AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

BHRR’s Dimitri is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
Great Dane

Health Status: HEALTHY!

Age: ~2.5 years – Born: ~November 2022

Weight: 158 pounds in April 2025. We want to keep him lean/muscled and fit. Becoming fat is NOT in her or any dog’s best interest. We have asked his lovely foster home to cut back on his food – he was getting 9 cups daily. He is going to be fed 8.5 cups a day for now, as he has become a bit chubby.

Some information from his wonderful foster mama:

‘Wonderful with kids, wonderful with dogs, will chew things around the house sometimes. Great in crate and car. A little nervous in new situations but works through it. Walks better on leash when walked on his own. Usually great on leash. Gentle, loving boy.’

 

Type of Home Ideal For BHRR’s Dimitri: He needs a solid structure. He interacts well with people/dogs he meets, and we hope for a quiet, socially low-active level home. A residence that, while visiting family plus friends and having people over, does not host frequent BBQs or gatherings of large groups. We do not want to see him in a home with a high level of travel, with other people taking care of him. He can be somewhat nervous/worried in new situations, so he needs a calm and confident home. A home that shall not baby him and continue to show him how amazing this big, wonderful world can be! He is loyal and loves his people, and we want him to be part of the family if they go camping, go to the cottage, or do other fun travels. He is nervous at first in social settings and needs a home that shall work with him. One that shall not overwhelm him and will continue to work on his leash manners. He would adore cottage life or hang out at home with his family. Visiting friends, family, pet stores, and pet-friendly places is excellent, too, as long as they are not too busy. We want a quietly active home for BHRR’s Dimitri. He is super sweet. A big hit at my work!

He MUST go to a home that will continue to work on exposing him to new, fun, and beautiful things in the world. Time, patience, and effort have made him comfortable, not only to like but also to love his own company. We are not advocates of dog parks. Many private properties rent out space for acreage rentals so that he can enjoy a controlled environment to run and zoom in.

We want him to look forward to the next adventures plus experiences. He needs a home that will give him new positive and significant, safe, memorable experiences along with structure, consistency, obedience, plus patience. If you are a home that likes to take infrequent walks/hikes/strolls, BHRR’s Dimitri is not for you…he is a healthy dog and needs to be kept emotionally and physically stimulated. He would make a great companion to get out into nature, explore on your days off, and enjoy the beach and other small, exciting adventures! He is the best companion when watching movies or curled up with a good book.

A home that understands and shall continue to help him learn about this big, fantastic world that we live in. We want him to live a quality-filled, enriched life. He is being fostered in a lovely home outside the Ottawa area and can equally live comfortably in the city or country.

We want him to be happy and to live his best life every day. We want him to reach his full, incredible potential!

He is another versatile BHRR dog! He can be in a home that works ft; pt works from home, is semi-retired or retired, etc. He will ONLY go to a home prepared to ensure he receives the balance he requires with proper exercise, socialisation, etc., along with positive, balanced obedience.

He does need to go to a dog-experienced home, not specifically a Dane-specific experienced home. The home must be committed to his obedience, structure, and consistency, and to be patient, kind, and understanding, and while not hermits, they are not doing a hundred things each day, weekly, or monthly. We want him to be treated as a beloved member in a right-matched, forever-loving home. We want him to be an invaluable member of his forever-loving adoptive home! He needs that right positive balance between patience, reassurance, passively ignoring, and being kind/gentle with him. He is fed in a quiet place and knows that he will be fed enough food on time and that no one will take it away. He arrived at BHRR emaciated.

He loves home and a small group of friends. He needs this stability.

Personality/Temperament: Super loving, affectionate, calm, happy, and incredibly sweet; he loves to get outside to romp and run and is a delightful boy! He needs to be emotionally/physically properly stimulated, quietly social, active, gentle, plus kind. He thrives with consistency, structure, routine, and clear open communication to understand precisely what is expected of him. He is very smart in his own way, active, and healthy puppy!

Previous Dog Experience: Previous Dog experience is required per the above, and he needs a home that is going to be committed to his wellbeing and make the small adjustments required as he is still an adolescent, still learning, and still mentally plus physically growing. He sleeps well, and ideally, while we would like to see him in a home with at least one right-matched personality-fit dog, it is not a deal breaker. We will strongly lean towards homes that have at least one right-matched personality fit dog though. He absolutely needs a strong doggie friend network in the community, though. That is so important. We have friends; he needs friends too. It is important for him to have doggie friends to continue to work on his manners. Another dog will help with his confidence in new surroundings, yet we do not wish to see him in a home that has a dog that he will rely heavily on and not learn to stand on his own ‘four’ feet.

