stunning BBBBB was once known a D211 – Dane #211. Yup…just a number to track how much money was made off the babies they forced her to pump out.
She is safe now and while D211 was her identity to her horrific puppymillers, to us we have called her *BHRR’s Gem*. For she is one…precious and valuable.
Terrified, not even 100 pounds – and this is while heavily pregnant, covered in wounds/scars – you can even see some of them along her side, chest and neck in the one photo I will post in her thread, oozing infection, horrible overgrown nails plus has Giardia and is petrified of the dark.
She now has three night lights to help her feel a little more safe at night.
Yesterday, we were finally able to trim her nails back – her first nail trim in her life. Yesterday, we also managed to give her her very first ear cleaning.
Scared and ranging from catatonic to major flight mode, Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson has not left her side since I made the 20+ hour round trip to assist in this bust and then took her home with me as she needs us so badly right now….AND It took two days before she finally rested. He is her Guardian Dane and he is going to help her heal a lot.
She paces a lot less now than she did upon arrival and depending on the time of day, either wants to stay outside or refuses to go outside.
Per another post, we have been busy working quietly behind the scenes as we ready everything for the litter of babies she is expecting within 7-10 days. The object you see to the right is her custom whelping box that Sean’s & Mason made – 8 x 5 x 4. The one made for BHRR’s Marbles was 6 x 5 x 3 and BHRR’s Gem needs more room to feel comfortable.
We did an u/s the day after she arrived and I quickly saw ~5 babies and the Vet when they looked up, caught at least 3 before she became overwhelmed and we understandably stopped. We also attempted after giving her a break to get x-rays to gauge just how many babies she is expecting & to get a better idea of due date so we could best prepare yet in her fear, this was not possible. She lost control of her bowels, anal glands and urinated herself and I asked for the x-ray attempts to stop as nothing is worth seeing any dog that way. We know she is pregnant and will have to take things as they come. The x-rays that they managed to take were not useful and so be it. Her stress level needs to be lowered not further raised. I worry about her needing a c-section as she is so tiny yet her belly is so huge. Yet, one step at a time….I have been lining up my ducks in a row and several Hospitals, depending on time of day are aware that we may be calling upon them for their surgical assistance. We would also Spay her at the same time she had the c-section.
We did run a fecal and she is on treatment for Giardia and being proactively de-wormed. She is on antibiotics for her wounds.
She is only the 15th dog for us to assist in 2017. She most likely shall be the last we can assist in 2017 along with her unborn babies for we have to remain about quality, not quantity. Unless, we have more approved adoptions, our doors shall remain closed for intake until 2018.
In going through the list of items we still need for her and her puppies, I am posting here in case someone may have what what we are looking for or may consider our cause:
1) Flannel Fitted Sheets – Queen or Twin
2) Pillows
3) Blankets/Duvets/Comforters
4) Pet Valu Gift Cards
5) Pee Pads
6) Powdered Esbilac – 794 g is the better value
7) Large to XL Stuffies
8) Pinesol
9) 7 cases of PVD Essential Care Puppy canned food – Vet Food
10) 9 x 8 kg bags of PVD Essential Care Puppy Kibble – Vet Food
11) XL Costco Dog Bed
12) Dane sized durable/appropriate puppy play toys
13) Laundry Soap
14) Fabric Softener
BHRR’s Gem has a file set up at both Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966 as well as Kanata Animal Hospital 613-836-2848.
Email Transfer: gwen@birchhaven.org
PayPal: gwen@birchhaven.org
We will keep everyone updated as we can….
Thank so in advance to all for any consideration as always!
She is naturally camera shy so pictures are not easy to get….
UPDATE: we now have an 8 panel plastic playpen to arrive Thursday(2 panel extension) & the 6 panel play pen to arrive Friday! Thank you again Brenda!
We are still ISO: wire/metal xpens in height from 34″-44″.
ISO: a 10-panel Super Yard Play Pen.
We have one that we bought 17 years ago and it is done. Sadly, it will not stand another pack of rescue Dane Babies! The BHRR Puppy Pile x 7 did it in!
We truly did not expect that 18 months after assisting Mama Marbles, we would be asked to assist so soon another cruelty/neglect case pregnant Dane.
We are working hard behind the scenes to get everything in order for the puppymill Mama Dane and her soon to arrive Babies.
The cost for a 6 panel pen at Babies R Us is $139.99+ tax and so we are hoping someone may have one they no longer need and would consider our cause for a reasonable price.
Seeking a 10 panel one preferably yet 8 panels would be ok.
We are also seeking wire/metal xpens in height of anywhere between 34″ – 44″ in height once the puppies are big enough.
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you can help us out with either request above.
We are in the big countdown…puppies should be arriving within the next 7-10 days max. Mama Dane Gem is doing well…getting some weight on her and building up much needed muscle mass and tone to help her become as strong and healthy as possible for her sake and her unborn babies.
Her awful wounds are healing as she remains on antibiotics and today we were actually able to do her nails. The very first time they have been done in her life. She also let me clean her ears which is also the first time they have been done in her life.
ISO: Auction Items!
Our popular Annual one-of-a-kind unique ‘Dine With The BHRR Doggies’ is coming up in September!
We are in need of auction items for both our live & silent part of our evening. Gift Certificates, Gift Baskets etc., would be so appreciated!
We are also seeking draw prizes and items(40 of each) to place in our surprise loot bags.
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org if you may consider our cause to donate to. Please do not post here for we may miss your most generous offer.
This is always a SOLD out night and one that we love hosting! BHRR has only five planned fundraisers each year and this is #4 for 2017.
All monies raised in this year’s event will go towards helping another deserving Dane in need of our highly specialised programs. I will post more about her shortly.
She is a puppymill Dane, riddled with so many wounds and scars. She is emotionally and physically beaten. Even after almost 22 years assisting in busts and helping these beautiful animals, I am still shaken to my core with how cruel and neglectful people can be.
Where once she was just a number to produce as many babies as possible to line the greedy pockets of others, to us we have called this lovely girl – BBBBB ‘Gem’. She has an identity now and she will learn she is important and valuable and not disposable trash.
In honour of BHRR’s Sambuca and my beloved Bronson, we will help the next one in need of us. She is only the 15th dog we will have been able to assist in 2017. We remain about quality not quantity with our efforts.
She is precious as is the special ‘cargo’ she is carrying. In just less than 2 years, we have now been asked three times to help a New Mama with her surviving pups(BHRR’s Eve) or a Mama-Soon-To-Be(BHRR’s Marbles) and now BHRR’s Gem. Breaks my heart as to how so many animals are used for profit instead of being altered and cherished as beloved family members….
Your donations enable us to continue in these rescue trenches, helping those that have no voice and cannot step up to protect themselves.
We hope that you may help us assist BHRR’s Gem by donating an item to our upcoming Fundraiser. We would truly be so grateful…..
This is how special Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson is….
The BBBBB that is with him was once known a D211 – Dane #211. Yup…just a number to track how much money was made off the babiesthey forced her to pump out. 
She is safe now and while D211 was her identity to her horrific puppymillers, to us we have called her *BHRR’s Gem*. For she is one…precious and valuable.
Terrified, not even 100 pounds, covered in wounds – you can even see some of them along her side, chest and neck, oozing infection, horrible overgrown nails plus riddled with parasites (we will post more on her story on our Facebook page shortly). We will share with everyone just how special this girl is and that Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson knew instantly how special she was….for he is super special himself!
Terrified and ranging from catatonic to major flight mode, Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson has not left her side since I made the 20 hour round trip toassist in this bust and then took her home with me as she needs us so badly right now….AND after two days, she finally rested. He is her GuardianDane and he is going to help her heal a lot…..
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson wishes all a good night…..he is so fabu!
Special picnic snack auction Date #18 is now happening!
I am told the ‘no couch rule is going strong’ – same home having this date as they did with BHRR’s Granite yesterday and my response was ‘I can see that!’
Thanks for the evidence….I mean photo Elizabeth White!
I think Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson(he is blind and can only hear 11% between both ears) believes that if he makes himself as small as possible, no one shall notice! 
He is doing really well and has learned the touch and also louder verbal signals for right/left/straight and I have been teaching him sensitivity training via a long leash and we are now up to two long leashes connected. He is a rock star!!
He also knows ‘car’ & ‘stairs’ & ‘door’ and of course he knows his name and ‘no’ and ‘good’ and ‘boy’ and so many other wonderful words!!! He also knows ‘final pee’ before bed and is proud of himself!! AND we are so proud of him!
So many Brazilian Angels came together to help save him and try to save his two remaining litter-mates – all special needs and dumped on the streets.
Here is the group link detailing his journey/story and our continued efforts in now working to try and save another special needs there.
This last week has truly been a nightmare in several ways yet I wanted to take a moment to share a warm photo…..does not take the stress, worry for the Saint pups nor the painful heartache of a personal loss away yet just seeing this photo gives me a moment to experience something happy during a horrendous time.
Mason fell asleep watching TV and when he woke up, this was the scene he faced….a no couch rule all the way here and they are listening so well aren’t they?!!!
Thanks Mason for the photo…..
BHRR’s Flyn
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She is ready to make her own special announcement!
This gorgeous BBBBB is such a delight. Low maintenance, calm, quiet, social and where once she was so nervous, she is now cautious yet curious.
In her time with us, she has only met two men that have made her nervous and we just asked them to give her some space. One was the Vet that spayed her and that is already an emotionally charged situation. The other was when she was at the Vet Hospital for her boosters. A large tall man wearing a hat came into the Hospital and was quite loud along with his female counterpart. We wanted to post these two experiences for people to be aware.
She likes to size things up first and nothing wrong with that. Just give her a few moments to take in new surroundings or people…..she will then feel right at home. She is not an in your face as soon as you get in the door kinda gal.
When we come home you can see how happy she is to see us yet she is not the jumping all over, noisy ‘where have you been!’ Dog. She comes over and graces us with a tail wag and a sniff and loves a gentle touch or two and then she wants to just be around her humans.
She is a true mysterious BBBBB! She has so many lawyers and depths that we are still being cautiously allowed into her most inner soul. She is beauty, brains and many may think what you see is all there is to her, but you could not be more wrong.
This lovely girl is deep….and full of so much character and heart plus soul.
It is almost hard to describe into words just how filled with depth BHRR’s Flyn is.
She is not complicated. She is not difficult. She just has an incredible intangible to her that is fascinating, compelling and so endearing along with that mysteries allure! She has a way and means about her to just make those in her presence relax and feel good. That is a special gift that she possesses.
She is great to travel in a car.
Patient and gentle with dogs of all sizes and people. We do not feel that any dog should be tightly hugged or see humans hang off their necks and that is so not for her. It would make her so uncomfortable….would make me uncomfortable if anyone did that to me!
She is good to bathe, clean ears, do nails and is crate-trained and has earned trust in our home that she has free rein these days yet our approved adoptive homes are always strongly recommended to not give any dog too much freedom to start. She still goes into a crate here and there to make sure that she feels good.
She is a good eater and has put on over 20 pounds of muscle mass & weight since she has arrived.
She has had no issues sharing the communal water bowls and has a playful side that is adorable.
She can go to a home as an only dog or be placed in a home that has a right matched personality fit dog already in it. As long as she has a proper doggie friend social network, that is what is most important.
She can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired, retired etc. Another versatile BHRR dog!
Her leash manners have greatly improved and her biggest vice – and to many they feel would not be a problem – is constantly climbing on the couch. We discourage couch dogs and she has become a lot better.
She has been a real sweetheart of a Dane to have with us and to that right matched forever loving home, she is going to be a precious jewel!
AND I cannot say enough about those ears!! This picture has one of her amazing ears in action and in the comments, I will post a photo of both of her ears! They are the best!!
Her coat is nice and glossy and sleek now and I am over the moon excited for all the wonderful things her future shall hold for her!
Thanks again Liz for your amazing talent with the professional photo’s!
Please consider sharing this post in the hopes that her right matched adoring home may find her! Thanks in advance!
Stay Tuned!
This absolutely breathtaking BBBBB with the adorable and totally best ears shall be making her special announcement shortly! She is still recovering from her spay and then…..stay tuned!
BHRR’s Flyn!
Thank you again Liz for her time, talent and generous heart for the wonderful photo’s!
BBBBB’s Ryder!
Where once he was a 10 month old emaciated barely 48 pound cherry eyed Great Dane listed as free on an online ad, tonight at the Vet he now weighs 43 kgs(94.6 pounds)! WTG!
When he is done maturing and filling out, he should weigh 100-110 max. He is a small male Great Dane and 100% stunning and that right matched forever loving home shall not care about his size….or colour….we love the blacks!
Where once his coat was bare, thin, sun dried, dull, dead and coarse, it is now growing in sleek and shiny and glossy black. He still has bare/bald area’s along his back and tail yet greatly improving. He may never develop hair on all the rub spots on his tail and rump from being kept confined in some small space for prolonged periods. He has a big callous on the tip of his tail that we are moisturising so that it does not crack and bleed.
The Ester C has lifted those collapsed pasterns beautifully! His front feet are genetically in an eastie westie position yet front and back feet are looking strong and he stands in an upright normal position on them.
The muscle mass and tone in his rump now is solid!
We did pre-op blood work and also for his Heartworm and Tickborne disease testing. I had asked for the heartworm/tick testing to be done prior to transport yet I never received paperwork stating it was done nor was it on the invoice I paid for his vetting.
His heart and lungs were giving a thumbs up! His teeth look good…the right side has some very minor tartar on his back molars and now that he is with us, he has plenty of excellent kibble plus appropriate toys/bones to chew.
He showed pretty good manners as well at the Hospital. He wanted to play and greet all the dogs and he is learning that not all dogs are going to like him and want to be friends. His leash manners are improving daily!
He was given treats and love and while we waited for our turn to be seen, he enjoyed laying on the benches, half in my lap and if I was not by myself, I would have snapped a pic of him!
Once his bloodwork comes back, we shall know if he is healthy enough to be neutered and to address that Cherry eye.
He loves everything and everyone! Only once was he a bit nervous and I said ‘we are going to make a new friend’, he got a small treat or two and he was perfectly fine after that.
His bad habit is counter surfing and one cannot blame him as he was so starved and he is also making leaps and bounds on that front. He is learning that he is going to be fed on time, fed enough food and that his food is his and his alone.
Amazingly enough, he has no resourcing issues over toys or the communal water bowls.
One photo is from being at the Hospital waiting our turn to go in. His head is high and body relaxed and comfortable. Another photo is of BHRR’s Ryder ‘supervising’ me putting gas in the car and the final one is why I shall always have a sunroof in my vehicles. ??
On the way home, I stopped on the laneway and BHRR’s Ryder & I watched the sunset and the horses in the pasture as the light faded gently away to dusk….
This boy will make a home a truly WOW addition. He travels great in a car(travelled all the way from Ohio), is great with people, kids, dogs of all sizes and cats.
In the meantime, I am so loving our time together as he rehabilitates.
These two beauties had their professional photo shoot today!
BHRR’s Gravel & BHRR’s Flyn.
BHRR’s Gravel still needs a few pounds yet is doing awesome! So amazing. He came from a home with kids. While adults once terrified him and he felt threatened, he has loved children. He soaks up all the love given to him when Kinsley is here with her friends.
BHRR’s Flyn has had a really tough recovery from her mature spay last week and I almost thought we may have to forego her own photo taking today yet over the last 24 hours she is finally bouncing back. She was put on a new pain management regime and that seems to working for her. She remains such a mysterious girl and love it! AND Liz captured her fabu ears in full action!
Cannot wait to see the pics of them both and if all goes well within the next 10 days or so both could have their own special announcements to make!
On a side note, I know many have been waiting to read what we know shall be a thumbs up report of BHRR’s Ryder’s Vet visit. Tonight, he was to have his own Vet visit yet that has been postponed and we do promise to update once he is seen for we are all excited to see what he weighs now – no longer an emaciated 48 pounds for sure! 
AND we want to move not just on his neuter but to have his eye surgically addressed. He is a true love…..his coat improves daily and it is becoming so shiny and glossy as he sheds the old, dull, coarse, sun exposed, poor nutrition fur he once had.
AND the Saint pups, BHRR’s Cagney & BHRR’s Lacey are equally doing great in their emerge temp foster home. 
BHRR’s Gus the Neo is learning much needed manners, is a total ham of a character and is recovering well from a wasp sting to one side of his mouth. Puffed up his lip and flew to look like an adorable hippo on that side. Such a trooper and gosh, he is going to make a right matched forever loving home the best of additions! He is outstanding!
This stunning BBBBB was spayed & microchipped today.
BHRR’s Flyn. She did great!
She and my Wolfie Brogan are at home recovering together from their individual surgeries this week.
BHRR’s Flyn & BHRR’s Gravel are both scheduled for their professional photo shoots next Tuesday – had to be rescheduled from the 18th due to heat – and in a couple more weeks, both may be ready to make their own special announcements!
These two cuties were at Kanata Animal Hospital last night!
BHRR’s Gravel – he has put on another five pounds! He is now 48.3 kgs(106.23 pounds). He could still use another 7 pounds or so. Mel & Danya, remember the terrified reactive boy at the pound?! Remember how you had to rush down to the pound Danya?! Look at him now. Chilling, relaxed and comfortable as he waits his turn to see the Vet. He can be a real ham at times now. Love when he has those moments as he is really enjoying life when he does.
BHRR’s Flyn – she has put on 11 more pounds! She now weighs 47.3 kgs(103.4 pounds) She needs about 5 or more pounds herself. She is a super quiet and calm girl. Very mysterious in many ways as she slowly continues to reveal herself to us. Really liking this girl….she is so much more than meets the eye and earning her trust has been sure and steady.
Both are doing great! Their Vet just loves their coats. BHRR’s Gravel’s once dry, seborrhoea coarse unhealthy coat is now shiny and healthy!
BHRR’s Flyn’s is slowly turning into a glossy shiny black herself! All that old sun exposed, dull hair is leaving!
Both have gained beautiful muscle tone and mass and are really gorgeous Danes!
Both were quite easy going for their boosters plus exams and BHRR’s Flyn can now safely have her spay now that she is healthy.
Today, they were to have their professional photo’s done in prep for their future special announcements yet the heat was really unbearable. They have both been rescheduled to next Tuesday.
Soon, my amazing journey’s with these two gorgeous Danes shall begin a new chapter….
Thanks again Mason for coming with me with them last night!
Though, I have been as sick as can be, after leaving work early, I layed down for a few hours and then had to drive to pick up this uber handsome young man.
Thanks so much Jane in meeting up with me! Thanks to Gen for emergency temp fostering him too.
BHRR’s Ryder is the 10 month old Great Dane that was only 48 pounds and listed for free on an online ad. He also needs eye surgery.
His coat is not pretty right now – old dull coarse hair with sun bleached fur and his tail plus top of his back show major signs of having been kept in a small crate/spot. He has a growth on his tail we need to investigate further. He has one nipple that is abnormal and his left front lower leg has a ‘bulge’. I am not going to guess what it may be. He has some area’s on his body that look like healed injures too.
He is a handsome wee dude regardless and already is singing me a song in the sunroom!
I have heard from others how amazing he is and is super solid in temperament and that is always an amazing thing for a dog to go through what he has and be this friendly, social and lovely.
We shall see how it goes on the small dog front as he was grabbed on the nose by a small dog and we have been told he now barks at them. He is going to have a blast with the big dawgs, I can already tell!
When he is healthy, he will be neutered and microchipped and I am looking forward to our journey together. I can already tell he is going to make me laugh so much and carve his own big space all of his own in my heart.
He travelled great over the weekend to get to Shannonville from Ohio and welcome to Canada dear man!
On a BIG side note: we are desperately in need of 3 more approved Volunteers to help out on Saturday July 15th for dog loving/washing at Critter Jungles awesome Dirty Dawg Wash! Please consider our cause to support….this shall be our 6th incredible opportunity to be at their location and we need your help!
We need events like this to help raise much needed funds to keep our rescue efforts strong.
Special Date Auction #12 is well under way!
BHRR’s Leroy – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
Enjoy sweet man! You so deserve this special spoiling time!
Couple more hours to go on the road for today yet he is doing great!
That poor eye also looks infected.
Apparently he is a real love!
He is travelling well!
AND ‘Ryder’ is on his way! Thanks Jane for the photo and safe travels to all!
He will then be emergency temp fostered for BHRR until I can drive to pick him up and do the final leg of his journey early next week.
Ryder was the emaciated 10 month old Great Dane, that weighed only 48 pounds and was listed as free on an online ad. He also is in serious need of eye surgery.
Cannot wait to meet this adorable dude!
Sunday July 9th @ Pet Valu Stittsville – Our 10th Annual Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser AND So Much More!
*No appointments necessary
2017 marks our 10th year of hosting this exciting event!
BHRR has been precedent setting in the community in seeing more cats & dogs microchipped to give them the best chance possible to get home should they be lost or stolen.
More information in link above and in poster!
BHRR’s Leroy
Still AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
With the truly heart warming and wonderful story ending of BHRR’s Abby’s forever loving home having finally found her, we are hoping that by asking people to share/cross-post BHRR’s Leroy, that his right matched forever home will also find him.
Like BHRR’s Abby, he has been waiting a really really long time, has been so patient, as have we and we just know that his own home is out there too!
They just have not found him yet!
BHRR’s Leroy came to us emaciated – he has put on 50+ pounds in muscle mass and weight, and suffered from severe SA. His previous home also docked his tail as they did not wish to work through his ‘happy tail’ woes.
I know this photo is a XMAS Eve Photo yet I love it of him!
This fine man is now ~ 6 years of age, affectionate, uber handsome and incredibly loyal.
He is good with dogs of all sizes yet no small dogs would be our preference as he can play rough, unknown re: cats, and travels great in a car, is crate-trained, obedient – can still sometimes pull if distracted and is a quiet boy.
He can be an only dog in a home or be adopted to a home that has a right personality fit dog. He can be adopted to a home that works full-time, part-time or is semi-retired etc.
He has a special play date coming up on July 10th and we will obtain some new photo’s of him then to share!
Thank you in advance to all that may share this post!
It happened for BHRR’s Abby today!
It finally happened!!
This stunning BBBBB was ADOPTED!
Yes, I had tears in my eyes yet, as mentioned to the home, they are the best kind of tears!
BHRR’s Pearl would have done equally well in this home yet BHRR’s Abby edged her out and BHRR’s Pearl, your own time shall come. Adding this also to BHRR’s Pearl’s blog so people can see the update on this home-visit that both dogs attended.
Thank you to this amazing home in having such kind understanding and patience as we went through our thorough adoption process. Thank you for being so open in your hearts to wanting a senior Dane to adopt.
Thank you for seeing BHRR’s Abby when so many others did not. So many looked past her and we kept saying that we were patient as was she and we took some criticism over the years as we refused to have her be adopted to a wrong home.
She needed that right matched forever loving home, one that did not care that she was a smaller female, one that did not care that she was black – full of beautiful frosting now!, one that did not care that she was older, one that did not have cats and felt they could ‘train’ the prey drive out of her….AND that home finally came along!
My dear sweet Abbies….how proud I am of you, how much love I have for you, how happy I am for you, how just so incredibly you have touched my heart plus soul…..
We never gave up, you never gave up and to all of our friends, families plus supporters, thank you also in not giving up on her or the work that we do at BHRR!
You survived being dumped in big bear and coyote country, you survived bloat, you survived so many walking past you at BHRR Events and ‘EXPERIENCE’ mini open houses and every time this happened, I said to myself, those people do not deserve you…yet, one home out there will…they shall see you for the gem and precious jewel you truly are!
AND it finally happened….
BHRR’s Abby, we walked many a mile together yet now even though our paths shall change course, you shall forever have your paws entrenched upon my heart and soul.
Congrats BHRR’s Abby! Congrats to a truly lovely home as well! Your adoptive family is really awesome!
This is adoption #399 for BHRR!
What a really great ending to my weekend!
This young male Great Dane is ‘Ryder’.
At just 10 months of age, he weighed only 48 pounds and was listed as ‘Free’ online. He was severely emaciated and close to death.
A truly Good Samaritan managed to get him and he is now safe in their hands. He has been putting on much needed weight over the past weeks and has even started to play.
We were contacted by three separate wonderful rescue sources asking if we could assist him.
No hesitation made…..without a doubt he is the next in need of us and we are so thankful to the angel that saw the ad and then saved him.
Once he is healthy, we will neuter him and also take care of his Cherry eye. All proactive plus preventative Vet Care that he needs will be done.
We noted in the photo his right hip and right lower leg…some injuries there.
ETA to BHRR the weekend of July 8th. With a possible approved adoption to occur shortly, our next spot will be for this boy, who we have been told is just the sweetest thing. He is good with cats, goats, dogs(though he was grabbed on the nose by a Doxie and now barks back at super small dogs and we will address), also good with the two year old child that lives in the home.
He is nervous of strangers, especially men and will bark plus growl.
Cannot wait to meet him….BHRR was founded for all the dogs just like him…..
Terrifies me to think of where he could have ended up being listed as ‘free’ 🙁
Another photo of this beautiful girl from her date on June 23rd.
Someone had a great date yesterday!
BHRR’s Pearl!
Thanks VERY much Heather in bidding on this date with her and giving her this very special spoiling time!
I heard that there was lots of cuddling and even a snooze together.
AND thank you for all of the truly gorgeous pictures.
ISO: A BHRR Approved Volunteer for Sunday July 2nd to assist in doing a home-visit with me.
I understand it is a long weekend for many and know this may be a hard request to fill. At BHRR, we operate 24/7, 365 days a year! No weekends at all for us.
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
This is for a possible approved adoption of either BHRR’s Pearl or BHRR’s Abby.
Please email gwen@birchhaven.org
Please do not post here, as we may miss your offer!
AND BHRR’s Pearl is now having her own special play date!
This is Date Auction #8!
We have a total of four special picnic play dates scheduled for this weekend! Yay!
This picture is as I drive slowly down our laneway as she loves the sights and smells of the country. ?
*Yes, those are some of our horses in the background!
I got her!
Here is the newest addition to BHRR!
Still needs a name!
She is quite skinny, terrible coat that is shedding a lot, is dull and full of dander. A nice oatmeal bath or two plus proper diet, getting healthier and taking a rubber curry brush will make all the difference to get her coat nice and shiny black!
She is just over 94 pounds and has a long body with ears that I fell instantly in love with! Not one yet two flying nun ears!
She is sorely in need of a nail trim yet enough was done to her today. She had her first Vet visit and lungs plus heart were given a thumbs up. While nervous, she already does already exhibit tons of potential to be a good solid dog.
What was so sad for us to observe was how she flinched and slunk down as you ran your hand gently down her back or across her sides. She would really tremble and shrink away. She would not stand for an abdominal or hind end exam and that is fine. That will come later when she goes back for a recheck and her boosters.
She had her initial vaccines today, and we took blood for her Heartworm plus tickborne disease testing and pre-op blood work in preparation to spay her.
When she is spayed, we will Microchip her at that time.
Now that she is home with me, she is beginning her de-worming protocol and will be placed on flea/tick & Heartworm medication.
She is drinking well and I could tell at work how hungry she was as she was eating all the grass and even dirt she could get a hold of. That was stopped fast. She will be fed four meals a day to help get her used to being fed and not feeling like she is starving and get her system back on track plus show her that she will be fed, be fed enough and that no one will take her food away. That it is hers.
She was very brave and her Vet even got a good look into her ears, took her temperature and had an initial quick peek at her eyes. Nothing abnormal noted.
When I put her back into the run while I got ready to leave with her, she was already more sassy.
I can tell….give her a few weeks. I think we may have a bit of a wee devil on our hands! Manners 101 coming up for her!
She also showed no reaction when another dog barked and yapped at her.
As she was ‘said’ to have been attacked at a dog park at a water bowl there, we will be monitoring things very closely as she becomes integrated. Apparently, she is reactive now around water bowls.
She did not come with a collar so she is wearing BHRR’s Capone’s old one…..made way smaller!
In one day shy of three months since she first arrived she is ready….once this girl began to move forward, just never looked back! ??
Welcome to BHRR you stunning BBBBB!
BHRR’s Black Diamond is ready to make her special announcement!
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
You have come a far way beautiful girl!
BHRR never professes to be miracle workers.
We work to assess/evaluate each dog we are asked to help and to give each dog the individual program they need to help them become the best dogs they can be via our rehabilitation programs.
To us, rehabilitate does not mean to make normal in the sense that many would term as ‘cured’.
As we say so often, behaviour cannot be changed. Behaviour can be successfully modified and managed to be the best behaviour possible.
BHRR’s Black Diamond came to us reactive. A leash could not even properly be placed upon her, she was was not even part of the land of the living, she was so scared and shutdown. I know I have said this several times yet a reactive dog is not trying to give us a hard time, they are trying to tell us that they are having a hard time.
As we have helped her heal as she clearly was emotionally, behaviourally broken, she has gained comfidence, self-control and manners.
We gave her time, consistency, love, patience, understanding, obedience, structure to help her learn to like and love herself, make good decisions, to trust, to play, have self-control and once she decided that we were worthy of her trust and respect, her progress just made leaps and bounds.
To be clear, if she ended up in a situation that would trigger all that she overcame, she would absolutely resort back to demonstrating fear, lack of trust, and stress in the manner that she did upon arrival.
She is not ‘cured’, no dog is. She is a magnificent dog that needs to continue to be set up for success and in that right match forever loving home, she shall be!
She is great with people….just needs to be given a bit of space for her to size things up and treats also can help. That she may or may not take the treat is not what is important. What is important is the offering of the treat and it being associated with a positive experience.
She has had zero issues at the Vet when she was ready to go or when she had her professional photo’s done or when we have had people visiting us.
She can go to a home that works full time, part time, works from home, is retired or even semi-retired. Another amazing versatile BHRR dog.
We would prefer a home without kids under the age of 13 as children can and are often spastic plus flighty in their movements. She needs stability, clear open communication and to feel safe.
She can go to a home with or without another dog. What is most important is her having right matched personality fit friends to play with. She is great with the dogs at our home yet does seem to prefer when it comes down to it, males over females. She has been working her way up the doggie hierarchy where the girls are concerned with subtle body movements.
She is not a wallflower. This girl has strength plus backbone and needs a really dog experienced home, not necessarily a Dane experienced home.
It is unknown how she is with cats.
She travels wonderfully in the vehicle and is crate plus x-pen trained.
She is quiet and sweet and incredibly affectionate!
Each morning she just lights up when I say ‘Good Morning’ and is ready to take on all the adventures of the day! 
?
She is truly wonderful and has taught me much and I remain humbled by her being willing to take the necessary steps to come to the land of the living…
She is a ham! A real character and she is going to make the home that is meant for her a truly amazing addition!
Proud of you, you gorgeous BBBBB!
Thank you again to Elizabeth for the help in getting her and BHRR’s Sambuca’s professional photo’s done and also thank you to Liz again for the gorgeous pictures!
BHRR’s ???
NEEDS a name!
Female GD, ~2 years of age
O/S
Reasons for Surrender Given: Divorce & Cannot Exercise Her Enough
*Scared of Thunderstorms
*Was bit by another dog at a dog park at a water bowl and is now reactive to other dogs around water bowls
*Lived with a Pug & was fine
*’Said’ to be selective in liking other dogs yet at the same time, the information given stated she was fine with other animals.
*Wary & Nervous around Strangers
*Anxiety level at Shelter is 8/10
ETA to BHRR June 12th
AND my final post for tonight – another busy day for us!
Remember this picture of BHRR’s Navy? Posted May 15th, 2017? AND remember the following blurb re: him at that time?
“…..I am going to post this picture(when they say that pictures put on ’20 pounds’….that will say how much this picture does not truly capture this boys’ body condition) of when he arrived yesterday and the below information.
When he first arrived at the shelter on April 8th, they had him weighing 57.4 ks(126.88 pounds). Their last weight in early May had him weighing 43kgs(94.6 kgs).
He arrived into Rescue yesterday and I had him at the Vet’s today. He only weighed 40.1 kgs(88.22 pounds).
That means that he lost 38.06 pounds during his time at the shelter.
In his records from the shelter, after he was neutered there on April 19th, he was given Rimadyl and he had a severe reaction to it…..diarrhea and a gastric ulcer plus ate poorly for a period of time.”
Well, tonight BHRR’s Navy was back at KAH for a recheck and guess what?! He now weighs 117.26 pounds. That means he has put on 20.04 pounds since May 15th – in just 18 days.
WTG!! Our rescue specialises & has a 100% success rate in helping emaciation cases and he was being fed 8 small meals a day of a proper balanced diet to get his system properly started and going in the right direction.
This boy was sick & hurt upon arrival. He was and still is battling terrible pressure sores plus calluses. His back right – the outside callus – still bleeds as it struggles to heal. He will always have scars and raised calluses on his back feet. He had spent far too long on hard surfaces and not given soft bedding to lay upon.
He had been put on strong antibiotics for 10 days to resolve the infection that his feet carried and showed up in his blood work.
His back left leg was swollen as were his lymph nodes in his groin. I did ask on May 15th if his Vet thought possible osteosarcoma and it could not be ruled out that night they said BUT it can now! Yay!
His Vet had thought May 15th that he could have cellulitis yet no signs of anything like that any longer!
Tonight, at his recheck, his back left hock and lower limb is now normal. His lymph nodes are almost completely normal too and there is no sign of any issues with his hips as we had been told that he had a hip issue in the request of assistance to us.
His happy tail is also healed – he came to us May 14th with a tightly wrapped up tail in tape and Vet wrap of which Sean plus I promptly removed as it was a breeding ground for bacteria & infection.
He was quite uncomfortable upon examination May 15th and tonight, not a peep, tail wagged nonstop and he was so happy!
He is a goofy, busy, nosey boy! LOL AND so vocal….about all of his feelings! 
He has bounced back to health from the severe reaction that he had at the shelter from the Rimadyl that he had been given by them when they neutered him back in April – prior to us being aware of him.
He was microchipped tonight and showed off all of his new found (taught!) manners with sitting, taking a treat gently etc.
Leash manners are getting there and though still thin, he is not a rack of bones any longer and the rest of the weight shall come on…..and he is developing marvellous muscle tone and mass.
His Vet was very impressed with his progress and we microchipped him tonight, he obtained his Rabies and DAPP booster. He will go back to see his Vet again in 3-4 weeks for another recheck, re-weigh, booster and we will repeat his bloodwork to see where all of that stands now.
The bloodwork we did May 15th did at least provide good news in that he is Heartworm plus Lymes disease negative so neither one of those diseases were the cause of his medical condition concerns.
He is getting much better at sharing water bowls and toys! He gets along famously with the other dogs and a busy active boy he is! Really affectionate and a ham!
So so so proud of him as no matter that he was feeling pretty poopy, he was friendly and social and still quite happy.
From my home to all of our friends, family & supporters, may everyone have a good night! I know I am looking forward to my own bed……I am up and at ‘er bright and early again tomorrow!
BHRR’s Sambuca on a small stroll tonight. He really is thankful! He will have a recheck exam over the next 10 days and hoping for good news on that stubborn infection on the one side of his mouth.
From a BHRR Approved Volunteer from her experience yesterday in helping to hold/love on BHRR’s Sambuca & BHRR’s Black Diamond while I got each dogs’ professional photo’s done.
“I’ve been thinking of her so much since yesterday… once again I am in utter awe (but not in the least bit surprised) at the change in BHRR’s Black Diamond since coming into your care. You have let her see past the fear and become being the best dog she can be. From the photos of her at the beginning, to seeing her yesterday.. I would not think it was the same dog.. to go from not being able to be touched to leaning on a total stranger and getting pets, and bouncing through the grass in an unfamiliar place… you amaze me Gwen and I am eternally so grateful for the chances you give these dogs at a life of true happiness. <3”
Two more pictures taken at KAH!
I know! Lots of posts flying today!!
This is my last post of my night and what a great post to end a magnificent sunny spring day….the last we are to see again for some time with yet more rain heading our way.
Many may remember the photo of a terrified Great Dane, that I posted March 9th. A picture of a Dane completely overcome with fear….here are some of the words from that post….words sent our way when we were asked to help her. They could not even get a leash on her.
‘This stunning girl is absolutely and extremely terrified plus severely anxious….to the point that she cannot be properly handled, she cannot be examined and is very defensive plus protective of her space. The Dane is so fearful to the point of being assessed by the shelter as being aggressive.’
We were asked to assist her as it is our mandate to be here for dogs like her. We focus on behaviours such as this and I am going to quote what Steve Frost, an Animal Enrichment & Behaviour Manager in Chicago stated best. For, he sums up well what we knew BHRR’s Black Diamond was demonstrating, she was being reactive.
You see, many people will label a dog as aggressive when in fact, they are actually ‘reactive’. There is a difference.
Bear with me….as this is a Gwennie Novel!
Per Steve, ‘A dog displaying reactive behaviours isn’t giving us a hard time; he’s letting us know he’s having a hard time.’
He goes on to add that he ’empathises that the goal is not to stigmatise, label or oversimplify. In the average animal shelter, in fact, reactive signs are on display almost daily.’
Many dogs are under extreme stress in shelters and it can cause them to ‘cross over’ from acceptable to unacceptable behaviours aka thresholds.
So, all of this to say that, we ‘understood’ BHRR’s Black Diamond and we needed to make sure we provided a stable, safe, consistent, positive, structured environment; one that included so much time, patience and obedience also.
Fast forward to exactly 8 weeks later – she arrived to BHRR March 12th – to tonight at Kanata Animal Hospital and look at her now?!
She has become a true goober at our home….she plays and she asks for affection, she leans on you, sits on you, more than once she has put her front legs on my shoulders to look me in the eye….yup, she will look into our eyes now and I have to say ‘off my shoulders!’ LOL
She grinds her head into you, she is so excited every morning when I say ‘Good Morning’ to her for she is ready to take on the day and what adventures that day shall bring!
Does she still have a long way to go….yes, in some ways she does and she shall always be a product of her genetics plus past and our roles are to help her become the best dog she can be and man, she is fabu!
Was she nervous getting into the car tonight, yes. We also had BHRR’s Sambuca so that made her more comfortable. I asked Sean to come with me so she had two humans and BHRR’s Sambuca – a truly solid dog, surrounding her with support to set her up for success.
She was weighed – 37.8 kgs – 83.16 pounds. She will never be a ‘Giant Dane’ in size but she is Giant in heart plus personality! When she is done maturing and eats even better, she ‘may’ make 90-95 pounds yet any more than that and she would be fat.
To those with Danes 120 pounds, that is not small…..and it is never about the actual number, it is about their health and what is the ideal for them.
BHRR’s Black Diamond did SO well at KAH. We did her bloodwork for Heartworm plus Tickborne diseases. We microchipped her. She had her heart, lungs, eyes, ears looked at and a thumbs up given! She had her vaccines and took treats from both the Vet and other Staff.
She even voluntarily went up to one of the staff and accepted some pats.
Huge huge huge progress made!!
Leashes still scare her and so, we will keep working on that.
This is such a wonderful BBBBB and her Vet found her to be lean, smart, loved her coat and in great health. She said she was a pretty little thing and quite nice.
BHRR’s Black Diamond, our journey together is going to take a different path shortly……for soon you shall go to another for almost 6 weeks to be temp fostered plus to help us bring you to the next stage of your rehab journey! From there we will re-evaluate and go forward….
Proud of you….love you! You are one of the bravest dogs ever and we knew you were not a wallflower for you had to have had backbone somewhere in you to have not given up.
You came back to the land of the living….you gave humans another chance to do right by you as you were failed in your past….you trusted again….and our promise remains to you that we will not see you failed….we will see you flourish and blossom and become the best dog you can be and we know that you are already one incredible girl!
From our home to all of our friends, family and supporters and on behalf of BHRR’s Diamond, Good- Night!
URGENT NEED:
ISO: A BHRR Approved Emerge Temp Foster
*Note: if you are an approved adoptive home, you are already an approved temp foster if your circumstances allows for it.
Location: Ottawa & Immediate Surrounding Area
Male, ~3,
*Neutered, was living with cats, dogs & kids and was good. He is listed as being calm, affectionate and does drool!
*He has a back right hip issue plus some happy tail that we will ensure our Vet Team addresses*
We have a request to help two medical case Great Danes(believed to come from the same home.
Just seeking an approved BHRR foster home for 2-4 weeks until we have at least one of our possible pending adoptions finalized.
We have been working behind the scenes on this request over the past 24-48 hours and we have a temp foster lined up for BHRR’s Black Diamond (yup! She is ready! 
so that I can bring direct into my home what appears to be the more urgent of the two Danes. She is a ~9 year old female that has had a recent c-section – yup puppies at age 9….and it is infected.
The transport is being lined up for tomorrow so time is of the absolute essence.
