BHRR's Canvas – ? – December 22nd, 2014
**Victim to Bloat and Tort**
Our 7th precious dog since we opened our doors in 1996.   Each one has been like a devastating train wreck. Crushing to our hearts and, to all those that love these amazing dogs as much as we do. 
Typing this post, makes my stomach just roll with nausea. 
He was perfectly fine and, in fact, we have a great testimonial from BHRR BOD M. Leung from our annual "CHAIN OF SUCCESS' potluck that was hosted on December 20th, at our home about how awesome he was doing. 
I went to bed around 3:30 AM on the morning of the 22nd after tucking everyone in and, saying my routine 'love you and have a good sleepie' to all the dogs.
Sean was up around 5 AM and, he ran to get me to say there was an emergency.
Just as with my beloved RIP Maggi,(who bloated/torted herself on July 17th, 2009), there was nothing 'wrong' with how BHRR's Canvas was laying……yet, he never layed on his side like that(Same with Maggi)……I knew something was wrong.
I knew he had bloated – I go back to my article I wrote about "KNOW YOUR DOG" – 
http://www.birchhaven.org/an-invisible-page/bloat
Sadly, he torted so severely and, he passed in my arms before 8:30 AM as we worked to save him at the Hospital….
I told him how much I loved him, what a brave boy he was and, that it was ok to let go if he had to….I told him that he was such a good boy and, thanked him so much for being such a gift in my life and, that of all that met and adored him like us.
He went from being such a terrified(who could ever forget the video's of him cowering in terror under a table at the shelter) and, being so emaciated. He put on over 50 pounds in his successful rehab at BHRR. 
The hole he has left is like a bomb went off…shattered our hearts and soul are….
I miss his windmill tail wags of such vigorous happiness….
I miss those special sounds of his when he 'told me off' that it was time to begin the day and, partake in all of the adventures and fun for that day!
I almost do not want to fix the front of my brand new stove now as, it was he and BHRR's Bishop that smashed the front of it horsing around as, I told them to 'take it outside' and, they gave each other one last body bump as they ran in happiness outside….
The memories are many of this miraculous dog…..yet, that the opportunities for more memories have been stolen from him, rips me up….each and every bloat, we have caught in time….it tears me to shreds that, despite that, we have lost 7 now to this terrible condition….
He was the fastest tort I have ever witnessed.  
RIP my Canvy Wanvy…..
I will visit you in my dreams with all the others that have blessed me over the many years….
I am so sorry that I could not save you in the end…. 

Remember this once terrified – head down, tail tucked, terrified(remember the video's of him cowering under a desk while at the shelter?! ) emaciated Great Dane that only weighed barely 96 pounds?!!!
LOOK at him now!!! No longer emaciated! Head up, relaxed, curious and, he does the best windmill of tail wags!
**He needs a quiet home, and, one that shall continue to keep building upon the strong foundation laid at BHRR.
This was taken at KAH on Friday June 27th, 2014!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

BHRR's Canvas now weighs 55.1 KGs! 🙂 He did so well at the Vet. He was very brave and proud of him!!!! Below are some photo's of him! Heart and lungs are great and, the Vet LOVED how far he has come in rehab, both emotionally and physically. We work to keep making him the best dog he can be.

He received so many compliments on his glossy coat, tons of muscle mass and, how handsome he is. 🙂 He was not comfortable enough to take any treats from folks, yet, he was no longer that catatonic dog that first arrived to BHRR.

I ended up not bringing him to the hv as, I needed to see how BHRR's Groves did on his own as he, would be the only dog in the home. BHRR's Canvas got to hang out at KAH while we were off doing the home-visit.

BHRR's Canvas – June 27th, 2014

BHRR's Canvas has his annual scheduled for later today and, I cannot wait to find out what his current weight is, how he does back at the Vet Hospital and, he shall be heading with me to help with a hv later on also.

I am also working on lining up a possible temp foster – extended play date for up to 2 weeks – for him. 🙂 This will be so GOOD for him. 🙂

We remain patient that the right matched calm and quiet home shall find him. He is an absolute riot and goofball to all he knows and loves and, that windmill tail of his is awesome!!! 🙂 He will never be a dog meant to be thrown into the wilds of a busy social life, either in or out of a home. Yet, I also do not want to see all the hard work done at BHRR thrown out by someone wanting to adopt him and, then keeping him 'hidden' from the world. NO glass bubbles! 😉

Happy balance is needed.

