AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

 
BHRR’s Ernie is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
DDB – Dogue de Bordeaux
 
Health Status: HEALTHY!
Age: ~3 years – Born: ~November 2021
 
Weight: ~ 69.6 kgs (153.12 pounds) in December 2024. We want to keep him lean/muscled and fit & he is now on a weight loss program. He is at least 10-15 pounds overweight. Becoming fat is NOT in his or any dog’s best interest. I am awaiting to know what his current weight is with limiting treats so we can then adjust as necessary.
 
Some information from his wonderful foster home:
 
“He’s a great dog! Super friendly and easygoing! He’s getting lots of love and kisses. He’s such a wonderful dog Gwen, such a sweetheart.”
 
Type of Home Ideal For Mr. Ernie: He is smart in his own loveable way! and 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 is loyal and loves all 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 social and needs a home that is like him. One that shall not overwhelm him and will continue to work on giving him amazing experiences! He would adore cottage life or hanging out at home with his family. Visiting friends, family, pet stores, and pet-friendly places are excellent, too.
 
We want a quietly active home for Mr. Ernie. He is happy, healthy, full of personality and a joy! 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 gone into having him be comfortable, to not only like but 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 romp in. While he is not a zipping and zooming boy. He loves his strolls and walks. He is not meant for hiking long walks due to his knees. We want him to look forward to the next adventures plus experiences. He needs a home that will give him new positive and great, safe, memorable experiences along with structure, consistency, plus patience. If you are a home that likes to take small walks/hikes/strolls daily, Mr. Ernie is 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, and enjoy the beach and other exciting, very small adventures! He is the best great companion when watching movies or curled up with a good book in front of a fireplace. 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 in 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 not need to go to a dog-experienced home, and not specifically a DDB-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 or, 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, ‘tough’ love, calming assuring, and passively ignoring. He is fed in a quiet place and knows that he will be fed enough food on time and that no one will take his food away.
 
He loves home and her friends. He adores all humans yet seems to have the closest affinity to men.
 
Personality/Temperament: Super loving, affectionate, calm, happy, and sweet; he loves to get outside to stroll and do his version of a slow zoom and is a delightful, playful boy! He needs to be emotionally/physically properly stimulated, social, get his share of exercise yet not to overdo it, gentle plus kind. He thrives with consistency, structure, routine, and clear, open communication to understand precisely what is expected of he. He is a smart in his own adorable way, calm, and a healthy boy!
 
Previous Dog Experience: Previous Dog experience is not required per the above, and he needs a home that is going to be committed to his well-being and make the minor adjustments required as he does not have the best knees and hips – does not hold him back from being the best DDB ever!, still learning, and still mentally 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. 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 essential for him to have doggie friends to have!
 
Good With Cats: No. He loves them too much! Not a mean bone in his body. He just really loves to slobber on them and is quite intent in doing so.
 
Good with Pocket Pets: No. He loves them too much! Not a mean bone in his body. He just really loves to slobber on them and is quite intent in doing so.
 
Good with Children: We feel that any right-matched personality fit home for Miss. Ernie should not have small or young children. We will consider homes with children 10 and older and no more than two children in the house. We do not wish to see him trying to keep up with small children, making it harder on his body.
 
Grooming: He needs regular grooming to keep his coat healthy and to look his best. Regular grooming includes nails and ears. He needs more than one person to help do his nails! We do not advocate strong restraining. With patience and kindness, he has been learning that it is okay to have a manicure/pedicure.
 
Car: He travels well in the car.
 
Housebroken/crate Trained: He is housebroken and crate trained – though this foster home has not used a crate. His previous one has plus used baby gates. He has been excellent when needing to be in a run at work due to how well he has felt safe in his crate in his foster home. 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. Trust and respect work both ways. It is imperative that humans give dogs reasons to trust them. He is so mindful with his manners!
 
Activities Suited For Him: He would excel in being your BFF. Great companion at home, a great companion for camping, cottaging, short strolls, and exploring new things! His personality is HUGE! He is such a calm, quiet, friendly boy!
 
Loves & Bad Habits: Like any dog, he is not perfect. He is perfect in all of his imperfections, though! NOT to mention so handsome.
 
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 his 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.
 
As we have stated for almost 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 a couple of months ago, yet other matters took precedence, and now it is all about his turn!
 
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. In 2025, we have not yet taken in any dogs. Finances are extremely tight in rescue at this time.
 