If any one of our approved BHRR temp foster homes can assist in taking in this lovely boy for 2-4 weeks, I would be so grateful.
We provide all the food, beds, bowls, leashes, collars etc. and support! Plus pay for all of the dogs’ vetting.
Please do not post here, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org
BHRR’s Rickards is moving to a “HOLD” Pattern Status right now. We will update his blog as we can.
Our 6th Annual 1 of a kind, unique and creative Date Auction is NOW Closed!
What a finish!
I will be in touch by end of night Sunday to ALL winners via email to confirm their wins with the Master log made by wp.
Please bear with me and be patient as I have 24 Dates plus the Dine Tickets to reach the Winners about!
Do not send money until I have contacted you. Thanks!
Thanks everyone for sharing, and/or participating and I look forward to scheduling these dates with the winners.
NOTE: BHRR reserves the right to decline any winner(s) on a date bid
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson says after this exciting finish, he needs to go to bed!! 
On a side note: BHRR’s Black Diamond began playing on the weekend for the first time and my 9 month old Wolfie Brogan is like ice cream, chocolate plus a whole desert buffet in her mind! An update for another post!
Happy Tuesday!
BHRR’s Rickards says ‘I am ready to make my special announcement!’
~2 year old English Mastiff
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
BHRR’s Rickards was dumped a very rural pound as his owners were having a baby. 
BHRR’s Rickards is such a great dog! He is housebroken, crate trained and very obedient. His leash manners are now outstanding.
He is affectionate, loyal, kind and uber handsome!
He has such a big head for his body yet it only makes him more adorable plus endearing. 
He is lean, muscled, happy and healthy and we do not want to see him become fat like so many dogs of his breed and what we see happen to many dogs out there.
He travels beautifully in a car, is great with cats, excellent with dogs of all shapes and sizes yet we feel it best that he be either an only dog or be placed with a right matched personality fit female dog or with cats. He has mostly been indifferent to the males here and yet, still likes to sometimes get pushy with my now 9 month old male Wolfie, Brogan. He seems to almost flirt with the ladies though! 
He corrects well and we think he would be happiest as either an only dog, in a home with a right matched cat or two or with a female fit dog. He loves the companionship of the dogs and is such a low maintenance boy!
He is amazing to do nails, wash and go to the Vet. He is pretty darn close to being bomb proof. He is extremely well balanced and rounded. His temperament is rock solid.
A smaller EM yet to that right matched forever loving home, it will not matter. He can go to a home without or with kids(prefer 10 and up if the home does have children). He is calm, quiet – except when I come home and he has these amazing wee squeals of ‘she’s home! Gwennie is home!’ and truly a well adjusted kind gentle giant.
He can be adopted to a home that works ft or pt, or works from home, is semi-retired or retired. He is another ever so versatile BHRR dog.
He has been a gem to have with us. Makes us miss our own two EM’s dearly and he is going to make a lucky home a fabu addition!
BHRR’s Rickards, I cannot believe that someone would dump you…you are a treasure….a true fine specimen of model behaviour and goodness and that home did not deserve you. You deserve a home that will demonstrate to you daily just how special and worthy you are!!
I love you so much and thank you for being you!
Thank you again to Liz Bradley for her time and talent on April 5th to do these professional photo’s! Thank you also to Elizabeth White for your extra loving hands so that I could get his and BHRR’s Giselle’s pictures done!
SNEAK Peek Photo’s!
Taken April 5th, 2017
BHRR’s Rickards (EM) shall be making his special announcement later tonight – April 7th, 2017!
Stay Tuned!
Thanks to Elizabeth White for helping me get these professional photo’s done on April 5th AND to Liz Bradley for all of her talent, patience and time for doing these incredible Rescue Pawtraits!
He is looking at me waiting patiently for his treat for being such a good boy!
Aren’t they both so freakin’ fabu!?!? AND stunning?!
BHRR’s Rickards and BHRR’s Giselle when they caught sight of the kids when they got off the bus!!
AND we are on our way! Professional photo time for BHRR’s Rickards and BHRR’s Giselle!
Here I am all super excited and BHRR’s Rickards is like all chill and calm!
Stay tuned for BHRR’s Rickards special announcement over the next week or so once I get his professional photo’s back! 
Flash Blast of Winter today….and managed to capture BHRR’s Black Diamond in the blur of the falling snow…..still not a great picture yet camera’s do make her nervous as she cannot see ones facial expression….
She does not like us too close to her outside and she comes back with the calling of her name amazingly reliably and with so much enthusiasm now. The closer she gets to the house, the slower and more nervous she gets yet she is more brave and now ‘meets her fear’. That is such a big thing!!
If I go out to visit her in the 3+ fenced in yard, she comes closer than she once did yet still stays within a good distance. Yet, when I turn around and walk back to the house, she is right on my heels closely following me!
Progress!!
Still much more comfortable with Sean and Mason yet, improving so much with me. Kinsley is the one helping to prepare her food so that her scent becomes known to Black Diamond too.
She has met Cookie Dough Dynamo and also BHRR’s Abby outside and her desire is to flee. No worries. She is not ready…..
Inside, she prefers to hang in the sunroom and that is where we also have her colossal crate and leave the crate door open unless feeding or sleeptime.
When she knows Sean is around she has now begun to do some Kanga-Daning so that she can see him over the 3/4 door. Yet, when he approaches she will go to the corner….as she does when anyone first goes into the sunroom.
She still shakes and quivers as you sit and turn slightly sideways and passively ignore her yet less than it once was.
You slowly reach out a hand and she still flinches yet is more accepting of the touch and will look at you if you stop gently stroking her fur. She still sometimes will move away yet more and more she will inch and lean more towards us to get us to keep going when we stop…
Or will pace back and forth across our outstretched fingers and if we drop our hand, she pauses in front of us, looking at us out of the corner of her eye…..so, we lift our fingertips again and she will brush up and down them again.
She is so pretty…the look in her eyes is still quite terrified, yet less confused and yesterday I actually saw her race and bounce outside in the glorious sunshine for a really small bit!!!! Makes me smile and feel so good inside……
As I end most of her posts….tomorrow is another day!
AND here is BHRR’s Black Diamond wearing the gorgeous collar sent by Margaret with East Coast healing love! Good-bye to that awful choke chain that she arrived in…..
The beautiful collar arrived last night and per my previous post, she trusted Mason enough to allow him to place it on her…..
What a gorgeous BBBBB she is! She is uneasy with her photo being taken so not the best photo yet one can still see how gorgeous she looks!
One baby step at a time Black Diamond…..Rome was not built in a day and your rehab shall be as long as it takes…you are surrounded by a village that is patient, kind and caring.
We shall show you helping kind hands…not hurtful ones. Your trust is a gift and we are patient…..
She trusts Sean/Mason the most and that does not say too much.
She shall reliably come in for them when they let her out and for for me, I am batting about 85-95% on that front.
The first day she arrived, she was leaning into me, letting me gently touch her several hours after her arrival and then every AM is back to the beginning all over again. She is back to her shutdown survivor mode.
Even if you have to go to the bathroom and come out again, it is right back to step 1.
When you are with her long enough, her eyes begin to register things….when you leave to do a load of laundry for example, her eyes are right back,,,,,unfocused, not seeing anything, filled with terror.
She does not whimper in fear, she will almost scream softly in fear if she feels intimidated and threatened, which thank goodness is less and less.
Yesterday, two times I did have to circle around her again in the fenced in yard to gently guide her inside. We are a long way off from using a lunge line etc. Leashes terrify her.
Today, so far she is back to the progress I made days ago with opening up the door and passively ignoring her and she comes in.
She will at least drink in front of us and around us now. Eating was not there when she first arrive – not abnormal – then she was eating and then she went off eating.
We are now mixing wet and she eats best when everyone is asleep.
Once she lets you touch her, she begins almost frozen to the spot and then over time will stand up and pace back and forth just within reach of your fingertips. If you let you hand fall down, she will step a bit closer, not much and you know that she wants you to lift your hand again and let her walk past them letting them gently drift across her fur.
When we also let our hand fall back down, she will look towards you, so that is when you know she is registering and in the depths of her fear, is on the edge of the land of the living.
She is wonderful in her crate and is housebroken and this is why BHRR exists…for her, for dogs like her…..
AND as long as it takes….we are patient…..very patient….we have demonstrated that many times over the past 21+ years.
ND it is now off!
Thanks to Mason. BHRR’s Black Diamond trusted him enough to allow him to remove the horrible choke collar that she arrived into rescue with. It is finally gone!
BHRR’s Black Diamond is now sporting this gorgeous collar sent all the way from the East Coast. It was donated so generously and with such love by M. Gladstone. A matching leash is also being sent her way.
Thank you again…..SO much! It is stunning on her.
Per Margaret: “I believe the warm colours and fun zany pattern will help her spirit heal.”
We will take some photo’s of her modelling her new fashion-wear shortly.
This is BHRR’s Black Diamond. She arrived to BHRR March 12th and is truly one of the more heartbreaking Danes we have seen and we have seen many over the past 21 years.
I was going to post a video I took of her yesterday AM and I decided not to. For those who have followed her since the first picture was posted at the pound of her terrified, tail tucked up, eyes wide and almost frozen with fear to the spot and read about how she was impossible to leash or examine etc., already know that she has a long rehab journey ahead of her.
So, I want to focus on the positives since her arrival and not just the real terror she feels and that every touch no matter how slight makes her flinch….that is when you can get close enough to touch her.
Every step forward or two forward is met with a step or two backwards once we are out of her presence and sight…..then we start from the beginning again.
So positive first:
1) she finally started eating and drinking last night!
2) she actually munched and crunched on a smoked marrow bone from the butchery today
3) she has learned where the door is and will come back to the door now
4) she will allow us sometimes to take her by her collar and lead her gently to her crate
5) she will more easily go into her crate
6) she spends her time now 75% open crate and 25% on her own volition in our sunroom that has 6 Costco dog beds and the radiant floor heating on
7) when you can touch her and you leave your hand on her gently, while she is still extremely tense she is less posed for flight
8) she looks at you with such terror in her eyes yet she has now begun to actually ‘see’ & ‘notice’ other things around her – this is excellent….she is so lost within herself right now that she is in survival shutdown mode
9) while there are still small fear growls and whimpers of being scared it is less
10) when we are outside, she will actually take a few steps in our direction and not just bolt first
11) she is panting less in stress than she was
12) she has only made one attempt to snap at the leash and that was on Sunday night
13) when she does come in, she no longer makes a beeline to a corner of the sun-room
14) she has so much potential!
15) in both pictures posted her tail is not tucked up right under her belly!
She has only been with us just over 48 hours….this is good!
The heartbreaking reality….for now:
1) so undersocialised
2) she has not felt caring loving gentle touches for she flinches and tenses up at every touch and begins to panic yet she is a lot less likely to bolt – she has been neglected & hurt
3) there was a lot of trouble leashing her at the pound and even when Tom/Maira went to pick her up, she lunged and bit at the leash in complete fear & she did that once so far here
4) we cannot as of yet get that oversized terrible choke collar off her….but that time will come!
5) she was so scared on Sunday – Maira told me that she was having a lot of gas & she was – that she fear pooped once – only the one time
6) the leash is still quite scary to her and I show it to her so she gets to see it and will learn it means something so good/exciting and not something horrible. We no longer loop leash her as we can get her in and out without a leash now.
7) Up until today, I had to circle around her in the 3+ fenced acreage as she would run to the far corner and cower – two of our 2011 Freedom Danes also did this when they first arrived BHRR’s Gretta & her sister BHRR’s Peanut – and she would run away from me and I just walked behind her slowly guiding her in the direction I wanted her to go….towards the house
8) this girl is broken…her spirit crushed
9) she is confused and clearly has had a lack of structure, consistency and very little true love in her short life to date
10) she wrenches at my heart yet we must continue forward. I do not show her pity or sorrow….I keep that deep within me for that is doing her zero favours. She is doing things at her pace and on her terms with us giving her opportunities and guiding her in the move forward direction she needs in order to come back to the land of the living
This is BHRR’s Black Diamond today as part of her first BHRR Winter Wonderland. I got as close to her as I could so she did not feel intimidated and then was so pleased to see her come even closer to me!
The photo in the thread shows her posed to take flight and proud of her that she did not! BHRR’s Black Diamond you are doing great! I ask from you no more than I know you can give and we do have some tough love as we take your rehab journey for there is much to show you and for you to experience as you are ready….to help you realise what an amazing girl you are!
Tomorrow is Day three….another day and the path of new steps to be taken forward and back and in time more forward than back and then just forward onward we go!
You will learn that you can like yourself and that you are worthy and deserving!
Notice that as nervous as she is, her tail is not tucked up right to her belly like it was at the shelter!
Huge!
They love their routine!
BHRR’s Rickards – EM
**NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!**
Winter Wonderland Day
March 14th, 2017
This handsome boy was also at KAH tonight with BHRR’s Giselle!
He had his latest recheck exam and the two rounds of antibiotics have finally worked its magic! His skin looks good, his eyes and ears look good and he received a thumbs up! I would like to see a bit more weight and his Vet agrees, yet it is not anything that would hold him back from being placed up for adoption anytime soon.
BHRR’s Rickards is scheduled for his professional photo shoot on March 31st and once those photos are in, he will have his special announcement to make! Gives him a few more weeks to put on some more weight too.
So stay tuned over the next three weeks for his special announcement!
WTG! BHRR’s Rickards!
It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photo’s or video is proving to be an exercise in futility! 
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!! None of my photo’s are anything special! Lots of photo-bombing going on!
BHRR’s Pearl with BHRR’s Latte!
It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photo’s or video is proving to be an exercise in futility!
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!! None of my photo’s are anything special! Lots of photo-bombing going on!
BHRR’s Salem, BHRR’s Leroy and BHRR’s Ivy’s butt!
It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photo’s or video is proving to be an exercise in futility!
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!! None of my photo’s are anything special! Lots of photo-bombing going on!
BHRR’s Purse Puppy Coco Chanel!
It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photo’s or video is proving to be an exercise in futility!
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!! None of my photo’s are anything special! Lots of photo-bombing going on!
Here is BHRR’s Baby Griffin with Matrix photo crashing and also BHRR’s Purse Puppy Chanel with one of my own special needs GD’s Ice! AND that is BHRR’s Raven’s butt!
We are now home!!
For those who had the pleasure of meeting BHRR’s Cherry and BHRR’s Blossom – two amazing, equally terrified BBBBB’s that came into BHRR over the years and were successfully rehabbed. Both also were from the same area of Quebec and I would almost bet my bottom dollar they are all related……
BHRR’s Black Diamond is a small, lovely in porpotion, beautiful Dane about 1 year of age. She is shedding a lot and has lots of dander, gas too! Yet, per a post I made on her first photo, her body condition is quite good overall. She is not skinny. I wish more people understood a skinny dog over one that is nice & lean! 
I am already receiving signs of trust with some leans and being able to touch her from head, side of face to rump. She watches me and will follow me. Always so humbling….
First line of business when she lets me is to take off that horrible choke chain.
Thank you again to Maira & Tom for picking her up from the pound and safely transporting her closer to me! Thank you for the leash and the two blankets for her also!! Maira kept declining my offer to reimburse her for fuel too….so darn lucky to know such kind good and generous people!
We are settling in and more soon!
Welcome to BHRR Black Diamond!
It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photo’s or video is proving to be an exercise in futility!
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!!
This is everyone’s fav Ironman – BHRR’s Maverick!
Looking mighty distinguished with his ‘frosting’ yet he shall always be the biggest goofball!
He is doing fabu!!
That is also BHRR’s Salem, BHRR’s Ivy & BHRR’s purse Puppy Coach plus BHRR’s Raven in the photo too! All are visiting us this week!!
@ 9:00 AM Maira & Tom had BHRR’s Black Diamond in their safe keeping and I am on my way to meet them!
Will update again as I can!
Maira says she is travelling well!
Per Maira, they had trouble getting the leash on at the pound and we knew that would be the case as they found it impossible to leash her nor were able to exam her.
She did lunge and bite at the leash….all expected plus understood behaviour.
Why I have called her BHRR’s Black Diamond. Several reasons for this:
1) she is a beautiful diamond in the rough
2) black diamonds are most valued for their artistic beauty and dark allure
3) natural Black diamonds are somewhat different from most other diamonds in that these stones are incredibly precious, absolutely beautiful, and considered quite valuable.
4) Found in very few locations – Brazil being one of them. For you Maira as her rescue transport angel meeting me!
5) the mesmerising color is received from Mother Nature.
6) Natural Fancy Black Diamonds are rare and beautiful
So, BHRR’s Black Diamond aka Diamond she is named!
This gorgeous adolescent black beauty (no more than 18 months old) is waiting in the wings to come to BHRR as the next in need of our highly specialised rescue assistance.
She shall be only the 4th dog to date in 2017 that we have been able to step up to assist. We have to always be about quality not quantity.
With BHRR’s expertise being on the special needs, medical and/or behavioural, 95%+ of the Danes/Giant & honorary Giants we take in are the really broken, the severely neglected and/or abused, the emaciated, the hurt, the terrified, the untrained, the dying, the deaf and/or the blind, the misunderstood, the sick and the almost destroyed etc….
Dogs, others will not or cannot assist and this has been our mandate since our inception in 1996 to be there for these dogs as we believe that they to deserve the best of lives as it is not their fault they have been let down by humans.
Our Haven program has been the safe home to so many over the past 21 years and we always adopt out those we can and continue to protect plus adore those for life that are not able to be adopted out.
We are not miracle workers, and do not pretend to be. We are committed, experienced, highly educated plus knowledgeable humans that have dedicated our lives to be there for those that cannot speak or stand up for themselves.
This stunning girl is absolutely and extremely terrified plus severely anxious….to the point that she cannot be properly handled, she cannot be examined and is very defensive plus protective of her space. The Dane is so fearful to the point of being assessed by the shelter as being aggressive.
This is why we were contacted to see if we could help her.
With the possibility of more approved adoptions on the horizon, how could we not step up ……she needs so much…..
She will need a name….she will need to learn about helping hands, not hurting hands and we have promised to do right by her…..
ETA to BHRR Sunday March 12th.
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
This handsome young man was neutered & microchipped today. BHRR’s Rickards.
His repeat bloodwork after finishing his first round of antibiotics plus completing his de-worming protocol gave him the thumbs up to be neutered.
All the pics Sean took were fuzzy of him today so no new photo’s to share of him yet we will get professional ones done of him in March. 
He is hovering just under 120 pounds and is still slowly putting on the weight.
He remains on antibiotics for his skin and he shall have a recheck in mid-March to see where things stand.
If all goes well, perhaps by end of March, BHRR’s Rickards will have his own special announcement to make!
He has been great with all the females here yet has wanted to bully two males – twice now of my 7 month old Wolfie and once, BHRR’s Rubble(AVAILABLE For Adoption). We are working on acceptable / appropriate manners and he is responding beautifully….
Busy times at BHRR!
BHRR’s Ani was at KAH last night for a quick exam and repeat bloodwork as we prepare for her third epulus ligament surgery.
Today BHRR’s Rain, one of our amazing Haven dogs went to her approved temp foster while BHRR’s Rickards left that same approved foster home to come to me. Thank you to them for stepping up to be his emerge temp foster for the last just shy of 6 weeks!
BHRR’s Rickards had a recheck today, we also did repeat bloodwork, he had his booster and another refill on antibiotics was given as his face/muzzle are battling some new area’s of rawness….he had finished his last round of meds February 8th. He was fawned and loved on by many and what a Mr. Nosey he is!! LOL It is great to finally meet him myself….I had been hearing from quite a few how fabu he is and he sure is!
Tomorrow, after work at the Hospital, I am making the long drive to Blue Mountains, Ontario with Mason and BHRR’s Baby Kaos to prepare for his home-visit for a possible approved adoption on the Sunday.
Thank you as well to Kelley for the donation of empty wine bottles and other goodies our way that Sean picked up today on his way home from work!
This picture is of the beautiful BHRR’s Rain in her approved temp foster home!
From our home to all of our friends and family, we hope that all of you have a most wonderful good night!
This handsome man, BHRR’s Rickards(EM) is leaving his emerge BHRR approved temp foster home on Friday to come to us.
Thank you to this wonderful BHRR approved temp foster home in stepping up to assist us in helping him, for keeping him safe plus loving on him for the last almost 6 weeks!
We were in urgent need of spot for him in so that he could get out of the rural pound he was in and we are truly grateful for their assistance! This boy was dumped as their home was having a baby and we gave him a new name for a fresh new beginning….
This home shall then temp foster their 6th foster for us – BHRR’s Rain as of Friday!
I will be repeating blood-work plus having a re-recheck on BHRR’s Rickards and hopefully we get normal results this time around and he can then be neutered!
Since his arrival in our rescue care, he has been de-wormed, put on revolution, had an exam, had pre-op bloodwork and heartworm plus tickborne testing done, was put on antibiotics for his skin and has received tons of love!
Thank you also to his rescue transport angels for sending me this photo of the handsome man! You both were there for us/him in an instant and we are so appreciative!
So looking forward in finally meeting this boy!
BHRR’s Pearl!
She is ready to make her own special announcement!
She is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She can go to a home with or without another dog as what is most important is for her to have a strong network in the community of doggie friends to hang with!
She needs to be reminded now and again about ‘sharing’ as she did not want to share water bowls upon arrival for example. She has zero issues now!
She can go to a home that works ft, pt, from home, sermi-retired or retired as she is another versatile BHRR Dog!
She is excellent with dogs and cats and people of all ages!
She is proof that age is truly only a number. She is fit, active, lean, healthy and uber affectionate! One lovely soul at our Community Education Event at PV Stittsville yesterday even thought she was a young pup! 😀
She is crate trained and has also proven trustworthy unsupervised.
She is fabu to do nails and to bathe and is an excellent passenger in a car.
She can take a few moments to warm up to strangers yet she is no longer painfully shy, or scared and if just offered a treat or passively ignored, she is quite the social bee! She is a quiet girl who has the most endearing ‘paw’ shake…she turns a bit sideways to do it. 🙂
She did fabu at our February 5th BHRR “EXPERIENCE” mini open house and also attended our February 11th Community Education event at PV Stittsivlle and ROCKED it!
At first, she derived confidence from BHRR’s Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson at our PV Sttittsville event and once she felt in her element, she was content to meet and greet people and be spoiled with treats plus loving. 🙂
To think that when she first arrived to BHRR she was so terrified that she could not be touched and was scared of her own shadow is still distressing yet to see her now….amazing!
WTG BHRR’s Pearl! WTG Pretty Pearl!
You are such a love and I am so proud of all that you represent!
BHRR is here for the Danes/Giants with a strong focus on the special needs that others cannot or will not assist and we are honoured to help!
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson!
8 months of age – Deaf/Blind
6 days post right eye enucleation and nothing is holding him back!
He has been rocking his scent plus touch training and look at him go with such confidence! 
Winter Wonderland Day February 12th, 2017
For Jackson, he knows no limits as we have not set any for him! He is happy, healthy and living a wonderful life thanks to so many Brazilian Rescue Angels standing by his and our side!
If you know of a Great Dane in need, please do not hesitate to contact us at contactbhrr@gmail.com
We are a federally registered NPO that has been operating for over 21 years! We have a strong focus on the special needs Danes/Giants.
We also provide a safe haven for life for those that are deemed non adoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons.
What a truly special day today @ Pet Valu Stittsville for our 3rd Annual Grooming For Gretta Event!!
Thank you to Bre and her really amazing staff yet again for being the perfect hosts!! No matter how many times I asked, they would not allow me to clean up after ourselves upon leaving either!!
Thank you to Manon of Groomingdale’s for helping to do nails plus ear cleanings! We did nails ranging from 8 week old Ranger, the lab to almost 9 year old Scotty the Saint Bernard! What a delight meeting so many great pets!!
Thank you to the Maracle Family x 4, The Boerskins x 3 & also to you dear Gracie for lending a hand today to talk to our lovely visitors, to wash doggies and to help handle the beautiful BHRR’s Pearl(she has an announcement to make soon!) & Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson! Each of you continue to inspire me with your caring hearts with all that you do for BHRR!!
Thank you to each kind and generous visitor that stopped by to spend some time with us! I apologise again as I was not feeling my best and had a cracking voice.
Thank you to PV for the donations, and to each loving soul that donated. It was extremely generous! Be it food, treats, a toy for Jackson and/or monies to our cause, items to auction off and even for the couple of beautiful gifts for us….we remain humbled and honoured by your belief and support in our Rescue work! Thank you for giving our Danes such a great experience!
Thank you Jan and Jenny for the Timmie’s treats too!
This photo is of Brenna, one of Jacksons’ Brazilian Rescue Angels. In December she bought him his very own Costco Dog Bed for him to have upon his arrival to BHRR… which was January 7th. She is holding her rose of thanks from him!!
The animals’ of BHRR are blessed and all of you helped raise $614 to help pay for Vet Bills of BHRR’s Maple & The Brazilian Dane Baby!
Despite it being a cold winter day, my heart is deeply warmed thanks to so many!!!
Doing nails, ear cleaning and dog baths!
We have some merchandise for sale and Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson has been giving away roses!
This is BHRR’s Pearl looking out for our next guests!!
Thanks PV Stittsville for this amazing opportunity!!
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson says ‘I am home…..took my pain meds and antibiotics like a champ, drank a bit, ate a bit and had tons of reassuring cuddles.’
He is now snoozing…..his eye area is naturally bruised plus swollen yet he is as handsome as ever!
So happy he is now home!!!
Thank you Brazilian Rescue Angels!
oday, this handsome young man met several of his amazing Brazilian Rescue Angels, and he and I met Maira for the first time…..
Another almost surreal moment that Jackson and Maira finally were able to meet!
Thank you Maira for coming today from Montreal and meeting us and other dogs in our program in need of us plus meeting other people who believed in what you and I plus Andrea were trying so hard to do and supported our rescue efforts for these Brazilian Dane Babies….
This was one of the beautiful moments caught today at our first BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ mini open house of 2017!
Maira, I hope you found him to be well and happy plus healthy!
$352 was raised today to help him with his eye removal surgery tomorrow!
BHRR’s Rickards(EM) – NOT Yet Available For Adoption & JL Pickard the kittie!
BHRR’s Rickards lovely emerge temp foster family sent this adorable picture my way yesterday!
They both snuggle and play together!
BHRR’s Rickards will be back into the Vet once his antibiotics are completed for a recheck and to do repeat bloodwork. If all goes well, we can then look towards booking his neuter.
I have been told that BHRR’s Rickards is doing fabu with his recall in their large yard and the ‘no kitchen’ when cooking rule is getting there.
He has gone through a bout of resourcing which is very common and back to boot camp basics! Now that the honeymoon period is ending – different lengths of times for different dogs – he is feeling comfortable.
I am working with his amazing emerge temp foster home on this and also on his minor SA and he is in great hands!
He will be heading to BHRR February 18th and cannot wait to meet him.
Truly, forever grateful to this home for stepping up and offering to emerge temp foster him plus to his transport BHRR angels in offering to help me mobilise fast to get him out of the rural pound he was in….thank you’s also to his first rescue angel, Kim in reaching out to us and asking if we could help him!
Always heartwarming to note how many people come together, and quickly when needed, all with the same goal in mind to help an animal in need….truly blessed as is this wonderful EM to have this amazing kind network as part of our BHRR village!
Happy Friday wishes to all!
Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson(Deaf/Blind)
Every night before bed (AND we continue to work on the no couch & bed rules!) he ducks his head down and thinks that if we cannot see him, so that must mean….not yet time for bed! 
He is partly on the futon bed and partly on the couch in this picture and has easily corrupted one of my own Danes to join him on the futon bed!!
What an adorable ham!
He thanks all of his new friends, fans plus supporters for helping us and working to raise the much needed funds to remove that one eye of his on February 6th that is causing him chronic pain…..
He is so touched to be told that the special picnic date with him offered on our 4th Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Auction is up to a $120 bid!! He is feeling so much love and for those that have already had the joy of meeting this sole survivor of his litter, you shall agree that he is such a special soul deserving of all the great things the world has to offer!!
As the night comes upon us even deeper, this is my last post of my night….
It is one filled with such warmth(as always after an event!) and incredible thanks plus hope!
Warmth due to the wonderful hospitality of Pet Valu Kemptville who hosted us today at their location. Helpful, supportive and truly lovely to converse with.
Warmth due to the Maracle family for once again giving up a precious Saturday to hang with The Boerskins, my dear Brogan and also Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson plus BHRR’s Steam!
Warmth due to so many that came to visit with us…we had a truly special couple drive all the way from Woodstock, Ontario to come meet us and talk…..thank you….
Warmth due to the wonderful dogs, cats and even Timothy, the bunny who was like NO bunny ever….I wanted to steal him!
Incredible thanks due to the above and to all of our supporters, believers and friends/family that stand by us daily helping us to keep assisting those in need of our programs….you have no idea what each of you do has meant and does continue to mean to us….21 years we have now been in operation and that is THANKS to each and every strong link on that BHRR ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’!
AND I am filled with hope that we are going to raise what we need to help Jackson live the life he should have always had(and we remain filled with deepest sorrow that we could not get to *Safira* in time nor save *Nala*, two of his litter-mates nor the litter-mate that had been killed by dogs in Brazil prior to our knowledge of these deaf/blind puppies).
Today’s very touching total raised to help us with bills – BHRR’s Maple is having her mass removed January 25th and Jackson’s eye is being removed February 6th AND we have BHRR’s Rickards’ bills also to take care of – he is now on antibiotics for an infection as his blood-work revealed an elevated WBC.
This is a photo that Aaron took today of my Wolfie Brogan(who ended up at KAH on an emergency basis himself yesterday) and Brazilian Dane Baby Jackson – bff’s from the moment they met after Jackson miraculous arrival finally on January 7th! Snuggled up to each other and my feet.
I truly well up thinking of what also would have happened to Jackson should he not have been saved in time….that we managed to save one, while it was not the whole litter, that we were able to save one we have to hold dear to our hearts that can give him all that he deserves and needs for the best of futures……
AND all of that is thanks again to ALL of you….thank you! Thank you for understanding that we are here to always help the next in need of us and that sometimes means not in our back yard…Jackson does not know boundaries or borders and neither did Maira, Andrea or I….we stood together with our Brazilian Dane Angel Army and he is here safe/sound and happy plus healthy….he needed us, they all did….so badly….
THANK you to Jackson for showing so many today how normal a deaf/blind dog is and can be and that he is a gift! He taught and shall continue to teach a lot of people some fabu life lessons…
BHRR’s Steam….what can I say! LOL You are a flirt and we all remain patient….that right matched forever loving home shall find you one day….and if they never do, you are adored by all The Boerskins and your big fan club!
BHRR’s Steam, you surprised more than one person yourself with the completely normalcy of your own deafness/visual impairment. LOVE it…..love how people learn to not feel sorry for you and others like you….love how you show and teach them these valuable and important lessons!
Gwennie novel almost over…..please just know how grateful, humbled and truly thankful I am to a village, an community, an army for being there!
$292.35 was raised today!
Good night from my home to all of yours….
Brazilian Baby Jackson says we are at Pet Valu Kemptville today until 4 pm!
We are doing nails for cats/dogs/rabbits!
We are doing ear cleaning for dogs
We have some merchandise for sale AND
We have BHRR’s Steam also here and both of them are doing their Pooch Smooch Red Carpet Sessions!
We have already had dogs and one amazing bunny named Timothy so far for nails today!!
Thank you again Pet Valu Kemptville for this amazing opportunity to talk to people about what we do, to have them meet some of our fabu special needs dogs in our program and to talk responsible dog ownership etc.!
Thank you Aaron for this great pic!
BHRR’s Rickards bloodwork came back negative for Heartworm and Tick-Borne Diseases yet he has an elevated WBC and Globulin levels.
His Vet is putting him on Simplicef antibiotics and I learned that he has been rubbing at his face and he has a mark on his face that is healing. The Vet thinks that this could be a possible cause for his elevated WBC.
As he is being de-wormed with Panacur, that will assist with other aspects of his bw that were indicative of possible parasites.
We shall repeat his bloodwork at some point in the future prior to neutering him.
He remains on Revolution – January 7th, then again January 21st and then again February 7th.
Cannot wait to meet him myself! 🙂
I obtained copies from his Vet file of the two pictures taken of BHRR’s Rickards face/muzzle on January 13th apt. at KAH. I can see some ‘goop’ in his eyes also.
BHRR’s Rickards was at the Vet today!
He weighed 54 kgs(118.80 pounds). Per his emerge temp foster home, he was skinny when he arrived to them January 7th yet they are getting the weight on him nice and even/slow. I asked them to feed him 3-4 smaller meals per day.
Thank you to them for bringing him to KAH today for an exam, pre-op bw in preparation for his neuter when he is ready, heartworm/tickborne testing, nails, and if the Vet felt he was healthy enough – vaccines.
He was being de-wormed as of January 7th and also placed on Revolution. We believe in proper proactive/preventative Vet care ensuring that he is happy and healthy plus keeping all members of the home – pets/humans healthy also and not exposed to parasites/fleas and in the warmer weather ticks etc. One never knows what a dog with an unknown vaccine/vetting history may have.
We had been told he was utd on everything yet I took that with a grain of salt and sure enough…he has had zero documented vetting prior to being dumped at this pound as his home was having a child.
I heard he was a big hit with all and looking forward to meeting him around February 18th myself! 
Thank you to his wonderful emerge temp foster home in sending this picture and sending updates my way! This home believes him to more around age 2, not even close to age 4.
It has been a wonderfully busy weekend!
This is a photo shared by the lovely generous angels that picked up BHRR’s Rickards(He NOW has a name!), the English Mastiff from a rural pound and have spent the day transporting him to his equally lovely emerge temp foster home!
Safe journey and thank you ALL deeply again!!!
***As I strongly suspected, he was not utd on vaccines etc….it is a rare Owner Surrender that has done the proper proactive/preventative Vetting required for a healthy dog. An appointment is setup for Friday January 13th for him to be thorough vetted. This home lied about taking him to a Vet to the Pound. I checked the Vet information myself and this Vet Hospital does not even have a pet of his former name or the O.’s last name on file.***
He will also begin his de-worming protocol at his emerge temp foster home and shall be placed on Revolution.
His emerge temp foster home after receiving him noted how skinny he was….four ribs clearly seen when only the last two should faintly be seen.
The foster home also strongly suspects him to be a lot younger than 4 years of age. About 2 years max. We also received confirmation that he is not neutered. We shall ensure that he is also neutered plus microchipped per our protocols.
A miracle happened last night….after just shy of four months of so much effort, *Jack* – the only remaining surviving special needs – blind/deaf Brazilian Dane puppy – arrived safe into my arms in Toronto at 11 pm last night….
He began his journey to us around 10:45 AM on January 5th….and I had him in my arms by 11 PM January 6th.
He is now 7 months old.
Welcome home Jack!!
Once again sending to all of his fans/supporters that have followed this journey closely on the Brazilian Dane Baby Group a huge Thank You! Thank you for being there throughout so many trials and tribulations plus what was a journey through hell yet we prevailed! Special thanks to my amazing rescue partners Maira & Andrea once more!
We shall also never forget his two special needs sisters *Safira* & *Nala*…..we tried….we tried so hard to also bring them to Canada for a better life….sadly, Safira died before we could get all three to a better place and one of safety and Nala died November 11th. We also think often of the fourth deaf/blind sibling that was killed by dogs prior to us being aware of these puppies AND we think also of the fifth blind/deaf sibling who is now on a chain going to spend the rest of his days being bred. 
🙁
Dogs do not know borders or countries and neither do we…..a dog in need of us is who we are here to help as we have space….and Jack is alive and well! His future is one of happiness, health and overflowing with so much love!
From one of the two kind souls that picked up BHRR’s Rickards from the Pound and drove him all the way to his emerge temp foster home. I also asked them to advise if he was neutered or not when they picked him up so we can plan and prepare for all of his preventative/proactive Vet work.
The picture in the January 10th blog post is from the the same kind souls who picked him up to transport.
“Hi Gwen,
BHRR’S Rickards is safely in our backseat. He’s a gentle boy and seems to be taking it all in stride! He is not neutered.”
Someone woke up Thursday January 5th so happy & ready to greet the day!
BHRR’s ???
*Do not like the name he was being called*
Small Male English Mastiff – Shelter was told ~4 yet bylaw thinks younger as his build is very adolescent.
He was dumped at a very rural shelter as the home is having a baby.
He’s UTD on vaccines, housetrained, good with dogs/cats, playful and is great to handle.
Thank you to Holly/Bruce for offering to emerge temp foster him over the next 4-6 weeks.
Thank you to Kathy/Terry for also offering up their assistance.
We are working out the details of his transport now.
Holiday Miracle in the making……feeling so blessed to know such rescue angels!
*NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION*
We know many have been patiently….or, not so patiently waiting!!! 
Here is the THIRD instalment of our 2016 Traditional December 24th XMAS Eve Photo’s!
As most dogs remain in their approved Temp Fosters, not all doggies could have their photo’s done BUT, we got those that we could! We will be posting over the next few days over 50 photo’s of BHRR doggies & a few of our own! 
We have had quite a few come back for the Holidays as their families are travelling.
ALWAYS a blast for us at BHRR!
We cannot SHOUT out enough big thanks of our deepest appreciation to ALL those that stepped up to be part of our 14th ANNUAL SS to the BHRR dogs!
Another amazing successful year THANKS to so many angels that made it possible!!!
We only had 1 person not send their SS’s yet, as we had other kind plus thoughtful generous people send extra goodies to help cover any that were missed, we are so BLESSED to say that, each BHRR dog had something special to call their own this XMAS!!!
Many of these dogs are experiencing their very first XMAS of love, shelter, with enough food and, tons of helping hands, not hurtful or neglectful ones…. THANK you’s being sent out again to every wonderful and lovely Secret Santa that made this possible!!!
I am inspired by your caring, giving and, incredibly beautiful hearts!!! A million thank you’s being sent again!
THANK you to all that came out yesterday to attend our 5th Annual ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ Thank you Pooch/People Potluck!
Here are 13 of the dogs waiting for our almost 40 guests to arrive!
AND, here is part of the post I made in the Potluck Group to all of our attendees!
“Now that the horses and dogs have been fed plus watered and rotated and are settling down for the night….it gives me the proper opportunity to say thank you to our 35 absolutely amazing and incredible guests!
Thank you for the laughs, the conversation, the memories made, the food and the kindness of Secret Santa gifts for the BHRR dogs and to BHRR!
Thank you for the great experiences given to our BHRR dogs as so many have come to BHRR broken, beaten, scared and lost….what you give to them with loving touches and kind words, I shall truly be forever indebted to all for. So many have never had a gentle caring hand or heard a soft loving word prior to our rescue and each of you are showing them that not everyone is cruel and are assisting in building up their confidence plus helping them heal….
I am so grateful of your time and this is a gift that you are giving each BHRR dog when you visit. Thank you for that!
Thank you to Brooke and Elizabeth for their time, patience and sense of humour with spastic Baby BHRR’S Kaos as we attempted photo’s of him to make his own long awaited, much anticipated and truly wonderful special announcement!! You did it sweet precious boy!!!
Our 50/50 was $205 and Elizabeth with her beautiful heart donated her winnings back($102.50) for us to help pay off BHRR’s Maple’s Emergency Surgery bills! Thank you also to those who dropped monies into the donation jar – $50 CDA & $120 USA. Humbling….
Thank you to BHRR BOD Mary for being such a great treasurer!
After a tough week and a bit – so much worry & and stress on a couple of *fronts*, so, having today with all of you was really wonderful……just to be around all of you is comforting and inspirational and motivating…..in my darkest rescue moments, it is days like this I hold close to my heart and gives me the strength to fight again for what is right…….please know that you give me this special gift when you come to visit!
Thank you to everyone that made today the WOW & amazing day it was!
Until next year….may Santa spoil all rotten!”
Someone is now 6 MONTHS of age!
Thank you Andrea and Maira!
We remain working hard behind the scenes on this…do not want to jinx anything…..hoping for some serious confirmation on things….and soon….
Will follow-up again tomorrow on this…..
Happy 6 month Birthday *Jack*!
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for 2 decades.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 16th, 2016 to Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Wednesday January 4th, 2017!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
Gentle Reminder!
We are at Pet Valu Hazdeldean this Saturday November 26th from 10 AM – 4 PM for our last community education and public awareness event of 2016!
We are looking at bringing BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Whisper for our famous Red Carpet Pooch Smooch Sessions!
We will be doing nails, ear cleanings and dog baths – ALL inside too!
More details in poster!
21 degrees out today and someone is having a nice snooze after a great walk/hike! Or rather on our walk/hike!! 