I am WAY overdue on photo's for BHRR's Canvas. Here are two taken today! We continue to be patient for that right matched forever loving home to find him. AND, if any of our approved BHRR Homes would like a playdate/playvisit with him, PLEASE EMAIL

BHRR's Canvas – May 20th, 2014

BHRR’s Canvas has a very very very exciting announcement to make! HE DID IT! HE DID IT! HE DID IT!

It has been a very long and so rewarding journey of rehabilitation for this incredible boy! YET, he did it! The patience, time, consistency, routine, heart, love, obedience and experience, education plus knowledge of dog behaviour/training has PAID off! HE is finally ready to say ‘I AM AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!‘ 🙂 In fact, he is woofing it loudly! 🙂 No dog at BHRR is going to be placed up for adoption before they are ready. It is not about bringing them in and pumping them up and ‘hoping’ that an adoption works out….

It is about doing it the right way each and every time and, for those that truly are there for BHRR, they ‘get this’, they ‘support’ this and, they think this is the BEST way that a r/q Rescue should be operating. 🙂

While I was out of the country, we had 11 folks come in and out(up to 3/4 each stayed day here) and, he did AWESOME! This was his final test! 🙂 🙂 He will never be that ‘fluttering social’ butterfly yet, he is social and, affectionate and, if you give him time, a ‘village idiot’ and a ‘class clown’ and, he will warm up and if you, just be patient, avoid the eye contact, you will get a new best friend. His windmill wags of happiness were noted by many while I was away and, YAY! 🙂 To those that did not pressure or push him, they were deeply rewarded into a world of such a magnificent creature.

This was the Dane seen in the videos’ at the shelter, cowering under a desk…he came to BHRR and from that very first night, I got major tail windmill wags and, he went from hiding out in the 3+ acres of fenced in yard when people came over, to being in the house and, around yet, not too close, to coming up and bumping people with his nose, to quietly standing by their side and, then now, asking for love over the time he has been here! YES! YES!

BHRR’s Canvas, YOU are why we are here! YOU are why we are needed and YOU are why, I do what I do and continue to do it! 🙂

Here is a Video from March 12th taken by the ever lovely BHRR Approved Adopter and BHRR Volunteer, Bre! 🙂 She wuved him and her him!

VIDEO – MARCH 12th, 2014 – CANVAS

I would love to see him in a home with at least one other like minded dog(male or female, does not matter) that shall continue to shape and carry him on the strong foundation built at BHRR. We would like to see a home within 2 hours of our location as, I want to do a transitional adoption – a few visits with me, a few visits without me, an overnight and, either a weekend overnighter and, then a drop-off and stay….for those homes that we have done this to in the past with, they will support and stand up and affirm why this is so integral to a chain of success ending for the home and the BHRR canine.

AND, as always, we are not in a rush. The right matched home with either find him or, he is already living a great life with so many human and, canine and also horse, 3 demanding gpiggers and one snake friend(s)! 😉

He can go to a home that works full time or part-time, at the house, or out YET, he must go to a home that understands not to put him in a glass bubble, feel sorry or pity for him and set him up for SA behavours. He is crate trained and, that is his safe spot.

SO, we do not necessarily want a Dane experienced home BUT, we are looking for an experienced dog home that shall continue to make him the best dog he can be. He has become very social with his circle of success friends and, we want to see that expand….and grow.

I am not sure how he is with cats. As with anything, integration would be key. He is wonderful with the gpiggers and snakes and all dogs of all sizes that he has met to date.

BHRR's Canvas' reality slide

October 2012 – 96 pounds
April 2013 – 40+ pounds GAINED!

*THUMBS up my goofball!

We continue to work on his emotional rehab. This was the GD that was cowering under a desk at the shelter. A very broken GD.
This is the boy that I am now seeking 'dates' with for me to take him on. He is not scared of all those that he loves and trusts. We are continuing to teach and show him that strangers will not hurt him, that hands can be helping and loving…not hurtful and cruel.

ISO: dates with men & women! As always, not for me…. 🙂

This is for BHRR's Canvas. He is now ready for those next out of BHRR steps. He has put on 40+ pounds in rehab here and he is finally now ready to move to his next behavoural and emotional rehab journey. 🙂

As a few are aware, he is an absolute goofy spazz around those he now trusts and loves and his tail is a nonstop helicopter spin in his happiness of wagging it nonstop!!