Good With Cats: Unknown. He has been okay with the clinic cat, but the clinic cat is not really a cat!

Good with Pocket Pets: Unknown

Good with Children:  He is excellent with small children! He resides in a foster home that is almost 6 years old. We feel that any right-matched personality fit home for BHRR’s Dimitri can have children. We will consider homes with children six and older and no more than two children in the house.

Grooming: He needs regular grooming to keep his coat healthy and look his best. Regular grooming includes nails and ears.

Car: He travels well in the car.

Housebroken/crate Trained: He is housebroken and crate trained. We never recommend giving any new addition too much freedom to start. It can be very overwhelming plus too stimulating for them.

Obedience: He requires a home that will be consistent and dedicated to continuing to help him become the best dog he can be. His potential is enormous! As per our adoption contract, a full round of group obedience is required with all of our dogs. This is not about having a dog that ‘listens.’ This is about creating a strong and mutually respectful bonding relationship, and trust and respect work both ways. It is imperative that humans give dogs reasons to trust them.

Activities Suited For Him: He would excel in being your bff. Great companion at home, a great companion for quiet/calm camping, cottaging, small hikes, and exploring new things – not in a super busy place!

Loves & Bad Habits:  Like any dog, he is not perfect. He is perfect in all of his imperfections, though! NOT to mention so handsome. BIG black dog syndrome is a very real thing, and that is so unfortunate. He is so lovely, kind and gentle. His leash manners have come a very long way. So proud of him!

Anxieties/Worries: It is integral that the right-matched personality fit home and does not spend 24/7 with him. During the pandemic and even before it, we still need groceries; we should still go out and do errands; we should still get in our cars and go for a small drive to go somewhere to do something! Time has been spent having him learn to not only like but enjoy her own company. As we need our alone time, he must do too. He is a solid and stable dog; we do not want any SA behaviours to develop. It is so easy for him to develop that. Such a sensitive boy!

As we have stated for over 29 years now, we will NEVER rush any dogs’ rehabilitation journey, we do not flip dogs, and we are not desperate to adopt them out. I had wanted to place him up for adoption about 6 weeks ago, yet other matters took precedence, and now it is all about his turn! Unfortunately, the timing has not worked out to get our usual professional photos of him.

We will always place up for adoption the dogs that can be adopted and safe haven all others that cannot be placed up for adoption due to medical and/or behavioural reasons.

We do not take in hundreds of dogs yearly; we only took in 3 dogs in 2024 as it is about helping the next in need of us, giving them top-quality care, and not about taking in numbers. We have taken in none in 2025 as of yet. Finances are extremely tight in rescue at this time.

After 29+ years, we know that we cannot please everyone, which means that BHRR is not the rescue to be followed, supported, and believed in by everyone. We remain small plus mighty, and as we go through this next transitional stage for BHRR, we shall continue to operate with a zero-tolerance approach, providing and beyond care to the animals.

Our mandates have never changed and will remain the same as long as we are around; the animals shall always be done right by as our priority.

Our adoption success rates remain second to no other group – 100% for over ten years of operating, and now 99% as we go through year 29, and we are excited as we go through this slow transition for BHRR!

You have done a THUMBS up job, as has your fantabulous foster home, BHRR’s Dimitri, and we are thrilled you are making your special announcement!

 

BHRR Animals Available For Adoption

This is a blog post, updated regularly as to who is available for adoption and the ‘quick’ status of others not yet available for adoption.
NOTE: This blog post is on each of the dogs’ individual pages.
All of our available dogs can also be found on our PetFinder website.
*To read a dog’s blog, scroll to the very bottom of that dog’s individual page and read upwards, skipping over any posts such as fundraiser posts. They will answer most of your questions re: age, history etc.*

**NOTE: As of December 1st, 2016; BHRR shall no longer be responding to any inquires to adopt. We are following the lead of other r/q organizations and ONLY completed adoption applications submitted to the BHRR BOD shall be considered/responded to.**

BHRR is a federally registered NP organization and requires an application/contract to be filled out, personal references including a vet reference if applicable and a home visit to be done before being approved to adopt.