😀
BHRR’s Baron, the Brazilian Mastiff you make my heart melt, you are such a a mushball to all you trust!!
Could not ask for a better dog in how he gets along with the other dogs…he is so awesome!! No issues with the horses either.
He is even superb with my three month old wolfie, Brogan. He continues to learn ‘gentle’ and ‘baby’ and his self-control is coming along wonderfully! He has really started to play with me these last few days and what a ham!!
AND I continue to have to dodge those big club paws to avoid further fat lips, crooked glasses etc! LOL He is a real character and so sad that strangers shall never experience this side of him….
He is now almost 11 months of age and his breeding is ever present with strangers. As he has learned more obedience with positive balanced structure, with that has also come a more relaxed attitude from him.
He remains extremely territorial over our home and just instinctively doing what he was bred to do.
He is also more affectionate with Sean yet still cautiously wary where Mason is concerned.
He is such a good boy, and we focus on what he needs, work to help him reach his full potential and never set him up for failure…
This is a VIDEO of Jack & Nala playing with their first ever toys in Brazil! Can you imagine? Being 4.5 months of age and never having had toys to play with….
Donations for their care can be made via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
We have to pay for boarding up to November 16th at the earliest (we are paying an amazing rate of $20 CDA/day) and continue to pay for Vetting and high quality kibble for them.
BHRR’s Baby Kaos is getting ready for Halloween! Not Yet Available For Adoption!
Remember to have safe Halloween practises for a happy Halloween for pets & kids!
NOTE: BHRR shall be closed for the intake of adoption applications and shall not approve adoptions from Monday the 24th of October to Tuesday November 1st inclusive.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
This is *Jack* & *Nala*, the two surviving(out of 4) deaf/blind Brazilian Dane Babies that we picked up on Friday October 14th and finally were able to bring to safety. This is them on their liberation ride in Brazil. After learning of *Safira’s* needless death last week, we promised to go legal and we able to then go in and pick up *Jack* & *Nala*.
We have been continuing to work behind the scenes in preparation for their arrival to Canada.
In order to do so, we are still fundraising and are in need of $1,415 more to make this miracle happen for them. They will die if they are left in Brazil. One of their deaf/blind siblings was killed by dogs before we knew about them and *Safira*, their other deaf/blind sibling died a completely terrible and unnecessary death from pneumonia. We begged to have her brought to the Vet and kept there on IV meds/fluids etc., and offered to pay for it all….to no avail. She died outside…alone, cold, hungry, unable to breathe properly. We knew after learning that she died(last we were told she was getting a bit better) that we had to do more and promised legal intervention to get the other two safe.
Thanks to Bre of Pet Valu Stittsville – 1250 Main Street – they are donating all monies this week & weekend from their DIY(Do It Yourself) dog wash!! So if you have a dirty dog or more, your monies would be given to this wonderful cause! No appointments necessary!
They have also so kindly offered to put out a donation jar to help. How thankful we are to them and quite a few others what we are calling Brazilian Rescue Angels in helping us raise the last amount we need to make this happen for two very sweet Dane babies.
They do not know borders or countries….and they are the next in need of our specialised programs. We want to bring them here to live quality filled happy lives and not worry about the next meal, or being killed by dogs or humans and not cared for when they are ill or injured. We do not want them being cold, afraid and confused. We want them loved and warm, healthy and well fed.
We had them brought to the Vet on Monday and both are being treated for terrible diarrhea. They have a severe infestation of tapeworms. They are on Drontal, Panacur, given Revolution, Bravecto and we did fecals.
As *Nala* was running a fever, we also did blood-work and learned that she is tickborne disease positive and so is on Doxy for the next month.
They are being boarded at a safe place and receiving excellent care. Thank you again to Maira for the donation to help me pay for boarding them and for high quality kibble for them to eat.
Thank you to Andreia for buying them their very first toys ever in the lives to play with. They are now 4.5 months old and so sad to think they never had their own toys….
I will post our gofundme page. if anyone may consider making a donation!
For those supporters of our continued efforts to save *Nala* and *Jack*, here is our Facebook GROUP to join. We will post our updates on that page.
We can also take email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal(friend & family) option to gwen@birchhaven.org
Thanks on behalf of *Jack* & *Nala*!
*Safira* – Deaf/Blind Great Dane Puppy – 1 of the 3 Brazilian Babies
Born: June 4th, 2016 – October 11th, 2016
Our hearts are just crushed to learn of the passing of this 4 month old beautiful baby. 
This journey to save three deaf/blind Dane puppies has been wrought with so much pain and stress plus worry…..
Prior to our knowledge of these three puppies, she had been spayed at the beginning of September in a not so good *place* and developed pneumonia.
An angel named Maira who has been working closely with me on saving these three deaf/blind Dane babies, helped me and we both made donations for medical care, good food and beds etc., to try and help Safira.
Sadly, the care is not always as great in other places and she passed away. Animals’ are often not looked upon in the same manner and she was also kept outside.
The feelings of helplessness plus honestly, frustration has been all consuming over knowing that if she has been here in Canada, we most likely could have saved her.
I never got to meet you Safira, yet Maira and I tried so hard from afar to have you done right by….
I have lost sleep, cried many tears during this journey of trying to help you and your remaining two deaf/blind siblings. I was so saddened to think that you even had a fourth sibling killed by dogs before we were contacted.
It is so bittersweet to feel that I am happy to say that as of this AM we now have your brother and sister safe and sound with wonderful trusted people until we can get their proper vetting plus paperwork and flights in order to travel. Yet, you should have been with them Safira. You also were suppose to be saved.
You died a horrible needless death, pretty much alone, hungry and most likely confused and scared. That breaks my heart…..so much.
You are deserving to have this memorial of your sweet precious gentle personality that never had the chance to blossom….
I loved and adored you even though thousands of miles separated us and I so regret that we were not aware of you and your siblings before you got sick and your one sibling was killed.
I regret never having had the chance to stroke those gorgeous ears of yours Safira, they look so soft.
I regret that I never will get the chance to smooch on those great wonderful lips of yours Safira.
I regret never having the chance to hold you in comfort and have you feel my heart beating strongly with so much love for you.
I regret not having had the chance to make you feel safe and cherished.
Being deaf/blind was normal to you and I regret never having the chance to help you live up to your full potential.
I regret so much Safira that others failed you….
I promise that we remain determined to see your two surviving siblings come to Canada and we will make it happen….we will beg, plead and grovel in their names for the assistance we need.
Dear sweet Safira, may you rest in peace with a full tummy, lungs that allow you to run with such joy and you will never have to have another cold night shivering and feeling alone.
For those supporters of our continued efforts to save *Nala* and *Jack*, here is our Facebook GROUP to join. We will post our updates on that page.
We are short $2,542 to make this miracle happen for them.
Donations can be made via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org (friend & family option) and I here is our gofundme page.
Dogs do not know borders or countries and these deaf/blind Dane babies are deserving of so much. Even $5.00 is not too little.
Thank you to all of our Angels to date in believing in them and BHRR. Jack & Nala need all the angels they can….please consider their cause.
BHRR’s Baron, the Brazilian Mastiff wishes a Happy Thanksgiving Monday to all!
He is doing so well!! This is him having a small break today during a lovely fall day walk through our trails. 🙂 Sean just finished cutting a new 3 km loop trail called the ‘Waggin’ Tail’ for the dogs/humans to enjoy. 🙂
BHRR’s Baron is now almost 10 months of age and a real love to all he knows and trusts. He has been great with every dog he has met to date and even wants to play with our three month old Irish Wolfhound, Brogan. 🙂 He just has to be reminded at times to be gentle…he has big club paws and can get excited and forget himself and as he is only a mere puppy himself, understandable.
We are still not sure if we will ever place him up for adoption yet, there is no rush. He is thriving with us, is safe, happy and learning a lot re: manners and self-control. He is very much *instinctual* in quite a few ways and as with any dog, in the wrong hands, would be seriously set up for failure.
If we do decide that he will remain part of our coveted BHRR Haven program he will have a cherished life and lack for nothing.
UPDATE: Between Donations & BHRR’s Flame’s Adoption fee: $1,580 raised to date!
STILL NEED: $5,362 more to help these 3 sweet deaf/blind Dane Babies. Please consider their cause!
On September 9th, 2016, Gwen received an email in regards to three deaf/blind Great Dane babies in need. Born June 4th, 2016 and we learned that a 4th sibling had been killed by dogs.
This then began BHRR’s biggest rescue effort to date……
We have been working hard behind the scenes to see if we could even make this happen and we are now at the point of reaching out to our BHRR village as we need your help to be able to assist them.
You see, they are located in Brazil and we are working with two amazing Pet Transport companies to ensure that nothing is missed and doing complete vetting(one pup is also battling pneumonia), obtaining all the required paperwork, crates, airfare, is going to require a lot of money to save these three deserving puppies.
So far, we have been making regular donations for dog beds, blankets, medications, treating the one pup for pneumonia, and vetting for de-worming, heartworm/tick/flea and also upcoming vaccines.Another kind angel, Maira has also made donations to help ensure they have better food.
We are still in need of $5,362 to save all three of these Dane babies and to bring them safely to Canada.
It is our position that we are here to help the dogs when we have space here in Canada and that dogs also do not know countries, boundaries or borders.
The quality of life for these three special needs Dane puppies is slim to none unless we can get them to our Haven.
Here is our gofundme page that we just sent up and we also have a group and we will post that later for people to join in support and assistance for these three special Dane pups. If you use gofundme over donating via PayPal or email transfer, they will keep 9.12% in fees.
We can take email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal *friends & family* option to gwen@birchhaven.org also.
Our goal is to get them here within the month and before the weather embargo takes place – December 1st.
Thank you in advance to any and all that may consider their cause as a worthy one….
BHRR’s Baron says that this is a great position to begin to fall asleep in!! LOL
*that is BHRR’s Puppy Pile Granite and BHRR’s Ross with him. 🙂
He has been doing so well in so many ways. There is no doubt that this is a breed that would be a ticking time bomb in the wrong hands. If what we have researched on his pedigree *lines* can be believed – they never answered inquiries when reached out to by his emerge temp foster home and myself(yet there is a picture very similar to him with an exact birthmark that he also has) – he was bred for Xenophobia. They were so proud of their videos demonstrating their training with their dogs. 🙁 We have reached out to our r/q resources in the Fila community and feel confident with what we have determined to be as much of his story prior to rescue as we can.
We have been working on recall off leash these last two days and he is not too bad….yet, it is still often on his terms. He will come *around* or by me yet we are about 90% coming direct to me. Much progress has been made in just a couple of days.
He is close to 115 pounds now at almost 9 months of age. He is a powerhouse of a boy. When he decides he wants to move, he can go from 0 to *Baron speed* in a flash – which is much faster than people may think for a Brazilian Mastiff! 😀
We are working on playing a bit more gentle still for he plays rough, especially when he forgets himself and the BHRR Puppy Pile has taught him a lot about manners and respecting space and social skills. 🙂 He is more calm and confident with them by his side yet learning to stand on his own four feet more comfortably as time goes on.
He is quite mindful of me and has bonded strongly. There is no doubt that he would lay his life down for his family, canine and human.
He has been watchful yet good with the people he has seen here to date and the one thing that does worry him the most is when strangers turn their back on him. He has shown, even in his emerge temp foster home that he does not like this. As he cannot see their faces, it stresses him. He is slowly becoming more relaxed when this happens. Change is also not something that he likes. He loves his routine and structure and consistency. He likes knowing what is being asked of him. This is his comfort zone.
He is quiet and rarely *alerts* with a bark.
He is quite predictable with his excitement level. As it goes up, he become that much more fixated and if something runs, he is *off* in what Mason calls his *hunt* mode. Once he catches up to whatever was running ie a puppy pile pup, he will body bump. He then immediately stops, looks at me and sits and waits. He is not quite sure what he should be doing at that point yet is acting quite instinctively with his behaviour of wanting to chase and catch.
He makes these small sounds of being so happy when I come home from work or doing errands. He has worked through almost all of his small amount of SA and learning his own company is ok.
Those ears of his….sigh…I could rub them and squeeze those lips of his all day!! He humours me!!
*CORRECTION: Location Address is: 5919 PERTH STREET, Richmond, Ontario*
Our next microchip clinic is being hosted with Dr. Zak at Pet Valu Richmond on Saturday September 10th!
Dr. Zak has now been with us for 8 microchip clinics to date and this is #9!
*No appointments necessary
*We are inside so rain or shine!
*10 AM – 4 PM
Our accreditation per CVO requirements to host this microchip clinic shall also be posted.
We shall also be doing dog baths, ear cleanings, nails for cats & dogs and will have some merchandise for sale! Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! More details in poster.
All monies raised shall go towards helping to pay off the bills for BHRR’s Dyson’s partial tail amputation that is scheduled for September 8th.
BHRR has been precedent setting/instrumental over the past almost 10 years with our Microchip Clinics in our efforts of having more dogs/cats hopefully find their way home should they become lost or stolen by being chipped.
Guess who?!
This is BHRR’s Baron, the now 8 month old Brazilian Mastiff when I went to pick him up earlier today.
On August 24th, he was up to 98 pounds from the 71.94 pounds he was upon intake to the shelter in July. Great job emerge temp foster home in helping him! Still a wee bit thin yet looks so wonderful overall! The rest shall come, he is a young growing boy.
Thank you to his emerge temp foster home in taking such great care of him over the past month!
The BHRR Great Dane Puppy Pile love him and he is thinking they are mighty fine right back! We went on a small walk this evening and he deeply enjoyed it. He is now resting comfortably in his colossal crate.
More to come…..
Look who continues to do well in his emerge temp foster home!
BHRR’s Baron, the Brazilian Mastiff pup! NOT Yet Available For Adoption.
He is having a snooze with FREEDOM Dane, BHRR’s Peanut – adopted herself September 13th, 2012!
Update Sent Our Way:
“All is still well with Baron, we have had good days working on manners, listening and
learning right from wrong, as each day goes by, Baron is feeling more confident and sure
of himself.
He absolutely enjoys our adventurous outings with both structured walks and free playtime
with dog friends (playtime when not at home is always on a 30′ lunge lead). I personally don’t
think he’d run away, his need for human (female) contact is too strong. Recall is great with a
treat and huge praise as his reward. He listens well most of the time, if caught doing something
he shouldn’t be doing, a firm gentle reprimand with touch seems to be effective.
He appears to have no food aggression or resource guarding, and there have been plenty of
opportunities for him to have shown this negative behaviour although he has no problem stealing
other dogs treats or food (we’re working on that). I think the dino bones give him diarreah and
gas as they are so greasy. I did give him raw beef bones of comparable size and they seemed to be
much more “tummy tolerant”.
Baron hasn’t made much progress with men, he becomes unsettled, guarded and very attentive
although it does seem to be worse in and around the house as opposed to outside or walking on leash.
As for meeting new females, he is cautious and shy at first but is easily won over with a treat.
Baron is very playful, rather clumsy and most definately doesn’t know his own size, trips on things,
slips on stuff and crashes into everything. He is so very affectionate, loveable and happy, everyday
brings something new for him to explore.”
Update Sent Our Way – We moved BHRR’s Baron for one week to another emerge temp foster home – one he has gotten to know and loves since his time with the first emerge temp foster home. He is back with his first home as of Thursday the 18th. He is scheduled to arrive to BHRR on August 28th.
“hi,
all is well with baron, he has made himself quite at home.
with me, my daughter and kato (6 month old lab) and any other dog friends
that come over to play he is a gentle giant.
he feels comfort in knowing, at all times where i am. he listens when i say no,
and does not steal food from the kitchen anymore!!! when put in his crate, he eats,
barks for about 10 minutes then settles down.
baron will now sit for a treat before being asked!!!
very cautious and guarded when there is a human male near, he will bark and want
to get between us, reassurance that all is ok seems to work.
baron thrives on gentle kind words of encouragement to calm a situation where
he feels threatened or ill as ease.
we go to the water everyday to cool off and have playtime, he swims, fetches sticks
(doesn’t retrieve) digs in the sand and wrestles with kato, he loves it!!
i have been noticing his right eye seems to get a bit redder when he is tired.
baron is a big boy with a big appetite and a big heart!!
i thank you for putting your trust in me with watching this lovely boy,”
I think someone is settling in wonderfully into their emerge temp foster home! One week today from when he first arrived to them.
BHRR’s Baron, the 7 month old Brazilian Mastiff!
Thank you from my heart to this awesome home in sending all of these detailed daily updates. So appreciative!
He is doing so well! Great leash manners, does love to counter surf :p, has made some fabu canine friends to play with and he is also learning all about what is and is not acceptable to chew on!! 😀
Thank you so much amazing home for being there in his time of need!!
We have been thinking of moving BHRR’s Dune to an approved Temp Foster home, a home a bit more quieter than ours.
He shall be heading that way shortly!
Quietly in the background, two extremely important/sensitive situations have been worked on……
AND this handsome sweet boy is going to know just how special he is and in time, may he come to understand how caring plus loving hands can be and not hurtful or unkind.
On July 19th, I was asked if we could step up and assist this 7 month old Brazilian Mastiff and with angels by our side, he is heading into an emerge temp foster spot with a truly amazing home today……
He is going to need/have a new name for a new wonderful beginning and Name Guru’s, help?!!! I have also asked his emerge temp foster home for assistance/suggestions in naming him. 🙂
BHRR has not been able to assist any additional dogs since May 29th (BHRR’s Limerick) and we can only help those next in need of us as we have spots.
We adopted three BHRR dogs the week of July 11th and have another pending adoption – home-visit is this Sunday – and also, most sadly, we have for the very first time ever in our 20.5 year existence, a BHRR dog coming back August 5th, after over 4.5 years since he was adopted, due to a divorce. 🙁
I look forward in hearing more about this precious Fila after he arrives to his destination….thank you to his angels for stepping up to give him a beautiful safe haven.
This gorgeous BBBBB is Raven!
Still Available for Adoption and still a loveable goofy nut!! 😀
She had her annual today at KAH and I am also running a T4 as she is quite plump. Could be all the treats in her truly lovely foster home 😉 ….and still being fed the same yet I want to rule out a thyroid issue. The home did tell me that she was putting on some weight and we want to be proactive to make sure that all is normal with her thyroid.
She has put on 5.3 Kgs since she began to be fostered.
She had a manicure/pedicure, I cleaned her ears and she rocked her exam! So friendly and social and curious!! Her Vet even commented on how great her coat looked. 🙂
This is the emaciated puppymill Great Dane mama that we were asked to assist and she needed a mastectomy as she was full of mammary masses and we sent everything off to histio for analysis. All came back a thumbs up and she has done extremely well since her arrival into our programs. 🙂
We all remain patient as we do with others in our adoptable program for that right matched personality fit home to find her!
We are just 5 SLEEPIES away to our biggest Fundraiser Event of the year. 🙂 July 10th!
Thank you to everyone that is making this a most promising and exciting event again for 2016!
What has traditionally been the largest microchip fundraiser in Canada!
Kanata Animal Hospital’s 9th ANNUAL Microchip, Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!
There shall also be ear cleaning, a silent auction table, baked goodies for humans, doggie treats, Canine Water Wellness shall be there, Pet Valu shall have our dog cooling/treat station again in 2016, Pet photography, Face-painting and so much more!
Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! 😀
No appointments necessary!
Rain or Shine!
9 AM – 4 PM
440 Hazeldean Road
Here is an update on what we are still needing:
BHRR is in search of the following items for our event for 2016!!!
Thank you in advance for any consideration!!
STILL ISO:
1) Volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities, work, friends, family, neighbours etc. Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
2) Donations of pop, bottled water, & small bags of chips.
3) NEED DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
4) Bags of ICE! ICE! ICE!
5) Silent Auction Items
6) Human Bakers
7) Dog Treat Bakers
8) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
9) Coolers to borrow for pop/juice/ice
10) Tables
11) Chairs
12) 1 more Tent – I have three, PV Stittville will have one, CWW will have one, Doogie will have one, The Maracle Family will have one.
***This event is such a great time!***
Here is the Facebook Event Page to join and stay updated! 🙂
Coming up Saturday June 25th!!!
More details in poster!
BHRR’s Coach was brought to the Vet on Friday May 6th as he began to have the same thing that happened twice to my own special boy, my now RIP Soul(DEAF/Severely Visually Impaired), his one eye began to fill up with blood. In Soul’s case thank goodness it never had the underlying cause of glaucoma and his Vet team never did find out why this did occur to Soul.
By the time we got to the Vet, his other eye was beginning to fill up.
The biggest concern with dogs that are Blind or Severely Visually Impaired is Glaucoma. 🙁 Purse Puppy Coach also has always had Nystagmus.
We are using Pred drops in his eyes up to four times a day and will monitor pressure for if BHRR’s Coach develops Glaucoma we are in a very terrible position for BHRR’s Coach also has a heart condition. With this heart condition he does not yet have the need for medications(may never) but even neutering him(thank goodness he was not a spay as that would have been a much more involved discussion with even more specialists/vets) was a bit worrisome. Yet, neuters done by experienced knowledgeable great vets can be done so fast and safely and that is what we did for BHRR’s Coach when he was little.
However, Enucleation is a completely different story, especially a bi-lateral one. 🙁 He would never survive one surgery let alone two to remove both eyes. 🙁
Glaucoma is extremely painful. Extremely so……….
At this time, we have moved BHRR’s Coach to our HAVEN Program and here he shall remain……at least for now, quite likely for the rest of his life of which for any of our dogs, shall be quality first and foremost.
He is eating, drinking, and even per his Vet at KAH, was so happy and affectionate on Friday. He is playful and doing quite well right now yet his eyes are going to be monitored extremely closely as is his behaviour for as we know, animals’ are so stoic when they are in pain.
We shall not see him suffer and we are going to do all that we can along with his dedicated, devoted Vet Team that we shall also include a specialist at Alta Vista AH.
His weight was just shy of 24 KGS(52.8 pounds).
BHRR’s Gentle Jake & BHRR’s Flame shall be with us on Saturday!
BHRR’s Salem shall be with us on the Sunday!
***UPDATE: 27 NEW Items Added Tuesday March 22nd to the Facebook Silent Auction***
The detailed rules of this Silent Auction are posted in the first photo in this album.
As many are now aware, Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.
The current size of it is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.
A short medical summary:
His third CT scan, this one on his chest has come back at this time clear of any enlarged lymph nodes and metastasis. His MRI not only confirmed that this was a complex surgery yet was even more complicated than once thought – ONLY two surgeries like he needs has ever been done to date by his two expert surgical oncologists.
His surgical team shall be upwards to 20 people now including his two surgical oncologists, his urologist and his ortho specialist plus supporting nursing team. His surgery is expected to be ~10-12 hours in length.
We now have a surgery date set of March 23rd.
We know that his one ureter is compromised, and that he may lose his one kidney. We know that he will have part of his colon removed and that his femoral nerve is at high risk of damage and./or removal. He will need to have his Psoas muscle completely removed and his Iliacus muscle will be partially removed.
He will also need to have the hernia repaired – the mass/tumour has herniated down his thigh and into his groin area.
They will send the whole mass/tumour off to histiopathology.
While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.
All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.
Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.
One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.
*The BHRR Auction will begin NOW
*The BHRR Auction will end at 9 PM EST on Sunday March 27th, 2016
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.
Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279
As many know, BHRR is a Great Dane & Giant Breed Rescue that focuses strongly on the special needs and has been around since 1996. We are federally registered and are an all Volunteer Rescue. We also work with Equines.
We have a second to none adoption success rate and also provide a safe haven for animals that are deemed unadoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons. BHRR also has a program that works with the homeless and their pets each XMAS – Operation D.O.G. – Donating our Goodness plus we have a Helping Haven of Hope and Happiness that works with women/children and their pets in domestic abuse situations. We have been operating these two programs for over 15 years as part of our way of continuing to help animals and people in our community.
We are a unique one of a kind program out there like none other.
While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.
With our wish to ensure that every penny that comes to BHRR goes direct to them for food and Vet bills or items of comfort like dog beds, Sean & I have been covering 100% exclusively all the rescue hydro bills -$1,040/month, Phone, Gas for transports, home-visits and vet visits etc. We cover almost 50% of all the food bills out of our own pockets – BHRR goes through almost 120 pounds of dog food a day. Vet Bills are the same.
As some are now aware, in September of 2015, my husband Sean was found to have a mass. It took until January of 2016 for the experts to diagnose said mass for he has an extremely rare cancer.
Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.
The current size of his mass is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.
To further complicate matters, this mass has herniated down into his thigh and groin severely compromising his ureter and femoral nerve. He has had three CT scans of which his latest has shown that to date his chest remains clear of metastasis and his lymph nodes are not enlarged. His MRI has shown that his case is extremely complicated and the surgery he shall specifically require, scheduled for March 23rd has ONLY ever been done twice before by the two expert surgical oncologists assigned to him.
All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.
Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.
One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.
Since Sean’s mass was first discovered in September, BHRR has remained operating with top notch quality hosting successful events such as our annual creative ‘Dine with the Dogs’, BHRR mini Open Houses, BHRR ‘Private’ Experiences, community education and public awareness events and even our annual XMAS ‘Chain of Success’ Potluck.
We have successfully rehabbed and adopted quite a few dogs and assisted many other groups also during this time.
The quality and stellar standard of care of the animals’ in our care has continued without interruption and as the date nears for Sean and I to stop work as he prepares to head into his 10-12 hour surgery on the 23rd of March, it is time to now ask the BHRR village and our community to please consider helping us continue to help those in need of our programs so that we can get through the next 12 weeks.
We want BHRR to be around another 20 years and we hope that people will consider a donation to help with the expenses of the next three months.
BHRR has only taken in three new deserving dogs since January 2016 and hopes to continue with assisting more dogs once Sean’s surgery is over etc.
Thank you in advance for reading this novel….
This is a picture of my husband Sean….BHRR would not be here today without him and please do keep him in your best wishes.
We sincerely hope we can host a couple of successful auctions on with your help!!
NOTICE:
BHRR shall be closed from Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 to Sunday April 3rd, 2016 inclusive to the intake of adoption applications for processing.
Any applications received during that time will be reviewed in the order that they were received as of Monday April 4th, 2016.
Thanks for your understanding!
This Saturday and Sunday! PV Stittsville! 1250 Main Street!
BHRR’s Flame, BHRR’s Kaos and BHRR’s Steam will be with us on the Saturday!
BHRR’s Hercules will be with us on the Sunday!
The BHRR + Our Own dogs are SOOOOOOOO smart!
Or are they?!
They are waiting for the kids to come home from school…..
However…………it is a Snow Day today and the kids have spent the whole day with them at home!
The sure do love their routine!
BHRR’s Winter Wonder Land VIDEO #2!
Many other dogs are in VIDEO #1 and that will be on those dogs blogs and stated as VIDEO #1. This is VIDEO #2.
50+ cm of snow received today!
BHRR’s Latest Winter Wonderful Land VIDEO #1 in today’s crazy 50+ cm of snow! This is VIDEO #1.
Many other dogs are in VIDEO #2 and that will be on those dogs blogs and stated as VIDEO #2
BHRR’s Pearl went to her new forever loving adoptive home tonight!
February 12th, 2016
This photo is of a moment between BHRR’s Pearl and her new adoptive mom when we did the home-visit for her possible adoption. Peanut butter makes the world an awesome one!
It always brings me so much happiness and some tears in seeing one of BHRR doggies leave…
This girl sure went on an amazing journey of rehab at BHRR and I am the better person in having been touched by such a ‘gift’ of a Dane.
From a dog that lacked so much in confidence, did not even know how to like herself, was terrified of the simplest of kindness and touch, she is now a hyper social harle which so many can once again attest to at our latest BHRR “EXPERIENCE” mini open house (January 31st).
What a far cry from the ‘shadow’ of the dog she once was. BHRR’s Pearl more than lives life now, she brings life to the hearts of all those that are blessed to be touched by her…..
Parting with her tonight was truly a ‘sweet sorrow’ as they say….yet, this is what we must do, adopt out those we can, so we can help the next in need. For a Dane that we once wondered if she could even be placed up for adoption and may have remained a treasured BHRR Haven dog, this is an incredible reward to see her be adopted…..
Thinking of her new home and her and all that life will bring them with so many amazing experiences……time, patience, consistency, obedience plus a big measure of love are going to keep this fabu Harlie building upon the strong foundation built at BHRR.
I will miss you…..so much beautiful Pearl.
COMING up in four sleepies! Saturday February 13th & Sunday February 14th!
BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Flame shall be with us on Saturday and Sunday’s BIG DAWGS are as of yet TBA!
This is our FIRST Community Education and Public Awareness event of 2016! We have not been out since November of 2015!
No appointments are necessary and we are microchipping Saturday and Sunday and more details can be found in the poster below.
Cats and Dogs have to be minimally 8 weeks of age.
Thanks Regan and PV Kanata for hosting us that weekend! So touched as always to have your support!
BHRR’s Dune is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION again.
UPDATE: we are on our way home.
This is not the right matched fit home for BHRR’s Dune. BHRR’s Dune’s proper mental/physical stimulation needs plus continued training requirements are not a good fit for this home. BHRR’s Dune is a young happy, healthy and active boy.
That right matched dog for this home is out there and that right matched fit home for BHRR’s Dune is out there!
BHRR’s Dune had another good experience and that is so important.
Thank you to the home for having us do this home-visit.
I knew going in that with almost complete certainty that an adoption would not be approved, yet as it was not 100% going in, the home-visit was a must.
Happy Sunday to all!
PS: our 3rd annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction ends tonight @ 9 pm EST! Get your bids in!!
So, I go to check on Mason and BHRR’s Dune and I think they are all tucked in for the night!!
Good night to all of our friends and family…..
More soon…..
We are here!! Safe!
Now at our fave haunt in this area for hotels and pets. They treat us really well and once again they did not charge me a ‘pet fee’.
They even opened up the room for me so I did not have to go inside to open up the patio doors and then outside to get the car and back inside etc.! The lovely person even put the heat on and stayed there until I got the car to the room.
BHRR’s Dune had a great drive down and is a bit unsure right now yet being a pro in the room. He is thinking Mason’s bed is a good place to feel comfortable……
I have promised BHRR’s Dune that if this is not the right matched home for him, then he will not stay. Only the best fit home for you my ‘Dune Duney’
He will tell us if he is feeling ‘home’ tomorrow at the home-visit.
Thank you to Sean and Kinsley for holding down the fort while I am away. So so so appreciative!!
We hope all our friends and family are having a safe, happy and healthy weekend as always!
Please do consider bidding in our 3RD Annual ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction. It ends tomorrow at 9 pm EST. Your consideration would be so meaningful to BHRR’s Mavie!
Will update as we can tomorrow!
AND we are on our way!!!
Will update once we reach our hotel! Just at a pit stop right now….
Keep BHRR’s Dune in your best thoughts!! The home-visit for a possible approved adoption for him is tomorrow.
Per the previous blog post, BHRR’s Raven is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION again…..
BHRR did their first approved adoption for 2016 tonight!
BHRR’s Pearl! She was the best right matched fit for the home and it has to be about set up for success for home and dog. Always….
Not the best photo yet we will try again at our BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ mini open house.
BHRR’s Pearl will remain with us to around February 12th as the home readies itself for her arrival.
Congrats to this most wonderful of homes and also thanks to Aaron for helping at this home-visit. Invaluable you are!!
BHRR’s Pearl your journey from catatonic terrified skinny, SA lacking in confidence mush to a happy, healthy hyper social Harlie has been a most beautiful transformation. I have the best of tears for you….
BHRR’s Raven – you were so loved by this home that was so apparent to see and you loved them in turn and if the home had more dog experience and/or you had had more obedience and manners under your belt, it would have been a much harder choice for the best matched fit AND your time shall come……….AND, you will only get better and better with your manners and training in the mean-time! YOU are a hoot! 😀
BHRR’s Raven, your own right matched forever loving home is out there and you gave everyone many laughs tonight!! You are honest and true….and all of us love you!
AND we are on our way!
This is the home-visit for a possible Great Dane adoption for either BHRR’s Raven or BHRR’s Pearl.
We will update as we can.
ISO: Bakers! Our 3rd Annual “Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction begins Saturday January 16th, 2016 and shall run through until Sunday January 24th, 2016!
We are in search of bakers for human and/or doggie treats for this unique online auction!
All items do not need to be baked until the end of the auction to ensure freshness!
Last year we had 41 amazing goodies up for grabs! We are hoping for an equally wonderfully successful fundraiser to help a most deserving dog in our Great Dane Rescue.
If anyone may consider donating a baked goodie to our creative fundraiser, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do NOT post on this thread for your kind and generous offer may be missed!
All monies raised shall go towards BHRR’ Mavie’s Vet Bills. He was back at KAH on the 14th of December for a post op recheck and to exam the swelling that has begun to develop again on that left front leg of his. He was back to not eating as well and dropping weight again. Clear signs that something is brewing…..
His had swollen lymph nodes yet was not demonstrating a fever. He is back on the Baytril 150 mg – 3 Tablets BID and that is a cost of almost $300 for just over 8 days. We are also running more bloodwork.
So, our Iron Man is not yet out of the woods………..
Thanks in advance for any consideration………
BHRR’s Dune’s home-visit for a possible approved adoption is now scheduled for Sunday January 24th. We will update as we can!
BHRR’s Raven’s home-visit for a possible approved adoption is now scheduled for Wednesday January 20th. We shall update as we can!
Our gorgeous BBBBB BHRR’s Raven is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION!
Please keep her in your best wishes and thoughts!
This once puppymill GD Mama, neglected and emaciated is no longer!
She is so full of personality and heart plus soul!!! Glossy shiny healthy coat, perfect weight and a beautiful happy girl she is now after her successful rehabilitation
Our first adoption application of 2016 received January 1st was for BHRR’s Dune!
Now that we are open and processing applications again (as of January 6th) after the Holiday Season, we have been working on BHRR’s Dune’s adoption application and he is now moving under a PENDING ADOPTION!
Keep him in your best wishes and thoughts!
BHRR’s Dune(AVAILABLE For Adoption) & Kinsley(12)
December 24th, 2015
A photo from our traditional XMAS Eve Photo shoot here at BHRR!
He adores her and her him! LOVE this photo!
We hope Santa is spoiling all rotten this holiday season!
BHRR’s Ivy had her annual visit yesterday. She is hanging just under 110 pounds at 20 months of age, with the cooler weather approaching, she could welcome another few pounds. She is lean, incredibly muscled (Her Vet and some of my fellow staff member were in awe of her muscled butt and thighs! LOL) and looks great yet, another few pounds would not hurt.
We are always adjusting the food for the Danes, depending on weather, season, age, health, activity level etc.!
She had her annual vaccines, a thorough exam, a nail trim, we did bloodwork for heartworm and tickborne diseases and we sedated her to get a good look at her eyes, her right eye has been ‘running’ a bit and is a bit swollen. Her foster mom has told me that she has also been blinking a bit more. Being such a spastic, happy, affectionate uber active gal, it was the only safe way(for our noses and glasses with her loving!) to safely exam them. She had a flourescein eye stain and she has some entropion that has developed in the right eye. Her left eye is even less affected. She is now on some eye medications and we shall be monitoring for if she does require any eye surgery, we will make sure that she has it.
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Thursday December 17th, 2015 to Tuesday January 5th, 2016 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 6th, 2016!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will do intake.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
BHRR’s 8th ANNUAL ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction has now begun!
Runs through to Thursday December 3rd @ 8 PM EST!
Over 50 items listed to date and some more to come!
Please consider helping us help BHRR’s Mavie!
If anyone has any items that they would like to donate, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org FOR we would be so appreciative. We only host 5 planned Fundraisers a year and BHRR’s Mavie is going to deeply benefit from all money raised in this auction.
He has his surgery scheduled to remove that left front leg implant on Tuesday November 24th with his wonderful ortho specialist. He had a sudden rejection/infection to that left implant recently and now that the Baytril(almost $600 for 16 days worth of treatment) has worked its magic on the infection, he is ‘good to go’ for surgery!
Phewwwwwww….we are finally here!! Tucked into our ‘usual’ hotel haunt in Cambridge when we head this way to do home-visits!
What a long, busy yet wonderful day in so many ways…..worked to 2 pm, our gorgeous BBBBB Senior Great Dane, Hailey went to her forever loving adoptive home AND I did not bawl…. and then drove home, picked up BHRR’s Bishop and our beautiful BBBBB Raven and then Mason and I made the drive to SWO.
The dogs traveled so well! BHRR’s Raven can sometimes be a curious George when we travel and she looked out the window and then had a great nap! I shall never tell her that she snores though….
‘The Bish’ as we affectionately call him, so so so proud of him! He is a home body and though a bit nervous getting into the car, he readily went in and I think BHRR’s Raven’s uber outgoing personality relaxed him and he enjoyed looking out the window.
He was calm and relaxed everywhere we stopped – gas, pee breaks and even through the drive-thru as both Wendy’s and Timmie’s – I think the timbits handed to him by the lovely staff ‘won’ his heart over big time!!
Such an ‘old’ soul he is, so affectionate and attentive to his circle of success network and I was really proud of him coming out of his comfort zone and showing interest and enjoying himself. Strangers can worry him, especially men in baseball caps and he is a very brave boy!
Thank you Alex for stepping up to assist me at the home-visit we are doing tomorrow for a possible Great Dane adoption!! See you then ….
We are now going to settle in, snuggle – BHRR’s Raven has figured out Mason’s bed already! – and try to go to bed early….
We will update as we can and gentle reminder that the flash auction ends tomorrow night at 9 pm EST! All monies raised to go towards the $1,200 surgery deposit needed to remove BHRR’s Mavie’s left front leg implant that he developed an infection/rejection in…..
BBBBB Raven! A puppymill GD Mama no longer!! She is so gorgeous!! She has had a miraculous transformation in rehab.
She has a great spot on Mason’s bed at the hotel and loves her comforts!
Goodnight wishes to all!!
I have been promising BHRR’s Oakley’s previous home photo’s for a LONG time! It is so hard to snag photo’s of him…he is one active busy blurry dude outside in trying to capture him in film! Video is not much better!
Yet, here are two from today!
Still wanting to see more weight on him(those hip should be a bit more rounded) yet, I am pleased with how he is eating. He was one of the dogs deeply affected by the contaminated food donated our way in January by another group and he is monitored closely and continually.
It SOON shall be time! You have been asking and patiently waiting…..get your thinking caps on!
It shall soon be time to sign-up for our 4th(FOURTH) ANNUAL GIVE it ‘UP’ 4 Autumn Event!
The deserving BHRR doggie in 2015 to benefit from this one-of-a-kind unique Fundraiser is BHRR’s Baby Kaos. Past years have seen BHRR’s Lord Stafford, BHRR’s Breen and of course, BHRR’s Autumn benefit from the kindness of others!
This Fundraiser shall run from Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 @ 12:01 AM to Tuesday November 17th, 2015 @ 11:59 PM.
WHAT will you consider to ‘give up’ for 14 days to help BHRR’s Baby Kaos?’
Please do EMAIL us contactbhrr@gmail.com with what you are ‘giving up’ to participate! We hope you may join us in ‘giving something up’ to help raise monies for BHRR’s Baby Kaos!
In the past some have given up treats or coffee and put that money away to donate, others are giving up what the money they would have spent on lessons such as riding or tennis(or putting the equivalent in a jar to donate!) AND, others have put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have – chocolate, cigarettes etc. Feel free to be creative!
More information to be found on the poster below and here is the link with all the details!
Thank you Barry for this outstanding poster!
Come VISIT us at PV Stittsville(1250 Main Street, Stittsville) for some HOWL-O-Ween Fun!
Saturday October 24th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM &
Sunday October 25th 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dog Baths $15,
Nails $10,
Ear Cleaning $10,
Microchips $40 including registration – Cats/Dogs must be minimally 8 weeks of age
Merchandise for Sale!
Visit some of the ‘big dawgs’ of BHRR! Dogs TBA
*No Appointments necessary!
RAIN OR SHINE!
**BHRR is still in search of a few approved Volunteers to lend a hand Saturday and/or Sunday! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you can help!**
All monies raised shall go towards paying off our current accumulated Vet Bills for amazing deserving dogs like BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Raven and just this past week BHRR’s Porridge.
NOTE:
From Monday October 19th to Monday November 2nd, 2015 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
………………………………………
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
BHRR’s Dune – GDx(Possible Rhodesian Ridgeback) – 100% handsome! (~14 months of age)
He has his own special announcement to make!
He is now AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
He is a smaller ‘giant’, hanging around 85-90 pounds right now. So unique, beautiful temperament, rock solid and an extremely balanced dog. He is such a hoot! A big ham!