I have been working slowly with him with car rides and visiting quiet places and now, I am seeking dates as part of our BHRR visitation rehab programs.

I am looking at setting up mutually convenient time/date at approved people's homes for me to take him and sit and chat and keep him moving forward to the land of living outside of BHRR. This boy had a real abusive past and it has been baby baby baby steps.

If anyone is open and interested in becoming part of his circle of set-up for success, please EMAIL

Thanks!!

UPDATE:
We now have three approved Volunteer homes signed up! Would like one or two more! 🙂

UPDATE: BHRR's Canvas has put on another 11.66 pounds!! Good for you sweetie!! He now weighs 114.40 pounds(52 KGS).

He still has a ways to go and also emotionally for while he was better at KAH today, he still was quite nervous.

At home, he is a complete wing nut with a tail that wags vigourously with his tail in a helicopter motion! He travelled in the car like a pro and his leash manners continue to just improve and they were impeccable today! 🙂 He was so quiet and well behaved at KAH. Very proud of this young man…very!

Thanks to 'you know who you are' for taking the time to give him some treats after his show of bravery for his HWT. 🙂 That he began to take liver treats from you after I gave him a few was huge for his emotional boosting courage!!

Baby steps and we are moving forward!! Proud of you BHRR's Canvas!!

Two photos of him below are from our traditional Christmas Eve Photo Shoot. 🙂 He was really scared of the Santa Hat, so we put it behind Sean and eventually, he let it lay near him. As long as no one was wearing it, he was ok.

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 'Canvas'. 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 Canvas's COMFORTING Angels  $660 donated to date & Bills $1,056.90
Vivian – Leash plus a Crazy Beautiful Collar
Anna & Peter
Kathryne – microchip & to purchase a bag of FROMM Whitefish Dog Food
Andrea – PayPal took $1.17 in fees
Ann
Holly/Bruce – Rice & Pinesol
Aileen
Raina – PayPal took $3.20 in fees
Susan
Mike
Nathalie
Chris
Dan
Don B
Sylvie W
 

BHRR's CANVAS' WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets

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

BHRR's Canvas – December 24th, 2012

I read the report from Dr. Crews when I was at work last night.

Puzzling to all around.

The one thing I noted was that she had a question re: ear cleaning and if any had been done even up to 20 minutes prior to this episode and unfortunately, the information that BHRR'S Canvas had been sleeping prior to this incident was not communicated. He woke up in this manner.

She did not see anything obvious yet, even with sedation, it appears that it was hard to completely capture everything(he is a BIG doggie!) yet, Dr. Crews did not feel lesions, vestibular disease or Wobblers was a likely culprit. On the other hand, nothing could be definititely ruled out. Could be early signs of anything AKA X, yet what is X is what all of us would like to know….so, no diagnosis for BHRR's Canvas can be made right now.

So, we remain monitoring, he is on his ear meds and antibiotics and is happy and playing and doing all things normal. AND in fact, he is beginning to slide out of that honeymoon period and Gwennie's BOOT CAMP! Gwennie's BOOT CAMP remains in full swing! 😉

There is no recommendation being made to run out to do a myleogram etc. at this time.

BHRR's Canvas was dropped off by Sean at the Vets for 7:30 AM on Thursday November 8th, 2012 for the x-rays under sedation plus bw.

Everything crossed for him.

I still am so thankful I took those videos….that really helped the Vets to understand what he was like……and even though, those videos were not half as bad as he was right after he woke up, it gives a good idea of what he was acting like.

I had my eye on him for most of the night and he was perfectly normal and the same this this AM.

UPDATE: Wednesday November 7th, 2012 @ 5:30 PM:

UPDATE: he was seen by two talented trusted Vets and was almost back to normal when Sean arrived and is now completely normal.


They do not know what it is for sure and I sent onwards the above video to them to see.

They said not a stroke, not vestibular disease, not a seizure, not an allergic reaction and they feel that it could to be some form of an inner ear imbalance. That is where their feelings are at this time. As to why, they do not know and cannot say. He is 100% normal now.

He has no ear infections presenting and could possibly have one slight rupture yet hard to tell. His pupils are normal.


Weight gain is almost 10 pounds since he arrived to BHRR!

They are going to treat with Surolan and Cephalexin and we will monitor for any further episodes.