We also require that at the time of meeting any BHRR animal (after completing the application process up to that point) that the whole family + any other currently owned animals are present for the mandatory home-visit.

BHRR only places per best/right matched personality fit.

We also require that within four months of having adopted your new addition that at least one full round/session of group classes of obedience (they can range from 6-18 weeks) must be started and upon completion; proof (registration + completion) must be submitted to BHRR’s attention at BHRR and with having your signature on the adoption application/contract; you will be in a legal breach of your contract should this not be done. The animal involved will have to be returned promptly & safely to BHRR at your own expense.

 

BHRR’s Albar(M) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE October 25th, 2022 – *LabX

BHRR’s Maybelle Cutie(F) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE October 25th, 2022 – *LabX

BHRR’s Story(F) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE October 6th, 2024 -*Yellow Lab

BHRR’s Dimitri(M) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE April 12th, 2025 -*Great Dane

BHRR’s Amata(Amy)(F) – NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION -*Rottie

AND a small update on Mr. Dimitri from his foster home. 
 
Additionally, I have been trying to schedule his own professional photo shoot so he can make a special announcement, and it has had to be put off with two devastating losses in January, bad weather, Miss Amy’s emergency needs etc.
 
Hoping to be able to do so over the next couple of weeks. 
 
‘Wonderful with kids, wonderful with dogs, will chew things around the house sometimes. Great in crate and car. A little nervous in new situations but works through it. Walks better on leash when walked on his own. Usually great on leash. Gentle, loving boy.’
 

BHRR EVENTS

NOTICE: UPCOMING BHRR EVENTS:

We are working on a silent auction to raise much-needed funds to pay for Miss Amy’s Vet Bills.
If you have any items you may like to donate, please email

1) Spring Event: Paint Your Partner FUNraiser for BHRR – Paint your friend, spouse, bf/gf, family member
Date, Time & Location TBD
*A fun plus hilarious night to free paint, then reveal and give your masterpiece to your friend/spouse, bf/gf, or family member!
*Silent auction and draw prizes, too

2) ONGOING – On February 21st, 2013, I received a most delightful and touching email from a woman named Allie MacAlister that is so very active in helping others

She is extremely talented and more lovely than any words can ever be put down on paper and she has wonderfully surprised me with the very stunning and unique artful creation of an Irish Wolfhound, inspired by our Bunker Dude. She is calling it ‘Art For A Cause’.  

The Wolfhound Cù Sìth

10% of sales of her products will come to BHRR!

*You can purchase t-shirts, mugs, mousepads, totes, greeting cards and SO much more! She will be adding products regularly.

The Wolfhound Cù Sìth

UPDATE: 10 doggies left! AND just under 12 hours to go!

Today ONLY – one day Fundraiser!

Our annual Won’t You Be My Valentine Event! We did not run our annual ‘Clothe’ our dogs with new collars event in January, and we have 12 more amazing BHRR doggies hoping that today, a special Secret Valentine may step up to make a donation – for a treat, a new collar, or toy plus a $25-$50 donation towards their vet bills.

Only today – February 14th!

We have the following 12 remaining amazing doggies that will be hoping/dreaming of a Special Valentine’s Secret Admirer! More details in the poster…. 

I am hoping that in one day – the 14th- we can still make 12 more BHRR doggies feel so much love! 

Please help me spoil them today! 

Donations can be made via email transfer or PayPal to contactbhrr@gmail.com or email transfer to the same email address.

We have: Miss Olive, – Joan Brant will be her special Valentine!

Knox,

Dimitri,

Amata(Amy), Mike and also Genevieve will be her special Valentine!

Maybelle Cutie, – Joan Brant will be her special Valentine!

Albar,

Romeo,

Story,

Aramis,

Chrissy, – Joan Brant will be her special Valentine!

Porthos,

Athos,

Lilly,

Caramel,

Lewis, – Joan Brant will be his special Valentine! &

Brooklyn!

Thank you for your consideration! 

As always, thank you, Barry, for the amazing poster!

Happy holidays from Mr. Dimitri!
 
He has proven wonderful with kids and is such a hit at my work. 

Today is Mr. Dimitri’s neuter day!
 