He is 100% housebroken, another pair of gorgeous eyes on this boy!, he has learned to share nicely and is crate trained.
His obedience has come a LONG way and he is getting better and better. His recall is excellent!
Good with all people and dogs and has had limited exposure to cats. Was ok, yet, as always, integration was key and so important.
His vice is jumping still. Not as much as he once did yet, he will sometimes still ‘forget’ himself and jump up to say ‘hello.’.
The only thing that has made him nervous is the camera lens. This was a common theme on his transport to BHRR and during this professional photo session, compliments of the ever talented and generous Liz Bradley!
He can go to a home that works ft, pt, from home, semi-retired or is retired. Another incredible versatile BHRR dog!
He loves to travel in the car and stick his nose out the window when it is open a bit. No full windows open for us!
He would excel in obedience or agility for he is always jumping the half door we have in our home.
He is so flashy when he moves….so lovely to watch him!
A dog that once was emaciated and slated for death in a very high kill shelter now has an amazing full of potential future ahead of him…..the way he always should have had from the beginning!
Proud of you DUNE! So very much……you have been a true treat to have with us!
BHRR’s Raven has her special announcement to make!
This stunning BBBBB, our puppymill Great Dane Mama(~2) is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She looks and acts NOTHING like the almost completely broken, emaciated, filled with mammary masses/tumours that she arrived into rescue with!
She is so social, loving, affectionate and her BIG vice still is that she will want to jump up on some people to say ‘hello’….that is a work in progress still!
She is obedient – her leash manners are still working its way up to a A+ and she is great with all dogs of all sizes and people of all ages and those eyes of hers, just reach right deep into your soul!
She is housebroken, crate trained yet has proven 100% successful in our home for months now.
She travels great in a car and is such a big personality filled girl and for me, I have a big soft spot for she is the ONLY other dog that we have had that can operate the ice cube maker on the fridge – it was like seeing our beloved BHRR’s Dana, our dollface back in action!
The dogs that remembered BHRR’s Dana either run to the fridge for ‘ice cube time’ or got off their dog beds for many remember how BHRR’s Dana, another BBBBB would just sit on their heads to ‘get the bed’!
She can also bed hog along with the best of them. A smaller GD she may be in size yet in personality plus heart, she is massive!!!
She can be adopted to a home that works ft, pt, works from home, is semi-retired, retired etc. She is another extremely versatile BHRR Great Dane!
She has been fine with all cats she has met to date yet, integration is key and so important.
Such a big soft spot in my heart for this gem!!!
GOOD for you BHRR’s Raven….you did it!!!
Thank you as always to the incredibly talented Liz Bradley for the gorgeous photo’s!
I know all are waiting patiently for the grand total from last night’s Annual Fundraiser at BHRR!
So are we! We are still waiting payment from several re: their auction times. Normally, we only take check or cash yet, we allowed Interac also last night and as soon as all send in their monies, we can announce the final total! So, please do pay promptly if you have not already.
Another amazing night at BHRR with both old and new friends!!
For those asking already for when the 2016 ticket sales shall come available, that is tomorrow!! We shall make a post announcing the sales! This is always a SOLD out event and we feel deeply blessed by the popularity and the support of our one of a kind event!!
In the meantime, BHRR’s purse puppy Coach(Blind and has a heart condition that does not as of yet require meds and may never) had his own special picnic date today and auntie Mary spoiled him rotten! A new harness, a new dog bed just his size, a toy, dino bone and treats!! Not to mention the walks, meeting people at her hotel and the special loving he got!!
He remains AVAILABLE for adoption and impressed everyone he met with how happy, and well behaved he is. Well, we already knew that!!!
BHRR’s Ethel has her own special picnic date is on Thursday!
NOTICE: BHRR shall be closed from today to Wednesday September 23rd, inclusive. Our facebook page shall also be unpublished during that time for thanks to an incredible angel dream team network of our solid top notch beautiful strong village and community, we are making a dream come true for an extremely special young lady.
Any adoption applications that come in during this time shall be processed in the order they arrive upon the re-opening of BHRR.
ONLY urgent requests for assistance shall be replied to as we are here 24/7 to help the Danes and other Giants in need! All non urgent matters will be addressed upon the re-opening of BHRR.
Requests can be emailed to gwen@birchhaven.org or contactbhrr@gmail.com or text to 613-725-4279 or calls can be made to the same number.
For any offers of items for our September 26th Annual Dine With THE BHRR DOGGIES Event, – looking for brochures, pens, pencils, key chains, promo materials for 40 Loot bags – AND more auction items, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org We would be beyond grateful for any consideration to our cause.
We are a small group and host very few planned fundraisers a year and would embrace any gift certificates or other items for human, animal – cat, dog, horse, bird etc. – with such sincere gratitude plus appreciation. Thank you from our hearts in advance!
We are also going to stop our unique 2016 BHRR calendar sales at this time. If you have not yet ordered yours, we shall see if we have any left when we re-open to be purchased.
I leave all with this great photo of BHRR’s Salem below from her special picnic play date with the Maracle family! Thank you for the photo!
BHRR’s Pearl is ready to make her own special announcement….she is now AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She did it! She did it! She did it!
She will never be that huge crowd social butterfly gal. She is meant for a home with small intimate gatherings, quiet evenings, visiting doggie friends’ homes and vice versa, small outings to pet stores, socializing even at the Vet for good experiences and BHRR’s Pearl….you have come a LONG way baby!
No young children, for as much as she adores them, they can make her a bit worried with the unpredictable spastic movements they can make. Older children 10+ as long as they are responsible is fine.
She is good with other dogs, loves all the humans that are part of her set-up circle for success of trust and, she makes my heart almost burst from my chest with how absolutely delightful she is and how far she has come….
She is one that we will also do a transitional adoption with…we have done it for quite a few dogs over the past almost 20 years including BHRR’s Reese, Freedom Dane BHRR’s Adele, and BHRR’s Angel Noelle.
For that right matched forever loving home, their patience will pay of hugely….for this girl is loyal, affectionate, playful and will give you all of her heart plus soul once you earn her trust and respect……
She is so beautiful, inside and out and, crawling on her belly is a thing of her past….she raises her head up high, is curious and is almost excited these days to get into the car and see ‘what is around the corner’ to greet her with helping hands and caring hearts!
100% housebroken, crate trained yet has now proven 100% trustworthy in our home, excellent with dogs of all sizes and a heart that is so kind and loving……
Look how she holds her head up now, her body is relaxed, she is happy! Happy and comfortable and she has learned to like herself!!
I do not want her hidden away from the world yet, as so many know, I am NOT a fan of busy dog parks and she is not meant for big crowds. Just as not every human feels comfortable or safe in a huge crowd, she does not either. Yet, in her element of small groups, she is a real ham!! 🙂
She can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired or retired. Another very versatile BHRR dog!
HUGE thanks extended to Liz Bradley for these gorgeous Rescue Pawtraits!!! Thank you!
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BHRR did its 380th adoption since our inception in 1996!
BHRR’s Kricket is NOW ADOPTED!! – on the left in this photo! (BHRR’s Raven is on the right)
September 7th, 2015
We went to the home-visit with BHRR’s Ivy, BHRR’s Raven(who is not quite ready to be placed up for adoption yet close in case she could be a future right match fit) and BHRR’s Kricket.
It was clear within moments that BHRR’s Ivy was not the best matched fit. She had a great visit, loved the toys plus treats and loving yet, she was not really engaged with any member of the home. Her home is out there!
Then, it came down to BHRR’s Raven and BHRR’s Kricket and it was close in many ways, yet, for the home, BHRR’s Kricket, edged out to be the better right matched fit for this home.
It was so touching to see how BHRR’s Raven sought contact and was so affectionate, with both, yet in particular the lady of the home. Her time shall come….she is not quite ready to be placed up for adoption and that showed BUT we knew that going in. She needs a bit more weight and a bit more obedience. She is bombing along on her rehab beautifully though! Very proud of her! VERY! She had a great experience with more helping hands and caring hearts showering love on this fabu once puppymill Great Dane Mama.
For those who may remember our gorgeous BBBBB Krickets’ story –
*She arrived to BHRR last December at barely 67 pounds, picked up as a stray and was seen for weeks eating scraps on the roads prior to someone picking her up.
*She was ready to be placed up for adoption on April 30th, 2015 and her weight was almost 110 pounds
*Her weight is ~ 120 pounds right now and she has put on over 53 pounds of much needed muscle mass and weight. Her coat is shiny, soft and black now, not brown, dull and coarse.
Tammie, another one of your shelter babies has her forever loving adoptive home now!!!! Thank you for entrusting her to our care again…..
BHRR’s Kricket shall go to her home on Monday September 28th as the home gets ready for her arrival and was honest in letting us know last night at the home-visit that they were going away for a bit. They wanted to be sure that we could keep her until then. Of course we would for the right matched home!
CONGRATS to all!
AND we are on our way!! Three of our stunning BBBBB’s are heading off for a home-visit for a possible Great Dane adoption!
BHRR’s Ivy, BHRR’s Raven(not yet available yet coming in case she is a future great matched fit) and BHRR’s Kricket!
Please keep good vibes coming and we shall update as we can!
Shawna and BHRR’s Raven having a moment at our latest BHRR Private “EXPERIENCE”. Second photo is of Tracy and her ‘moment’ with BHRR’s Raven – her own testimonial is on the BHRR’s Porridge blog. 🙂
This home won this amazing opportunity in an auction we hosted earlier this year.
We have hosted these days for well over 15 years now and it gives people the opportunity to come out and not just witness firsthand what it is that we do yet get hands on in the trenches with us.
Each EXPERIENCE turns out customised to each visit – some want more time with the horses, others want the dogs, some want both and some want more the administration side, others want to help clean stalls, repair fencing etc…..
Others just want to sit and be surrounded by the sounds of country life, sit by the pool and to see deer, other wildlife and watch all live in harmony and balance…..some want to learn more about training, especially with the special needs, or working with a ‘pack’!
We have even done bonfires plus marshmallow/weenie roasts! We feed each home a nice big dinner also including homemade dessert. 🙂
Always so much to do and never enough time!
From all of us to all of you, as always, may your Sunday be filled with friends, family plus health and happiness!
From Shawna: “It was love at first sight!”
AND her feedback about her EXPERIENCE:
“Overall GREAT experience! Love the family, animals, food and the workout too! 🙂 “
Someone is having a great special picnic experience!
BHRR’s Ivy, one of our gorgeous BBBBB’s who remains available for adoption!
Photo’s & Two Video’s courtesy of the Maracle Family!
BHRR’s Ivy Video #1
BHRR’s Ivy Video #2
AND here is their testimonial from their special picnic play date! 🙂
“Hi Gwen:
Just a quick note to let you know how things are going.
Ivy settled down well for the ride and it was all of five minutes before Sally and Ivy began to wrestle. They go in spurts with their play and seem to have a lot of fun.
We took them for a walk to the park to burn off a tad bit of energy. Ivy settled into a nice leash manner about ten minutes into it. She met several strange dogs and people, but was amazing with them. She did not react to any of the barking or hostile dogs and greeted the friendly ones very nicely.
She loves toys and has been cleaning out Sally’s toy bin every hour or so. She is such a goof! Sally tries to play tug a war with her, but it only lasts one tug!
She loves all the kids and guests and can be quiet calm at times. Hard to get a picture because Ivy has to check out everything.
Ivy did begin to bleed from one of her nails, so we put flour on it and that stopped it. Looks like just too much play.
She is so lovable! Lots of kisses and lap sits on the floor.
Having a wonderful time.”
Purse Puppy BHRR’s Coco Chanel (Blind) appears to be having a lovely special picnic play date!
Sent my way from the home earlier was that she was a bit upset when I left and so they took her for a walk and were quite impressed with her leash manners.
The home remarked on how much she loves the outdoors and she sure does!
She likes hiking and walking and just laying on the brick deck enjoying the wonderful weather. She also loves bed cuddles and for an honorary giant, she sure can bed hog for something ‘wee’!
She has done some playing with their own dog and I am now on my way to get her as I leave work myself.
Yes, she has a mark on her head in this photo from running headlong into a branch on one of the trails…….
She is a fearless, risk taking, grab the world by the tail and run kind of explorer!
She is so precious to my soul!
I am so happy that she had this special day and she does remain AVAILABLE for adoption!
Photo is courtesy of The Maracle Family
Note: One must never allow a brilliant dog like BHRR’s Chanel to get into a position of ‘power’. This means no allowing on the couches etc. for she will not want to share with other than who she feels is her ‘flavour’ at that time. She is a fabu dog. She needs her boundaries and structure and, she will be so respectful plus mindful.
Today is another big busy day for BHRR!
Purse Puppy BHRR’s Coco Chanel has now been dropped off for her own very special picnic play date!! Have a blast!! This home is really taken with her. What is not to love though!! She is beautiful, brilliant, inspirational, a real personality plus filled lovely girl!
She also remains so surprisingly to so many of us as still AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
AND, I have just dropped off BHRR’s Kaos at LAH to see Dr. Philibert for more x-Rays under sedation and an exam to help determine what the next step may be for that broken leg of his and the knee concern……he is now 11 weeks of age and 12.9 KGs (28.38 pounds) today!
In this photo he thinks he is going to ride shotgun!
He just delights all that meet him!
We will post updates as we have them…..
Someone is settling in well, BHRR’s Dune! Here he is with Lion King BHRR’s Pumbaa, an awesome DDB in our Haven program.
He will receive his boosters within the next couple of weeks, we will do his bloodwork for heart-worm plus tick borne diseases and with a bit more training, he will be ready to make his own special announcement. Yay!
He has learned that we do not lift our leg in the house… He has learned that we share water bowls and also to share Gwennie… AND, the jumping is to a minimum now. The muscle tone that he has been developing! He is one lean muscled stunning boy.
For those who know the size of my four month old Great Dane ‘Salt’, BHRR’s Dune is the same height. He is a gorgeous, nicely in proportion boy and a poorly bred single breed Dane I think not at all, possibly Rhodesian Ridgeback in there also with the Dane yet, as always, it does not matter….he is affectionate, happy, loves everyone and, is bombing along his rehab!
He is hanging around 70 pounds right now and putting the weight on well and, maybe he top off around 80 pounds. He is about 18 months or so and truly has been a treat to have here!!
Any right matched forever loving home that applies to adopt him is going to be getting one heck of an awesome dog!
This Saturday!
Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg very kindly asked if we would do one of our popular mini microchip clinics at their location and we shall be at their lovely location
Saturday August 22nd from 10 am – 4 pm!
*No appointments necessary
*Microchips $40 includes registration
*Nails $10
*Ear Cleaning $10
*Face Painting and Feathers by the ever talented and kind Dee Dick
*Famous Pooch Smooch Red Carpet Sessions $5
*Merchandise from sale
*Some baked goodies
We are still ISO: Three approved BHRR Volunteers to help out this day! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if interested!
THANK you Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg for this great opportunity to see more cats/dogs(minimum 8 weeks of age) microchipped!
All monies raised shall go to BHRR’s Kaos’ mounting Vet Bills. He is the 6 week old Great Dane puppy that we were asked to assist that has a growth plate fracture and a knee concern.
AND here is the event page to join!
BHRR’s Raven’s Pathology report is in! YES! YES! YES!
They made a typo in the report and said she was ‘adopted’ yet, is recently into rescue! She has now had her booster and once she has put on more weight, she will have a special announcement to make! I am so relieved! SO so so relieved!!! Very detailed report…….
She is going to make a home an wonderful addition. She can be a wee bit ‘worried’ at first yet, settles so fast and is full of affection!!! With not having had much love in her live prior to rescue, this is understandable yet, she is learning BIG time about the great things life has to offer!
She is gorgeous and is the FIRST dog since we lost BHRR’s Dana – a legend of BHRR – that has figured out the ice cube maker! The looks on the dogs faces that knew that amazing dollface Dane. 😀
BHRR’s Raven and I are back for a recheck to see how things are going! I am hoping we can do her booster today also!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to his account: Raven’s under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
BHRR’s Raven’s Great Angels: $1,305.25 donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $2,389.03
*Before PayPal fees
Elizabeth – 2 x Collars
Lianne/Cliff – Dog Bed
Sabina
Kendel
August 8th’s Critter Jungle’s Dirty DAWG Wash – $1,165.25!
Nairn
BHRR’s Oakley is doing well!
That startle reflex is eons better than it was and his space issues are better and he has so much more self-control.
He has been off all medications since he arrived to me and doing well.
Still like to see him fill out more yet that will come, he is so young still.
He is personality plus!
Some photo’s sent our way by Georgy on August 9th. You can see that one nasty scar on his head.
“Hi Gwen These pics aren’t the greatest but the best I could do at 6 am. LOL. hates the camera. This boy is MAGNIFICENT ~~~~ I love him to bits ! He loves EVERYBODY~ What a fabulous boy !!! I envy the lucky recipient of this fella! Can’t say enough good things about him. He was an absolute pleasure to spend time with.
Big sigh …….”
BHRR’s Raven is in for a recheck – she has quite the seroma and edema in the one mass removal area. Not the area that has the drain. That is looking great.
Per the Vet, took out the drain and will keep the sutures in for a few more days and recheck. The Vet tried to drain some of the fluid yet it was quite difficult to remove much of anything.
BHRR’s Raven was amazing! As always!
And note from a transport angel re: BHRR’s Dune:
“Man, I was in love with sweet Dodger. Can’t imagine how someone let him go! Thank you for taking the big lug!
Lacey”
“I only met briefly as he jumped up on Margaret to give her a kiss and a hug with enthusiasm! Took a picture of this handsome boy with Helen. He is easy to love!”
This photo and blurb above is from Leslie
An update Georgy sent to the transport center about her experience with BHRR’s Dune;
“She says he is the very best dog she has ever had. Someone is going to get one amazing furbaby.”
An update on BHRR’s Dune from Georgy who overnighted him the second night on his way to BHRR.
“My overnight couldn’t have gone better. He is beyond adorable and well behaved. He knows to go to the door when he needs out. Cuddly, loving, sweetheart of a boy. The recipient of this Angel is one lucky person – he is going to make an amazing family addition. An
He is very thin and has multiple small scars on his body. A sizeable scar above his right eye. Almost as if he had been cut pretty deeply and never been stitched? But none of that stops his incredible personality and gentle nature.
He has a fabulous appetite. I allowed him to eat until he was full. I handled both and his food while he ate … had my hand right inside the food bowl and he didn’t think anything of it.
travels well in a car and seems to like joy riding.
loves everyone that he meets. He is extremely camera shy which makes it difficult to get his pic but I think I got a few of him while he languished in bed. I will download them later and send them along.
Honestly Gwen I have yet to overnight a dog that is this easy to live with. Despite arriving home from the transport last night only to find fireworks going off in the ravine behind my house – where they literally sprayed and boomed directly over my backyard …. which naturally terrified. But we just stayed in my van until they were over and then we scooted indoors. He was fine after that. He has been an absolute pleasure to spend too brief of a time together. We haven’t even left the house yet and I miss him already ! What a wonderful boy !
So, we are just about to get on the road so will leave this here. Will send pics (if they turn out) later this afternoon.
My absolute congrats and envy of new family. He is remarkable !
Thanks !”
Transport Update from Georgy who over-nighted BHRR’s Dune on his way to us:
“…..curled up on the floor behind my seat on the drive home but wouldn’t you just know it – as I pulled into my driveway there were HUGE fireworks going off in the ravine behind my house – spraying directly over my backyard. Poor was terrified and I had to keep him in the van until the idiots quit setting off the fireworks. He is afraid to go outside now but I will give him some time to chill out – he is laying on my bdrm floor – eyes closed. I think he is pretty pooped. What a good boy he is !!!!
Hugs galore, great appetite. I handled him and his food without any problem at all. GREAT DAWG !!!
Lucky recipient of this boy tomorrow !”
A couple of photo’s from Molly and an update who helped transport BHRR’s Dune to us and overnighted him – the first night.
“Here are a couple of photos.
He wasn’t easy to get to hold still for a photo but what a handsome dog!
I think he is pretty much a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. That’s what he looks like to me. Knows how the command to Sit, so he has had some training. that is how I got a couple of good photos. I had trouble with him being overly affectionate and wanting to stand up and hug me, and almost knock me down. He is a super dog, just gorgeous, and I am sure with just a little bit of training to correct that wanting to jump on people, he will be great.
I was needlessly worried that he might go after the cats, but he was perfect with them. In fact, I think he tried to avoid them, knowing how cats can be.
He was very good about house manners, always peeing and pooping outside. I hope finds a happy home, gets some training, and has a good life.”
This album is dedicated to the young Great Dane Puppy Mill mama (about 18 months) that we have in our care.
She is not only skinny, recently had puppies, yet was dumped at a kill shelter with some very aggressive mammary turmours/growths/masses that we had no idea about until we picked her up. The poor thing………
She went in for surgery on Thursday August 6th for a spay and to have a mastectomy on the one mammary – gland is also now completely removed(per her Vet), remove all growths, masses plus tumours and to have them sent off for pathology.
She has had pre-op bloodwork including heartworm testing plus for tickborne diseases. She has been dewormed, microchipped, placed on revolution and is now on Deramaxx plus Tramadol for comfort.
We are all anxiously waiting fo the results of her tumours.
She has a drain installed in the one area and we are back in on Monday for a re-assessment/exam
All monies raised from the August 8th , Critter Jungle Dirty DAWG Wash shall go towards her mounting Vet Bills.
DONATIONS can be made direct to Kanata Animal Hospital – in person @ 440 Hazeldean Road or over the phone:
(613) 836-2848
OR via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
She is so sweet, deserves so much more than what she was given in life prior to rescue and, please consider helping us help her……..
The top of the drain from the whole mammary gland and massive tumour growth removal
August 6th, 2015
Surgeon’s Notes:
“Two discrete sq round firm, hyperpigmented mammary masses removed from left caudal mammary gland area- 1cm diameter.
right caudal mammary gland- similar discrete firm round 6-8mm diameter sq mammary
growth.
2–0 vetafil interrupted skin sutures.
Left anterior mammary gland:: round firm, round multi-lobed approx 3 1/2 to 4 inches in length by 2 inches in width, mammary tissue.- excised, several vessels ligated ie very
vascular tissue, penrose drain applied, three simple interrupted 2-0 vicryl sq sutures to
tack down and approach skin edges, 2-0 vetafil simple interrupted sutures.
To remove drain in 4-5 days, pending amount of drainage.”
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to his account: Raven’s under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
BHRR’s Raven’s Great Angels: $130 donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $1,898.70
*Before PayPal fees
Elizabeth – 2 x Collars
Lianne/Cliff – Dog Bed
Sabina
Kendel
BHRR’s ??? – NEEDS a name!
Young Great Dane male, quite likely a X at that light ‘giant’ weight!
He is on our waiting list to come into BHRR!
NEW INFO Sent Our Way:
“…..very friendly, but he is a jumper. He loves to take a running leap into your arms or to jump up and give hugs. He was 66 lbs on our scale at the shelter, but he is tall and leggy. I don’t have a single bad thing to say about him…he’s a great boy.”
Today, our puppymill Great Dane Mama, BHRR’s Raven is having her surgeries – biopsies, growth removals plus spay. Then they shall be sent off to pathology.
Her Vet will do x-rays of her lungs should she feel they are required. Whatever she needs I have said to please do for her.
All the growths, except this one(photo below) have not changed. This one has gotten bigger yet, we had to wait until BHRR’s Raven was healthier to even undergo surgery.
Once we have her bills from today, we shall have a better idea re: fundraising needs for her plus once the pathology report comes back. All proceeds from this Saturday(HOPE to see many of you there!) at Critter Jungle for the dirty dog wash(we are also microchipping, doing nails plus cleaning ears and will have some merchandise for sale!) shall go to her care.
She is so sweet, young – no more than 18 months herself, affectionate and deserved a much better life than she received prior to her rescue.
If anyone wishes to contribute to her mounting vet bills, you can contact the wonderful Kanata Animal Hospital directly at 613-836-2848 or visit them in person – 440 Hazeldean Road, Kanata.
Please keep her in your best thoughts…..
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to his account: Raven’s under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
BHRR’s Raven’s Great Angels: $30 donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $347.90
*Before PayPal fees
Elizabeth – 2 x Collars
Lianne/Cliff – Dog Bed
Sabina
AND we are on our way! Secret mission time!
BHRR’s Pearl and BHRR’s Bell(Deaf/Visually Impaired) are waiting to go!
What a glorious weather day to be out for a drive and other great stuff!
Both of these beautiful Danes are not yet Available for Adoption!
*BHRR’s Bell looks quite small next to BHRR’s Pearl yet she is not. She has her head down lower.
UPDATE: BHRR’s Raven, our puppymill GD mama has been with us for a little over 2 weeks now and was scheduled today for her mammary biopsies and spay.
Unfortunately, yesterday she began to have some sniffles and a bit of a clear nasal discharge……knowing that coming from this pound environment into our home, she has been exposed to KC, we are going to play it safe and, reschedule.
While these surgeries are extremely important for her to have, we want to do what is in her best interest and also in the interest of all other dogs visiting the Hospital today.
So, we are going to postpone her surgeries at this time…..
We need to think health and safety first for all……..
My last post of my night……I know many are wishing to have updates on BHRR’s Raven and BHRR’s Bell, the two newest additions to BHRR.
BHRR’s Raven(puppmill mama) has her Vet appointment on Thursday to address her mammary issues and to get a thorough exam, Accuplex and pre-op bw etc. Will update more afterwards…Thank you Elizabeth for the collar, leash and bone for her!
BHRR’s Bell(DEAF/Visually Impaired) – photo taken just now. Collar is generous compliments of Elizabeth as well. She bought two for BHRR’s Raven and was gracious to allow us to use it for BHRR’s Bell, our latest special needs to BHRR.
She is settling in slowly yet well. She is eating and drinking well and has not yet proven housebroken and we are working on it.
She is warming up bit by bit and now looks for me and will even seek me out. She is very nervous and flighty about her face and LOVES her butt and and back end sides rubbed.
She is looking me more at my face and eyes and I am encouraging her that it is ‘ok’. She knows little in sign language and we are working on signs and touch training for now. Scent training shall come along with lights – turning on and off our lights – plus vibration training – NOT vibration collars – using the door and floors to communicate.
She loves stuffies and will fetch them and play with them YET is a big resourcer at this time. She also will resource over the communal water bowls. We are working on ‘manners.’
She is excellent in her crate and has been fully integrated with everyone.
She has begun to slowly play with a few of the other dogs – BHRR’s Raven – who really is a baby herself – maybe 18 months now that I am assessing her deeper with her arrival – has rally built up her confidence plus comfort level. NOT sure if that is a great thing as BHRR’s Raven is just as I thought she would be….a mini BHRR’s Dana(RIP) and no surprise that BHRR’s Ivy is a bff already! Someone help me! LOL
She can play rough and get a bit ‘lost’ and become rough and, so we are working on gentle and stopping things before she flattens Salt for example.
She is becoming more and more bonded to me…BHRR’s Raven is another shadow for me now…much to BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s disgust! LOL
BHRR’s Bell makes the smallest, cutest sounds when wanting to play and how she gets on the couch – yes, HQD has been busy herself! – she backs up, puts one leg on, then the other back leg and then next thing you know she is sitting straight up! LOL
There is no reason at this time to think that she cannot be adoptable…yet, she has much to learn, startle reflex included before that day comes and, watching her begin to enjoy life and be happy is really a gift……
Good night from BHRR to all of our friends, family and fans!
I GOT her! We are going to call her BHRR’s Raven and, she has a very sad story…..
She is a puppymiller dog, dumped while still nursing a litter and her body is a terrible documentation of her past.
I am not sure pictures are going to really show her poor body with the many litters she has had and she is more like 2-3 years of age – will get a better idea soon.
She also has concerning mammary growths.
She also needs more weight…..
I was a bit shocked for how bad she looks and so was her Rescuer Rose for what was imparted her way to me is not what is the case. Even more reason why I am so happy she is with us……
I will have her into KAH ASAP for exam, biospsies etc……I have to be honest, I am worried….
This photo is of Rose and ‘Raven’ – and, I am not one for Danes jumping on people yet, as we were getting ready to say good-bye, she jumped up and kissed Rose and both Rose and I agree that we feel ‘Raven’ was thanking Rose for saving her…..
She is going to need a collar(she is in a choke right now) and a dog bed to call her own and we will make it happen for her!
Her eyes are the most incredible shade of amber and so soft and sweet…..
Welcome to BHRR BBBBB!
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to his account: Raven’s under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
BHRR’s Raven’s Great Angels: $* donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $
*Before PayPal fees
Elizabeth – 2 x Collars
On Friday July 10th, we received notification that a GD was in need, ~1 and ~100 pounds. No questions asked, we stepped up to assist. ETA to BHRR Saturday July 11th, 2015
We then received a separate email to say that she was timid and great with other dogs.
HERE is the poster! To our 8th Annual KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being hosted at Kanata Animal Hospital on Sunday July 12th from 8 AM – 4 PM.
*No Appointments necessary
*Dogs/Cats need to be minimally 8 weeks to be microchipped
*Bake table
*Silent Auction
*Photography
*Face-Painting & MORE!
BHRR’s Pearl learning to enjoy the simple pleasures in life! Like the wind in her hair!
July 5th, 2015
*NOT yet available for adoption
*She had a good experience today at the home-visit for BHRR’s Jersey’s adoption and one day BHRR’S Pearl shall be where BHRR’s Jersey is now. BHRR’s Pearl did so well coming out and having more helping hands show her love and care plus kindness….in time, when she is ready, she will make her own special announcement. For now, her rehab is coming along nicely!
Both Danes came to BHRR crawling on their bellies. BHRR’s Jersey is now confident, has learned to love herself, happy, bouncy, affectionate, curious, social and such a fabu special BBBBB!
BHRR’s Pearl, one day, your own inner beauty will shine to the surface and burst forth and that right matched special home shall also find you!
You are doing so well with your rehabilitation!
Proud of both BHRR beauties today!
AND big stretch…..
We are on our way!!! BHRR’s Jersey’s home-visit for her possible approved adoption is today.
Will post an update as we can!
Cute photo of the day!
BHRR’s Pearl does not look too impressed to be disturbed by a foot in the face by Salt(Deaf/Visually Impaired GD)!
Someone is being so brave at Kanata AH today! BHRR’s Pearl!
She is a bit lighter in weight than I would like to see, yet, nothing awful. Very lean plus muscled.
I may go back to feeding her three times a day. She was 100.1 pounds today.
She was amazing for her Heartworm/Tickborne bloodwork. She rocked her nails also!
She is having an exam later tonight with the Vet and, then she will be up to date on everything.
Once she is more comfortable plus confident, she will be ready to make her special announcement.
There was no way when she first arrived that she would have been ok having this visit and, it shows how far she has come!!
She even was sitting plus taking treats from the staff once she settled in.
Very proud of you BHRR’s Pearl! This rehab journey with you has touched my heart deeply…….
BHRR’s Pearl wishes all a good night!
All of these renovations at BHRR are making her sooooooooooo sleepy!
My last post for my night, is about BHRR’s Pretty Pearl! I know people have been waiting with bated breath to see her next rehab journey instalment….
Well, it is WORTH the wait…..
Here is a video of her three weeks to the day that she arrived to BHRR!
Look who is not ONLY up on my bed yet, playing with me! First time!
She has come light years from when she first arrived and, though she still has a long journey ahead, this was a huge leap.
Still flighty, nervous, head will come down, tail tucked up to the belly at times, hand-shy and, startles at quite a few things yet, those bricks of a strong foundation are being laid with her comfort, confidence and being able to begin to like herself and her own company!
A few wonderful words from the home that shall be having a special picnic play date with BHRR’s Coco Chanel.
“We are looking forward to having Coco Chanel for a picnic date! She is such a sweet pup with no fear. You quickly forget she is vision impaired after interacting with her for a few minutes. Coach is also great and his logical reasoning amazes me!”
So, as I went to lay down for a bit – hard day on the heart – I am just answering some emails and, I see this pretty Harlie head and, then, a front foot, another front foot and, then I began holding my breath…..
Up came a body and, then, tentatively, a back leg and, by now, I am just staring at my phone, trying to be casual, acting normal while inside, I am like ‘OMG! OMG! WOW!’
Sean has said over the last two nights I worked that BHRR’s Pretty Pearl has been pining for me and, looking for me…..and, has been sad.
It is so good for her to be with other people without me and, when I come home, while I have been getting those low tail wags, she still keeps hovering and, floats around me for the most part, which is fine. She has only been with me less than two weeks. Rome was not built in a day!
Well, today she decided that as long as I made no big deal and, pretty much ignored her, she was climbing up on the bed to be near me.
Holy! What a gift!!
After she settled……I waited a few more minutes and, then very nonchalantly reached out a hand…..and, though, she tensed a bit, she did not fly away in fear…..
For the next few moments, though, she was not confident or comfortable to look at me, she kept an eye on me out of the corner of her eye, I stroked her soft fur……said a couple soft words of calm and, then, soaked up the moment!
I then took my hand away and just let her be……
We sat l, both almost holding our breath – for different reasons – for several seconds – and, like a flitting butterfly she was gone….
BUT, I did manage to snag a photo at one point during this extremely private leap of trust and, connection…..
Though, my heart is heavy from today, it is almost like this beautiful creature ‘knew’ and, gave me comfort this time……
All I can say is that, even after almost 28 years, interactions had with animals keep inspiring me and make me feel that something deeply special and magical happens when, there is a break through…..no matter how small….
Thanks for a moment in time I shall always cherish, BHRR’s Pearl!
Looking forward to the next life lesson and/or gift she graces me with!
Someone got me up WAY too early yet, it was so worth it!
Look at her tail and body plus head position now. Yes!!!!! It does not happen often, yet, to see her head no longer inches from the ground, tail no longer tucked right up to her belly, body posed in tenseness ready for flight, is lovely.
We will have more and more moments like these as time passes…..
As of this afternoon, it shall be one week since this beautiful special creature came into our lives……her progress has been absolutely heart-warming!
BHRR’s Pearl, when you look at me now, it is not with the same level of terror, confusion and fear…..you look at me with hope and, traces of the budding humbling beginnings of trust…..thank you for those gifts….
She now looks around my face area instead of complete avoidance and, I keep encouraging her, calmly, quietly and patiently……
She lacks so much in self-confidence and, has no clue how to like herself or her own company……yet, we will get there, brick by brick.
She will now put a paw on me when she feels I have been on the computer long enough and, as long as I remain casual, do not look at her, I can drop a hand down and rub her chest gently for a few seconds…..then, like a flitting butterfly she flutters away to hover around me…..
Yup, she has forged so fast her own well entrenched wonderful spot in my heart…
Happy Sunday to all!!
My last post for ‘my’ tonight is to re-post on the BHRR’s Purse Puppies amazing Annual Vet Visit on the 30th of April!
BHRR’s Coach weighed 24.3 kgs(53.46 pounds)
BHRR’s Coco Chanel weighed 21.7 kgs(47.74 pounds)
Both received a huge wonderful thumbs up in health and, behaviour from the Vet!
Chanel amazed all with her brains and tracking skills and Coach charmed all with his soft and sweet personality.
Both doggies have had no changes with their eyes – so, great news that they do not have cataracts and, BHRR’s Coach’s heart condition also has zero changes and, so no medication required at this time still!
AND, I am so excited that both of these amazing special young dogs have picnic play dates coming up. They are as cared about by others as they are by us!
They are normal to themselves, to us and, to all that adore them!
BHRR’s Coco Chanel is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION again. She came back to me one week post-adoption. Our 7th return in over 19 years of operating BHRR.
She bonded wonderfully to the female of the home, yet, the male that she had once was bonded to, she began to play ‘hard to get’ and, would then want nothing to do with him.
The Home came to our February 1st BHRR “EXPERIENCE” and, could see that she was the same BHRR’s Chanel as always. She did have a minor moment of wanting to bark at the male adult and, that was nipped in the bud by Sean.
We had done a very careful transition adoption and, worked to try and ensure that she would bond equally to the female in the home, she loved the kids and, not just bond to the male adult. For that was her initial attraction.
BHRR’s Coco Chanel has settled well back into our home and, continues to impress everyone with how amazing she is.
My last post for today!
I got my very first tail wag from BHRR’s Pearl when I arrived home tonight from the home-visit and, that was like winning the lottery….it was not a big wag, yet, a wag nonetheless and, more than once.
Here is a BHRR’s Pearl VIDEO taken from earlier today!
Another really good day had at BHRR and, as always, from my home to yours, may all have a wonderful good night……
BHRR’s Pearl – April 29th, 2015
She is doing well….still pacing, checking that fence line closely yet, her tail is now in a more relaxed position, less tense in the body………
She will still approach me when she comes near me with head down and, still body shakes yet, less than Sunday….
.
No pressure being given to her, just being patient, letting her know that I am around and, encouraging her.
She remains completely indifferent to the dogs – today, she met HQD who wanted to mother her(no surprise there!), and BHRR’s Bloom who wanted BHRR’s Pearl to run with her(HOW unusual of BHRR’s Bloom!!!)
We just spent a glorious hour outside in the sun and shade and, I know BHRR’s Herbie-icious the Lovebug and BHRR’s Salem really loved the outdoor.time also! .
So peaceful and almost a magical moment spent!
AND, for anyone that might be wondering, Sean and I cut off the red stiff and quite snug vinyl collar she was wearing and, she is safely wearing a material martingale that has a small chain loop. Much safer as she is a massive flight risk.
She is NOT wearing a choke or a prong collar. We do not believe in using those types of collars in our Behavioural, Training and Rehabilitation Programs.
My last post for tonight…..AND, as so many are wrapped up on BHRR’s Pearl’s story/journey, I will make this one about her also. smile emoticon This is a Gwennie novel bedtime story post though…..it may make you very sleepy!
Today, as I left to take BHRR’s Gretta to her next CWW hydrotherapy session, Sean the, wonderful man he is, worked form home to have quality ‘alone’ time with BHRR’s Pearl to work on the next infant steps of their own relationship building of trust and, kindness. Sean was able to take her outside and, bring her back in – she did not do anything for him – yet, that was huge to be able to take her out and in. She lets him take her collar now.
When I came home, I went outside with her and Sean and, I watched her closely. She was following us both and, we had BHRR’s Herbie-licious The Love Bug, BHRR’s Salem and my Drift with us to see if it helped a bit with her confidence and, truly, she was mostly indifferent to them. We will see how things go moving forward. Everything is new, confusing and strange and, most likely a bit overwhelming. She neither seemed to enjoy them, was not afraid of them nor was she reactive in any manner. She simply ‘existed’ with them.
She is likely seeing more dogs at my home than she has in her whole life being kept so sheltered at her previous home and, only going out for any Vet visits. We were told she was dominant over the other Dane she used to live with and, in the relative’s home that also took her, to their own dog, yet, absolutely nothing to date that demonstrates that but , the days are early!
When she was done exploring, she had a good pee outside(YAY!) and, from the colour and, how she peed/stopped/peed/stopped and looked uncomfortable, moved a step or two and strained to urinate again she has a clear UTI. The smell was not pretty either. AND, when she strained to pee, she would have bits of diarrhea also. Her poop last night was very gross. As she is eating well fairly well now(would not eat breakfast this AM), drinking and snorkeling without any issues now, we have begun to de-worm her. She has not pooped today yet, what came out of her last night was substantial. TOO much info. I know!
At one point, I sat down outside again and, watched Sean and her together. She would stop and listen to him and start to come back to him(he is using that ‘doggie’ voice used by men with dogs and babies! LOL) and, then she would turn and, go back to the house and, when he called her again, she would start to come to him again.
The Video below was taken after being outside for almost an hour…..saying little, just being there….now, Sean was using his voice and talking to her…..maybe, a wee bit too much yet, that is ok…..no rush…she is not ready….. She is responding, which is wonderful….yet, she is not ready to come all the way….and, that is fine…..she feels safe in the house now and, in her crate or in the sizeable kitchen area – that we have both sides of the hutch blocked off to give her, her own space – MUCH to BHRR’s Riot’s chagrin for his is SOOOOOOOOO smitten with her!
He had a brief moment outside with her tonight and, gosh, if he could, he would be bringing her flowers and, chocolates(if she was a human!) and, taking her to dinner and a movie or out dancing! Even now, he is whining on the other side of the xpens, imparting his undying love to her.
She on the other hand, would rather keep her head by my elbow, watching me type and, every so often, I stop typing and, gently reach out to pet her. Sometimes she stays, other times she walks away but she, always comes back to be near or around me. So much progress in such a short time and, so much further to go yet, she will get there……she is ok with Kinsley yet, my son still scares her and, he is one of the biggest animal lovers out there. At 14, he is 6 feet and, no small pumpkin. It is intimidating to her and, he remains patient and understanding.