Sean is on his way home with him now and I asked him to profusely thank all for their assistance and getting us in so fast and being so awesome!!


They were so thorough and compassionate and helpful. AND also honest about their findings.

I shall be watching him like a hawk and heading back in like a flash of there is another episode.


So…..good news and unknown news on this dear boy….

Thank you ALL for every word and thought and caring gesture made.

I am not one to panic, especially in my Career Paths, yet, I was stressed……

UPDATE: Wednesday November 7th, 2012 @ 8:05 PM:

UPDATE: The one Vet has reviewed my video.


Recommending to have x-rays under sedation.

Will be booking that.

He appeared to have some wobbly bobbly when he first arrived to BHRR yet, that had been put down to lack of muscle, weak and being so neglected and starved…..

Now, they are wondering if someone else was/is going on.
 

UPDATE: Wednesday November 7th, 2012 @ 10:45 PM:

UPDATE: had a most wonderful half an hour conversation with one of his vets and BHRR's Canvas is now booked for x-rays and bw tomorrow.

Thank goodness I got those videos and while it does not capture how bad it was at one point, it demonstrated a lot. AND thank goodness I document all findings from the day they arrive to BHRR for we are seeing some signs of a couple of possibilities that on their own were passed off as other things when examined.

Keep those prayers and blessings flowing!


I LOVE where I work and I love the Vets I work with!!

UPDATE: Thursday November 8th, 2012 @ 9:34 AM:

We are looking at more than one thing. The one Vet confirmed he had a slightly ruptured right eardrum and that has been there long before he came to BHRR.

That does not explains everything, especially with the video and all the documentation I have on him from Day 1 that was once explained by exams as being due to weakness, starvation, neglect, lacking muscles etc. is now being looked at in a different light based upon what happened today.

After Sean updated me, I knew I had to talk to the Vets myself and forwarded on the one video and then had a long chat. A great conversation.

So, he is on his meds for his eardrum and antibiotics – and there is no sign of any ear infection – no redness, scratching, shaking of the head yet he was put on them due to this finding of that slight rupture they believe he has.

I want to be proactive and do bw and the Vet was in total agreement with that and the x-rays under sedation to start.


I love how they work with people and the animals and are not afraid to resource pool and investigate and even say 'we do not know' yet we are going to work to figure things out.

They are stumped yet; are working hard to help him!

UPDATE: Sean says that by the time he reached the Hospital with BHRR's Canvas, he was walking even better than when Sean first arrived home which is a heck of a lot better than when BHRR's Canvas first woke up. He was stumbling and could barely stand let alone walk.

His weight was a wobbling 102.74 pounds. Hard to get an accurate weight on him with his balance. AT least it is going up!

Will update more as I can…………………
 

BHRR's Canvas needs your prayers. He was perfectly fine this AM and playing and normal and he took his usual mid-morning nap by my side as I have been working on my laptop in bed and just now he went to get up and it is like he has had something akin to a stroke.

Of balance, confused, stumbling. His pupils are normal right now and though, his eyes are worried, there is nothing 'off'.

He was right by me the whole time and I would have noticed a seizure. There was no sounds, nothing. No signs of distress, discomfort, cries nothing.

Sean is rushing him to KAH. Please keep him in your thoughts. 🙁

Not sure if it is a stroke or sudden onset vesibular disease – BUT he is really young! or what this is.

HIs head wants to bog/tilt to the right ore than normal.

He also is understanding what I am saying to him.

He still wags his tail at me.

VIDEO #1
VIDEO #2

Here is one VIDEO taken on Friday October 19th, at night – dark and poor lighting with the angle. BUT you can see that BHRR's Canvas after only being at BHRR for just a few hours has his tail up and wagging! AND a cameo appearance is being made by BHRR's Jetta & BHRR's Blossom.

I took a great long video yesterday and ugh! I accidentally deleted it! 🙁 The weather looks good for tomorrow and so, I shall try again!

Below are some photos of BHRR's Canvas taken yesterda, October 22nd, 2012. It really is hard to truly capture how bad his body condition is(the same goes for BHRR's Autumn).

AND he looks better than he did on Friday.

I am having a hard time also capturing BHRR's Autumn, who also came in last week, emaciated/neglected and full of infection and growths etc.