I dropped him off last night at work after meeting up with his foster & his roomie for a bit was Miss Story who was spayed yesterday!
 
Here is a copy of Miss Story’s bill.
 
She is now a puppy that is over $12,000. Responsible/quality rescue is expensive and the animals deserve no less than the best.
 
We receive no government or corporation funding to keep BHRR afloat and fundraising plus donations in 2024 brought in less than $10,000.
 
Yet, to these three dogs what has been accomplished in 2024 thanks to the BHRR village has been lifesaving as otherwise they would have been destroyed. So, thank you everyone for all you have done for the animals in 2024.

BHRR’s Dimitri, enjoying his first walk on a beach!
 
AND Miss Story!
 
He is scheduled to be neutered December 20th.
 
Miss Story is scheduled to be spayed December 19th.
 
Very busy and expensive times right now!
 
Both dogs are also in need of a special Secret Santa to call their very own.
 
Please do email if you may consider spoiling one of them this Xmas.
 
This is their very first Xmas full of love…and kindness.
 
contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
UPDATE: BHRR’s Dimitri has a SS! – Thanks Julia!

Mr. Dimitri’s ‘version’ of not being on the couch!
 
He is doing great in his wonderful foster home!
 
His weight is now 136 pounds and his neuter has been scheduled for December 20th.
 
We will investigate his hips and knees further at that time in addition re-visiting his skin, ears and eyes. Right now, he is doing fantastic with his muscle mass and toning and there is no indication of anything more concerning going on.
 
His foster mama bought some omega’s to add to his diet and sadly, due to the postal strike his thicker winter dog coat and dog bed is delayed.  He at least has the light chilly dog coat form one of my own dogs to use in the meantime.
 
I am also still ISO as of crate and dog toys for him! I will be heading to meet up with his foster mom on December 19th if anyone has any toys they may consider donating for him.

ISO: Gift Cards!

I am in search of gift cards to help raise money for Mr. Dimitri’s ongoing vet bills and care!

To date, Melody L. (Barrhaven & Area Empties) is generously donating a $50 LCBO gift card, and I am going to donate a $25 Tim’s card.

It has been decades since I did a “XMAS Winners Wreath” Fundraiser and time to re-visit this old fav.

I am still pulling together the details – stay tuned! YET, if anyone may consider donating a gift card to one of your favourite places – dining, CDA Tire, WalMart, a Pet Store, Amazon, etc.- I would be so grateful!

Please email gwen@birchhaven.org

I am hoping to begin this Fundraiser by November 28th!

Pic of Mr. Dimitri in his foster home!

Thanks in advance for any consideration!

In Search Of:
 
The following items for BHRR’s Dimitri:
 
1) Toys – Pictures of some from Pet Valu – all XL
 
2) XL Kirkland Dog Bed – Rectangular or Round, orthopedic would be best for his skinny body. – FILLED! Thanks, Cindy H.
 
3) Seeking a Colossal Crate to borrow or purchase at a reasonable cost – Pickering area
 
4) A Shedrow Coat – He has a fall/spring Chilly Dog coat from one of my own dogs, yet needs a Shedrow one for winter with his thin Great Dane coat – Black and Blue Great Danes in particular are quite bald on their underarms and bellies! – FILLED! Thanks, Sandi L.
 
***For anyone who may consider his cause to support, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org and I can share his foster homes address so items can be mailed directly to them.***
If anyone prefers to drop items off to me or send email or PayPal donations – contacthbrr@gmail.com I will be seeing him again over the new few weeks as we continue with his vetting protocol. I can then bring or purchase items to his foster home when I meet-up with them.
 
Thanks!
 
This picture is from when I had him vetted at work right after I got him off the transport.
 
He has since been de-wormed twice, is on flea/tick/hw medication, has had bloodwork done including testing for tickborne diseases – Negative, had elevated neutrophils (quite possibly as his body is still healing from his eye/ear/skin infections), has been placed on a NSAID (Deramaxx) to see if that helps with his lower back pain.
 
He had a thorough exam including his now healed broken tail, his hind end – the vet concurs that he most likely has conformation issues in the hind end due to poor nutrition, lack of proper exercise, kept in too small of a confinement area. He is weak in the hind end yet so much better than when I first saw videos of him at the time that I was contacted to assist.
 