She still even runs extremely hot and cold with Sean but, compared to the fear growling when she first arrived, to him being able to take her collar and, she is ok/calm with it, is huge. Her tail positioning has gone from tucked up tight to the belly to laying flat with me. That is also a big step.
The way that she looks at me is different also. No longer in confused terror…..she is most certainly still scared, she is still confused, she is still worried, she is still stressed but, she is no longer as tense and, even now is exploring the rubbermaids sniffing out the one with the kibble in the kitchen. smile emoticon
So, ends another wonderful day with her……….. From our home to all of yours, may you have a most wonderful night!
AND, we have now cleaned up our bowl……she was given a 1/3 ration of kibble as she has not eaten since she came to BHRR yesterday afternoon.
So happy…….these are the break-throughs that we love to see. 🙂
OOOOH! We have just had a few bites of food eaten now! WAHOOOOO!!!
Just a few yet, YAY! 🙂
My last post of tonight……
BHRR’s Pearl has peed, pooped and drank finally!
AND, the eating shall come…….she is interested….first step.
All in the house BUT she did it!
Per her o/s form, she was said to have accidents in the house….we will work on ‘outside’ good, ‘inside’ not so good!
Good night wishes from our home to all of yours!
So, I am sitting patiently in our fenced in three acres and, look who has decided to come and be right beside me?! BHRR’s Pearl.
Yesterday, she was terrified in the yard and, even ran into the fence at one point. I sat down and, eventually she came to me, bent her head and leaned it into my lap and, we went inside after just sitting for a bit.
Today, she is following me more, still scared of things from leaves blowing, birds chirping the frogs and turtles in the spring fed pond and, even my daughters bike as she came home from school – was not even close to her.
We are now just chilling on one of the sand hills, watching the wind blow rustling our Canadian flag and, making noises in the trees…..
While not exactly 100% comfortable, she is giving me some trust, you can see that she wants to trust and love and, as we now know that she lacked socialization, living the life she had being ‘sheltered'(the words of her previous home – other than going to the Vet, home was where she was) her rehab program is going to be one of so much discovery and learning in infant steps and, as she is ready for it.
We have to teach her to like herself and, that she is ok and build up her confidence slowly.
She is completely wrapping herself in my heart and, I know she is full of so many gifts to share my way!! Lessons also to teach me……
She had a good night and day and, she will even slowly approach Sean if he is sitting, and, as we do to not appear threatening, turned slightly sideways.
Even now, she will get up from near me, explore a bit and, then come back when she feels she has gone too far from me.
She still shakes yet, is calming a bit more easily for me.
She has an extremely nervous disposition. We know that should she ever be ready to be adopted, that she will not go to a home with children or young teenagers.
We also know that should the time come that she is ready to be adopted, that we would like to see her in a home with a dog that is a right matched personality fit for her.
Now, we have to get her to eat and drink. She is showing some interest in water and, we will get there….. 🙂
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to her account: She is under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Her Great Angels: $50.00* donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $o.oo
*Before PayPal fees
Lianne & Cliff – Costco Dog Bed
Previous Home – $50
I have BHRR’s Pearl!
She was surrendered with halti(we will remove as it is ill fitting), collar, leash, dog bed, bowl, dog food and, the home gave BHRR a $50 kind donation for gas. We will use it for ‘Pearl’.
For those that still feel in their hearts to judge, do remember that instead of surrendering her to a high kill pound or shelter, putting her to sleep, putting her up on kijiji, giving her to someone without screening etc., the home made the right decision in contacting experts with the Dane breed and, a r/q experienced plus knowledgeable group that is educated in rehabilitation of behavioural issues(she has resource guarding) and, is an organization that has a very thorough adoption screening process.
This Dane is also extremely nervous, lacks confidence and, in the wrong hands, a clear set-up for failure would happen.
She is a victim to divorce and, the home has tried for the past year to make things work, even having a family member take ‘Pearl’, which in the end was not successful.
Unless we walk in the shoes of others, we truly do not know the whole story and, I bore witness today as to how hard it was for this home to say good-bye to her.
‘Pearl’ is sad, confused, scared and, this was a hard owner surrender……
I had offered up my behavioural services to assist also to try and help the home keep her yet, they felt it was in the best interest of this Great Dane to surrender her.
It has been a sad drive towards home over the last couple of hours and, I want to thank Lianne and Cliff again for the donation of a Costco Dog Bed for her and, for bringing it to KAH yesterday! Rescue Angels!!
Welcome to BHRR, ‘Pearl’…….
We will do Heartworm testing, put her on heartworm preventative, de-worm her, do a fecal and, per her previous Vet records, she has a heart arrhythmia that shall require further investigation. She did see a cardiologist in 2012 – her birthday is in September and, I will make copies to post in from her file sent my way.
UPDATE:
We are home and, in almost 28 years doing Great Dane Rescue, I have never had a GD actually poop in fear, she was so scared when she saw Sean and Mason and Kinsley. They were not even near her.
AND, BHRR deals with fear and terror on levels most groups will not and/or cannot.
She is that scared…..and, worried….
Temperament is not just environment, it is genetic and, the ‘shyness’ gene is a trait that cannot be changed. Behaviour is not changed, it is modified to be made the best that it can be……
She will be with us for a long time….yet, we are not ever in a rush……patience is one of my middle names!
So, starts our journey together and, this shall be one I know that will make me feel many emotions……she is that terrified and confused….
Baby steps…..something we know a lot about……
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
OR you can call Kanata Animal Hospitals’ office directly to make a donation via credit card over the phone (613) 836-2848 OR in person with cash, debit or credit card to her account: She is under Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
440 Hazeldean Road
Kanata, ON
**IF I am forgetting any of her ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Her Great Angels: $50.00* donated to date & Current Vet Bills are: $o.oo
*Before PayPal fees
Lianne & Cliff – Costco Dog Bed
Previous Home – $50
ENDS Thursday April 23rd @ 9 PM EST – We currently have $960 in bids to date!
To read all details and to bid, CLICK HERE!
Microchips $40 includes registration – for cats, dogs – minimum age is 8 weeks
Nails $10
Ear Cleaning 410
Saturday: BHRR Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Herbie-licious, The Love Bug, BHRR’s Angel Noelle and BHRR’s Riot
Sunday: BHRR’s Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Salem, BHRR’s Liberty and possibly BHRR’s Hercules – the third dog is not yet 100% determined.
Look who is hanging out at KAH today!
BHRR’s Leroy Brown!
Since he first arrived to BHRR, emaciated, filled with severe separation anxiety, he has put on 45.84 pounds!
AND, a SA victim he is no longer!
Today’s weight is 132.22 and, in the photo is is being shown with our co-op student at KAH(with permission!)
Today, is his annual appointment.
He is AVAILABLE For Adoption!
On April 6th, I received the following email and, we committed to bringing her into BHRR and, to work on her resource issues yet, around any high value item, animals get get protective.
“Hello there,
A relative of mine has a 4 yr old FS Great Dane named Pearl. The owner is going through a tough divorce, and while she is now on her own, has found herself physically unable to care for Pearl anymore and was hoping to find a placement for her. Pearl is fully vetted, healthy and has lived with another female Great Dane her whole life. Pearl spent some time with another family member last week. In this home there are 2 – 4-6yr old kids and some toys around the house as well as another dog visiting. There was a small altercation between the 2 dogs over a toy and the other dog’s ( a lab) ear was bitten – one puncture- as a result. So probably best in a placement with no young kids or dogs.. She has never bitten a person.
The owner has never surrendered a dog before and does love Pearl very much. Just wondered what your thoughts were on this situation , and if you might have some advice or consider a placement for her.
Thank you
Kind Regards”
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
UPDATE: The home-visit is done! We did not do an approved adoption. If I could hand pick a right match personality fit dog to match theirs(a lovely Dane himself), it was as I did, BHRR’s Ivy.
BHRR’s Ivy is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
They bonded strong, hard and fast…..right from hello…..he is a strong male, she is a strong female, both full of personality and, life plus character. Equal in energy and, immediate friends…..
Yet, BHRR’s a Ivy is not a right match for the humans in the home. She liked them, well, she loves everyone!!!
She needs a home that will commit to her needing that job, continued obedience and tons of patience as she keeps becoming the best dog she can be. She will keep one on their toes.
She is full of so much potential and, like BHRR’s Dana(for those who had the pleasure of knowing her, you will understand what I mean), she needs a home that accepts she is going to be a delightful handful for the rest of her life and, not break her spirit. She needs guidance, a sense of humour and, along with the structure plus consistency.
The home is a lovely home and, they feel the same way as Kathy and I do. No one wants to see a home fail or see a dog set up for failure.
They asked if we had another one for them in our program to be considered for, and, we do not. What works best for their current dog is not what works best for them and, I recommended to try DiD(which they have been looking at also) and, to keep searching.
They are going to be great parents to another dog when that time is right and, my heart is only sad for the two Danes for the two dogs, were such a perfect hit. I have been doing this almost 28 years and, they really were perfect.
BHRR is not desperate to place our dogs, our second to none success adoption statistics prove how careful we are about approving adoptions and, it has to be ‘right’ for home and dog…..
BHRR’s Ivy has had another amazing experience and, she has shown me again why I adore her so much! Honest, brilliant, loving, social, happy and, nothing is half measure for her…..
Best wishes to the home and, thank you for opening up your home to us today!!
Thanks Kathy for the hands today with the hv and see you in a couple of weeks!!
Someone is STILL hogging the pillows and, not exactly a ‘morning dog’ this AM!!!
BHRR’s Ivy has been a fabu hotel companion!!! Great in the car and, we are off shortly to make the drive to Guelph.
Even, if this does not turn out to be her right matched personality fit home, she will have had another excellent experience that continues to make her that much more of a well balanced plus adjusted dog!
Though, she is pretty well balanced already through her rehab. journey at BHRR.
We shall update as we can.
We have arrived safely at the hotel in Cambridge and, I think one BHRR’s Ivy could get used to the pampered life of her own bed and, room service!
Tomorrow is the big day in Guelph, Ontario for the home visit for her possible adoption!
Keep her in your best wishes!!
Time for Mason and I to settle in ourselves and relax a bit!!
It has been an extremely busy day.
BHRR’s Ivy has moved under a PENDING ADOPTION!
We shall post updates as we can.
BHRR’s Ivy and BHRR’s Salem came with me to do a hv on Saturday February 28th. BHRR’s Salem is getting better and better in strange situations and surroundings and, if people are not fast and flighty and, loud, she is settled and more comfortable. She has a lot more confidence when other dogs are around and, the more people that are part of her already set-up for success trust circle, the more comfortable and confident she is. She is not a dominant dog by any means and, we all agree that she is one stunning looking lady. I am very proud of her! She travels so well in the car and her leash manners are almost perfection now. She is going to continue to blossom and, become more confident and comfortable in that right match personality fit home. The home at this hv made a comment that if she is still a bit skittish, that perhaps she is not ready to be placed up for adoption and, I said that, while she is only going to continue to get better and better in my hands, she does not need me to keep bringing her to these next level and steps.
She needs a home that shall carry on and continue to build upon the strong foundation I have given her at BHRR. She does not ‘need’ me any longer. She just thinks she does. She is more than ready for that right matched forever loving home to find her. AND, that scared, timid, shy, submissive almost broken creature that first arrived to BHRR is no more. AND, she is going to keep shining in the right hands. She has TONS of potential. She is so loving, playful and affectionate and, if you earn her trust and respect, she is going to lay her life down for you.
One needs to be patience, kind, loving, consistent and, committed. She is a fabu dog and, while it would be nice to see her in a home with another right matched personality fit dog, as long as she has her doggie friends and network, she shall be fine. 🙂 One has to remember that she is a Mastiff/Dane and, that her personality is not as easily trustworthy considering all that she has gone through. She is a flight dog, not a fight. She has not one mean bone in her gorgeous body.
BHRR’s Ivy on the other hand, she is a firecracker! LOL Personality like BHRR’s Dana that just beams from every gorgeous black hair! She is busy, active, curious, outgoing, mischievous and, like a two year old, into everything! I giggled and smiled and laughed at the number of times a member of the house at this home-visit found themselves getting up and finding just what has she gotten into next. If it was not mittens, it was barbells or the couch and, on and on. This dog is meant to do agility or obedience titles and, she makes me laugh so much! She is a high maintenance ball of fire and, I just love her! She can easily have a home with another dog or two. She is an absolute hoot! She is a diva! BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!
They both had a great experience at this hv and, that experience with more loving and helping hands, has helped make that much more well rounded and balanced.
BHRR's Oakley(Deaf) decided that he was not 'just' a Great Dane and tall enough on his own. tongue emoticon He had to be the tallest greatest of Danes today and, stand on our bench and view the world from that perspective! grin emoticon
What a character!
Now, that BHRR's Ivy is still long enough to get some sort of photo that resembles a BBBBB and not a black blur, tongue emoticon, she is ready to make her special announcement…..
She is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!! grin emoticon
She is spicy and sassy and, saucy and, a delightful handful! She is about 8 months of age now.
She reminds me so much of BHRR's Dana – minus the sitting on heads(Drift carries on that legacy!) and, Dana's famous 'Ice Time'.
She gives all of herself to everything she feels is important – and, then if you have her trust, she would lay down her life for you….affectionate and, loving, smart and, a thinker!
She is not a half measure girl…she needs an active lifestyle home and a job and, to be properly mentally plus physically stimulated.
She needs patience, continued obedience and consistency and, even a home with a like minded dog or two and, this was a pup that came to me on meds for SA and was destructive and, I pulled her off all meds and, she does not require any drugs….she requires that right match forever loving home. She has never broken out of one crate and, loves her crate and, even takes herself to bed….
She is a very special girl…..
She would also do well in a home with children 8 and up….no young kids for this bouncy baby!
Cats unknown and, she is an absolute ball of fire of fun!
She can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired, retired etc., as she is another versatile BHRR dog!
BHRR's Ivy with Skor(NOT Available For Adoption)
GENTLE Reminder:
BHRR's Gretta's angels have been working quietly plus hard behind the scenes on a special Fundraiser event to help raise some much needed monies to help her with the bills from her cruciate repair surgery and rehab journey.
Thanks is appreciatively extended to Pet Valu – Manotick for helping us, AND, for hosting this event on Sunday February 15th, 2015 from 10 AM – 4 PM
This is the 'Grooming For Gretta – Sweetheart Spa' Fundraiser!
No APPOINTMENTS necessary!
BHRR is still ISO: two more approved BHRR Volunteers willing and open to helping lend a hand that day!
This is not a community education or public awareness event for BHRR yet, we will have some merchandise for sale such as our signature leash sleeves plus magnets. smile emoticon
Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
THANKS once again MUST be shouted out to BHRR BOD member B. Cole for such an amazing poster!
Winter Wonderland At BHRR
February 3rd, 2015
It was time for a new and updated Photo!
All of them are waiting for the kids to come home from school – what they do not seem to realize is Mason was already home! 😉
Part of how I got to spend my Birthday….many of our approved temp fosters have come to spend the day to play and visit – my own car would not start – darn cold! – and, so, instead of meeting at a local 'best kept secret' walking place, they came here to play on our 148 acres!
Back in December, Fran from Global Pet Foods Bank Street (1176 Bank Street) phoned plus emailed us to inquire as to our thoughts in being the rescue to benefit from the annual Global 'Show Us Your Heart' Campaign.https://www.facebook.com/GlobalPetsBank
Fran said that they have been following some of the great work that BHRR has been doing and, wanted to direct funds raised during their annual campaign in 2015, our way.
To say that we felt humbled and deeply honoured, was putting it lightly. We feel so privileged to have been chosen by Global Pet Foods Bank Street, out of so many out there in the community doing such much needed and essential work helping animals…….
This exciting campaign begins January 31st and shall run through to February 14th, 2015
If you visit their store, you can make a donation in any amount you desire, and, you can write your name or that of your beloved pet(s) on a beautiful red heart and, it will be displayed with such pride and thanks at their store!
All monies raised shall go towards BHRR's Gretta's Vet Bills – she took a bad fall at her approved temp foster home and, we have to now repair the cruciate in her back left leg. Her surgery is January 29th at Liston Animal Hospital. It was the first surgical date we could get…….
Thank you Global Pet Foods Bank Street AGAIN for selecting our small r/q Rescue to support……be it $5 or $50 or more that is raised during your annual campaign, it will mean the world to us!!! AND, to BHRR's Gretta!
Barry, thank you SO much again for working with me on this poster. It is gorgeous!
Our 2nd ANNUAL 'Breaking Bills Baking' Online Auction' starts TODAY – Saturday January 17th, @ 7 AM EST!
We will have 40 extremely generously donated and, delicious items. THANKS to all the baking angels that are making this annual event possible!!!
All monies raised in this Annual Fundraiser shall go towards BHRR's Maverick's Vet Bills. His current Bills are over $15,300.00 which includes three leg surgeries.
To read more details about the auction(those darn rules!) and, to view the items up for grabs so far….please visit the below link and scroll down the page…….Our latest new delectable array of items include Rice Krispies, Macaroons and, at least 5 l of the special pasta sauce that we served at our annual September "DINE WITH THE BHRR DOGGIES' event.
If anyone else would like to donate a baked goodie or goodies, it is NOT too late…all items do not have to be made until the auction is over to ensure freshness for the winner(s), please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Already 2015 is shaping up to be another extremely busy year for the special animals in need of us, as we have the Male Blue GD with the untreated broken leg and, have another Dane – BHRR's Gretta that will require a cruciate repair(Surgery is on January 29th) NOT to mention The Lord Stafford and his continued mounting Vet Bills.
We were able to assist 16 dogs in 2014, and, 24 dogs in 2013. We will assist as many as we can responsibly take on with quality and, resources in 2015.
THANK you Barry for working with me on this gorgeous poster!!!!
UPDATE: BHRR will shortly be doing our first approved adoption of 2015!
Play date was an amazing success and, all of us feel that another visit(last night was #3) is not required.
We are just figuring out best timeline as they have family arriving tomorrow for the weekend. Should be sometime early next week and, transitional adoptions are so important for that right set-up for success for many dogs and homes!
BHRR shall have one less purse puppy shortly….Coco Chanel, the best things in life are so worth waiting for and, our patience and yours has paid off!
Your future forever loving home is absolutely wonderful!!!
Beaming for all involved right now…..
AND, her HWT is negative(not that we were worried!)
BHRR's Coco Chanel (BLIND)
January 8th, 2015
NAP time at her play date with her possible future adoptive home! It is so exhausting being so adorable and beautiful AND, after having some play, showing of her talents in being a pro of how to master their stairs and doorways again etc…., NOT to mention I know eating a number of the mini natural bit treats, she is settled in for a much deserving nap….
That pink harness was my one gift to her this Christmas…..it was time for her to have a new one and, she rocks it!
*Photo courtesy of her future possible adoptive home!*
BHRR's Coco Chanel! – She is BLIND & 100% Gorgeous!
January 8th, 2015
She is currently having a play date at her possible future forever adoptive home!
This is her third time there…this time without me and, per my recommendation, they took her without me this time(she kept wanting to track and focus on me the last time we were there) and, I think she is having a blast!
She weighed 50.16 pounds today at KAH!
WHAT nice white teeth you have our lovely Purse Puppy!
THANK you so much to the home for sending me this photo!
Keep our delightful special needs(she is blind) Purse Puppy BHRR's Coco Chanel in your thoughts!
She has now been picked up from Kanata AH for a play date with her possible future adoptive home.
Her weight today was 22.8 KGS (50.16 pounds)!
She will spend several hours with the home and, I will pick her up after work.
I am sure all will have a really wonderful time!
Here is BHRR's Ivy's Santa Paws Photo at PV Innes & Belcourt on December 7th, 2014. A bit blurry.
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is also set up at 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 ‘’Ivy".
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees. 
BHRR’s Ivy's Angels $110.00* donated to date & Bills are $189.67
Andrea
Dawn
BHRR's Oakley's Traditional Christmas Eve Photo! NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
BHRR's Leroy's traditional Christmas Eve Photo! He is still AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
BHRR's Braveheart with company! 🙂
LESS than 48 hours at BHRR.
December 10th, 2014
(BHRR's Oakley, BHRR's Ichabod, BHRR's Potter, BHRR's Bloom!)
Thank you Tammie Jackson & Karen Starkie for being his angels….
VIDEO BHRR's Braveheart Dcember 10th, 2014
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Braveheart’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Braveheart's Angels $15.00* donated to date & Bills are $0.00
Cynthia
A. Biggley
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
We will be out to visit around 11 AM on Saturday ourselves to get some photos' and, I am hoping to bring BHRR's Ichabod Crane, BHRR's Zayna and BHRR's Salem for their very first XMAS photo's!
I heard a rumor that BHRR's Mav 'could' also put in a celebrity appearance!
Here is an update I sent this AM to the Animal Hospital that has been such an important part of her 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' Story!
Hi!
Ivy wants to say that she weighs 43.9 KGs today(96.58 pounds). She has her staples removed today and, while you can see the underlaying sutures, all looks good. She wears her lovely lampshade as needed. She is sleeping a good 5.5 hours each night before having to go out and zero SA issues. She is hanging out at work with me today and, other
than some initial whining and barking, has settled down for a nap.
I chipped her today and picked up a dose of Revolution for I keep the dogs in year round
as we are a rescue. We did her nails and she rocked starred that also.
I am just waiting for a fresh fecal sample to test.
She is doing really well with her obedience and, is a busy active plus smart girl.
While she loves playing with my own 5 month old Deaf/visually impaired Dane pups, she has made a fast
friend with an emaciated GD that we brought in on the 30th, that we named Kricket. One of her other best friends is a Haven dog we have, an almost 11 year old Dogo!
Already, I know she shall do best in a home that is active yet, not too busy for over stimulation and, flooding to occur and, then she just would love to focus and, become a bit overwhelmed. A home with at least one other right match personality
fit dog(male or female does not matter as long as it is a great fit), older kids are fine – 8 plus years of age and, a home that will give her a job – obedience, rally, or, even as she matures, therapy work.
She will love to have a good sized hard, plenty of dog friends and, love nice steady long walks. She is going to make a home an incredible addition as long as they understand to ensure that she needs her 'own' time to keep liking herself and, to learn to self-soothe and amuse when needed.
She has been off all SA meds since her arrival plus the 'bits' and, is thriving. I, professionally, truly do not feel that she requires any medication and, any right matched home will do 'right' by her also.
Great puppy!!!
She wants me to tell all of you at the hospital, thanks for saving her and, being so kind and generous.
No picture I can take will ever do this girl justice on how absolutely lovely she is!!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is also set up at 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 ‘’Ivy"
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Ivy's Angels $0.00* donated to date & Bills are $189.67
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Monday December 15th, 2014 to Tuesday January 6th 2015 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 7th, 2015!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will do intake.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
Here is the response I received back from the very lovely Vet that I had been conversing with and, met in Kingston last Monday:
"Thank you so much for the wonderful update! It made me smile this morning to know that Ivy (beautiful name, by the way) is in such loving and capable hands! I have passed along your e-mail to the girls I work with, along with your thanks.
All of us at the clinic immediately knew what a special girl Ivy is, and it makes us so happy to hear that she is doing so well already! We feel blessed to have found your rescue and we are beyond grateful to you for taking Ivy into your home.
It was a pleasure meeting you, and we look forward to following Ivy's progress on your blog!
Thank you so much again!
Sincerely,"
Here is an update that I sent off to the Acton Vet Hospital that took such great care of her!
She is doing great! Making friends after being carefully integrated with a few dogs – including two of my own – my five month old deaf/visually Impaired Danes 🙂
She has romped and stomped and raced and zoomed and, had a blast and, I had her two separate times into two separate crates and, she did wonderfully.
She is now settled down for the night in yet another crate in a different spot to assess/evaluate her levels of SA and, she is snoozing away.
One of the crates I only put a carabeener on to see what she would do and, she lay there most calmly.
I am not going to use the adaptil collar yet thank you and, I shall keep the clomicalm on hand yet, I am pulling her off the meds to really get to know her and, to see if she really needs it as we work to get her to love her own company and to, enjoy her alone time and be able to amuse herself in appropriate ways.
I am not getting any vibe at this time that with the correct level of exercise and mental stimulation that also includes structure of obedience, consistency, patience and time with stability that she shall require any medication. She is just not presenting as a dog that will require it under the right set of set up for success.
We shall see how things fall into place as she settles in and the honeymoon period ends. 🙂
She is a love and a real character!
Thank you so much for entrusting her to us and, please tell all of your staff what an amazing group of people they are!! Thank them for the bssket and donations that includes the Pinesol and laundry detergent!
I feel truly honored to have been asked to assist her by all of you.
Each of you are really special people!
What a pleasure to have met you and your husband and thanks for everything!
PS: she is called 'Ivy' after a very special woman no longer with us….
BHRR's Ivy is now in the HOUSE! Named after a very beautiful lady, no longer with us….
Thank you's extended to Dr. Butzke and her lovely husband for meeting me in Kingston tonight.
Wish I felt better! Been ill all day.
Thank you's must also be sent out to her previous Owner for loving her so much to let her go.
For those not familiar with her story…..she was picked up as a stray after trying to fend for herself and, was then adopted out.
Unfortunately, the home was not aware of prepared for the severe level of this Danes SA(she is about 7.5 months). She also had a tail injury that was not healing and, underwent a partial amputation.
She was surrendered to the Vet in Acton and, the amazing staff there continued to take the absolute best care of her with the assistance of her previous owner contributing to her mounting vet bills. The staff there deeply loved her and, generously donated a gorgeous basket of goodies for her plus, a large bottle of Pinesol and Laundry Detergent.
Thank you has to also be extended to Lorraine of Speaking of Dogs for referring the Hospital our way. We are not only a GD Rescue yet, experts in the handling successfully of severe SA issues.
We shall remove her staples later this week….
We are always so humbled when entrusted with an animal to do right by……our promise to her is to equally do right by her….
I just love seeing a community come together to help an animal in need!
Not the best photo yet one taken as she settled into our sunroom before entering the special world that is known as BHRR!
Welcome and Elizabeth this is your SS!
What is extremely special about this photo is that the Dane greeting her(now has had his own nails nicely trimmed short as of last night! ) is my own piece of 'Ivy'. That is one of my DEAF Danes, Drift.
He was the very first to greet her…it was a very goosebumply moment! Very special!
For all that know my Drfit, this is so NOT in his character…he 'knew'…this was a really special dog in honour of a beautiful lady, that he once knew himself…..
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is also set up at 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 ‘’Ivy". He has almost $1800.00 in bills alone at KAH right now.
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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Ivy's Angels $0.00* donated to date & Bills are $89.00
How blessed are we that Chuck Desjardins Photography and, Pet Valu Innes & Belcourt(3838 Innes Road, Orleans, Ontario) chose our group as one of the two(Collie Rescue Network is the other r/q group) to benefit from their Christmas Photo's Fundraiser!
Photo's $15 Each OR 2 for $20
Date: Sunday December 7th, 2014
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
***This is not a community education event yet, we shall be heading on our to just hang and bring some of the BHRR dawgs to thank people!
TOMORROW!
BHRR's Stafford will be ready on his red carpet with roses in paw to hand out to his first 24 smoochers! I even heard that he may wear a bow tie!
BHRR's Maverick and BHRR's Ichabod Crane are also coming.
The BHRR Purse puppies from our November 23rd BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House! Thanks Dee for the photo!
They remain AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION and, they continue to just blow people's minds away with how awesome they both are..all of our visitors cannot believe that they are blind and, motor around in the 3+ fenced in yard and, more than hold their own with the other dogs…yet, they still are with us…..we are patient…..
BHRR's Oakley is doing great in his crate now….zero whining, no digging and, Friday the 21st was the first night, I was able to leave a nice thick towel in his crate and, other than bunching it up, into a pile he felt was comfy, zero shredding. GOOD BOY!
He goes in without any issues and, I give him a treat, maybe, one out of five times when he goes in now.
His startle reflex is getting much better also. My son, used to our own deafies and, how far other deafies have come in our programs, almost made a very dangerous mistake a few nights ago. BHRR's Oakley was sleeping and, we were getting to lock up for the night, and, my son offered to help and, he reached down and, I managed to catch him in time for, he was going to lightly touch BHRR's Oakley's side to wake him up.
I told him 'no' and, reminded him as to why he was not to touch him, when he was sleeping and demonstrated. I took my foot and gently rubbed his rump and, after a few strokes, BHRR's Oakley woke up and whipped his head around and, did a bit of a snap and, when he fully 'woke' up, he jumped up and ran a few steps away for he realised what he had done was not what he should have done.
I was not angry or upset and gave him the 'calming' sign that I use for the dogs……to tell them that it is 'ok'. He came over to me and did one of his awesome leans…..I gently stroked his head towards the back and on his upper neck, just twice in the 'calming' touch style that I use.
I looked over to my son and, said, remember the 'new dog; rule please.
It is going to take awhile for BHRR's Oakley to be 'ok' with his startle reflex and to have trust….that is ok…..I am not in a rush….
As of the night of the 23rd, I put a blanket again into his crate and YAY! No touchies! He has now had a blanket in his crate for two nights, sans issue.
He is bright eyed, fully integrated with all the dogs, had a great time for the two nights our BHRR BOD member B. Cole was visiting and, he had an absolutely fabu first BHRR "EXPERIENCE" mini open house! Each of our 40+ attendees receives an detailed info. package prior to participating in this event and, I reminded all again to passively ignore(some, did not realise what that meant and, that it did not mean ignore him forever!) and, OMG! Other than, one space moment that was NOT his fault, good ol' BHRR's Ethel and her 'old woman ways', not one moment of anything less than perfection! GOSH! I was so proud of him!!
He is becoming more playful, eating better, having more energy, is more properly physically and mentally tired at the end of each day and, his eyes are clear and focused…he is beginning to show me some spunk in trotting away when I want to give him a 'rest' time in his crate and, he is not yet ready! LOL LOVE it! He does not do it out of meanness, just young boy 'I am not ready to come in yet Mom' 'tudeness.
Even as I type this, he is laying behind my computer chair.
He is wagging his tail more, much more steady on his feet, still has 'space' issues and, we are working on having self-control and, walking away and, not being so reactive……being more in touch with his emotions and, feeling like he has some control, he is making better choices. I am really proud of how far he has come to date….a LONG way to go, yet, a really nice boy!
AND, his previous home is correct, he LOVES LOVES LOVES kids! 😀
He is also learning to 'share'. He has learned that if he tries to resource one of the two massive water bowls, he has to sit and 'wait' for his turn.
Honestly, he backs down quite quickly in the face of a more dominant dog and, with the proper positive human leadership, he is trusting me more and, that what I ask of him, is in his best interest and, that my role is to protect him and, his role is to be a dog…..a young one….
He does not like to share a crate though or a blanket and, he has no boundaries against acting equally strong against my 16 week old GD puppy as he would one of the 3 year old adults. He has much to learn……………
I am also extremely careful that he does not begin to resource over myself…..
I am so enjoying this journey with him…….I really am…my heart is quite proud of him!
Today, his previous home emailed me asking for an update and possibly some photo's. BHRR's Oakley is full of anxiety for sure…he has ripped up everything that was placed in his crate and, he will 'dig' constantly in his crate and, whine and cry.
Gwennie's bootcamp is in full swing. In many ways, he is doing great. AND, that night, he was to meet one of our BHRR BOD members B. Cole.
Here is what I sent back to his previous home:
He is doing really well. He has lots of anxiety related to his crate yet, we are working through that.
I have him off the meds for, in almost 27 years as a behavioural expert, there are only two dogs – one Dane and one x, that I really felt should be on meds. He is doing well and, we will take it one day at a time.
He is being mentally plus physically stimulated and, also loves to destroy blankets and beds in his crate.
He already has a blog started on our www.birchhaven.org website and, we will post regular updates including photo's and video. 🙂
I have not taken any to date as we, have been busy with integration and, settling him in. He is making friends and, is quite the leaner in typical Great Dane style in a show of affection.
Thank you so much in entrusting him to us….
Tonight, he shall meet his first outside the home stranger and, we shall see how that goes…..
Today, I picked up Oakley after my work shift. I received the following email in respect to him after I arrived home:
"Hi, I forgot to mention we filled his prescription of fluoxetine (it's in the back bag), he gets 3 pills and one glucosamine in the morning on an empty stomach."
I replied asking them what was the medication for as it can be used to treat OCD, Anxiety as well as Aggression issues. I then received the following:
"Hello, it was prescribed for his over all anxiety."
In learning that he was on this medication, it made sense some of how it was 'harder' to read him when I picked him up. He was there yet, not there.
I was not going to give him any medication…at least, until I 'knew' him and, what the issues are with him. He as quite reactive to the dogs upon arrival back home this night yet, that is not surprising. Lots of stress, was at night, dark night and, lots of change going on.
Per a previous blog post, I have ONLY have recommended two dogs to go on medication. Maybe, BHRR's Oakley would be the third yet, I was not convinced he would need any.
I had spent considerable amount of time on the phone talking to one of the O.'s re: him when we were first contacted. I had offered to give of myself any assistance possible, should they wish to keep him. They were such a caring couple that really worked hard to do right by their dog and, right from the start, he had these issues…I learned that the one sibling they knew about, was 'worse' than he was. The home was honest with me. They thought this behaviour was 'cute' at first, the shyness etc. and, then quickly realised and learned it was not.
They sought help, find it really hard to find a place that would work with a DEAF dog(oh, how I wish they had found me then!!!) and, as he loved to be boarded at this one place, he was spending time there also.
What they were not given was all the proper tools and aid plus resources they needed to work on his startle reflex, clear genetic disposition of shyness and anxiety that was exasperated as he aged. He had a few really close calls with that mouth of his and, when the home felt they could no longer trust him, they were at the point that they felt that he had to be surrendered.
My heart supports them 150% in the decision, that I know did not come lightly to them and, my heart is heavy for the road they were now on.
As I keep saying, good people have to give up dogs….. 🙁
In turn, I was 100% honest back. I said I was NOT a miracle worker, that I would properly assess/evaluate him and, if he was not deemed adoptable once we were through the honeymoon period and beyond, that he would be moved to our Haven Program AND, 'if' it came to him being found to be truly aggressive(most aggression is fear based), that we would have to do the 'right' and humane thing.
A dog can be great in many ways, yet, if one of the ways they are not great is a danger to themselves and/or others, we have to bear that in mind…..
He had no issues making direct eye contact with me and, I came armed with treats to get him and, I had the home load him up. He was not quite 'there' and, the eye contact was very forward yet, absent in some ways. I now realise why, it was not 'right'…he was on this anxiety medication.
Even on the way home, I had called Sean and, I kept saying there was something not 'normal' about him and, could not quite put my finger on as to why he was feeling 'off' to me……I know now!
The home so very kindly made a very generous monetary donation to his care, provided food, supplements, his harness, offered us two crates etc. also.
The home asked to be kept updated and, I said that he would have a blog and, we would keep it updated regularly as we could and, that they could always call or email…..
The only thing that we cannot do is if/when the time came for him to be adopted, we could not share due to the Canadian Privacy Act laws, where and, who he went to. Many homes also do not want people who once had the dog they since adopted to also know. Others are open…that, would have to be left up to the parties involved.
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!
BHRR's 3rd ANNUAL unique 'GIVE IT UP 4 AUTUMN' Fundraiser shall benefit BHRR's Stafford!
WHAT will you 'give up' for 14 days to help BHRR's Stafford?'
Please do EMAIL us with what you are 'giving up' to participate! Some are giving up chips, wine, coffee, another is giving up chocolate, AND, one person is going to even put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have for the chocolate they are giving up. Feel free to be creative! 🙂
UPDATE: We have 21 participants so far!
Starts November 4th! Please consider 'giving something up' for a 14 day period and, then donating the funds saved to BHRR's Stafford's bills!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE (You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Stafford’. 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 to gwen@birchhaven.org (please use the ‘gift’ option OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees
In asking for a bit more information re: the leash and dogs, this is the response I received and also received some photo's. This home really wanted what was best for their dog. I feel that they received some not so great recommendations and advise. They were advised to use a shock collar and, I found out after I got him, to also have him on medication. This will be addressed in another blog post.
My note is that when we do have him arrive to BHRR, we will not have him lay down to meet other dogs – this can be very threatening to a dog that has anxiety issues. We will also take him off the medication. In almost 27 years, I know of ONLY 2 dogs that I felt needed to be on medication – both Client dogs of mine – one a GD and the other a Colliex.
"Good evening, he is not very good on leash with other dogs we have been laying him down in a relaxed position (lying on his hip) an keeping him down as other dogs approach and that seems to help. Off leash we have no complaints whatsoever."
Here are a few more details re: this Great Dane, that his lovely home had named 'Oakley'.
DOB: August 12th, 2013
Is the dog ok on a leash?
Yes if there are no other dogs around
Housebroken?
Yes
Prefers men or women?
Women
Good with children?
Amazing
List Bad Habits:
Will try to get table food right off your plate
Is the dog ok around cats?
Yes
Is the dog ok around other dogs?
Off leash he is perfect, very well socialized
Is the dog ok with their food being touched?
Yes
If the dog has bitten a human being or animal, give particulars:
Never bitten but has snapped and made contact twice
Reason(s) for surrendering this dog:
We do not trust him anymore and are anxious to bring him around new friends and family
On November 1st, Danes in Distress contacted myself re: a Deaf GD, 1 year of age that they were going to refer the O.'s to BHRR. They were operating over capacity at that time and, did not have a deaf experienced GD home open. They wanted to ensure that this boy ended up in a r/q program. We stepped up to assist as, the special needs are one of our big loves and, focuses at BHRR.
Please consider going to the Helping Ottawa Fur Kids Facebook Page and, 'liking' our photo and, then putting in the comment section 'this amazing rescue gets my vote!' Contest ENDS Wednesday October 22nd at NOON and, each of the 6 rescues participating will receive a monetary donation, based upon where they rank upon the close of the contest. THANKS in advance for your consideration!
NOTE:
From Monday October 20th to Monday November 3rd, 2014 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
Some very happy/excited doggies now that their 'kids' are home from school! They love their 'wee boerskins'
BHRR shall be attending our THIRD of ONLY four community education & public awareness events for this year, on October 4th & October 5th! The last community education/public awareness event that we attended was in May!
Pet Valu Stittsville so very kindly has invited us back in 2014 to be at their locale on October 4th & October 5th for their 'THANKS FOR GIVING' Event and, shall help us host some great activities!
AND, we will have BHRR doggies in attendance! Please visit the below link to find out which amazing BHRR doggies are coming which day!
From October 1st – October 16th, Pet Valu Stittsville will be selling 'Paper Pumpkins' for a donation and, your name and/or that of your pet(s), will be proudly displayed on said pumpkin put up at Pet Valu! Pet Valu will also be collecting material donations for BHRR during this time – we are in need of xpens(36" & 48"), Pinesol, Paper Towels, Lysol Wipes, Costco Dog Beds and, bath mats!
BHRR's EVENT PAGE For The 'THANKS FOR GIVING' WEEKEND AT PET VALU STITTSVILLE!
BHRR is still seeking 1 BHRR approved Volunteers to hang with us and zee big dawgs on the Saturday and one to hang with us on the Sunday! Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Thank you's must be extended from my heart to Bre and her fabu staff at Pet Valu Stittsville, to Melissa of Groomingdale's who is donated all nail trims and grinds(Friday/Saturday/Sunday) to BHRR AND, also to Ashley of AMB Photography!
AND, last but never least, thank you again to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this great poster!
HERE is our poster for our NEXT Microchip Clinic! PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans contacted us months ago to see if we would host one of our established Microchip Clinics at their locale. Honored again to be able to have the opportunity to chip more dogs & cats to help ensure they have a better chance of finding their way home if they are lost or stolen. SO important to microchip!
PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans, Microchip & Nail Trim happening on Sunday September 21st, 2014!
*NO appointments Necessary
**Cats & Dogs – as long as they can comfortably be held
*RAIN OR SHINE – We are indoors that day!
Some days in rescue are just not 'good' ones….some are great and some are less than good….
Today, has been a really bad day and, this is the first of three posts I will be making….
I am so sad to say that 'Hubert' the brain injured neuro puppy is no longer coming to us.
I had sent a follow-up email to confirm the date of October 11th and, that we had an approved Volunteer wonderfully offer to help with transport – thanks again Bruce! – and, I received a response earlier this afternoon that the place he was at was working on transport to send him to THS this week.
