This is BHRR’s ‘Story’.
She is an 8-week-old purebred Yellow Lab that was going to be euthanized due to a positive test for Parvo.
She is an 8-week-old purebred Yellow Lab that was going to be euthanized due to a positive test for Parvo.
Unfortunately, the home could not take on the cost of treatment. I know that I am a broken record stating this many times over the past almost 30 years, yet there are so many lovely homes that have to let go of their animals, and I am not going to judge.
Judging does not benefit anyone and can only harm. It could make other homes not wish to surrender their pets, seeing animals put to sleep over being assisted.
While this home has only had the puppy two days, love knows no timeline. So, I also do not judge in this area. I fall in love daily with the animals I am entrusted with via rescue and at my work as a Veterinary Technician. Surrendering a cherished pet is one of the most selfless things anyone could possibly do as their love is deeper than wanting to be selfish.
Therefore, as always, we will take a zero-tolerance approach to having people point fingers or blame.
In this case, the backyard breeder also failed this home. They did not stand by or support this home, and how many more puppies and dogs will be affected by parvo from this backyard breeder?
The Vet discussed surrendering to a rescue. The compassion is endless at so many Vet Hospitals when it comes to advocating for the animals and supporting clients.
Unfortunately, all rescues contacted could not step up to assist, and I was reached out to by the charge on the floor.
When it is said that timing is everything, it is. I was literally on my way to go to bed to get my few hours of sleep before heading into my next overnight shift.
The bottom line for me was that we have seen far too many puppies, dogs, and horses over the past seven months, in particular, put to sleep due to lack of space, finances, food, state of illness, injury, and/or behaviour, etc.
My heart plus soul, at this moment in time, could not bear to see yet another…..
I was clear in my communication that should a r/q group be able to assist, please let her go to them, and if not, I would bring her into BHRR. My o/s form was emailed to ensure that she was safe.
I committed, said that we would find a way, and had a truly awful and fitful less than four hours sleep. I worried so much about her, and had nightmares about the thousands of others that we could not assist since 1996. Reputable/quality rescue is not easy, very few of us are operate gold-standard organizations as long as BHRR has.
When I checked my phone, my heart just burst into a thousands pieces of thankfulness. I had not one, not two, not three yet four amazing offers to temp foster her. I remain deeply grateful to them.
My heart also burst with such relief knowing that Miss Story was still alive and beginning what will be a fight literally of her life. YET, she will not be alone in this. I will find a way to fundraise for her. I will do what it takes to ensure that she has the best opportunities to become healthy and grow up to be the dog that she deserves to be!
I also changed her name to ‘Story’. As those who follow BHRR and have for some time, I ensure that every name has deep meaning for our dogs. I am determined that Story will have many amazing chapters and adventures/experiences to add to her story to live a long, healthy, incredible life. I am also determined that she will be a success story.
2024 has been as rough and difficult a year as possible, and Miss Story will speak to my own personal/professional story/journey, and that I am also a survivor and determined.
If you have read my Gwennie novel this far – I am now going to beg/plead and grovel for any consideration for the following for Miss Story:
1) A dog bed to call her own – she is wee now yet she is very much the English Lab and shall grow up big. Her present weight is 6.8 kgs(14.96 pounds).
2) She will need her own special collar and leash – we greatly support Wiggle Bumz collars – Jennifer Lindsay She will need a 12-14″ collar to start.
3) She will need appropriate large puppy-sized toys, treats and some XL stuffies – I am bringing her a XL stuffie today as a surrogate littermate, mama. She has a small one given so kindly by a fellow colleague of mine to have in the meantime. Pet Valu has some great items, as does Amazon, and both deliver!
My address & I will ensure that the foster gets the items:
Miss Story
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
4) She will need PVD Essential Care Puppy – Large breed for kibble and 2 cases of the wet to start. This is bought at a Vet Hospital
5) We will need Puppy pads, Pinesol, paper towels, and garbage bags
6) Please consider donating your Empties – either returning them yourself or dropping them off – I can be emailed contactbhrr@gmail.com if you wish to make arrangements in the Kanata or Kemptville areas to meet up
7) I am attaching her billing as of yesterday afternoon. I am also going to post the total as of last night(8:47 PM) and promise to update regularly. I believe in full disclosure and accountability and am not seeking financial donations to come in more than what we will need for her.
She will require all rounds of vaccines, and more de-worming – we started Friday, meds, exams, bloodwork, to be spayed and microchipped. I do not skip or cut any corners with what our dogs require.
Donations can be made via PayPal or email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
Donations can be made directly to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic – Story under Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services. (613) 383-8381 – they will take Credit Card over the phone, cash, debit and credit in person
8) Fundraising ideas for her!
Besides lifesaving medications, round-the-clock ISO care, and doing regular bloodwork, I have had her ears and eyes addressed. Her ears had some bacteria and were cleaned plus her eyes were a bit swollen.
She has two catheters – one specific for the regular blood-draws so that she is not poked continuously and one for her fluids – she was very dehydrated, plus IV medications.
She has a NG tube in for feedings and in being given other medications.
I did want blood glucose done on her, and the first one was 7.8 mmol/L
Sorry for the long Gwennie Novel!
I was able to hold, feed, and clean up after her myself yesterday afternoon after my long overnight shift, as I had outpatient appointments and two surgeries. My heart is so wrapped up in her paws!
I am not so proud as to beg or plead for what the dogs need. She is the first dog of 2024 that we have been able to assist due to a lack of fosters, funds, etc.
She is what we are here to do, and please consider being part of her village and community to help us help her!
As of 8:47 pm last night(July 20th) her vet bills: Current Amount: $2,994.53
Donations To Date: $0.00