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

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

As of Saturday October 20th, I have set-up a file set-up for him at Kanata Animal Hospital for those that may wish to contribute to his Vet Care:

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 'Canvas'. 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 Canvas's COMFORTING Angels  $305 donated to date & Bills $378.19
Vivian – Leash plus a Crazy Beautiful Collar
Anna & Peter
Kathryne – microchip & to purchase a bag of FROMM Whitefish Dog Food
Andrea – PayPal took $1.17 in fees
Ann

BHRR's CANVAS' WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
"Cube Large Tube" Body Pillows x 2

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

BHRR's Canvas – October 22nd, 2012

It is sad to see any dog in this type of emotional and physical state and though, not the most urgent of situations we have ever seen at BHRR, he is a dog that has been truly broken down….the poor sweet boy. Very tragic…..

He is about 35+ pounds underweight(he is only 96.92 pounds), has diarrhea, is not yet housebroken and is already integrated with all the dogs but four! 🙂 Even BHRR's Dozer! WTG! BHRR's Dozer! 🙂

He has tons of potential, a really lovely boy and I have all the time in the world for him to have the patience, consistency and structure he needs to flourish and I look forward in posting updates and photos and videos of his rehab. process! I cannot thank those involved enough…..AGAIN for entrusting another to our care/hearts!

Despite how starved he has been, he took the chicken I gave him on the way home very gently and was a wonderful, if slightly quiet co-pilot!

Sean feels strongly about naming him and he has wanted to call him BHRR's Canvas for several reasons and he really is a beautiful canvass that just needs the right 'light' and 'touches' to be a masterpiece to home and community!

I am trying to find some cube large tube body pillows to line the sides of the colossal crate as his body is so emaciated. – I have two already:

one is 47" long, 10" height and 12" wide

one is 55" long, 12" height and 14" wide

As of Saturday October 20th, I have set-up a file set-up for him at Kanata Animal Hospital for those that may wish to contribute to his Vet Care:

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 'Canvas'. 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 Canvas's COMFORTING Angels  $225 donated to date & Bills $378.19
Anna & Peter
Kathryne – microchip & to purchase a bag of FROMM Whitefish Dog Food

BHRR's AUTUMN's WishList:
$ towards Vet bills
Extra lean gound beef
Rice
FROMM -Whitefish or Salmon Dog Food
Dino Smoked Bones
KONG Toys
Rope Toys
Oatmeal Shampoo
TONS of positive thoughts and vibes
Packing Blankets
"Cube Large Tube" Body Pillows x 2

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

BHRR's Canvas with Rescue Angel – Vivian! – Friday October 19th, 2012 @ KAH

He is NOW on his way! He is safely with Fiona's mummy and LOOK at that collar she got from Crazy Beautiful! STUNNING on him! THANK YOU!

UPDATE Below From Fiona's Mummy – Just before Noon October 19th:

"He is very scared of people. Head lowered as he looks up you. So skittish he has to be double leashed.

*Photo coutesy of V. Cousineau

Here are three videso sent my way of this boy during his time at the Shelter.

VIDEO #1
VIDEO #2
VIDEO #3

We stepped up to commit to him as we had a GD under a possible pending adoption and BHRR's Cobalt is NOW ADOPTED and shall be heading to his forever loving home on Sunday October 21st, 2012. This has given us the spot to assist another in need.

Sean came up with the name 'Canvas' and it really does suit him. He is a beautiful 'canvas' that with the right 'touches' and 'light', he is going to be a stunning masterpiece asset to home and community.

We mobilized fast and he arrived to BHRR today. 🙂 THANKS to Fiona's mummy for the assistance with his transport to get him closer to me today! 🙂
 

On Monday October 15th, we were contacted to assist an approximate 12 -15 month old Mantle male Great Dane. This is what I was sent:
 

"This is the saddest dog I have seen in a long time. FREAKED OUT. I will send videos-they will make you cry.  Male, weighs about 125 pounds-vets couldn't examine/vaccinate-too stressed."

Also, story is the owner had the dog for 1 year.  Lived with another dog and a cat.  Never been with kids.  Owner is feeding Purina and cannot afford the dog and that is why the dog is being surredered.  He is also crate trained, loves to sleep on the couch.  Owner did say dog is timid but not aggressive.  X tested the dog and infact there is no aggression but more of a fright/flight."
 

He was neutered by the shelter on Tuesday and given his Vaccines. He shall require a booster. He was also microchipped.

Two photos below are from when he was at the Shelter.

BHRR's Canvas – At the Shelter – October 2012

"