Unbeknown to myself, I was not aware that once we had committed(and, we worked round the clock to find a spot at BHRR for him as, we knew he was a real special needs & had suspected behavioural issues possibly related to his neuro sitaution), they were still looking for a place behind the scenes to take him sooner. In committing to take Hubert, that meant we could not assist another and a dog dies….that is a sad hard reality.
We support any r/q rescue assisting a dog in need, and, we have worked in the past with the THS yet, we were surprised to learn that a place was still be sought for him after we stepped up when contacted, and, I do honestly believe BHRR would have been a great rehab r/q rescue and choice for him….. My humble opinion.
Have to admit, was really looking forward to meeting him! I know others were too!
AND, even more reason why I am so happy that we did not take any donations for his care prior to his arrival to BHRR.
We will assist another dog as needed and, do our very best for him/her as always. Our program spots are always in high demand.
Please join me in saying Good luck Hubert!!
On September 3rd, I received the following email asking if we could step up to assist one of two dogs. The one was a very special puppy, see below. The other, we believe had a great chance of being picked up by another group(5 year old GS). Grew up with Sheps and, shall always own a single breed or GSx. My current GSx is is now over the age of 10.
After a few days of hoping and pleading that we may have an approved BHRR Volunteer step up to assist us with a temp foster of one of our current adoptables(which would give us a spot now) that are not yet in an approved temp foster home, we then blitzed our album on fb of our current adoptables in the hopes that by others sharing(we were almost 70 new shares the last I looked!), the right matched homes for the 23 dogs that we currently have up for adoption shall find them…….
Meanwhile, we have managed to buy some more more time to save this boy and, we committed to bringing him in on October 11th, 2014. BHRR's Hubert is ONLY the 8th dog that BHRR has been able to assist in 2014.
We are going to keep the name 'Hubert' that they were calling him. 🙂
"There is Hubert, a “small” three-month-old Old English Sheepdog and Bernese Mountain Dog mix. While he is affectionate, friendly, gentle and cuddly when he is in a quiet phase, he also has periods of intense excitement where he loses bite control – which could lead to unintended injuries. He has the clumsy walk of a puppy, and tends to bump into walls. This small teddy bear will need an experienced family without children
Unfortunately, a veterinary revaluation conducted on August 8 revealed that Hubert’s balance problems (and potential behavioral issues) are caused by a congenital brain injury. He will therefore need to be seen by a neurologist, and might require an MRI scan. Hubert’s ankles also make cracking sounds."
NOTE: UPDATE: For those inquiring about the extend of 'Hubert's' brain injury, the above is what was sent our way from the place that currently has him: One he arrives to BHRR, we will begin a work-up for him. He is stable and doing just fine at this time and, should, anything change, ie worsen, all can be assured, that he will be seen by another Vet immediately…..
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Hubert’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Hubert's Angels Donations to Date: $00.00 & Bills To Date: $0.00
*Before PayPal fees
Here is a VIDEO from today. Never have been the best videographer! 😉
HERE is our poster for the PV Kemptville Microchip & Nail Trim happening on August 16th, 2014!
*NO appointments Necessary
*RAIN OR SHINE – We are indoors that day!
BHRR's Leroy is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION again! After being under a pending adoption for 8 weeks as of today, and, doing a home-visit on July 17th, all members of the BHRR BOD, plus the two approved BHRR Volunteers that came to do the home-visit, are all in unanimous agreement that, this home is not meant for BHRR's Leroy after all and, so, he is staying with us. This means, that he is once again available for adoption to that right matched forever loving home that is meant for him.
BHRR's Leroy needs to go to a home that is not going to be away from home a lot. He needs a home that understands that consistency, patience, understanding, routine, rules and, obedience are going to be required to keep him being the amazing dog he is. He is a dog that now has wonderful manners, does not exude severe SA behaviours, is calm and, comfortable, social and, affectionate to all his friends plus loved ones. A home that knows that behaviour is not changed, it is modified and managed is what is necessary for BHRR's Leroy for set-up for success.
BHRR needs to approve homes that are going to be honest with us right from the beginning of the adoption process that shall enable relationships to be built up of mutual trust, respect, open communication and, what is in the best interest of the dog and their home. We need homes that are going to listen to us as the experts on these dogs and, understand that, it is not 'I' and, a BHRR dog, it is a BOD plus the BHRR Village/Community and each BHRR dog. There were 6 of us involved in this possible adoption process and, we are not desperate to adopt our dogs, never have and, never shall be. Nor, are we about bringing them in and pumping them out. We are a CHAIN OF SUCCESS family, and, we shall continue to be that way. We do all that we can to work towards a successful new chapter being developed, and, in this case, I went out of pocket over $600 to do the travel time, use of gas, hotel rooms for myself plus one for the BHRR approved Volunteer that traveled with myself from the Ottawa area, we spent a whole afternoon plus into the early evening doing this hv and, will gladly do so again, to best determine if a home is meant for one of our BHRR dogs. We spare nothing for any of the dogs under our authority.
We believe that each r/q group operates in the best interest of the dogs under their authority and, doing r/q rescue right is not about winning any popularity contests, never has been and never will be. We can only hope that the right matched home meant for him, has not been missed out on with him being listed as 'unavailable for 2 months'. 🙁
Below are some photo's of him plus a Video – BHRR's Leroy VIDEO July 17th, 2014
First picture is from May 31st, 2014 & second is from the hotel in London, Ontario in the wee early hours of July 18th, 2014
BHRR's Leroy – ADOPTED!
Photo taken, wee hours of the AM July 18th at the amazing Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre Best Western Plus in London, ON, where thanks to Tracy 's amazing recommendation – had a great few hours rest before pushing home from London!
BHRR's Leroy is moving to an ADOPTED STATUS and, he shall go to his new home in August 2014.
I will get a family photo of him then to post!
This was a very packed 24+ hours! Thank you to Margaret Aris for roadtripping with me, thank you to Lindsay Barbosa for meeting us in London to do this HV, thank you to the home for spending the afternoon with us, once we found your home , thank you to Kathy Rader-Cahill and Terry, Jacob and Tracy for hosting Margaret and I, the evening of the 17th with an incredible dinner plus dessert and, the great visit!
Thank you again Tracy for this fabu recommendation of a place to stay as Joyce at their reception, was so absolutely kind to me and my dogs. BHRR's Leroy had a great trip as, did my Oatmeal and, the weather was fantastic to drive in over the last 24+ hours!
BHRR's Leroy and Oatmeal rocked the trip and the hotel experience! We even had our own small courtyard to share with a few other rooms. WHAT a lovely trip!!! 🙂
HAPPENING TODAY! Sunday July 13th!!! DO not forget mark your calendars!!! 🙂 RAIN OR SHINE!!!
BHRR ONLY hosts 4 planned Fundraisers a year. This is our 2nd one of 2014.
We know and accept that for the first time ever, that we shall be seeing some showers in 2014. BOO! 🙁
AND, we are prepared for the weather to make your day a blast! 🙂
AND Microchips, Nails per our protocol plus the Silent Auction & BOW WOW Butchers shall be inside the Hospital.
We have 8 tents with a spare on hand to keep everyone dry for ALL the outside activities! 🙂
Microchips for cats/dogs & Nails for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits etc! 🙂
Rogers Community Cruiser shall be in attendance 9:30 – 11:30 AM with complimentary coffee/timbits
Dr. Amy Jewiss shall be present from 10 AM – 2 PM to discuss acupuncture and other services she now offers at Kanata Animal Hospital
Daryl of BOW WOW Butchers WILL also be in attendance!
Facebook 'PRE-EVENT' Mini Auction – 7 For 7! – AUCTION ENDED JULY 12th AT 12 NOON EST!
FaceBook Online Auction Album can be found HERE
There are 7 items(in honor of this being our 7th YEAR hosting this one of a kind Fundraiser) AND, shall be hosted for 7 days, that shall be available for bidding as of Saturday July 5th!
*The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday July 5th, 2014. Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
*The BHRR Auction will end at NOON(12) PM EST on Saturday July 12th, 2014.
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.
*S&H is available on all but one Item – Item #3
Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279
COMING up Saturday July 5th, 2014! Thank you to Critter Jungle for asking us to come back again in 2014!
Microchips $40 includes registration
Nail Trims $10
Dog Wash $10
*NO appointments necessary!
BHRR's Leroy's Home-Visit has been scheduled for July 17th. 🙂
Unfortunately, the HV for BHRR's Leroys' possible adoption has been rescheduled from today. Thank you Lindsay(BHRR's Apollo's fabu mom!) for being willing to do this one with me. 🙂
We shall reschedule for mid-July when the home is back from their own commitments.
BHRR's Leroy's home visit is now scheduled for Sunday June 15th. We will continue to update his blog as we can.
Here is BHRR's Leroy's 'reality' slide. We are still working through the adoption process to best determine if this is that right matched forever loving home for him. We promise to keep his blog updated as we can!
BHRR's Leroy is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION! We will update his blog as we can.
This boy has put on almost 40 pounds since he first arrived to BHRR on April 5th, 2014!
May 31st
BHRR's Leroy is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! Good for him!
He absolutely loves his crate and, will actually paw at the crate, quite enthusiastically to get in! This is his safe spot and, at this time, we still have not tested him for any length of time out of the crate, when we go out. With everything we had been told about him having severe SA(I have not witnessed any form of major SA whatsoever), this is what works for him and, it works for us and, is safe for him and home.
He does have a slightly OCD behaviour that he will lick this one bar on his crate at times. Just the one bar and leaving a small drooling mass of slippery goob on the floor. We passively ignore and, make no big deal of it and, it stops within seconds. It is an intermittent thing, about 3 times a week. This started about a week ago and, looking at what may have changed in the home that, would have 'triggered' this. BHRR's Flint was adopted around that time and then returned. We shall see how things go. BHRR's Jetta is now adopted and, we will see if that has any impact also.
He can go to a home that works pt, ft, from home, semi-retired etc. He can go to a home with another right matched dog as he is playful and, social, yet, as long as the home has a strong network in place for him to be able to continue to interact with other dogs(dogs need their friends too!), then, we will consider a home that does not have another dog at this time.
He still exhibits behaviour when out and about that, if he feels another dog is, getting too close to one of his doggie friends, he will still do the slight lip curl. He is positively corrected and then re-directed. Not with all dogs, yet more than a handful that we have seen to date and, this is something we want any possible future adoptive home to be aware of. He has not done this to any humans since his arrival to BHRR and, we continue to work with him on this. So important for each dog to have the full picture painted of them from good, to bad and great and ugly. This is an area that he shall continue to require consistent, positive routine and structure of acceptable demonstrations of behaviour.
He has never exhibited that behaviour at all in our multi dog home. Only out in public.
He is such an affectionate and playful nut here. He can really get the dane lean going and, you better brace yourself! 😀
He is 100% housebroken, is now down to eating two good meals a day, is happy and uber gorgeous!
I do not want him in a home with cats. While he was fine with the cats at the PV Stittsville PAWS Event, he gets excited over fast flighty movements. So, as long as the cats were in the cage and, not running around the floor, he paid them no mind or attention. Yet, we have seen at BHRR, that when the BHRR Flower Girl's run and race, he gets all excited and wants to chase. Better than he was yet, for comfort sake, no cats, in the home at this time. I will always remember the rabbit that raced across the parking lot at KAH and SOOOOOOOOO, glad I saw the rabbit first!
He travels great in the car and, he has been a joy to have here! He will definitely require more obedience(we have that in our adoption contract anyway for all of our dogs) for as much as he has bombed along here and shall continue to do so yet, if he sees something he really wants to visit, he will forget all of his distraction training and, prepare to do some skiing….Not as it was when he first arrived yet, still present at times. Considering where he started to where he is now, he is an angel….a gooberhead one right now! He will just get better and better with continue work. We have not even had him 8 weeks and, he has make amazing progress! 🙂
May 31st
I had BHRR's Leroy scheduled to come into work with me on Wednesday yet, his one ear – right – seemed to be 'flaring' up on the outside, on Sunday and, I monitored and, decided that he should come into work with me today. We did an ear cytology on both ears yet, no yeast in either ears were found and, just some few cocci on the outside of the right ear. We are going to put him on Burrow's for the next while and, I plus his Vet are wondering about possible seasonal allergies.
The Vet did find his eyes to be very slightly 'weepy' and, in one of his arm pits, fairly red and when rubbing his back, seemed to really enjoy the rub. I have some medicated shampoo to help with any possible Seborrhea brewing issues.
He is eating very well – he was up another 14.3 pounds and weighed 58.4 KGs(128.48 pounds) today. I would like to see another 10 on him or so. I am still feeding him three times a day.
He showed the Vet how he could sit, lay down, give one paw and, stay. He also showed all that if he really wants to visit, he still wants to just 'go' more often than staying focused! LOL His leash manners continue to improve!
He also had a mani/pedi today! 😀 AND, I think the hi-light for him was having Auntie Margaret come and visit him…me too! 😉 He was loved on and snuggled and cuddled and smooched by her!
I had wanted to place him up for adoption after the Vet visit tomorrow, and, with the reschedule and, now perhaps needing to determine if he 'may' have some mild seasonal allergies, he is going to stay unavailable for another week or so. I just want to be sure that we can give any possible future right matched home the best medical full disclosure we can. We are not like other groups for we are very proactive plus preventative in our Vet care. We do heartworm testing, put the dogs on heartworm preventative, de-worm, give vaccines including boosters and rabies and, not just the first set, we spay/neuter, we do all necessary and emergency surgeries that include amputations and dentals and cruciate repairs etc. We also do proper behavioural and temperament assessments/evaluations plus start obedience training so, we are not pumping the dogs in and, out. We want the best for each and every dog that comes under our authority.
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Leroy’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Leroy’s Angels $105.00* donated to date & Bills are $674.90
*Before PayPal fees
Susan
Nairn
Andrea
Pam
Geoffrey
BHRR's Purse Puppy, BHRR's Coach is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! 🙂
Once he figured out the 'use' your other senses more and what little eyesight he has, less; he has bombed along with his scent, touching and hearing training! 🙂 I had to blindfold him for he was trying to hard to use what very limited sight he had and, it was greatly delaying his development. He was bumping into things and, scaring himself and, setting himself up for failure and, really shaking his confidence, especially in new venues/arenas. He was also stressing himself out and becoming frustrated. NOT any longer!!! YAY! 🙂
He still does some head bobbing and head shaking yet he is so much more stable now, that he has honed his other senses and is 'aware' of his surroundings via those other senses and, is more comfortable and confident. He still is unsure in strange situations yet, his sister tends to give him the confidence he lacks in those settings. I would like to see him in a home with at least one other right matched personality fit dog. Special Needs, great. Not Special Needs, great. Matters naught. Male or female, as long as it is that right fit, that is what is most important.
Once he is comfortable, he is so much more brave and outgoing and, now takes on the 3+ acres with nary a worry. He does like to try and be one of the 'big boys' and, it is cute to witness. He likes to hang with the big guys, sauntering along, especially with my Big Blue Bronson, who is so tolerant and mindful of the 'wee' giant! He does have a bit of an 'excitement' drive with the BHRR Flower Girls as, they like to be fast and flighty. He also likes to chase the dogs as they are running in the field AND, he is sharpening up those stalking skills for, he is not far behind them now. He is tracking incredibly well and, I am very proud of him.
He does not like being alone and, so I really would like to not see him being an only dog. He has learned to like his own company yet, loving it is not there and, that is fine. I like my friends and, it is important for dogs to also have their own social friend/buddy network. He and his sister remain close yet, each has developed their own relationships with other dogs as they should for they are individuals and have had to be taught how to strengthen their weaknesses instead of relying on each other for that. He is great with all dogs of all sizes and, people too. He can even go to a home that has older – 7+ in age children.
He is so chill and calm and, loves to snuggle and can do that for hours and hours. On the couch, would make him even happier! 😉 He is so precious and a real piece of gold and, makes me feel quite protective of him(no glass bubbles though!) and, though, he is active, he is not a delightful handful of high maintenance like his sister. 😀
I want any home to understand that though, he does not require any medication for his heart at this time, ventricular arrhythmia, he may require some in his future or, he may never require any medication.
He is yet another BHRR versatile dog and can go to a home that works from home, pt, ft in or out of the home, semi-retired or retired. 🙂
Like his sister, BHRR's Coco Chanel, he can still test me with the leash yet, his is more that he is not comfortable and he loves his routine, structure and patience is necessary to keep him building on the strong foundation of him being the best dog he can be!
He travels like a pro on the car and, is housebroken, crate trained and has proven 100% reliable in the house(would not recommend that to any forever loving home to do that in the beginning) and, like his sister, his 'weakness' comes in with threads of throw rugs.
He likes to 'stalk' me when I am on the couch just, like his sister does and 'save' me from the blanket I try to use. LOL
BHRR's Purse Puppy, Coach – May 13th, 2014
BHRR's Chanel is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!! I was waiting for a day that was not so rainy so, that we could take some wonderful new utd photo's! AND, I was not disappointed by the wait!!! Absolutely incredible photo's of both of the BHRR Purse Puppies were taken.
I would like to see her in a home that will continue to work with her as she is blind. She has excelled with scent plus touch training not to mention her listening skills. 🙂 She is a busy active feisty wee 'giant'! Sean continues to say that, if we did not have our own dogs, that she would be one that he really would love to have. THAT speaks volumes. I almost worry about her as she is such a big risk taker, no fear and, she would do wonderfully in obedience, or other active mentally stimulating activities. Physical activities, as long as they are adjusted to her visual impairment, is a thumbs up also! She needs a 'job'. She is a wonderful and delightful handful as I am known to say and, on the higher end of maintenance. 😀
She is a girl with a mind and no telling her that she should be slowing down! She can still 'test' me with the leash manners BUT, you want to see a stop, turn and recall on a dime motion, well, that is here. She can be in the 3+ fenced in acreage and, one single call and, she is BOOM! On her way back to me and, planting herself for a very solid 'sit' at my feet! THUMBS up BHRR's Purse Puppy! 🙂
She has developed this very high almost 'shriek' when she is over the top excited and oh, lord, thank goodness, it does not go 'off' too often!!! 
She is crate trained, housebroken and, great with dogs of all sizes and people. She has also proven reliable outside of a crate yet, not recommended for any forever loving home to do that until she earns that trust for freedom. Her one weakness seems to be rugs with threads that she and her brother, BHRR's Coach can 'unravel'…. She is excellent in the car.
Who one thing remains is that she loves to be around you, touching you sometimes yet, DOES NOT like to be restrained for anything…nails, bw etc., makes her a wiggle worm monster. She has come a long way yet, still it is almost all hands on deck to do what we need to do. She is not aggressive, she is just not wanting to do anything like that unless it is on 'her' terms.
She is affectionate, loyal, sweet and, like several of the dogs that we have been blessed to have at BHRR she does nothing half measure. It is all in or nothing for this gem! I love that about her. Lack of eyesight does not hinder her at all. She is one of the most fearless dogs I know. As soon as she is comfortable, she is off and going. Does not take her too long to warm up in strange situations and, then, it is go, go and go.
She sleeps like a log at night and, please do not tell her yet, she does do some soft snorting in her sleep! I would like to see her in a home with at least one other right matched personality fit dog, male or female is not what is important. That best fit is what matters the most. She likes her friends.
If you can win over this young lady's heart, she will give you her soul and, work on giving you the stars plus moon. This is the kind of dog that, seriously would lay down her life for you. Without hesitation if she felt she had to. It humbles me immensely to think, I have earned that kind of trust from her.
I have photo's of her and her brother in a 'pointer' stance and, they both definitely love to 'stalk' and retrieve. I have been 'saved' from many a toy and blanket thanks to their diligence in making sure that they were snatched away from me just at the point of me being comfortable. LOL One, never knows when a blanket or toy may cause me serious harm as I sit on a couch. They will 'tag' team and, I have a photo of both of them on the stalking prowl on the lawn. They 'prey' was Mason!
She can go to a home with older children, a home that works from home pt, semi-retired, retired, a home that works ft in or out of the home…once, again, another very versatile BHRR dog.
When it is her turn to be adopted, gosh, she is going to leave a massive hole in our home and in Sean's heart…….
BHRR's Coco Chanel – May 13th, 2014
BHRR's Leroy shall be coming into work with me one day within the next week or so, for a re-weigh, re-exam etc. He is putting on the weight really nicely and, it shall not be long now before he will have his own special announcement to make! 🙂 His lymph nodes etc. have all checked out clean to date! YAY!
He is down to eating three meals a day.
He also has the best in 'selective' hearing other than HQD that I have experienced in some time! LOL What a goofball!
Here are a couple of photo's from him the PAWS event on April 12th with Sean at the BBQ right by the truck. When he was tired, he just went into the back of the truck on the pile of dog beds and 'supervised'. What a ham!!! He is fully integrated with everyone here and, for a dog that was suppose to have severe SA, I have had no issues and, in fact, really should take a video of him 'pawing' and 'scratching' to get INTO his crate! LOL
Sean and I were just talking about that yesterday. In the right hands, this dog is going to make a home very very very very lucky! He still has a tendency to want to 'watch' over all of his friends at BHRR, especially BHRR's Angel Noelle and, she just thinks he is 'cramping' her style! LOL
AND, this Dane is no more than 3 years of age….no doubt!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Leroy’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Leroy’s Angels $60.00* donated to date & Bills are $423.17
*Before PayPal fees
Susan
Nairn
BHRR's Leroy – April 12th, 2014 – photo's courtesy of AMB Photography
GENTLE REMINDER!
We are at PV Hazeldean – 457 Hazeldean Road on Saturday May 3rd from 10 AM – 3 PM!
This is s ONLY our second Community Education & Public Awareness Event for 2014 and, we are ONLY doing a total of 4!
MORE Details HERE!
In attendance representing BHRR shall be:
BHRR's Ethel
BHRR's Groves
& I will be bringing my own GD Matrix – I am neutering him on Friday and, so, he is going to be on Gwennie watch!
UPDATE: Below is the lovely board that Bre of PV Stittsville has put together in support of PAWS for BHRR!
Total of PAWS/Event Sales/Donations as of April 30th, 2014 – THANK YOU to all of the supporters: $5,140
*The goal that PV Stittsville has set for the month that includes the April 12/13 activity weekend: $5,000
We shall be bringing: Saturday April 12th, – BHRR's Flint, BHRR's Noelle and BHRR's Leroy
We shall be bringing: Sunday April 13th – BHRR's Torque, Mr. Bubbles and BHRR's Treasure
AND, the councilor shall be at PV Stittsville for around 11 AM – 12:30 PM along with the paper!
AND, we will be doing doggy tattoos for a $5 donation!
**Blow pens and stencils and non toxic materials to be used
ON Saturday April 12th – BHRR will be at their Store from 10 AM – 3 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!
ON Sunday April 13th – BHRR will be at their Store from 11 AM – 4 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!
MARK your calendars! HERE is the poster for PV Stittsville's annual PAWS Event! BHRR was so incredibly touched to have been chosen again in 2014 to be the recipients of this event! 🙂 If anyone wishes to have a copy of this poster to help crosspost and share this event, PLEASE EMAIL
We would be so grateful for all the assistance in getting the word out!
For the whole month of April, PV Stittsville(1250 Stittsville Main), for your kind and giving donation, will have 'PAWS' that your name OR your pet(s) name will be written on and put up in their store in BIG appreciation. Funds from this Event will be used to help pay for BHRR's Purse Puppy, Coach who has been diagnosed at this time with at minimum, a congenital heart condition AND BHRR's Porridge, diagnosed with a nasal tumor.
BHRR shall only be making a maximum of 6 Public Awareness & Community Education appearances in 2014 and this is our first! 🙂 We are booked for four to date, and, one more is in the works! COME on out, visit with us, some of the BIG DAWGS of BHRR and, have some fun! 🙂
BHRR shall be at PV Stittsville on Saturday April 12th(10-3 PM) & Sunday April 13(11-4)!
FOR more details of this MUST ATTEND Event, please visit HERE!
Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry once again, for hammering out with me this incredible poster! So talented!!! AND, thank you being publicly extended to our much loved extended fam at PV Stittsville for inviting us back again in 2014!!! 🙂
The BHRR Purse Puppies were altered on April 16th. BHRR's Coco Chanel has finally passed BHRR's Coach in weight! She weighed 16.7 KGs(36.74 pounds) and BHRR's Coach weighed 16 KGs(35.2 pounds). They are now 6 months of age.
Both puked with the sedation prior to be intubated for surgery. Poor sweeties…. 🙁 Both had really good surgeries! It was only towards the end of BHRR's Coachs' surgery that he began to throw some Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and, so, the surgery was wrapped up quickly and minimal sutures were used. YAY! For good surgeries!!!
Photo's below are from their altering journey at BHRR. BHRR's Coco Chanel had the harder time getting back up on her feet and, I kept her well medicated that first 24 hours. As they were in separate kennels post-surgery, each were given a blanket that had the others' smell and, they went from being mildly anxious to nicely settled and had a good rest. 🙂
In a few more days, each shall have their own special announcements to make! 🙂
BHRR's Chanel(ABOVE) – Top left photo courtesy of Jenn – April 16th, 2014
BHRR's Coach – April 16th, 2014
BHRR's Chanel (Left) & BHRR's Coach(Right) – Post-Op Recovery – April 16th, 2014
HERE is the poster for our 3rd ANNUAL BHRR 'Special 1-on-1-Date' With A BHRR Dog Online Auction –
ENDS Thursday April 24th @ 9 PM EST! Details HERE!
Winners to be located in the Ottawa, Kanata, Gatineau, Orleans, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, Kingston areas ONLY
THANK you BHRR BOD member Barry AGAIN for this awesome poster!!! So talented!
If anyone would like to help us crosspost this event and share this poster, please EMAIL!
The BHRR Purse Puppies are being altered later today! Keep them in your blessings plus best wishes! 🙂
BHRR's Leroy's HWT is negative and his bw is normal…no sign of any underlying medical concern for his weight to be the way it is and, thankfully, no anemia due to be so emaciated right now. So, his weight loss/body condition is very sadly due to inadequate care.
We will take care of that!
He came to the PV Event today and did really well. He did have a tendency to want to pull one of our lovely BHRR approved Volunteers all around and, mannerisms 101 and boot camp shall continue. He did great will all people yet, one big and tall man scared him. He also had a tendency to want to resource slightly when another dog got to close to BHRR's Angel Noelle…interesting. He would lip curl a bit and, so he was positively corrected and, really enjoyed hanging out in the truck with all windows down 'supervising' Sean BBQing! The people that made the trip to hang around the truck, feed him treats and love on him was so special, while they ate their own yummy BBQ meals! HE was another HUGE HUGE HUGE hit! He thrived on all the loving MEANT for him!
One of the families that came to visit, currently own a Dane and, they are very interested in him and, shall follow his blog. 🙂 His story really impacted many and, I continue to have to say 'I do not know' in regards to when his tail was docked and, why…..happy tails do sometimes need amputation or a tail injury yet, he had his tail in the original photo's and, now does not.
I also cannot explain why he is so emaciated upon arrive to BHRR when those original photo's from the shelter show him in quite good body condition.
All we can do is move forward and the photographer today GOT some awesome photo's of him!! One I just have to have with him being 'King' in the truck like a regal boy! 🙂
Here are some photo’s of BHRR’s Rose from her temp foster home(Jenn D) in March. As with her Flower Girl sister(BHRR’s Petal), we remain patient for that right matched forever home to find her!
BHRR’s Rose – March 2014 – second photo is BHRR’s Rose with BHRR’s Petal
BHRR’s Leroy came to work with me last night and his weight is now 52.90 KGS(116.38 pounds). Since Saturday he has already put on 7.38 pounds. I meant to scan him for a chip and, will do that later as I want to keep bringing him on a regular basis to monitor that weight gain.
I had the Vet also look closely at his lymph nodes for the one on the right side of his neck is swollen. It is not hard, yet soft and, his other lymph nodes – including shoulders areas are fine. We will monitor and see what his bw says. I want to rule out any medical reasons for why he was so emaciated when I received him. Yet, in having put on 7.38 pounds in just four days, he clearly was not getting enough to eat.
We did blooodwork including a HWT and, despite having three pokes, he rocked! He is becoming more and more playful and, has an issue even, if I try to go to the bathroom without him – as with many dogs – he seems to think I am going to jump out some imaginary window and disappear! He just snuffled and huffed and puffed under the door until I came out and then, was like ‘Oh! There you are! I was fine, nothing to worry about!’ LOL He was awesome in his kennel run all day, not a peep!
He quickly won over all clients and staff alike! He is uber sweet and, I got a small video of him with his Vet tossing him treats and him catching them in his mouth.
He is still slightly dehydrated yet, getting there. He makes a great car companion also!
He is so nice. Such a nice boy. He had no issues with a cat being walked by him in a carrier yet, the bunny rabbit that ran across our path as Sean, myself and his Vet were talking after work in the parking lot, almost had him taking my whole arm off. NO exotics for him! He does not bother with our gippers though yet, he is still settling in!
BHRR’s Leroy is coming to work with me tomorrow to get a current weight, have a thorough exam, do blood work including a heartworm test etc.
Latest dogs that he has been integrated with are BHRR’s Torque, BHRR’s Potter and BHRR’s Nessie. He still does avoidance in any situation that makes him uncomfortable.
The counter surfing is in full swing and he has begin to nudge and bump quietly for affection while I am working on the computer. He has also begun to show me some spunk(WHICH I love!) for when it comes time for him to go back into his crate, he will play bow and trot away and then bounce, turn and face me and play bow some more…..He is fairly good with his manners and while he may trot away, he will let me take his collar and lead him to his crate.
He does yawn a lot right now to de-stress and, he is so good in his crate. Still not one sign of any SA. From the moment he came into our home, into the ‘Gwennie Boot Camp’ and the rules and, he has been so mindful and respectful. He did see HQD use my coffee table as a stepping stone to get to the couch(GOSH Forbid, it was in her way! – rollings eyes) and, he thought, ‘hey, she does it, I should try also.’ That was nipped in the bud pretty fast.
He LOOKS nothing like the photo’s that I originally were sent. He is easily 50 pounds less than what those first photo’s show….and, we shall rule out any medical reason for his current body condition.
He will be coming with me to the PAWS Event – just on the Saturday for people to see why it is so important for BHRR to exist AND, why your donations and support mean the world to us! He could use some bath mats for being soft and cushy plus stable(do not slip and slide like sheets and others materials do), I put them over the dog beds and piles of blankets for these emaciated dogs to help prevent hygroma’s and pressure sores.
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Leroy’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Leroy’s Angels $60.00* donated to date & Bills are $423.17
*Before PayPal fees
Susan
Nairn
Here are some photo's of BHRR's Petal from her temp foster home in March! All of us remain patient that her and her 'sister', our other BHRR Flower Girl of BHRR's Rose will be found by their right matched forever loving home.
BHRR's Petal – March 2014
*photo's courtesy of Jennifer D.
BHRR's Leroy is NOW at BHRR! Thank you to the ever wonderful Judy and Gracie for the assistance! Part of their reward….being chauffeured by me in our truck with off roading up and down our spring thaw lane way! LOL
While I was at the end of our laneway waiting for them, and, I saw him come around some of the other parked cars for our BHRR "EXPERIENCE" Mini Open House, I was taken aback by his body condition. This boy had been with this particular home since September as a foster dog for the shelter and then adopted in November of 2013 and prior to September (confirmed he was a stray via the shelter paperwork), had been adopted out several times also by them. It never crossed my mind to find him emaciated. 🙁 The Vets gave him a BCS of barely 2 out of 5.
There was more than one gasp from an attendee at our BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House upon his arrival to BHRR and, witnessing his poor body condition.
I would peg him closer to age 4 yet, when I can get better into his mouth, I will see…the masking on his face means nothing to me in respect to aging him as if it is a masking gene, he could have had that by the time he was 1 year of age, or even younger. He has been quiet, is not drinking well but is eating really well. I am feeding him up to 8 smaller meals a day right now.
He has been integrated with a few of the gang here. The BHRR purse puppies, BHRR's Gretta, Mr. Bubbles, BHRR's Bloom, HQD and BHRR's Rain to date. He has shown no signs of aggression or fear. He does 'avoidance'. He did not like the exuberance of my one own GD, Sir Maestro. He was fine with seeing my other two blue boyz GD's of TAIN and Big Blue Bronson.
Below is a photo of BHRR's Leroy(keeping his name for he has had so many names prior to coming here, to give him some consistency) on his transport to BHRR and two of his ribs as of April 6th, 2014(today).
He has started being de-wormed, has been put on heartworm/flea prevention and we will do bw, including fecal and heartworm testing.
He has not shown m3 one sign or symptom of SA to date. He has rested well in the colossal crate and, he lets me know when he has to go out. He did show lots of interest in counter surfing while I was making supper and, we watched carefully, and, corrected well. Being beyond skinny, can, explain at least part of this possible interest in counter surfing.
He showed mild interest in Mason's 2 gpiggers(very sadly, his third gpigger Burn passed away one day shy of his 3rd birthday on April 1st, 2014 – stroke and abdomen mass), yet, no prey drive.
The days are early yet though, and, lots of time to get to know him and, see him get into his own and out of the honeymoon period. 😀
AND, in those photo's posted(March 31st blog post) – they were from late summer/early fall of 2013 – HE also had a tail plus had a fairly good body condition. I am not sure why his tail in the end had to be docked yet, he is sporting a very small tail now.
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at 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 ‘Leroy’. 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 OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees.
BHRR’s Leroy's Angels $50.00* donated to date & Bills are $423.17
*Before PayPal fees
Susan
BHRR's Leroy – April 5th, 2014 – you can see how slim he is on face/body
*above photo courtesy of Judy
BHRR's Leroy's ribs – Body April 6th, 2014 – Mason is holding his collar/head so I can try and snag some photo's
**these photo's are taken after him having 8 meals over the last 24 hours also**
The BHRR Purse Puppies' have had their alters rescheduled to the 16th of April as the Vet that has seen them since they first arrived to BHRR is going away to a talk in the USA when I had them originally booked.
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
This GD first came on our radar back in November of 2013 – I believe it was November 13th to be exact. My understanding of the story was that he was picked up as a stray and, had been adopted out by this US based HS several times and, each time came back, as he has severe SA. His name had been changed often lending to his continued confusion and with each return, his SA increased.
We were contacted for possible r/q Rescue assistance, stepped up to the plate and, the week he was to come to BHRR, we were informed that the current temp foster home that had him, was going to adopt him themselves. He was apparently in need of someone with him 24/7 and, had a tail injury and, had been making progress with this home and they, loved him. He was said to be ~2.5 years of age.
We wished all the very best and, moved onward to the next dog in need of our programs at BHRR.
Fast forward to March 19th, then I received an email from the Director of the HS with the following information – SEE below in bold. We then responded that we would step up to assist and do a formal evaluation upon arrival to BHRR. His ETA to BHRR is on April 5th.
The last dog BHRR committed to was on December 24th, 2013 and that was BHRR's Angel Noelle. This is the first dog for 2014, that BHRR is bringing in. With the heartbreaking loss of two dogs in our Haven Program(BHRR's Breen & BHRR's Zara), one dog moving under a pending adoption(BHRR's Reese), and, another dog possibly moving under a pending adoption(NYA), we are comfortable assisting one more dog in our programs at this time.
I spoke with you a few months back about a Dane we had here at our shelter. The dog went into a few foster homes, and then the last foster mother decided on keeping him.
She has done a lot with him and we have seen a lot of improvement. However, she would now like to rehome him. It is very hard for her to do so, but she has a small Chihuahua and she is afraid that he might hurt her.
Working in rescue I understand that space and resources may be very limited (and I am sure you get this all the time).
The person who adopted him gave me this information about him:
"Mr. Leroy Browndog"
1.) He answers to "Leroy" or "Mr. Dog"
2.) Knows commands: sit, stay, down, and come
3.)Will wait (sitting) for food until release word "ok".
4.) He does not like to stay outside.
5.)He does not guard his food with people but will with other dogs.
6.) He is very mellow in the house.
7.) He needs a training collar or prong collar on leash. He is not for first time dane owners.
8.) Gets along well with other Danes.
9.) Enjoys his toys
10.) Is a counter, table, and trash can surfer
11.) Wants to be the dominant dog
12.) Can be protective but once meeting someone he is fine.
13.) Could be aggressive with small dogs.
14.) Probably not good around farm animals (she has a small farm and has not felt comfortable letting them interact)
15.) Does not bother cats when on leash, but probably would chase and chew if loose
16.) Can be left in house with other Danes when gone (just move the trash can keep food off the table & counters).
The owner does not want to bring him back into a shelter environment, but each day is getting harder for her.
Thank you very much for all that you do!
The BHRR purse puppies of Coach and Chanel have their alters scheduled for April 9th. I had a discussion with two of the Vets re: BHRR's Coach re: his heart and the safety of neutering him.
Both agree that as this is a neuter, not a spay and that he is not recommended to be on meds, at this time with his heart, that it is safe. Yes, a bit riskier than if he did not have the heart condition yet, if there is any problem, we can use Lidocaine.
Below are two photos' from my time away and, it has taken awhile yet, Coach is figuring out that outside is a grand place to romp and play and pee! 😉 It is all I can do to get him to come in and warm up and think about having water! AND, dear Chanel is forever still just romping fearlessly out in the 3+ acreage, causing me to have more gray hairs…..if she, finds herself in snow too deep, and, does not want to expend any more energy, she just sits and waits for me….just knowing that I will 'save' her….little diva! AND, when, I get there she gives me a look to say 'about time!' HQD would be proud! 😉
Sean keeps saying that he would LOVE to keep BHRR's Chanel yet, no…. 😉 She does not need us and our own home is full of life already. Our oldest shall be 10 in June and, if it, it was really felt that she needed us, then yes…but, she really does not…she has just bombed along with her journey with us!
About two weeks, after their alters, they will be making their own special announcements! 🙂
They will not be adopted together. Another, bonded pair that is best separated. I allow them to sleep together and eat together, yet, they have trips and time away from each other, that includes training sessions and each, of them has been growing into very lovely individual personalities and, making their own friendships! 🙂
March 13th, 2014 – NAP time in an xpen – one they now only use to eat in for they have outgrown it!
*photo's courtesy of S. Dowler
Here is the ECG results for BHRR’s Purse Puppy Coach.
Here is some of what is on this written by the specialist of Dr. Jean Betkowski, VMD, DACVIM(C)
It says that there is a sinus arrhythmia with a normal rate throughout the recording. The source of the ventricular arrhythmia is not clear. It may be due to a myocarditis but other systemic conditions, perhaps related to neurological disease or reduced perfusion may also be playing a role. The presence of significant cardiac disease is not highly suspected with the lower resting heart rate and sinus arrhythmia seen here. No cardiac medications are recommended based on this exam alone. The arrhythmia is not severe enough to warrant therapy at this time. If pairs or runs were noted at other times, therapy with atenolol or sotalol could be considered to suppress it. The resting heart rate can also be monitored to ensure it remains in the normal range.
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 ‘Chanel’ or ‘Coach’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services C/O Gwendilin Boers 2425 Totem Ranch Road West RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the ‘gift’ option)
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE (You do not need a PayPal account either)
BHRR’s Purse Puppies Beautiful Angels: Donated to Date: $257.50 & Bills To Date: $1,590.34
Anna & Her FB Auction
Nairn
PVAR
PV Stittsville March 15th Nail Trim/Grind Event
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to their care……even a $1 donation is super!! 
On Tuesday March 4th, BHRR’s Coach was in for his Rabies and a recheck on his Heart. On Tuesday March 4th, BHRR’s Purse Puppy’s Coach weight was 14.9 KGs(37.78 pounds)! Since his arrival into Rescue, he has put on 34.28 pounds! In just 14 weeks!
We did x-rays on March 5th (the next day I brought him back) and, he has a slight right atrium enlargement. Labs are prone to atrial issues and chances are he is not the only puppy in this litter of 12 affected with a congenital condition(IF this is what he has). He was scheduled for a cardiac u/s for March 5th. Below are his x-rays from March 5th. The ECG results results were to be in within 24 hours and, I have not yet heard anything, yet, when I had BHRR’s Porridge at KAH yesterday, I looked up his file and printed of a copy of his results and shall post that in a separate blog.
It is possible that this heart condition is exasperated by the belief that these puppies(possibly mom also) had a toxin exposure. As it is believed to be congenital, it can explain that despite several full and detailed exams up to 16 weeks of age, this heart concern was not noted and did not manifest itself. As of March 5th, 2014, he has had five exams at BHRR alone.
Three of those exams have now shown a heart irregularity. This may also explain why he has always been more quiet than his three sisters YET, on the other hand, he is a boy and those three are girls. 😉
He also does head bobbing and some head tremors when he sits of moves. The Vet Vet also noted this on March 4th and the 5th.