After almost 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 until the end of 2032, we shall continue to operate with a zero-tolerance approach, providing up and beyond gold standard 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 to 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, Mr. Ernie, 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 Knox(M) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE July 10th, 2023-*Bouvier 

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

BHRR’s Ernie(M) – AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION SINCE January 11th, 2025 -*Dogue De Bordeaux

BHRR’s Dimitri(M) – NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION -*Great Dane

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

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

Another photo of BHRR’s Ernie

Mr. Ernie, the DDB had his annual last night and he is now on an even more strict food/treat regime as he was quite chunky.
 
He is such a hit every time he goes to my work!!
 
While he has a special Secret Santa, he wishes to say that there are still 10 amazing BHRR doggies without their own special Secret Santa.
 
He is hoping that folks may consider helping to give a BHRR doggie some extra love this XMAS.
 
Some dogs have never had a warm belly, a soft bed or kind hand, and he wants to thank everyone in advance for considering to be a special Secret Santa! 

 
Mr. Ernie, the DDB, shall be making his own special announcement shortly!
 
Thanks to Liz B. for her time/talent in capturing the loveable ‘meathead’ 
 

He is being cut back on his food a bit now too. He is chonky! That is not good for his knees/hips.

AND he was settled into his loving new foster home last night. It was an extremely stressful time over this past week+, yet nothing but smiles seeing how everyone took to him and vice versa when he was dropped off! We look forward to the updates/pictures of Mr. Ernie!

Mr Ernie will have his annual booked for the next week or so!

 

ISO: Foster home for BHRR’s Ernie, the DDB
 
Unfortunately, we need to find a new foster home for BHRR’s Ernie.
 
If anyone is open/willing to temp foster him for BHRR, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Great with people
Great with dogs
 
*No cats
*No Rabbits, GP’s, Rats
 
Thanks for any consideration.…
 

HE is such a good boy!

We are at Brockville Hyundai tomorrow! Saturday, September 14th!
 
Car Wash/BBQ from 10 AM – 2 PM!
770 Stewart Blvd, Brockville
 
*No appointment necessary!
*There shall also be some items for sale!

The last two years were chilly, and damp!
 
Tomorrow promises to be glorious! 26 degrees with a lot of beautiful sunshine!
 
*I will also be collecting Empties, Pinesol, Fabric Softener, Garbage Bags, Laundry Detergent plus Paper Towels*
 
I am sending a plea to have a few more Volunteers come and lend a hand……
 
We are raising much needed funds for Mr. Ernie & Miss Story – the most updated invoice and we are just under $7,400 owing on Vet Bills at this time between both of these cuties.
 
Mr. Knox also has amassed a new bill – allergies.
 
Miss Story shall also have a very exciting announcement to make shortly too! Thanks to Alison G. for taking this lovely photo of her!

Mr. Ernie, the DDB is at EVC for his next surgeries today.
 
For his eyes again and the removal of a rectal polyp.
 
Will update as we can.
 
His rehab journey has been a long and expensive one, yet step by step we will get there…..

Today, Mr. Ernie was at LAH for a possible rectal polyp. A complimentary nail trim was also done.

Total Vet Bill: $115.94

Here is what the Vet had to say:

“I had the pleasure of assessing Ernie today. I suspect that he has a rectal polyp. The mass is approximately 1cm in diameter and there is a very long, thin stalk (1-2cm in length) anchoring it to the rectum. It bled after I manipulated it, but the bleeding stopped after a couple of minutes. I was very hesitant to pull on it, but I think it should be straightforward to remove. 

The mass portion appeared to be friable and I was able to get a sample of the mass. 

I recommend that you have it removed when possible under general anesthesia. If he will be undergoing another entropion surgery, it would be reasonable to do it then. I would not do it at the time if his stifles undergo surgery as there is a risk of feces contaminating that surgical site during his recovery.” 

 

UPDATE: Mr. Ernie’s vet bill.

***$865 DONATED TO DATE!***

Mr. Ernie was at the vet today for a recheck after his bilateral entropion surgery. The Vet wishes to see him back in a month. X-rays of his knees/hips have been sent onward to two Ortho specialists to obtain their thoughts.

Always a popular boy!! 
 
He was also to have a recheck on that fractured tail, so he is waiting to hear back from the Vet. He was to have x-rays taken, as they were unfortunately missed at the time of his surgeries.
 
A kind soul from EVC sent me some pictures, and I did not even have to ask! 
 
He left with some eye meds as his eyes were a bit infected, particularly his right eye.
 
His weight is now 139.7 pounds. He has put on almost 20 pounds of much-needed muscle mass and weight since he first arrived.
 
His foster home is doing a great job, and he says that he is excellent with dogs and people, yet a bit too interested in cats and bunnies.
 
Once we figure out where we are headed with his knees and tail, we can move forward with his next steps!
 
Such a good boy!! 

UPDATE: Mr. Ernie’s vet bill.