He is getting stronger, will always be a bit ‘wonky’ most likely in the hind end and when he is healthy enough to neuter, we will x-rays his hips.
 
His eyes do not need surgery at this time – as he puts on more weight, and becomes better hydrated the slight droop should dissipate.
 
He is on 12-13 cups of food a day being spaced out of four smaller meals, is eating well, and gaining muscle mass/tone.
 
We will do regular weigh-ins.
 
I also had his boosters plus additional vaccines given. He is healthy enough for those at this time.
 
He is very flat footed and a bit collapsed in his pasterns yet that is due to poor nutrition to date, and since his arrival into Rescue, he is on a fish-based food, so this will help his coat, skin, joints plus muscles in addition to his feet/pasterns.
 
He is a dream dog!! Just so special!
 

AND he needs a Secret Santa as it is that time of the year! 

Two more pictures of Mr. Dimitri from at the Vet.

I shall post more about Mr. Dimitri yet after such a long day – and I am only in Brockville now, still on my way home…I wanted to say another big thank you to so many again for participating and/or sharing his recent fundraiser.
 
He was barely 110 pounds at work today.
 
Pictures do not truly show his level of skinny. 
 
Yet, his past is his past and we are working in the present and going to give him the best future!
 
I am already working on his next fundraiser – and if anyone may have gift cards, I would be so appreciative to be considered to have one for his next fundraiser…..
Details to come!
 
Please do email gwen@birchhaven.org 
 
From my heart to all of our friends, family and supporters, warm and good night wishes being sent! 
 
For Mr. Dimitri, this will be the first night in his life that he will not be in a pound or outside….
 
The first of the rest of his life…warm, safe and loved….
 
 

ETA to me in about 10+ minutes!
 
Feeling like an expectant parent!!
 
Soon…so soon…
 
We got you Dimitri!!
 

Still travelling well!
 
Everyone helping to transport him is in love with him! I mean, what is NOT to love?!
 
Mr. Dimitri! I cannot wait to meet you!!!
 
I know that you are worried….yet, your village is here for you! 

He is on his way!
 
Mr. Dimitri!
 
He is doing ok – a bit stressed – understandable and travelling super well. Everyone has found him to be a gentle giant.
 
He is on transport with cats/kittens and another dog. They are making him feel safe! 
 
I will be leaving shortly to meet the transport and then drive to meet up with his foster.
 
Isn’t he so freakin’ handsome!?
 
I have been having vetting done since we committed to him while he has been at the pound, and he looks SO much better already!
 
See you soon my dear boy! 
 
**PHOTO IS FROM HIS TRANSPORT**

The shelter has called him ‘Dimitri’

Deadline to find a spot was by October 16th, or he would be euthanised. Thank goodness we were able to find a foster!

He is a young man – will say ~2 years.

Picked up as a stray. The person who found him, was going to keep him, then dropped him off at the pound.

Friendly, sweet, calm, has let the shelter staff do anything with him, affectionate, excellent leash manners – does not pull on leash at all, has not destroyed anything at the shelter, not nervous or afraid of anything including men, knows basic commands, crate trained, no separation anxiety and friendly with dogs.

Cats are unknown.

Being treated for skin dermatitis, possible ear infections, may need eye surgery – entropion(and this is most likely one of the reasons why many groups cannot or will not step up as it is a $4,000-$5,000 surgery.

The other reason is that it is suspected that he has a possible neuro condition – possibly trauma-related. I did not note anything in the two short videos, so I cannot say one way or another.

Broken tail.

Calluses on legs.

Very skinny – only 52 kgs (114.4 pounds)

The two small videos I have seen shows a typical Dane – a goofy, clumsy boy….. 

We will pay to have basic vaccines at the shelter – DHPP booster, Rabies, & to have him microchipped.

The shelter has already given:

He got Bordetella and his first DAPP on October 1, 2024

They prescribed 

Prohex 4 spray for the lesions on his abdomen

Also, the diarrhea was treated with probiotics and GI food.

Also authorized fenbendazole to treat the diarrhea/parasites

Once he arrives, we will give him Letpo/Lyme vaccines, deworm him further, test for heartworm and tickborne diseases, and do pre-op bloodwork to prepare to neuter him when he is stronger. We will re-visit his skin, and check out his ears

ETA: is after October 28th