Here are the details of the Vet’s documentation from BHRR’s Coach’s x-rays:
“The heart looks wide with a bulge at the 8-11 o’clock position. The vertebral heart score is increased at 11.5. There is a mild generalized interstitial lung pattern. The pulmonary vasculature to the caudal lung lobes is somewhat obscured by a pulmonary interstitial pattern. Right atrial/ventricular enlargement. Suspicious for Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia.”
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 ‘Chanel’ or ‘Coach’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the ‘gift’ option)
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
BHRR’s Purse Puppies Beautiful Angels: Donated to Date: $40 & Bills To Date: $1,590.34
Anna & Her FB Auction
Nairn
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to their care……even a $1 donation is super!!
GENTLE REMINDER & UPDATE – This event will NOW also be used to also help BHRR’s Porridge – Rushed into KAH March 19th for when I returned from being out of the country, he was not well. He had dropped 3 KGs(6.6 pounds) – he is down to 74 KGs, had a nasal discharge, flared nostrils, no temp yet, belly breathing and could not breathe with his mouth closed, had not drank anything in over 24 hours, minimal eating, lethargic, swollen lymph nodes and, could not rest on his side(his fav resting spot).
PORRIDGE VET RESULTS TO DATE: Full exam done, lungs sounded ok, did a full blood work up including a heart blood test(awaiting results, we could not use Dormitor(if he did have a heart condition, this would be not in his best interest) to sedate for x-rays and the Torb barely took his anxiety edge off(we were not able to do his nails as he needs the Dorm also to sedate him) and, we could only get the right lat for x-rays yet, the heart on that side look almost completely normal. There was no noticeable bulge or significant enlargement yet, we had to take four shots to get his full chest and lungs just of the one side and the left side could not be completed at this time. We took biopsies of his lymph nodes, heart rate was elevated. The staff there noted how poor his energy level was from his norm ‘must maim with my happy tail and enthusiasm hyper harle happy boy ‘tude’ and while, he did eat some wet canned food, he had a hard time trying to eat anything dry and could only take one dry piece of T/D that was offered to him. The Vet has prescribed Doxy for him 4 tabs BID of the 100 mg IN case it may be infection related yet, he would not be presented ‘classically’ if that were the case. Yet, we are being proactive from all angles.
He went down hill so fast while I was away and, I thank all for monitoring him and I have trusted and do trust that those that were here, did keep his best interest at heart and, did not see fit to bring him in. I was completely ok for hi to go in for peace of mind and, I had been told that he was eating and drinking well and energy level was ok, no nasal discharge and lungs were clear(one person here is a nurse). In discussing him in more depth tonight with some of the wonderful souls that were here, it was noted that a weight loss had been seen, that drinking levels had gone down and energy level had changed. He was apparently fine and completely normal up to late last week and, I arrived home on Tuesday early afternoon. Whatever he has, it is aggressive….. 🙁
AND, in the 24+ hours that I have been home, his condition from there worsened further and, I jumped in bringing him in ASAP. Even called KAH to change his appointment to an earlier time slot.
Possible diagnosis at this time range from early heart to early lymphoma to early nasal tumor. Good case scenario, an infection of some sort.
AND, here is the PV Stittsville, Nail Trim Event Poster! $15 for grinds/$10 for Trims on Saturday March 22nd from 10 am – 5 pm, and, all money shall benefit BHRR’s Coach, our ‘heart’ boy!
Purse Puppy Coach shall be coming with me after my work shift on March 22nd, – around 2:30 PM to visit and thank all those that will be there AND, he will be doing ‘KUDDLES 4 KASH’ to also help raise some money for his bills. AND, for those that have had the pleasure of hugging this boy, he is DELIGHTFUL! I may also bring BHRR’s Angel Noelle or perhaps BHRR’s Torque! 🙂
On Tuesday March 4th, BHRR’s Purse Puppy’s Coach weight was 14.9 KGs(37.78 pounds)! Since his arrival into Rescue, he has put on 34.28 pounds! 🙂 In just 14 weeks! 🙂
I have a huge blog post to make from this Vet visit and then coming back the next day for emergency x-rays and an ECG (the results were suppose to be back within 24 hours….) and, from there, the next steps for him. I have the report from the one Vet to post and, I have passed along all information and details to PVAR who have the other two puppies and who adopted the mom. At the minimum, it is believed that he has a congenital condition. 🙁 AND, the chances that HE is the only one in that large litter to have this condition is slim to none.
As I am heading offline for the next week+, blog updates will be to a minimum to none – SORRY! 🙁 I am going out of the country and later this year, also plan on going back out of the country as I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicarauga to assist/train/mentor in a spay/neuter clinic and, to work with the strays etc. over there. So, I will post as I can and, thanks to all that follow the blogs!!! 🙂
Now, we just have to have those right matched forever loving homes find all of these great BHRR doggies that are AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! 🙂
On Tuesday March 4th, BHRR’s Purse Puppy Chanel went in for a re-weigh, recheck and her boosters! She now weighs 13.8 kgs(29.92 pounds!) She has put on 11 pounds in just shy of a month! 🙂 HARD to believe that she weighed 3 pounds at 6 weeks of age. 🙁 Her heart, coat, body condition and lungs are awesome and, she was feisty and curious and a bossy bit of goods! LOL She is so high maintenance and nonstop action!
Sean says that if he were looking for a new addition, he would want to keep her!
Next step is her spay and this shall be done either in end of March or early April. I want her at least 6 months of age first. AND, after she recovers from her spay, she will have an exciting announcement to make! 🙂
She also wants to thank Auntie Penny for the loving! 😉
BHRR’s Rose and BHRR’s Petal our Flower Girls’ had a play date on Sunday March 2nd, for 5 hours with the home that shall be temp fostering/loving on them for the next while.
I am always so proud to see the progress that dogs that came in so terrified plus shutdown become with positive and proper rehabilitation. 🙂 They loved the fenced in yard and ran and played and zipped and, needless to say, they got along with the other dogs’ there well too! 😉
As of March 4th, 2014, they will be temp fostered and, this is going to be such a great experience for them!!!! 🙂 AND, as always, I am going to miss them.
Below are two photo’s of BHRR’s Petal(you can see BHRR’s Rose in the background) on the drive home on March 2nd, 2014!
Both are still very patiently waiting, AS are we for their right matched forever loving homes to find them!
Please consider heading to PV Stittsville to participate in our FIRST EVER(Annual or Bi-Annual – not decided as of yet) $5(Five) 4 Food Fundraiser – February 1st to February 28th inclusive!
$1,518.00 DONATED To Date as of February 22nd, 2014!
I want to thank PV Stittsville immensely for being so open and supportive for BHRR to have our unique and creative Fundraiser at their lovely store! All money donated is being used to buy Dog Food from their store. As the generous, kind and extremely thoughtful donations are coming in, the incredible staff at PV Stittsville are using the funds to buy dog food as we are in our food crisis now. Sean has already gone in to pick up what food has been bought to date and, I will be in on Saturday to pick up the next bags that thanks to the community's big hearts, more is continuing to be able to be purchased.
We are hoping that this Fundraiser shall be successful! We are so happy to be showing our own hearts in turn to the store that is making this all possible and to buy all the food we can with the monies that come in. THANK YOU to the village that is surrounding BHRR and, PV Stittsville!!
AND, the 2nd annual PV Stittsville Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bones Event is in full swing! 11 have already been purchased to donate to the animals(each BHRR dog has a photo attached to one bone) of BHRR! TY! TY! Be sure to visit PV Stittsville, while BHRR DOGGIES LAST! 🙂
**As OF FEBRUARY 15th, 2014, ALL BHRR DOGGIES HAVE A Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bone!**
AND thank you to BHRR BOD member Barry Cole for working with me again on this fabu poster!
The BHRR Flower Girls' are headed to their temp foster home on March 4th! 🙂 THIS is going to be a really great experience for them! 🙂
HERE is the poster! THANKS Barry for working with me again! The final product has turned out wonderfully!
If anyone wishes to have a poster to put up at their work or share on fb etc., PLEASE EMAIL
Here is me trying to work on my computer February 10th, 2014! The BHRR purse Puppies, Torque and Angel Noelle took up residence and I could not get near my computer – that is the chair leg that BHRR’s Chanel’s foot is on! 🙂 BHRR’s Maverick took the one crate and, can be seen laying on his side.
February 10th, 2014
BHRR’s Coach and BHRR’s Chanel, the Purse Puppies came to work with me on Tuesday January 28th, 2014.
BHRR’s Coach was 9.9 KGs(21.78 pounds) & BHRR’s Chanel(Coco) was 8.6 KGs(18.92 pounds) @ 15 weeks of age. As BHRR’s Chanel was tons more healthy and doing so much better, she had her first vaccines. BHRR’s Coach has his boosters. In the next three-four weeks, I will get their Rabies done and BHRR’s Chanel’s next boosters. I also did pre-surgical bw(results indicate that things are low normal for both and, with more muscle mass/weight), they should be in the higher normal range of parameters. The one other possibility for a low normal reading was a fighting off infection response. Yet, both are eating and drinking quite well. Energetic – LONG gone are the days where they played for 10 minutes and then slept for 2 hours! They go nonstop for hours now…..and only take power naps! They were both de-wormed and put on revolution.
Their eyes sight re-exam has not changed. Their eyes are not better yet, not worse and a possible toxin exposure is still believed to be the cause for all the four puppies and the momma’s own poor health; in conjunction with poor nutrition for all of the pups/mom for them being so skinny and malnourished.
BHRR’s Coach is resolving on the bowed legs as we felt he would with proper nutrition.
The concern was the this time around BHRR’s Coach was having an irregular heart rhythm. 🙁 So, when we are back, we will re-examine and, if need be see a cario specialist. Will post updates as we go along.
They will be altered(if all goes well) by the time they are 6 months and then, be placed up for adoption. Below are some photo’s from December 23rd, 2013 when they came to hang at KAH and have a Vet Visit. 🙂
I can carry one in each arm still….barely! 😉
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 ‘Chanel’ or ‘Coach’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the ‘gift’ option)
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
BHRR’s Purse Puppies Beautiful Angels: Donated to Date: $40 & Bills To Date: $1,590.34
Anna & Her FB Auction
Nairn
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to their care……even a $1 donation is super!!
BHRR’s Coach(left) & BHRR’s Chanel(Right) & BHRR’s Coach on his own. – December 23rd, 2013
*WE ARE STILL IN A FOOD CRISIS!!! WE ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT 🙁 🙁
OUR FIRST OF 2014* FOOD = LIFE for the animals of BHRR!
PLEASE consider our cause and donate a bag or funds for food! We thank you from our hearts for any consideration!
PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU CAN HELP US with our dog food fund/needs!
UPDATE:
LESS than 6 hours to get your chance to bid/win on our first ever ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction!
All items will be baked fresh! ENDS tonight(Thursday January 23rd @ 9 PM EST)
We have 32 amazing items up for grabs and this, shall be a yearly Fundraiser for BHRR moving forward!
BAKE SALE ONLINE Auction to assist with BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s(the beaten/abused puppy that was also picked up and thrown and had her one leg/elbow broken and was never treated that required a leg amputation) Vet Bills has begun!
Please consider participating and crossposting. THANK YOU!
She also has a YouCaring Fundraiser page!
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/-caring-an-arm-a-leg-for-christmas-puppy/124645
BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s ‘BREAKING BILLS BAKE’ Online Auction Fundraiser
*Items do not need to be baked until the Online Auction is over. 🙂
ONLINE AUCTION: STARTS January 18th, 2014(7 AM EST) & ENDS January 23rd, 2014(9 PM EST) – We have 32 items to date!
Thank you to EACH person who has stepped up to help us with sharing this request for donations for this fundraiser, offering to make an item, sending those very precious notes of support and kindness AND, in believing in this very special ‘angel’! As always, thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! What a brutal start to 2014, we have had at BHRR. 🙁 With being in a food crisis, BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s amputation and, BHRR’s Blooms’ gas bloat. 🙁
All monies raised in this Online Auction shall go towards paying for BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s Bills.
This sweet Rottiex puppy used to live in a crackhouse. She lived a life of constant abuse and, at 12 weeks of age, she was abused, picked up and thrown. Her leg/elbow was broken and left untreated for another 12 weeks. She received no medical treatment during this time as my leg worked to try and heal on its own. I was terrifed and in extreme pain.
On Christmas Eve, an ‘angel’ contacted Gwen and, asked if Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabiltition(BHRR) could assist. BHRR immediately stepped up and another ‘angel’ came to her rescue and took her from this very bad place as ‘because I whimpered in pain’, the Owners wanted me gone ASAP and would have killed me if I had stayed with them.
On Monday January 13th, 2014, her leg was amputated and her bills will be close to $5,000 once all of her rehab is finished. She still has to have post-off follow-ups/exams, vaccines, physiotherapy etc.
*WE ARE IN A FOOD CRISIS AS OF JANUARY 5th, 2014 – OUR FIRST OF 2014* FOOD = LIFE for the animals of BHRR!
PLEASE consider our cause and donate a bag or funds for food! We thank you from our hearts for any consideration!
PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU CAN HELP US with our dog food fund/needs!
We need a BHRR’s Purse Puppy update! 😉
Both are doing well. BHRR’s Chanel is still more thin than I would like to see and I have heard from the group that has the other two puppies(PVAR that asked us to assist these two puppies), and, both of those puppies also have confirmed juvenile cataracts(which my own Vets strongly suspected they would) and a possible toxin exposure when they were with the byber(either mom ingested or after the pups were born), is still believed to be one of the top possible causes. 🙁
She remains very feisty and, not hesitate to ‘tell’ me about how she feels – usually when she is feeling UNHAPPY – LOL She is bombing along in her training of scent and touch and voice. The vibration training(we do not use collars here, yet, the banging of our door jambs plus wooden floors) is coming along as is the light training(flicking lights on and off) – though for her, lights on or off still means it is ALL about her! 😉
Until she puts on more weight, I am going to hold off on her vaccines. No rush!
AND, she and her brother still can ‘poop’ up a storm! 😉
Below are two photo’s of her from her ‘celebrity’ debut at PV Stittsville where we went to show our support and had, XMAS photo’s done with Santa! She was one VERY busy bee and, curious and not afraid of anything BUT, do not separate her for any length of time from ‘her’ humans or, her brother….. 🙂
We continue to work on her ‘being alone is ok’ and that her own company is quite nice! She has many things to say about that…AND, none of it is singing me glowing praises when I do work with her on this! 😀
AND, nails, lord…one would think she was dying when I first began to do them. Now, she just gives me big looks of disgust and wiggles(maybe, taking some lessons from HQD!) and, I often, try to do most of them while she sleeps when I am alone without the extra loving hands. I have also brought her to work to have others also do her nails, for, like all the dogs here, getting them into the hands of others is SOOOOOOOO important to me.
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 ‘Chanel’ or ‘Coach’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the ‘gift’ option)
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
BHRR’s Purse Puppies Beautiful Angels: Donated to Date: $40 & Bills To Date: $687.90
Anna & Her FB Auction
Nairn
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to their care……even a $1 donation is super!!
BHRR’s Coach(l) & BHRR’s Chanel(Coco r) with Santa(Martin) & Second Photo is courtesy of Sarah D. – December 14th, 2013
Here is a copy of a post that I made on our Birch Haven Facebook Page. For those that are inquiring as to ‘where’ the page went.
As we have many followers that are not on facebook, this is a post that can be ignored. 🙂 For those that do follow us on facebook and, missed this post, here is a copy….
This is the final post as part of the ‘end of year statement’ for the BHRR BOD….that absolute privilege has fallen upon my typing fingers…
So much to say, a Gwennie Novel that would be a Gwennie chapter to truly capture it all!!
It has been an incredible year for BHRR, 13 WOW adoptions, so many faces put to names of lovely folks near and far, friendships plus relationships that have strengthened further and increased those links on that BHRR CHAIN OF SUCCESS, new kind and beautiful faces that have chosen our cause to support and believe in, the miracles of so many that were considered by several to be ‘lost causes’, r/q rescues working side by side making an much bigger positive difference to animals out there in need, the laughs, the smiles, the fun(Yes, r/q rescue can be fun!), the public education and community education events, play dates and play visits, the fundraisers(the crossposting!) the walks/hikes, the animals plus people that have touched us to the core and made our hearts just burst in warmth and happiness, the donations of lifesaving food and, other material items, the financial hand to help pay for much needed bills and more dog food, the driving and the more driving and the more driving, and yes, the hugs!
We thank each you that has been there and we look forward to what we hope promises to be an even better year for all ahead. We are NOTHING without you…..AND, to my BHRR BOD, thank you!
It has been such a hard year in others ways, and we take those important life lessons learned and will work that much more diligently in making better decisions/choices in 2014 and onward….we are focused in letting go of the things that we cannot change and that are unhealthy in the name of r/q rescuing.
We endeavour to practise what we preach, research, stay updated and keep walking the talk!
We have cried and still do cry over those that shall no longer be with us – human and animal and, candles are lit in the most honourable plus respectful silence of those that we can no longer physically touch and talk to and embrace……We miss you and, we are better in the having been touched by you…..
We thank all those that have assisted us in not changing BHRR yet, in continuing to help make it a better version of itself! I stand up and applaud each of you and then, I kneel down in the most humblest of thanks in turn, for I appreciate each and every gesture from a dollar to an encouraging word to helping to do nails or helping me to keep making dogs more well balanced and set-up for success! You may not think you have done much, yet, you have…especially on those dark trench days….
2014 MARKS year #18 for our small r/q Rescue and, that moves me into an announcement that I have been slowly sharing with people over the past few months….
The BHRR BOD has been discussing this for close to a 1 year now….
As of 11:59 PM on Wednesday January 1st, 2014; we shall be unpublishing our page….and, deactivating the BHRR BOD account.
This was not an easy step to take by any means for we understand how key networking and social media is….this page has brought us soooooooooooo much goodness and kindness and, we go into this knowing that we shall find ourselves most likely struggling even more financially and with food needs than we ever have had to date…..13 dogs were adopted in 2013, 17 in 2012 and this page is to be credited with these success stories…..
We are a small group and like many groups, we are Volunteers and lead busy lives outside of r/q rescue and, in frequent discussions with members of the BHRR BOD, the bandwidth is just not there right now for me to keep up the pace of this page plus what so many have originally been attracted plus loved about BHRR, the detailed blogs…that is very much a ‘signature’ BHRR arena and, it has had to take a backseat more often than I would have liked in 2013.
2014, is also year of much excitement(and some stress!) in my own professional and personal life – I will be defending in 2014 in re: to my PhD that I have worked pt on for too many years now…, I am furthering my training to do more work internationally with strays, street dogs and spay/neuter clinics and teaching and being mentored….I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and, I will also begin to shadow at other Hospitals to increase my own skill set and education with qualifications plus experience. AND, I also look forward to my time at the ES when I can get there. As a result, I shall also be deleting/deactivating my personal account. Barry, Catalina and Mary will remain our eyes and ears out there in fb land.
My priority has always been to the animals under our authority and being hands on and keeping our success rates unparalled out there….that, shall not change.
It is my sincerest of wishes that by this time next year, we can publish this page again….it has become such a staple to my day and, I look forward to coming back to post of daily tips and questions and quotes and all things BHRR plus beyond to help other groups also network their own events/animals and throw our support into their corner!
I have sincerely enjoyed sharing the ups and the downs as part of our commitment to full disclosure and that, we are only perfect in our imperfections as humans….
So, it is will deepest regret that this shall be my last post on this page for some time……..
The BHRR BOD is still trying to figure out how best put forth our requests for assistance and right now, we shall go back to using the website for postings…so, please do visit uswww.birchhaven.org for YOU are the real hearts and souls of BHRR, along with the animals…..
May love, happiness and health find their way and stay with you and yours in 2014….that is my wish for you!
Raising my glass to all of you in a toast of my heart to you!
The BHRR Purse Puppies were seen by the Vet today.
BHRR’s Chanel(Coco) now weighs 5.2 kgs(11.44 pounds)
BHRR’s Coach now weighs 6.3 kgs(13.86 pounds)
She is still a wee bit on the thin side yet, doing well. She has confirmed bilateral immature cataracts, poor vision bilaterally.
He is on the ideal to just broaching…porkchop status. He has immature congenital cataracts bilaterally, vision poor in L eye
I felt comfortable giving him his DAPP yet, I am going to hold off on her for a wee bit longer.
HUGE HUGE HUGE hits with all the staff and, we will monitor their eyes as they mature/develop. If we need to do any eye removal or eyes removed, we shall…whatever they need. Somehow, the BHRR community and village comes together to assist those in desperate need….will keep the updates coming!
Tonight’s BHRR’s Purse Puppy Moment! ~8 weeks
December 12th, 2013
As I was folding laundry, I felt warm breath and I look down and my wee ‘supervisors’ were fast asleep at my feet – ignore the pj bottoms and that I need to re-do the colour on my toes….
BHRR’s Chanel(Coco Chanel) on the left and BHRR’s Coach on the right…..
Makes folding laundry a pleasurable experience….lord knows we do enough loads each day! 5-7!
BHRR’s Dobie Doll AKA Bambi Baby – Reese(Blind, Hearing impaired and Neuro issues ~ 8 months) & BHRR’s Purse Puppy Chanel (Blind) ~ 8 weeks
December 11th, 2013
NOW, this is what makes all the ‘bad’ stuff melt away…seeing this……..this is the reward…..
I live an incredible life………..AND, thank you to all that support and believe in what we do at BHRR daily!
FROM myself, words truly do fail me with how beautiful these cards are plus the stamps AND Anna’s heart…..Thank you! THANK YOU!
From Anna G-h:
“We are delighted to announce that we have note-cards and matching stamps (domestic permanent) available with all funds donated to Birch Haven to assist in vetting and food costs. Each are 4 for $5. Please let me(Anna) know if you would like to order any. We can mail free of charge once we have received payment for your order. These are blank inside so are perfect for many occasions.”
Anna can be contacted at: anna.goofy@rogers.com OR email HERE.
Payment can be made via PayPal ‘GIFT’ or via email transfer.
Simply stunning! The person in the photo for those that are not aware is Anna’s husband, Peter and the two lovely Danes are Kaitlyn and Kassie. 🙂
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
This is not a community education or public awareness event YET, I plan on showing up with some of the BHRR doggies to hang and visit AND thank ALL that show up!
NOTE: THERE shall also be $10 NAIL Trims with all proceeds coming to BHRR!
Introducing: The BHRR Purse Puppies! They arrived finally to BHRR on Monday December 2nd, 2013. They are very tiny, quite stunted. They are four out of a litter of 12 that were not receiving the proper nutrition and care. When I got them both of these puppies were around 5 pounds and that was at 7 weeks of age.
They are two of four very special needs Lab Ret(Mom) x GS(Dad) that were able to be saved so beautifully by PVAR! They originally went out to assess what they thought was one blind pup and it turned out to be four – they were about 4 weeks of age then.
BHRR was then contacted right after the visit, to see if we could possibly step up to assist two of these amazing puppies and all of us hoped and dreamed and was sooooooooo over the moon when Mom was surrendered too!
We have been graced with a wee girl & a wee boy! 🙂
The wee girl – is blind – the worst of the four puppies
The wee boy – is quite visually impaired and has bowed legs
PVAR has the other two babies – two wee girls’ in their excellent care plus the mom!
R/Q groups working together to help effect a more positive difference to animals in need!
This is why I continue to do what I do, almost 26 years later. 🙂 It is about the animals and the people behind helping those animals in these r/q groups that make it so rewarding! 🙂
Thank you Poet’s Vision Aussie Rescue for entrusting them to us! Privileged as always, we are at BHRR!
NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
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 ‘Chanel’ or ‘Coach’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the ‘gift’ option)
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
BHRR’s Purse Puppies Beautiful Angels: Donated to Date: $30 & Bills To Date: $203.76
Anna & Her FB Auction
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to his care……even a $1 donation is super!!
Photo is from Monday December 2nd, 2013(7 weeks of age)
BHRR’s Chanel(Coco Chanel) & BHRR’s Coach(wee boy)
Blurry Video. 🙁
BHRR’s Purse Puppies with big appearance by BHRR’s Chanel and a Video bomb by BHRR’s Reese and some of BHRR’s Coach. 🙂
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shutdown period for this year is from Saturday December 14th, 2013 to Tuesday January 7th 2013 inclusive.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
Our 6th ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' Online Auction HAS started! 🙂 We NOW have 87 items posted – LINK BELOW – and more to come daily! This is not a facebook auction. As we have supporters not on fb, we use a wp plug-in app on our home website.
YOU have to go visit daily to see just what is there! 🙂 THANKS to all that have donated so kindly, generously and the animals thank you too! 🙂
The BHRR Auction began at 7:00 AM EST on Saturday November 23rd, 2013.
The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday December 5th, 2013
http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-2008/online-auction-2012
BHRR’s Rose had her special picnic date on Sunday November 24th and here is what her date had to say:
“She is such a sweetie I’m very surprised you’ve had no apps. I don’t find her skittish really, just is a bit nervous first coming to a new house or with new people. After you left she was fine and following me around as the only “person” here. She quickly started pawing me and poking me for pets. Perhaps on meeting people they could find her a bit too timid, but people haven’t sent in apps even. Her and Petal are beautiful girls and young too.
Who knows, I thought she was gorgeous from the time I first met her shortly after you brought her home.”
AND this was posted on our BHRR FB page November 27th, 2013 by her date:
“If I was one foster less I’d apply to be a “small giant” foster and apply for Rose. She was super with my small girls and quiet and, after one anxiety accident, house trained. She was a bigger shadow then I was used to, but a very good girl within a few hours (better then I expect of any foster in the first week)”
AND another post made on our BHRR FB Page November 27th, 2013 by her date:
“Rose has come very far from our first mtg. She is a well adjusted dog now. Her rehab is amazing. I tested her with a few commands and she figured them out (she would have won a treat anyways for being adorable). She is very VERY well behaved. She seems more like your average re-homed dog now, needs some adjustment to a new home and will hug your side until she feels things out. I certainly got the Rose “bounce” when she was ready to play haha I scrambled fast and said wait wait wait so I could brace myself as she bounced down my hallway full tilt at me for a good wrestle She seems no longer like the very timid/shy girl, just a bit of a wall flower, and quite the beautiful one at that.”
Here are some photo’s of her special picnic date, courtesy of S. Toop:
BHRR’s Rose – One of our ‘FLOWER GIRLS’ – November 24th, 2013
BHRR’s Winter Wonderland #3 VIDEO – November 27th, 2013!
WINTER WONDERLAND Video #2 – November 27th, 2013
From Friday October 18th to Sunday November 3rd, 2013 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
THIS SATURDAY October 12 & SUNDAY October 13!
Come meet The Hobbit, one of our IW's, BHRR's Treasure, Matrix, BHRR's Flint, BHRR's Spice etc…..
A short time ago, I received an email from the most talented and I want to say also, very beautiful and special Liz Bradley of The Ottawa Dog Blog.
http://ottawadogblog.ca/2013/08/we-won-the-top-most-influential-dog-blog-online/
As many are aware, there was a voting contest recently for the Most Influential Dog Blog online and the competition was quite tough AND, thanks to such an incredible surrounding community The Ottawa Dog Blog WON! By taking 60% of the votes!
HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing 'baby' grow plus develop!
AND, what so humbly surprised me(AND, made me grab yet, another tissue…this time with a welling up of good tears!), was that Liz/Jane was awarded a lifesaving generous gift of $500 donation to the charity of her choice AND they chose BHRR!! As they have posted about, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel privileged to have our small rescue chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!
There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus grateful and filled with intense gratitude…….
THE BELOW IS FROM LIZ/JANE:
"It was a difficult decision as to the charity who we would pick to receive the donation as all of the Ottawa charities work so hard.
We decided on Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation to receive the $500 donation! BHRR is an amazing rescue who is in need of money to feed the large and giant breeds they rescue – this money will go a long way towards food and vet bills for them!
Thank you again to all who voted. I am so very proud to live in this great city surrounded by fellow dog lovers.
With love and belly rubs,
Liz (and Jane)"
**Could I please ask our fans/supporters/family/friends to take a moment and go over and CONGRATULATE Liz/Jane immensely and tell them HOW uber awesome they are with what they do daily!!!**
AND, here is what I wrote on their lovely Blog post!
HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing ‘baby’ grow plus develop!
As Liz/Jane have posted, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel immensely privileged to have had our small rescue of Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!
I also wish to publicly thank Camp Cookstown from my heart, for having such a great contest, for helping to get the word out regarding so many fantastic online blogs and for supporting the work done in animal rescue with this very generous and lifesaving gift of $500.
There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus humbled and filled with intense gratitude…….
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: DIRTY DAWG Wash for BHRR coming up FAST!
Thank you sooooooooooo much to Ginnette & CJ for having us back again this year!!!
I absolutely LOVE this event! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Saturday July 27th
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Min. $10 Donation
*Microchips $40 includes registration, merchandise AND Nail Trims too!
*Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this poster!
COMING UP ON Sunday July 14th, 2013! Our 6th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In 2012, we did 56 MICROCHIPS(ALL by qualified Veterinary professionals) & 94 nail trims!
We shall have our silent auction table again, human plus doggie baked table, draws, facepainting, caricatures AND so much more!
NO APPOINTMENTS necessary! For more information, please visit HERE:
OR follow all the exciting updates on our BHRR/KAH Facebook EVENT PAGE!
STILL LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Thank you in advance for any consideration!!
STILL ISO:
1) More volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities
2) People open to emailing and promoting this event poster at their work and with friends, family and neighbours. I can email the poster to all willing to assist. 🙂
3) Donations of pop, juice, bottled water & hotdogs/buns & hamburger/buns
4) NEED MORE DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
5) ICE! ICE! ICE!
6) NEED MORE Silent Auction Items
7) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
8) We need people to assist us with cross-posting this event and getting the word out! We have some huge Vet bills right now and more in the pipe.
PLEASE EMAIL if you can assist with any of the above!
***This event is such a great time!***
THANK you again to BHRR's Cosette's fabu mom for working with members of the BHRR BOD on this poster!
Katoby Distribution is having their FIRST even Campaign For Rescue Voting Contest!
This contest was created via nominations and on Monday July 1st, BHRR received an email regarding this voting contest and what a surprise PLUS honour to note that we were one of the organizations chosen to participate!
They have 4 prize packs totaling over $4000 in valuable food and products to give to the rescue groups you think deserve it! Top 3 dog rescues and the top cat rescue will each win a prize pack (as determined by votes). One lucky voter will also receive a price pack worth over $250!
Voting ends July 15 at noon – one vote per day per person!
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BID BEGINNING ON Saturday April 13th, Please visit HERE!
Winter Wonderland – February 27th, 2013
Barking Bone Designs – Custom Pet Art has been so generous and kind and will donate up to February 17th, 2013 – $5.00 of the sales of every personalized accessory, key chain or necklace!
PLEASE make sure that you mention Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) when you order!
Colours and sayings can be changed easily!
S&H is ONLY $2 in Canada for one item and $3 for two!
BHRR has some new urgent animal medical cases in the pipe….the funds raised will deeply assist!
EMAIL BarkingBone@hotmail.com for more information and to have Sarah answer any questions you may have!!!
THANK YOU Sarah!!!!
PLEASE CROSSPOST! 🙂
Anna Gray-Henschel is going to be selling her famous homemade 'TREATS' that includes BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits to help raise funds for Genesis Dog Rescue and also for BHRR. Her Danelets shall have their own delightful selection and there shall also be a variety named after BHRR's Kyo.
Please visit her PAGE to see all the wonderful yummy details and to express your truest heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her in hosting this Fundraiser.
Purchase for your doggies, family and friends' doggies, for your favorite r/q Rescues etc. 🙂
From my own home and on behalf of all the doggies again in need of BHRR, THANK you Anna! I sound like a broken record yet, it is true! What a gem you are!
The Gift Certificates are good for up to one year from purchase!
DEADLINE is February 8th, 2013 to get in your orders so that they can be received by Valentine's Day! 🙂
UPDATE Wednesday December 19th, 2012:
THEY HAVE RESTARTED THE FOOD VOTING CONTEST from scratch AND it began Tuesday December 18th, 2012 @ NOON AND shall END Thursday December 20th @ NOON!
PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING! You do not need to enter your email address or register, just one click of a button! AND please consider sharing. WE are in FIRST place by only TEN VOTES!
Please CLICK HERE to VOTE:
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
————————————————————————————————————————————
BHRR could use your DAILY Vote, yes, DAILY Vote up until Sunday December 16th before midnight to help us win some dog foodfor the BHRR animals.
PLEASE CLICK HERE to Vote!
As many know, BHRR goes through 120 pounds of dog food in ONE single day. YOUR DAILY vote for Birch Haven Rescue once a day until Sunday just before midnight, could help us win some food for the dogs. SO, please do consider voting and do remember to come back daily to vote!!!!
The incredible folks at La Maison Du Chien have kindly offered to donate $1100 worth of pet food to a deserving area rescue!
BHRR is currently in FIRST place by ONLY ONE VOTE…….AND as always, we would share with any other r/q groups in need……ALWAYS! We believe in working together to help as many animals as possible!
We do not have a regular food sponsor for donations of food and the cost of food per month can be over $4,000.
Thank you in advance for any consideration………
UPDATE Wednesday December 12th, 2012:
There seems to be a voting 'glitch' and some can and others cannot vote more than once YET, please do keep trying to vote DAILY and do share as BHRR could really really really use your assistance!
UPDATE: Friday December 14th, 2012:
You need to clear your cache/cookies on your iPhone(go to "Settings", then "Safari", then 'Clear Cookies/Cache' to be able to vote again daily AND you need to clear your cache on whatever browser you are using on your home or work computers to be able to vote again daily.
BHRR has slipped to SECOND place and this contest end Sunday just before Midnight! Please vote and share! 🙂
UPDATE Sunday December 16th, 2012:
UPDATE ON VOTING CONTEST:
As many are aware from the public blanket statement posts I was making, as soon as I understood what was able to really occur with the voting in the food contest, I contacted MDB. This was not resulting in a fair contest to all r/q Rescues involved.
Either we all are able to vote once a day, only ever once, or multiple times daily. What was happening was not equal or fair to all involved. BHRR and it was so important that MDB be made aware of what was happening.
I am aware that they did a reset a couple of days ago to try and have people being able to only vote once every 24 hours and some could and others still could not vote again.
We have continued to support MDB in any successful resolution they felt was necessary and per their public post today, they have decided to do a reset from scratch – starting over.
I thank EACH of our supporters and believers that have campaigned so hard to assist the animals of BHRR and in sharing! 🙂 No words can tell you how much this has meant to BHRR for we do go through 120 POUNDS of dog food PER DAY.
AND good luck to all participating for round two!
BHRR's 5th ANNUAL "JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS" Online Auction is ON NOW UNTIL Thursday December 6th @ 9:00 PM EST!
We currently have 122 very exciting items up for grabs! MORE being added throughout the last day of this auction! 🙂
All monies raised shall go to the care of animals in need of BHRR and also assist the two new Saint Bernards headed our way!
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of a new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many. Our XMAS Shutdown period for this year is from Saturday December 15th, 2012 to Monday January 7th, 2013 inclusive.
In preparation in having to do some emergency fundraising for BHRR's Autumn's ever growing mounting bills that shall include having several surgeries, we are going to be offering up a small BHRR's Autumn's EMERGENCY Online Auction
Auction details and how to bid can be found HERE – ITEMS can be added at any time – so, please check back!
Starts 6:00 AM EST on Monday October 29th, 2012
Ends 10:00 PM EST on Monday November 5th, 2012
NOTE: BHRR's Autumn's EMERGENCY ONLINE AUCTION does not replace our 5th ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' ONLINE Auction to commence on Saturday November 24th, 2012!
From Friday October 19th to Sunday November 4th inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
BHRR's Petal is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!!
While she came into BHRR with BHRR's Rose, we are not necessarily seeking a home to adopt them both. While it would be lovely and touching, we understand that it is hard for homes to adopt one dog, let alone two at a time AND we also support that this is not in the best interest of most homes and most dogs.
AND I honestly do not think being adopted together is in their overall best interest. Would not decine that right matched home yet; not necessary for both to go together at this time.
So, both have been trained plus rehabbed and worked with as a pair, in groups and as individuals for BHRR's Rose was standing up for and believing she had to take care of BHRR's Petal and they had to learn that they are the dogs and we are the leaders and we shall take care of them….WHICH was hard for them as no one had done so for them in the past….BHRR's Rose and BHRR's Petal are still very bonded yet; BHRR's Petal does not rely on BHRR's Rose to tell her if it is ok to do things or even to ask for permission or always allow BHRR's Rose to tell her what to do. Over time, both have really relaxed and began to be dogs….
They have both really bloomed and grown and their personalities have really begun to shine!
They both like to jump on me still and both are soooooooooooooo bonded to me and it is humbling to see how they look at me and trust me….
BHRR's Petal still has one eye that tends to run a bit off and on and the Vets have said that at this time, she is fine. I clean it when needed and she is sooooo good.,
They both ROCK on their recall! ON a dime!
Outside of BHRR is still a wee worrisome for them in the car and with leashes/collars BUT we are getting there. It scrares them to leave home yet; the more we go out and come back, the better they have become.They are actually beginning to enjoy the vehicles!
Both love running in the grass and playing chase with each other and talk about snugglers!!!!
BHRR's Petal still likes to sleep in a crate at night, door open and likes to eat in a crate. Like BHRR's Rose, she is not a great eater and the putting back on of the weight that was lost(after being putting on much needed weight after her coming to BHRR) from her spay has been a very long slow road. I like to see more weight on both of them….
BHRR's Petal will take treats from my hand, those BHRR's Journey Heart Biscuits are a HUGE hit!
As BHRR's Petal has developed into her own invidual dog, she has quite the happy go lucky spirit! BHRR's Rose is a wee bit more serious yet still a wee imp herself!
She can be adopted to a home that works ft, pt, from home, semi-retired, retired – any of those for she is a very versatile dog!
A quiet home without young children. You can tell kids did some bad things to these girls. They are still worried around my own two kids and their hearts and touches are full of love are winning them over.
Apparently, there were cats seized from where they were rescued from and they are both good with cats.
She needs a patience, loving, giving home. One that is not going to enable behavours that I have worked so hard to rehab. She is not to be coddled or hid away from the world that I have worked so hard to teach her can be loving and kind and special. She has been exposed to so many wonders – grass for one!!! OMG! They love the long grass! It is like watching my own kids when they were discovering all the fun that long grass can be – it tickles, you can hide and pounce on each other, you can play chase and hide and seek and roll in it and lay there looking up at the clouds AND even just have a snooze….so many delightful things!! My heart just catches watching their discoveries of all the joy to be had in truly living!!!
She shall only go to that right matched forever loving home and one that will not force her or bully her into things.
She is to be exposed to boundaries and opportunities and encouraged.
The journey these two lovelies have taken me on…..nothing short of breathtaking!
BHRR's Petal – August 2012
BHRR's Rose has a sweet and a bit of a shy announcement to make – She is now AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!
BHRR's Rose is still shy yet for the right matched forever loving home, if you are patience and kind and soft spoken and consistent; BHRR's Rose will give you her heart and soul and beyond.
She is so sweet, affectionate, obedient and strangers still 'worry' her a bit and she can get shy for the first bit and so, she is not to be pushed beyond her comfort zone. She is to be given plenty of social opportunities to shine and to socialize yet; do not flood or overwhelm her. She will shut right down.
In new situations and settings, she tends to want to stay by my side at first and has not met a dog that she has not yet liked!
She is still putting on some weight from what she lost from her spay and then emergency surgery; but; that is not enough at this time to hold her back from being placed up for adoption.
If she has a right matched personality fit dog in her new home, that is great yet not necessary. As long as she has a network through that homes friends, neightbours and family, she shall thrive with doggie friends.
She can go to a home that works ft, pt, semit-retired, works from home, retired etc. FOR she is another one of those versatile homes.
I would not wish to see her in a home with children under the age of 9. She should be part of a quietly active home, not one with lots of fluttering and scattering of kids and voices going amok around her.
She is very sound and stable dog who has made miraculous leaps and bounds during her rehab with me at BHRR and she is very bonded, loyal and so caring.
May that right matched forever loving home see past that initial shyness and worry to the gem of gold and diamonds she really is!
The one thing that I do not believe that I also meant post is that when the Vet spayed her; she would not have given her an age over 18 months.
BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal – June 29th, 2012
BHRR's Rose – August 24th, 2012
Here is a short VIDEO I took of BHRR's Rose in recovery after her emergency surgery on July 10th, 2012
Below are a slew of photos I took and both her and BHRR's Petal did not have the easiest of recoveries and it took almost a good 14 days before I felt like their incisions had healed enough for me to remove their sutures.