***$695 DONATED TO DATE!***

Total charges, this invoice… 4121.38
H.S.T…. *535.78 – The tax does add up!
Total, this invoice… 4657.16
Your old balance… 293.53
Your new balance… 4950.69
 

UPDATE: Mr. Ernie’s vet bill.

***$517 DONATED TO DATE!***

Total charges, this invoice… 4121.38
H.S.T…. *535.78 – The tax does add up!
Total, this invoice… 4657.16
Your old balance… 293.53
Your new balance… 4950.69
 
He also has two blown CCL – the right side worse than the left.
 
We are waiting to discuss this further with his surgeon plus also to obtain an update on his tail, which was suspected of being fractured prior to being rescued.
 
 

AND Mr. Ernie has entered the building!
 
Thank you to his foster home for dropping him off at my work.
 
He is always such a huge hit!
 
Today, he is being neutered, having his bilateral entropion surgically repaired, his hips/knees xrayed, and to be microchipped if one is not found. The pound was to have had him microchipped.
 
We have had $250 donated to date between empties and donations, and would be so humbled to have any donations considered for his cause.
 
His bills will be in the several thousands.
 
AND if we need to surgically address his hips and/or knees even many more thousands of dollars shall be required.
 
Any donations to his bills can be made via email transfer or PayPal to contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Please also consider donating your Empties!
 
Thank you on behalf of such a WOW boy!
 
This is him having his catheter being placed – what a character! 
 
We adore you, big boy, and we will figure out your bills…we always keep the faith…
 

$250 has been raised to date for BHRR’s Ernie!

We have many thousands of dollars more to raise.

Please do consider his cause to support!

Thank you SO much!

AND if you have any gently used items, new items, gift cards, gift certificates, or gift baskets to donate to a silent auction, please do EMAIL!

Thanks in advance!

 

***URGENT***
 
We have been emailed a date for BHRR’s Ernie’s(DDB) bilateral entropion surgery, X-rays of those hips plus knees under sedation plus his neuter. We will also ensure that he is microchipped.
 
The date is March 12th. Surgeries were being booked for end of April/beginning of May yet they had an opening, and we needed to move forward.
 
This boy has waited long enough to get healthy to be able to have these procedures, and we need to know what is happening with those hips plus knees….
We are in urgent need of a surgery deposit – we are still paying off his other bills at this time, too – and need to raise $1,500-$2,000 by the 12th.
 
We know that it is asking a lot…we are only asking for his sake and hope that folks may consider his deserving cause to support.
 
We are hoping to run a silent auction in a couple of weeks, and Ottawa Rabbit Rescue offered up a joint paint night fundraiser back in 2023. TBA.
 
He is the sweetest of meatheads! 
 
This is him enjoying his Secret Valentine Admirer’s treat! A yummy smoked dino bone.
 
Donations to his cause can be made via email transfer or PayPal to contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Please also consider donating your Empties!
 
If you have any new or gently used items, gift certificates, or gift baskets that you would like to donate to a silent auction for his benefit, please do advise.
 
We are also still trying to find a foster home for the Fawn mantle Great Dane. Her time is very limited right now.
 
Thank you!
 

Mr. Ernie was to have a recheck and boosters on January 8th.
 
His foster home reached out to say that, unfortunately, he had been exposed to Kennel Cough.
 
The vaccine – Bordetella – is like the flu shot, and the concern is not the kennel cough but the secondary infection of pneumonia.
 
So, we had to postpone his boosters and recheck, and sadly, his condition worsened, and on January 17th, we had him booked to be seen.
 
He was placed on antibiotics, plus meds for nausea/vomiting, and we may have to start his vaccine protocol from the beginning once he has become healthy.
 
We also cannot move forward with his neuter, address that fractured tail, or X-ray to properly diagnose what may be happening with his hips or knees.
 
Some days, it is so hard to catch a break. 
 
We have also entered a food crisis.
 
We continue to keep the faith!
 

BHRR’s Ernie was scheduled to have his next recheck, boosters, etc., yesterday, January 8th, yet his foster home reached out to say that he had been exposed to Kennel Cough.

So, unfortunately, until he recovers, we cannot move forward with his boosters and then schedule his x-rays under sedation, bilateral entropion surgery, neuter, etc.

 

 

BHRR’s Ernie – our newest addition to BHRR!

He is a DDB, ~2 years old, and a ham!

He has a possible fractured tail, hip, and knee issues, and needs bilateral entropion surgery and to be neutered. He came into the rescue quite skinny and has been putting on the weight nicely.

We shall be doing X-rays on his tail, hips plus knees when he is under for his neuter. He is far too painful to attempt to manipulate him without sedation. We have him on Gabapentin for pain management.