They have very very very very slowly been putting the weight back on. Being not the best eaters to begin with, has made it that much more challenging. 🙁 Yet, we have been getting there and thank goodness, I waited to spay for them to put on some much needed weight for they lost all that weight and a bit more. This is why I do not spay immediately upon arrival to BHRR if they are thin or emaciated for if they did not have this weight put on post arrival to BHRR; one if not both could have been lost.
BHRR's Rose – July 10th, 2012
COME ON OUT TO SEE US THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 11th @ the Critter Jungle in Ottawa, Ontario!
RAIN OR SHINE! We shall be there! So, bring your dirty dawg and we shall wash plus towel dry for you!
We shall also have some items for sale to help raise much needed funds for the animals in need of BHRR.
AND it looks like the rain is going to be there BUT so shall we! 🙂 We are all going to be wet anyway! 😉
BHRR's Windsor is having his special date this Sunday! 🙂
UPDATE: Wednesday July 11th, 2012:
BHRR's Petal had a good night, went out for another small pee this AM, not interested in any food(not even a bit of wet); yet; drank a bit of water and is alert with normal temp etc.
BHRR's Rose made it through the night!!! This AM she struggled to her feet for a bit of a wobbly bobbly walk, no pee, drank a bit of water, not interested in any small amounts of food,
changed her bag of fluids and am off shortly to go back to KAH for a repeat PCV. Temp was a bit low and we still have her all snuggled in her bear hugger.
Keep those vibes of goodness coming for her PCV last night – 20 – per Dr. Cote was borderline for a blood transfusion.
Thanks Sean for helping me with the girls throughout the night!! I have a great husband!!!
UPDATE: Wednesday July 11th, 2012 – 12:54 PM:
PCV is 26!!!!
She pooped and as she has not yet peed or showed interest on food; keeping her on fluids until tomorrow.
Everyone is so happy!!
Now, we need 'go pee' & 'go eat' good thoughts!!
UPDATE: Wednesday July 11th – 2:30 PM:
When I arrived back home; she had a really nice long pee, BHRR's Petal a small one yet; both a refusing to eat.
Not the best eaters to begin with, they are provIng to be very challenging in tasking me with all that I have learned over the past 24 years! 🙂
In my whole life, I have only had two dogs do this poorly in a spay; my RIP beloved Maggie May and BHRR's Rose. BHRR's Petal is up there though, in the 'rough' category.
AND may, I not have any others any time soon. I aged 25 years and was up from Tuesday at 5 AM to Thursday at 2 AM.
AND BHRR's Petal(remembered after I posted) put on .2 of a kg.
BHRR's is now home and settled in with bear hugger to keep her warm, on IV fluids and I gave her her first hydro just after 9 PM last night. Special thanks being send out to Dr. Cote for messaging and calling me and as I was not yet home, meeting me at KAH to give BHRR's Rose a Yunnan Baiyao Capsule to assist with clotting. I have more on hand.
Have I mentioned today, just how wonderful Dr. Cote is? She offered to drive into KAH to meet me and help. How does one ever repay someone for such kindness? I work with some of the most amazing people ever at KAH!
Her last PVC was 20. 🙁 Dr. Cote indicated that this is borderline for needing a blood transfusion.
It shall be a long night, one that we are fully prepared for and are well aware of keeping things 'real' in how serious her condition is.
BHRR's Petal, had a pee, is settled into her crate, missing her bff a bit; yet; is resting comfortably.
Donations to their Vet Bills can be made in the following ways.
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 'Rose' & 'Petal'. 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 Rose & Petal ANGELS $285 donated to date & Bills $2,000+
Anna & Peter
Suzanne
Petalia Boutique & Marie-Sophie
Nairn
Raine/Melissa
BHRR's Rose needs blessings. She and BHRR's Petal were spayed today and though, BHRR's Petal was the one that was bleeding; she is now doing well; unfortunately; we then had to go back in for another 1.5 hours with an emergency surgery with BHRR's Rose. Her spay went well yet; she began to deteriorate in recovery.
She is bleeding behind one kidney.
All that can be done for her has possibly been done by the amazing team I work with and I am taking her home with a pump and hydro to monitor overnight and hope things shall improve for my wee beauty.
Please keep her in your thoughts…..
VIDEO #1 Post-Op Emergency Surgery BHRR's Rose
VIDEO #2 Post-Op Emergency Surgery BHRR's Rose
She did weigh 18.8 KGs, which is wonderful to see her going up! I have to go back and check BHRR's Petal's weight to also post. My brain is forgetting right now.
Our 5th Annual BHRR/KAH MIcrochip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being held at Kanata Animal Hospital from 8 AM – 4 PM (NO appointments necessary) is coming up fast!
If you would like a copy of this stunning poster to crosspost via email or post up at work, your local training facility, petstore, etc., please EMAIL
This is BHRR's biggest Fundraiser of every year!
Thank you being extended to Shirley again for such a fabulous poster!!!! Thank you so much once more for working with me on this!! 🙂
Please 'click' on the poster for more details/information! 🙂
AND to stay updated on the latest developments, join our BHRR Facebook EVENT PAGE!
Here are two photos that I took of BHRR's Petal today! SHE is beginning to really enjoy the camera! She will sit and just look right at it!!! OR maybe, it is me that she is looking at and wondering why I am behind this big lens! LOL That is more likely the real truth! 😉
She is a model for sure!
Doesn't she look so much more relaxed and less tense? AND she is so very nicely groomed now! THE hair that I took out of her! She is still very thin, yet; getting there.
After she and BHRR's Rose are spayed, on July 10th(want to give them more time for the weight to come on); then they shall begin to be separated from being in the same crate. They both need to become strong where they are weak and there relationship is not always the healthiest. BHRR's Rose is a dom girl – sweet yet dom and we need BHRR's Petal to become more and more of her own girl and BHRR's Rose to relax and not to feel like she has to step up and care for BHRR's Petal all the time.
Already they are on their own, spending some time away from each other when they do venture outside etc. AND that is very healthy!
BHRR's Petal – June 29th, 2012
It finally happened….and was the sweetest gift EVER! ARC Baby, Rose gave me her first kiss…..and in fact, it was MORE than one kiss! Sigh…….such a present to have bestowed upon myself!
Here is a VIDEO of my 'ARC Babies' – Rose & Petal! They were my co-pilots today on my way to work
BHRR's Rose was a very thin 18.1 KGs(39.82 pounds); was given a convenia injection for her UTI and we postponed her DAPP Booster until she is over the UTI. We microchipped her, did presurgical bw and also a HWT. She is scheduled to be spayed on July 10th.
BHRR's Petal was a very thin 16.9 KGs(37.18 pounds); had her eye looked over and it appears to be doing really well; had her DAPP Booster and we microchipped her, did presurgical bw and also a HWT. She is scheduled to be spayed on July 10th.
The Vet believes that BHRR's Rose is no more than 2. He believes that BHRR's Petal is around the same age.
Both did really well in the car. They were very quiet at the Hospital and sadly, BHRR's Rose did have a pee out of nervousness when she was being chipped. Both did really well with the Vet and BHRR's Rose even took treats from the Vet! Liver treats…have to remember that one….BHRR's Petal hid under the front desk at the Hospital until she felt comfortable and she poked her head out when she was ready and did fantastic after that.
Many commented on how bonded they both are to me and well, the feelings are very mutual! 😉
They are both quite nervous of Mason and Sean; yet; are more 'ok' with Kinsley and they just keep getting better and better…….very small baby steps with them….very small…….so much can startle and shake them up but they trust me more and more….
The amount of hair I have pulled out of both of them is CRAZY! They need regular grooming and are not hard to maintain and how tragic that their grooming needs were not maintained. 🙁
At our recent BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House; neither dog wanted to come out in the beginning. Then BHRR's Rose poked her head out a few times and then back into her crate and then she poked her head out again and eventually came all the way out plus even went outside for a pee. Towards, the end of the BHRR 'EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House; BHRR's Rose was walking much more comfortably around the place and we had 6 guests stay for dinner and she was even better by then. BHRR's Petal, much more shy and scared; actually; also came out towards the end of our event and by the time dinner rolled around with our 6 guests, she; was walking around a bit on her own, looking more relaxed and in her element.
Per the information package that we sent out before the event and as we kept telling several people at the event; please passively ignore them and do not force yourself on them. They need time and space and patience and understanding.
Donations to their Vet Bills can be made in the following ways.
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 'Rose' & 'Petal'. 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 Rose & Petal ANGELS $225 donated to date & Bills $1,000+
Anna & Peter
Suzanne
Petalia Boutique & Marie-Sophie
BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal have been rescheduled to see the Vet on June 26th.
BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal shall visit the Vet on June 20th, 2012.
Here is a VIDEO of BHRR's Rambo, BHRR's Rose, BHRR's Petal, BHRR's Gretta, BHRR's Jetta, BHRR's Goliath, BHRR's Freedom, JS, Drift, Guinnessand BHRR's Bloom from Sunday June 10th, 2012!
BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal did not want to venture out at all today; so; this afternoon; with some encouragement from Sean and I; we managed to get BHRR's Rose out of the crate and BHRR's Petal was hot on her heels.
Took BHRR's Rose(carried her) outside and BHRR's Petal followed quickly and they hung around for some gentle reassurance, were shaking and then as Sean walked down the side of the house; they began to perk up, and literally then bounded and hopped their way through part of the fenced in yard! YAY!
I stayed with them and every few seconds, they would come 'check in' and I could give gentle touches to BHRR's Rose and then BHRR's Petal became curious and interested and she discovered that this gentle loving is not so bad! 🙂 I was able to take off with my hands what felt about 20 pounds of fur between the two of them and I shall continue to work on their coats as I can as I do not want to terrify them.
They would then romp a bit, come check in with me; explore a bit more; both had poops and a couple of pees and BHRR's Rose is definitely the more outgoing and dom one for she would pee over every spot that BHRR's Petal peed or pooped.
They run side by side in unison and had moments of happiness out there!
I was even able to give BHRR's Rose a very gentle soft kiss on her head! She is more independent, seeking some affection and then wanting to be more near and around me then touching me. BHRR's Petal, once she gets up the courage to come close to you; will 'seek' to have more; very shyly. Very small slow movements.
They are so skinny. 🙁 When I moved towards going deeper into the fenced in area; they were right there by my side or close on my heels. They are bonding fast and furious and for any adoptive homes that these two may go to; they will have to understand just how pack oriented and loyal these dogs are! It is humbling….just so humbling.
If I headed towards the house; they were quick to follow; no matter if they ventured a bit far away from me. They always kept their eyes on me and even now; as I am typing this; BHRR's Petal has those unbelievably stunning blue eyes watching me and BHRR's Rose has those incredibly gorgeous brown eyes looking at me.
They wanted to go back into their crate and we keep the door open; that was all cleaned up with fresh bedding, water and food; and both are now resting. They tend to eat when it is most quiet yet; do not appear to mind drinking when things are a bit busy here.
They have been integrated with most of the dogs here; yet; prefer to keep to themselves(Drift has other ideas! AS does Caffrey!) and stay quiet right now.
I have not heard a peep from them.
Am I falling in love? YUP! You betcha!
Tomorrow, promises to be another glorious day for them and I! 🙂
better be able to handle them and look at teeth and energy level etc.
Donations to their Vet Bills can be made in the following ways.
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 'Rose' & 'Petal'. 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 Rose & Petal ANGELS $225 donated to date & Bills $400+
Anna & Peter
Suzanne
Petalia Boutique & Marie-Sophie
Before I go to bed, I JUST have to post this exciting note about BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal!!!
While they would not take any treats from my hand, I put one "Journey Heart" biscuit in front of each of them and before I had even totally backed off; BHRR's Rose began to nibble hers and as I sat down on my computer chair again in the sunroom., BHRR's Petal began to nibble hers…………
That was a heart melting moment………..
These girls will be fine….in time….lots and lots of time and slow rehab and I am looking forward to every step of the way.
Baby steps…..and no scooping up and hugging and smothering them. They need normalcy and structure with routine, consistency plus rules that includes lots of love and patient kindness; yet; no feeling sorry for them, no trying to make up to them for their past; we want to get them to live in their present and look forward to their fantastic futures as I say. They would be ruined if we were to feel sorry and pity…I say that over and over again to those that want to somehow make it 'up to these dogs over their past'. As I say so often, they are a product of their past, live in their present and we look towards the future for them!
Very gentle touches are able to be given on the sides of their face and under their chins. No more than that at this time for they then shrink in fear and shyness. They need to be socialised and get used to people and touches and noises and outside and so much right now. Things many humans and dogs that have never gone through what they are going through; can take for granted.
I see their eyes, they want love, affection and to be accepted and I sooooooooooooo want to give them love and affection and I tell them all the time; that they are MORE than accepted.
I cannot wait for them to experience the almost 3 acre fenced in yard and the 148 acres of trails we have and just the sheer joy of what life can give them in pleasure and happiness. Toys, playing and so much joy to be had in their futures to experience!
Yet, first; baby steps…they need to feel like they can come out of the GIANT crate without fear and worry.
Drift just climbs on in there with them and snuggles….and at first, they just looked at him with confusion mixed with a little worry and now, they lay calmly with him. Their door remains open and they can come out when they want; yet; yesterday; they only wanted to come out twice. May, today; they want to come out more. Drift is really going to help them with confidence and deleloping self-assurance.
BHRR's Rose is eating more than BHRR's Petal. I have two bowls in there with them and will also take a closer look at their mouths and teeth when I can get in there plus when they are spayed.
I just do not want to be rushing them into being spayed etc. right now. They need more weight first and more time….just some time to settle in.
BUT, they ate a treatie each! YAY! YAY! YAY! 🙂
BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal are very slowly settling in.
At 2:02 yesterday AM, they ate a wee bit as I was working on the computer and later in the day; they both came out of the open GIANT crate they both have taken to laying in and had a wee bit of a walk about. Very shy, nervous and unsure. YET, very sweet dogs. They are also drinking some.
If BHRR's Petal could not find BHRR's Rose, she found me. They are just very scared and lots of slow movements, patience and no direct eye contact is being given. They are sooooooooo worried.
They are both quite thin, yet; BHRR's Petal is very painfully thin and I would give her a body score of perhaps 4 max. out of 10. Under all that hair and matts and tuffs of fur; she is all ribs and spine plus hips. BHRR's Rose is in better shape and a body condition of 5/10 was given to her by ARC before transport.
I want to shout out a HUGE thanks to Petalia Boutique & Marie-Sophie for the collars, leash and some food donations they plan on making for BHRR's Rose & BHRR's Petal! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 🙂
Some have been asking what else they both need; and what we need are the following on their wishlist:
1) packing blankets – they are not housebroken as of yet
2) $$$ for their Vet Bills – the need HWT's, heartworm meds, de-worming medications, presurgical bw, to be spayed, microchipping, BHRR's Petal needs her nose and eye looked at plus her hair loss, both have now been given a dose of Revolution and are being de-wormed and major grooming is in the works for BHRR's Petal.
I think BHRR's Petal is more around 1.5 years max and BHRR's Rose around 2 years of age. As they settle in and de-stress, we shall better be able to handle them and look at teeth and energy level etc.
Donations to their Vet Bills can be made in the following ways.
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 'Rose' & 'Petal'. 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 Rose & Petal ANGELS $225 donated to date & Bills $400+
Anna & Peter
Suzanne
Petalia Boutique & Marie-Sophie
BHRR was contacted to assist early last week in preparation as a Rescue Partner of ARC and though, I was unable to be there hands on myself; THANK you Karen for being there as the approved BHRR representation to help bring these two girls safely back to BHRR!
We remain just honoured and privileged to have once more being asked to assist ARC(Animal Rescue Corps). For those that may not be aware; this is the amazing organization that did the historical precedent setting Operation Anishnabe Dogs: A Lasting Solution! event last November 2011; where BHRR's Atlas & BHRR's Veteran came to BHRR per their request. 275 dogs were assisted with their incredible efforts!
Our Spring Fundraiser is NOW ON!
1st Annual '1-on-1' Special Date With A BHRR Animal Online Auction.
The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday April 14th, 2012.
Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday April 26th, 2012.
We are still in the process of adding the 'eligible' BHRR doggies, so please visit our website often! WE HAVE 16 DATES so far made available! Date includes a picnic lunch! 🙂
*For more information on each dog available, please visit their dog blog links under each dog's individual bid item details.*
http://www.birchhaven.org/?page_id=8360
Thanks Louise for the great poster!
Permission Given To Cross-Post!
ALL MONIES RAISED GO TO THE BHRR ANIMALS!
Winter Wonderland #1 VIDEO from February 26th, 2012
Winter Wonderland #2 VIDEO from February 26th, 2012
Winter Wonderland #3 VIDEO from February 26th, 2012
**Thought I had posted these on their blogs and not just on our BHRR FB FAN PAGE!**
GENTLE REMINDER:
That BHRR will be at the NEW Pet Valu located in the Kemptville Colonnade Retail Mall(Hwy 43 & 416 – near the new Timmie's & Canadian Tire!), on Saturday April 14th from 10 AM to 3 PM & then again on Sunday April 15th from 11 AM to 4 PM for their Pet Appreciation weekend!
On Saturday – BHRR's Journey and BHRR's Freeze are going to be in attendance plus I shall be bringing Drift to begin his own 'big world' introduction.
On Sunday – BHRR's Hamilton The Newf & BHRR's Hailey shall be in attendance. This shall be good for BHRR's Hailey to also get her back into the 'big world'!
I shall also be doing microchipping for $40 which includes registration – NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY!
Looking forward to a great weekend of public awareness/community education on not just BHRR yet; so many other important topics re: animal welfare plus giving our dogs some more fabu experiences! Maybe, some right matched forever loving homes will meet them and consider submittIng an application to adopt. 🙂
Until the end of day on Tuesday April 10th, Luanne of Rusty Dawg Pet Products is hosting the following FUNDRAISER for BHRR through her Arbonne business.
Here is Luanne's Arbonne ONLINE Fundraiser Facebook Page & you can EMAIL HER!
AND here are the details of this Fundraiser of which Lana Burnley-Waters of Pet-errific who has her own Arbonne business shall match each Fundraising Dollar raised by Luanne to then donate to BHRR!
FROM LUANNE AND REMEMBER TO LET LUANNE know that your order is for the BHRR Fundraiser:
April 1-10, 2012
I am hosting an Online Arbonne Party with a portion of my sales being donated to Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services, a wonderful Giant Canine Breed & Equine rescue group in Ottawa area focusing on those with special needs (http://www.birchhaven….org/)!
Arbonne is a Swiss company that is over 30 years old. Their products are non-toxic, botanically based and they have something for everyone, ranging from newborns to senior citizens. I can honestly say Arbonne's products are the best I've ever tried! I have switched all my personal care products to Arbonne & my skin and hair have never looked healthier!
Arbonne products are all Vegan Certified. They do not contain animal products/by-products and they have never & will never test on animals! What a great combination to be able to purchase pure, safe & beneficial products that are truly amazing from an animal friendly company and at the same time supporting a great rescue group 🙂 As an added incentive, if you purchase more than $100 retail during the Party your name will go into a draw to win a product of your choice up to a $60 retail value.
This is your chance to try Arbonne's Ultra-Premium, Swiss formulated products & to also support a wonderful rescue group! The party will be open from April 1, 2012 through to, and including, April 10, 2012 with 10% of all sales being donated to BHRR!
If you sign up as a Preferred Client with a minimum order of $180 (which entitles you to a free product of your choice up to $120 retail value for your first order only), I will donate an additonal $5 to BHRR! As a Preferred Client you get a 20% discount off all your orders plus other specials & monthly promotions that are available only to Preferred Clients. The fee is $35 per year with the renewal fee being only $18! You can read more about being a Preferred Client and all the offers that are available here: https://www.arbonne.ca/
If you sign up as a Consultant with a minimum order of $180 (which entitles you to a free product of your choice up to $120 retail value for your first order only), I will donate an additonal $10 to BHRR! As a Consultant you get a 35% discount off all your orders plus other specials, incentives & monthly promotions that are available only to Consultants. You also earn commission on retail orders placed by personally sponsored Preferred Clients! You can read more about being a Consultant and all the offers that are available here: https://www.arbonne.ca/
For those who live in Ottawa area you can take advantage of the Consolidated Shipping option. I will have all the Ottawa orders shipped to my house and the shipping charges will be split up equally amongst all the orders. It's a great way to save on shipping! In order do this you will need to email your order to me with all your info so that I can input it for you.
For those who live outside of Ottawa, you can place your order directly from my Arbonne website – http://
If you are already an Arbonne Client you can order as usual through Arbonne's website: https://www.arbonne.ca/ If you would like to take advantage of the Consolidated shipping please email your order to me, along with your Arbonne ID, so I can input it for you.
Arbonne is a global company so those in Canada, United States, Australia and the UK can place orders!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. My email address is: LuanneP@myarbonne.ca.
Here's a link to a Note I posted on Facebook if you want to know more about becoming a Consultant – https://www.facebook.com/
As an added incentive, if you purchase more than $100 retail during the Party your name will go into a draw to win a product of your choice up to a $60 retail value. Pls help me support BHRR and place an order! I know you will not be disappointed with Arbonne's products! They are the best of the best, seriously. They are formulated under the strictest guidelines so they do not contain any toxic chemicals that are typically found in products at the drug stores etc.
Awhile back, I was contacted by a woman named Kathy Radar. She had recently purchased a new vehicle a ‘Journey’ and she had heard about BHRR’s Journey’s story. She contacted me wanting to do a Fundraiser to ‘Fill Up Her Journey For Journey & BHRR Friends’.
This is one reason why we are hosting a special BHRR ‘EXPERIENCE’ Mini Open House in April; for she shall be coming up to BHRR with her friend to drop off her Journey filled with goodies! I thought it would be lovely for her & her friend to meet others involved with BHRR, pass along their own appreciation for her efforts etc. 🙂
For anyone in the London, ON area that would like to participate; please contact Kathy directly. (519) 452-3009 – She is collecting items right up until April 19th inclusive!!!
Journey for JOURNEY campaign poster – Click Link To View Poster! 🙂
On another note; BHRR’s Journey’s recheck on her tail, new weight check plus tail appointment shall be rescheduled for next weekend – Saturday March 31st, 2012.
The Panache Pooch 'SHARE YOUR HEART' Fundraiser for BHRR is running from February 1st – February 29th, inclusive! There are now 34 ITEMS available!
25% of all sales of Amanda's collars/leashes currently listed on her Etsy Store shall come to to BHRR!
When you 'SHARE YOUR HEART'; you will be helping animals in need of BHRR!
EMAIL Amanda
All prices are in CDA $. You might have to change your default to CDA $ if need be. 🙂
AND in honour of BHRR BOD member Mary, Amanda & I wish to have this Fundraiser in Carbon's memory. RIP dear boy. YOU will be so deeply missed!
If you would like to see some of the Panache Pooch collars that we have had over the years, please visit HERE!
Crossposting permission given!
UPDATE: $106.75 DONATED TO DATE
A Tribute to Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services (BHRR) VIDEO put together by BHRR Volunteers!
GREAT JOB!
HERE is the CBC Ottawa Morning radio interview with Anna, myself & BHRR’s Journey that was live/aired on Monday February 13th, 2012! It was re-aired at 5:40 AM on Tuesday February 14th, 2012
The belief in Journey is so warming to feel plus see and once again from my own heart; THANK you to each and every one for helping her!!! I am and remain wonderfully overwhelmed and humbled deeply by such gifts of money and material goods given to her cause!
I have spent a good part of my AM answering emails, discussing what BHRR does, how BHRR does what we do, that we operate out of our home and those of our approved temp foster homes, why BHRR is so successful at what we do plus deeply thanking everyone for the continued support!
Education is so key and BHRR’s Journey continues to teach many about forgiveness, trust, giving, acceptance plus determination!
She is scheduled to head back to the Vet at KAH on Friday February 17th for a recheck on that tail, possible vaccines and another fecal! GO JOURNEY GO!
AND Anna, I am still in awe and inspired by your generous and giving soul!!!
I also finally was able to hear the interview myself! 😉
BHRR's Journey's article in The Ottawa Citizen.
A heartfelt touching warm story of a community being brought together by a GD who was in urgent need and how inspirational, beautiful their supportive efforts including those of Anna with her incredible WOW YUMMY Fundraising Biscuit idea to help save this special GD has been!
AND, Journey is bombing along in her rehabilitation and come April, she should be ready to be placed up for adoption!
SO many believed in you Journey and so many LOVE you!!! YOU are worthy, deserving and no less important than any other dog! 🙂
Some errors including that almost $3,000 in private donations have been sent not $1,000 to date; BHRR is not located in Oxford Mills; Journey is a 'she' not a he plus some of the timeline in the story is in error. BUT, a lovely article overall! 🙂
A COPY OF THIS ARTICLE IS BELOW:
OTTAWA — When she heard the story of Journey – the emaciated Great Dane found on Highway 401 just before Christmas, close to starvation and covered in bite wounds – Anna Gray-Henschel embarked on a journey of her own. She knew she had to do something to help, but she couldn't have imagined that, more than a month later, she would have baked 20,000 dog biscuits to raise money for his care.
As a dog lover, owner of two Great Danes and someone who recently decided to volunteer at rescue shelters, Gray-Henschel came up with the idea of baking some of her own dogs' favourite cheddar cheese and bacon biscuits and selling them to raise money. The idea had worked when her employer, the RCMP, held fundraising campaigns, so why not try to augment her personal donation toward the poor dog's care? Her goal was to bake 100 dozen and sell them for $3 a dozen. She would then donate all $300 of the proceeds to Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services in Oxford Mills, where Journey was convalescing.
Several weeks later, that 100 dozen has become 1,667 dozen and she still has orders for 167 dozen more. By day, she's a director general in the RCMP's national security criminal investigations branch, and every evening she bakes for four hours. Weekends she puts in 12-hour days by the oven.
"My husband has been joking about our hydro bill," she said. "But he's not really complaining."
When she's not baking, she's delivering the biscuits. By the time she fills all her orders, she will have raised $5,600 toward the dog's extensive vet bills, which will likely top $8,000 and include at least one more surgery. If the orders keep coming, she'll keep baking, providing shipping (when necessary), delivery and the baking supplies at her own expense. She hopes to raise $6,000 by Valentine's Day.
"It's just one thing and it's not a big deal, but it shows you can have a huge impact if you do your little thing," she said. "It's such a small thing to do to help rehabilitate this beautiful dog. It's hard to believe someone would do this to her."
The response to Journey's story has been amazing, said Gwendilin Boers, an animal behaviour specialist (she's a PhD candidate in the subject) who runs the shelter and works part-time at the Kanata Animal Hospital.
"We were shocked by her condition," Boers said. "We see some terrible things in rescue, but she's one of the worse cases I have seen in my 16 years of running the rescue."
Journey weighed 74 pounds when a Great Dane at her age should weigh between 110 and 115 pounds. She had fleas, pieces of her ear tips missing, open bite wounds all over her body, a broken tail, frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration and round worms. Boers suspects she was abused. "She was in tragic shape, to say the least."
Boers said the community support had been all the more impressive coming, as it did, just after Christmas.
Journey was brought to the rescue one day after she was found by a Good Samaritan in the freezing rain on the highway near Brockville.
"I'm beyond touched," Boers said, adding that people such as Gray-Henschel had eased the worries about how they would be able to pay the extensive vet bills associated with Journey's recovery. In addition to those who have contributed to the biscuits campaign, private donations have totalled more than $1,000.
"Journey has been a Christmas miracle," Boers said. "She has met every obstacle she has had to overcome with grace and good temperament. She's a very loving dog who has brought so many people together in the spirit of giving. Anna's contribution is just wonderfully overwhelming."
Boers thought it would be June before Journey would be ready for adoption, but, given her progress so far – she now weighs close to 100 pounds – she estimates it will be mid-April.
Donations are being accepted through the Kanata Animal Hospital or by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org. Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation is accepting donations through PayPal.
In honor of Gwennie, the Founder of BHRR, all of us are wishing her a most wonderful and special of birthdays today – February 3rd!
As we have done for the last 2 years as a surprise for Gwennie; if you believe in BHRR; enjoy all the blog updates, pictures, open houses, GD hikes, Gwennie novel posts, her educational articles plus links; please make a donation in support of her rescue efforts.
This fundraiser shall run through until 11:59 PM today – Friday February 3rd, 2012
This blog post was made without Gwennie's awareness as we have managed to do in the past and we hope that once again, she shall be pleasantly surprised!
You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about always worrying about money for food to help those in need of the BHRR programs. You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about coming up with funds for food by either donating a bag of food or making a donation for food to be bought. You can help ease her stress and worries somewhat today about the mounting food bills for BHRR for beside Vet Bills, this is BHRR's biggest expense.
Together let's make that BHRR 'chain of success' for Gwennie even more strong today!
Email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal (account gwen@birchhaven.org) OR even bring a bag of food or cash donation to the upcoming BHRR Open House to help BHRR out! As Gwennie states so often, there is no amount too small.
Several of us approached Gwennie again this year to ask what she wanted for her birthday and once again never did she mention anything for herself. Always her family, friends or the animals.
Please do help us make a birthday very special today for a very special lady who operates a very special Rescue by making a food donation to BHRR.
Total Raised to Date – $905 + 6 bags of food
Gwennie's BHRR BIRTHDAY Food Believers & Supporters:
Anonymous
Anonymous
Lana & Warren of Pet-errific
Paula & Serge
Sara
Anonymous
Anonymous
Alexandra
Cheryl
Mary
Karen
Jan
Sherry
Maggie
Anna
BHRR's Benjamin's hv for his possible adoption is scheduled for this Thursday!
Below is a photo I took on December 24th of BHRR's Windsor and he just had to get his goofy face in too! 🙂 LOVE him! LOVE HIM! LOVE HIM!
December 24th, 2011
BHRR's 4TH ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME' FOR XMAS Online Auction shall begin Saturday November 19th @ 7 AM EST and shall run through until Thursday December 1st @ 9 PM EST.
If anyone has any items they would ike to donate inluding services, gift certificates or gift cards; please EMAIL. We will take donations right up until the day the auction shall end. BHRR only hosts three planned Fundraisers a year and every penny goes back to the animals!
We have many bills coming up for some very special animals including BHRR's Bloom and your support would be so appreciated!
Click on the poster for more information!
PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST and if you would like a poster to put up at your work, local businesses etc., please email us for one!
KEEP CHECKING BACK AS MORE ITEMS SHALL BE ADDED DAILY!
Hello Everyone!!
We are now launching the ''Spare a Loonie for Bloomy'' campaign, starting November 1st, 2011 (11-1-11) and running until December 1st, 2011 (12-1-11); We would like to encourage everyone to invite their family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. to donate $1.
Even if you think that $1 won't make a difference, one thousand loonies certainly will! You can drop off the money at DögHaus (5671 Sherbrooke West) in Bloom's piggy bank or donate directly to Bloom's file (100861) at by calling the DMV (514-633-8888).
OR you can donate via Paypal ( gwen@birchhaven.org) or by email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (make sure you send the pw) or by mailing a bank draft out to 'Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabiltation Services(BHRR)' and mail to:
Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR)
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
Canada
Many places have 'casual' Fridays and considering choosing BHRR's Bloom's cause for one of those office days!
Please share this message with everyone you know, we can use all the help we can get to reach our goal!
Let's make a change with change!!
**Keep in mind that it costs the DMV money every time they process a credit card transaction, and many companies enforce a $5 minimum rule.***
BHRR's Bloom's Angels:
Stéphanie
Bloom's Carnival Fundraiser Angels
Brian
Anonymous
Anonymous
Total Raised To Date: $965
Total Needed to Raise: $4,000
On Sunday October 30th, 2011 – Global Pet Foods – Kanata (AND yes, that is BHRR's Lil Linus on the front page with his tongue! LOL) is hosting Photo Sessions for $10 as well as $10 nail trims and they so very kindly have chosen BHRR as their Animal Rescue of choice whereby 50% of the proceeds raised shall come to BHRR!
Nail trims are by appointment ONLY!
Please contact Global Pet Foods – Kanata directly (613) 599-0660 to reserve your nail spot!
THIS FUNDRAISER IS FOR DOGS AND CATS
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Place: Global Pet Foods – Kanata 700 Eagleson Road
**PLEASE CROSSPOST**
BHRR's 4th ANNUAL Dinner Boat Cruise & Live/Silent Auction Fundraiser is being held on Saturday October 1st! We ONLY have 7 tickets left AND you can pay via PayPal (gwen@birchhaven.org); email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org (please ensure that we have the pw) OR Bank Draft! The boat is reserved ONLY for BHRR participants and their guests.
BHRR is still looking for items for our Live & Silent Auction for this Fundraiser. BHRR ONLY hosts 3 planned Fundraisers a year and this is our second fundraiser event for 2011.
BHRR does not receive any corporate or federal/provincial government funding.
If you have any items that you would like to donate to BHRR; pleae email! THANKS so much!!!!!
BHRR's Windsor has become one of my top 'training' partners when it comes to working with many of my Behavoural/Training Clients. He is that perfect combination of laid back, mellow and accommodating personality traits to bring to these sessions. His so calm and accepting and does not demonstrate any threatening or dominating behavours.
This is a boy that many said could/would never learn and would not live for very long and look at him now!!!!
His next outing with me to assist with a Client session shall be September 22nd and I am excited about how much he is going to assist in modifying this other dog's behavour and settling that dog down. BHRR's Windsor has many gifts to share with others both animal and human and I have taken much pleasure in being the recipient of some of his gifts since he first came to BHRR. BHRR's Windsor has a very wonderful effect on other dogs and people!
I need to take new photos of him soon.
JUST two SLEEPIES until the 4th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being held at Kanata Animal Hospital – 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario on Sunday July 17th, 2011
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY & RAIN OR SHINE!
There will also be Pet Photos, Caricatures, Face Painting, Free Draws, Human Bake Table, Doggie Treats, Leashes, Collars, BHRR Bracelets, Tug Ropes and more!
Microchips – $40 – For Cats & Dogs
Nail Trims – $10 – For Cats, Dogs, Guinea Pigs & Rabbits
The Rogers Community Cruiser shall be on hand from 10:00 AM – Noon with free timbits & coffee
Complimentary Behavoural/Training Consult Sessions to be had with the Founder of BHRR & Animal Behavoural Student G. Boers
The microchips are from 24PetWatch and they meet the requirements of the revised Canadian standard for electronic identification of companion animals. These microchips are also accepted by the CKC. Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades.
Every year millions of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters, pounds, humane societies, SPCA's and rescue organizations. Of these animals only about 15% of dogs and 5% of the cats (estimated numbers) are ever returned to their homes. The primary reason that the statistics are so low is, because the pets are unidentifiable. Microchipping provides the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet(dogs and cats-especially outdoor one's!) and networking the animal back to their owners. If you want to improve your cat or dog's chances of getting home; microchipping is your best option.
Out of 20 dogs gone missing in our area, only 7 have been found to date; of which 4 were microchipped.
This is the largest Mircochip Fundraiser in CANADA!
BHRR wants to stress the following:
All of our adoption mandates, processes plus policies are clearly posted on both our PetFinder and Home Website. Additionally, our application is very detailed in respect to the same and each animals' blog on both PetFinder and on our Home Website; advises to become familar with our adoption criteria, before submitting an application to be reviewed.
If for any reason you do not agree to what BHRR requires of a BHRR adoptive home; pleae do not apply. This includes not being in support of our non-refundable application fee, our mandatory obedience clause, requiring a signed letter of permission from a landperson if renting, no adoptions to homes with children under the age of 9, that we are a Special Needs focused based Rescue, that you refuse to keep pets safe, refuse to alter any non-show pets etc.
BHRR's requirements are written very specifically and are explicit in detail for anyone visiting our sites. We are always most happy to answer any questions, yet will only do so to those that are courteous in their manner plus approach.
BHRR is a highly reputable/quality registered NPO operated by an ALL Volunteer team, without any salaried employees and many of us have families plus full time Careers and other commitments outside of Rescue. I am deeply disturbed by what members of the BOD of BHRR had to address recently over an application that was submitted for review. I feel for those BHRR members that took on the responsibility to continue to try and educate and be professional when this application was declined. Here I was sitting in emerg waiting to address clearly broken bones and am most unappreciative to witness what was sent BHRR's way after this application was declined in a professional manner with much explanation as to the reasons why their application could not proceed.
If they had just read and respected what was clearly posted, they would be well aware that we are not going to make ANY EXCEPTIONS on very important clauses, clauses that has given BHRR a second to none adoption success rate of 100% in over 10 years of operating and now is 99% as we are in our 15+ year.
In addition, your occupation as what has been stated before, is no indication that you are going to take proper care of an animal. BHRR's Lexi and BHRR's Hailey both came from a very bad domestic abuse situation where they were sorely mistreated and the one Owner is a promimant member of his own community. Abuse is not limited to specific Careers, race, colour or creed. It knows no boundaries. 🙁
You might believe you are a wonderful home yet the application process is our way of getting to know you and to determine if your home would qualify for a BHRR animal. All members of BHRR are part of our extended family and we are always seeking to have new approved Volunteers and Homes join us!
Please refer to:
BEFORE APPLYING &
APPLICATION AND FEES &
FOSTER AND VOLUNTEER
In summary; PLEASE DO NOT apply to be considered if you do not meet these very detailed and visible mandates plus clauses and respect them.
Rescue is hard enough in trying to save animals in need and their wellbeing remains one of our top priorities.
LAST Gentle Reminder: The FACEBOOK BHRR Discussion Group has MOVED to! – http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada
Hello,
This is just a last gentle reminder that our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Group has moved!
NEW FAN PAGE – http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada
With the 'upgrade' and 'archiving' of the current discussion groups on Facebook, we believe that the needs of our Rescue & Rehab organization cannot sufficiently be met any longer and hence the change to a BHRR FAN PAGE Format.
As of June 1st; the current Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Facebook DISCUSSION GROUP had all members deleted and then the group was permanently disabled and so as of the evening of Thursday May 5th, 2011 we have since moved to a Facebook Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE format instead.
http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada
Our BHRR FAN Page is very interactive, user friendly and fosters great networking plus social friendships and it also feeds into our BHRR Twitter account! We already have had some good discussions with insightful comments happening!
So, to stay abreast of all things uniquely BHRR including requests for assistance, Event/Fundraiser Announcements, upcoming 'EXPERIENCE' Open Houses, GD & Honourary GD Walks/Hikes INCLUDING any Lost & Found Animals, interesting tidbits, Animal Welfare topics, courtesy postings for other reputable/quality organizations/groups, community events etc.; do come and 'LIKE' our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE –
http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada
Sorry for any inconvenience caused! 🙁
http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCanada is the URL to crosspost! As of now, we have 226 Supporters & counting! Thanks for joining the migration! 🙂
Thanks everyone for your understanding plus patience as we make this necessary transition to continue to have the best network in place to continue to assist animals in need of our programs with your strong 'CHAIN OF SUCCESS' support!
The BHRR Team
Since we have launched our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE , (see below blog); BHRR is going to be implementing some changes to our blog posts currently being made on here, our home website. With how wonderfully interactive plus informatively laid out our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE is, we shall no longer be doing as many posts on the Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services home website blogs yet instead posting on our BHRR FAN PAGE almost exclusively! Our BHRR FAN Page is very interactive, user friendly and fosters great networking plus social friendships and it also feeds into our BHRR Twitter account!
So, to stay abreast of all things uniquely BHRR including requests for assistance, Event/Fundraiser Announcements, upcoming 'EXPERIENCE' Open Houses, GD & Honourary GD Walks/Hikes INCLUDING any Lost & Found Animals, interesting tidbits, Animal Welfare topics, courtesy postings for other organizations, community events etc.; do come and 'LIKE' our Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE
As of June 1st; the current Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) Facebook DISCUSSION GROUP shall have all members deleted and then the group permanently disabled/deleted and so as of the evening of Thursday May 5th, 2011 we have since moved to a Facebook Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services(BHRR) FAN PAGE format instead.
All 256 members of our current BHRR DISCUSSION Group have now been notified of the change to our NEW Facebook BHRR FAN PAGE and we shall send out another notice as a gentle reminder a couple of days before deleting all members from the old Discussion 'GROUP'.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused! 
http://www.facebook.com/BHRRCa
Please inform those you know that follow us on the BHRR DISCUSSION GROUP that this GROUP will be deleted as of June 1st, 2011. We have so many that still have not moved over, so please help us get the word out! Please re-direct them to our NEW FACEBOOK BHRR FAN PAGE! Please come on over and 'LIKE' us!
**