He has been dewormed, is on flea/tick meds, has had his first vaccines and is back for another recheck and boosters in January.

His bills to date are over $1,200.

He has been treated for ear infections, and we have him on a fish-based food to help with his skin and any possible allergies.

Thank you to his special secret Santas for the pressies, including a Wiggle Bumz collar, leash, treats, toys, and an orthopedic dog bed.

This picture is from his foster home with some of his goodies.

 

 

 

BHRR’s Ernie, playing with BHRR’s Jack(ADOPTED November 28th, 2023) VIDEO!

What we know to date for these two amazing dogs!
 
1) Miss Leah – has mammary tumours that shall require surgery, pathology. An abdominal mass was felt on December 3rd at her recheck, and she is scheduled for an u/s with the specialist, Dr. Ibey, on December 18th. She will require x-rays of her chest to ensure that she does not have any mets before going into surgery – should surgery be an option for her depending on the u/s results. She has put on 6 kgs since her arrival on November 4th; she is now 52 kgs(114.4 pounds).
 
2) Mr. Ernie has put on 5 kgs since his arrival on December 3rd. He is now 60 kgs(121 kgs). He had a recheck on December 12th for his ears – he is now on ear meds & to further examine a mass/lump found on his tail. He has been placed on Gabapentin, and once he is healthier, he will need surgery for his bilateral entropion, to be neutered, to address what could well be a tail fracture & may require a partial tail amputation plus a biopsy – we will x-ray along with x-raying his hips/knees while sedated. We strongly suspect HD, and cannot rule out cruciate issues on one or both legs.
 
Our doors are closed to intake, as both of these incredible dogs will require many, many, many thousands of dollars to rehabilitate successfully.

Busy day for BHRR today!
 
Miss Leah was at the vet for her recheck – details on her blog!
 
AND Mr. Ernie was picked up tonight from the kennel that we had him at after busting him out of the kill pound early as the worry per what we had been told is they can often kill animals earlier than the deadlines.
 
He is at the Vet tomorrow AM at 10:30.
 
His lovely foster mama said he gave kisses to her ALL the way home! We already knew he was a flirt, and he is going to steal MANY hearts! 
 
He is said to be super skinny, which we already knew, and was being fed 6 cups a day per the boarding kennel. We shall be working his daily intake up to 10 cups, and re-evaluate in 4-5 weeks.
 
Stress from being a stray, being in the kill pound, then being moved to a kennel, plus who knows how neglected/abusive his life was before he was dumped, has taken its toll on him. Not to mention the pain he is in with his eyes, ears, skin, knees, and hips. We will also be proactively plus preventatively de-worming him per our protocols and doing blood work.
 
He and Miss Leah shall have very high vet bills – both require surgeries, and our thinking caps are on to help figure out how to raise many thousands of dollars….
 
They are both incredibly deserving….
 
More soon!
 
Welcome to BHRR, Mr. Ernie!
 

So Mr. Ernie(what we are calling the DDB to keep with our Lion King theme), was pulled early this AM & being boarded until we can get him.
 
The fear from the rescue angel who contacted us to see if we could help is that he would still be gassed and gassed early. Apparently, this pound has euthanised earlier than their deadlines and even with commitment.
 
So, he was busted out! This is him!  Such a sweet boy! I am very jealous of you, Megan, for fostering this gem! He is going to be such a joy
 
We are wondering if anyone may consider donating to help us with boarding fees as we work on figuring out when/how to get him.
 
Donations can be made via PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
 
Thank you to Leanne & Cameron for offering to be his special SS & thank you to all for considering his cause to support. 
 

We will follow our Lion King theme as we have done with previous DDBs we have assisted and call him “Ernie”. This is after Ernie Sabella, the voice of Pumbaa in The Lion King.

****URGENT*** ??SCHEDULED TO BE GASSED FRIDAY??
 
Male DDB(French Mastiff). About 2 years of age.
 
He was picked up as a stray.
 
Said to be so super sweet and gentle, and great with people.
 
What we have also been told:
‘He is at the gassing pound and came in as a stray. He has hip issues, some smaller masses, allergies, eye infections, and entropion in both eyes. Ear infections.’
 
We were contacted today about him. However, I did see the op on him yesterday. The kind Angel trying hard to save him put him under a ‘tentative safe’ status as they wanted to reach out to us.
 
He was at high risk of being put to sleep. 
 
As a special needs rescue, we would address his medical issues. We just needed a soft, safe foster spot for him to land….
 
*I have asked about: dog and cat interactions, and we are waiting on a video. There has not been any concern noted to date, though.