Olive

Our 4th Annual ‘Won’t You Be My Valentine’ Fundraiser is live!

LAST CALL!

Our Annual ‘Won’t You Be My Valentine’ Fundraiser is live!

Running through until the end of the day tomorrow, February 15!

Please help us give each doggie a special Valentine!

Thank you to everyone that has become a Valentine Angel to date, and to those asking, here is our email transfer address to send the vet bill part of your generous donation: contactbhrr@gmail.com

Please let us know if you would like to be a Secret Valentine!

Thanks in advance for any consideration!

THE ONLINE FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER FOR BHRR IS NOW LIVE!

Over 200 items!

HERE IS THE LINK TO JOIN!

Post from the wonderful organizers!

“Welcome to the online Fundraiser for Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation.
A HUGE thank you to all of the local businesses and individuals who donated to make this auction possible.
100% of the proceeds raised will go to the rescue.
All the donated businesses have been linked in each item, if you are interested in an item, please consider clicking on their Facebook page and Like/Follow them.
Please read through all of the auction guidelines below.
Auction Guidelines:
1) There is a starting bid on all items
2) Please bid in a minimum $1 increment (just to clarify, you can bid any amount as long as it is a minimum $1 increase, it can be $2, $3, $4, $5 etc.)
3) The auction closes Sunday, October 9th, at 8 PM.
4) The winner will be contacted via Messenger with a pickup location, there are pick-up locations in Brockville (North End), Oxford Station, and Kanata.
5) Payment is due immediately following the end of the auction once notification has been received that you are the successful bidder
6) Payment is due via eTransfer to carol_bruck@hotmail.com
No password is required.
Happy Bidding, and thank you for your support!
Please see the album below to bid, thank you for your support and generosity for those currently in the rescue and those to come.”

BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE: January 17th, 2022!

TO DONATE TO BHRR IN HONOUR OF A TRUE ANIMAL HERO: PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org OR Email Transfer contactbhrr@gmail.com

Even $5 would mean the world to the animals AND us!

Thank you in advance for any consideration to help us in 2022 to continue to help those in need of our highly specialised programs!

 

My favourite time of night!
 
Snow lightly falling outside, Christmas tree lights on, fireplaces on, kids and Sean all tucked into their beds. I can then be found studying with a cup of mint tea surrounded by such amazing animals snoring happily away on new beds! 
 
In this photo, we have BHRR’s Miss Olive, my Skor, BHRR’s Miss Giselle, My Apex & BHRR’s Mr. Symba. 
 
From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, the warmest of good night wishes are being sent!
 
AND Yup! – you can see the hole that BHRR’s Mr. Granite dug through the wall by the tree that Sean has to now fix….sigh! Giant breed dogs, giant breed damage can be done. Mr. Granite decided that he wanted to go into the master bedroom to lay on the bed while we were bringing in groceries this past week……Clearly, it was too hard to go through the actual open door, so he had to create his own entranceway.
 

The reality of rescue is that you cannot save them all, no matter how much you may want to.

We have been in deep discussion re: finances for BHRR – as many know most of BHRR is financed mainly out of our own pockets – and, unfortunately, with the bills that we have currently at BHRR plus with Miss Jamila’s almost $10,000 in bills for upcoming surgeries, Miss Olive’s monthly almost $1,000 in bills, Miss Rosie’s to date almost $1,100 in bills with more to come – she needs to be spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, cherry eye repaired, COHAT, more bloodwork, etc., with BHRR going through almost 120 pounds of food per day and the list goes on…..we cannot take in the Mastiff.

We are posting the most current two bills for Miss Rosie; as suspected she has thyroid issues, and not just allergies. This means daily medication for her and regular bloodwork to be sure that she is being given the right dose of Thyro-Tabs.

We have blacked out her foster home’s contact information for privacy.

We will continue to forge strongly on what we can do…..as we will never compromise the quality of care, never take shortcuts on what the dogs that we are entrusted with need plus deserve.
 
We wanted to update the group as to why we cannot assist the Mastiff that we recently posted about. Our hearts are heavy yet, we know that Karen will ensure that he goes to a great place that shall do right by him…..perhaps in 2022, we can help another one of your lovely dogs Karen.
 

BHRR’s Miss Olive!
 
This is one of her favourite spots to just sit……..a gorgeous accessory to any fireplace! 
 
Thanks to everyone’s extreme generosity, the funds from the amazing 50/50 Lucky Square Fundraiser that Katherin kindly organised is going to go towards helping to pay for a portion of the November bills for Miss Olive.
 
Between her Proin, Gabapentin, Deramaxx, fish based food, baby wipes etc.,, her monthly bills are just shy of $1,000.
 
At this time, this stunning palliative Saint continues to hold her own…..we know that her incontinence plus hind end issues have been worsening, yet as long as she is having stellar quality of life, we are standing strong by her side to ensure that she lacks for nothing! 
 
She also wishes to ask people to consider donating to our 14th Annual “JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS” Online Auction. Please EMAIL.
 
We need to: have at least 1 pic, a description, value, starting bid plus pick-up location(s). 
 
We are hoping to raise enough funds to pay for Miss Olive’s December and possibly January’s monthly bills. 
 
Our annual Auction begins November 27th, and thank you to Katherine, Kelly plus Alison for the wonderful donations to date……We are really grateful! 
 

Miss Olive!
 
Busy day for this beauty and now time for a power snooze.
 
Today, we did a re-weigh and she is now 62.4 kgs(137.28 pounds). WTG!!!
 
It has taken us over 8 months for her to slowly/properly lose all of that weight; she had put between September 29th & December 7th. She went from 62 KGs(136.4 pounds) to 78 KGs(171.6 pounds).
 
The Vet that saw her on December 7th, advised that should her weight not get back on track; after closely evaluating what/how much food/treats she was being given in addition to her moving regime of walks; we should then consider doing a T4 blood test.
 
This is documented by her Vet in her file and received by text and in addition, a vm was left with BHRR as Miss Olive was in a foster situation. There was also an in-person discussion when Gwen was at the Vet later that day for a Vet apt.
 
Once we evaluated what she was being fed – we learned that she was getting a lot more in food items than we realised or had advised.
 
As a palliative Saint due to her extremely poor hips, keeping her lean is of absolute necessity and importance. The concern for her was felt by many. Miss Olive is NOT a surgical candidate and she had been entrusted to our care to do right by her and we remain determined to do so.
 
She came back to our care on December 12th and since then, we have kept her strictly to the feeding/treat/moving schedule required.
 
1) She gets her 8 cups of food daily – divided into two meals
2) She eats fantastic all on her own, no hand-feeding or enticing her with supplemental items on her food
3) She gets one Benny Bully treat 2-3 times a week or 3 Mini Zuk’s Rabbit or Salmon treats 2-3 times a week
We then started to even give her some of her kibble as her treats during the day – so less kibble at mealtime – and she responded beautifully.
Miss Olive continues on her Proin for her incontinence and unfortunately, her incontinence has gradually been worsening.
 
We have had to also increase her NSAIDS plus Gabapentin to help her out.
 
She remains on her fish-based kibble and anyone would like to consider being her Med/Food Angel for September, donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com Her monthly bills are close to $1,000.
 
Quality of life is our focus, goal and wish for her…..and we are taking it one step at a time to ensure that she lacks for nothing!
 
 

Just a Saint Bernard and her ‘little friend’! 
 
He loves her hair! He is always burying himself in it, the wee weirdo! 
 
Miss Olive plays so well with Mr. Romeo and yes, that is her drool and hair on the cushions/bed/blanket. LOL
 
Next professional groom session for her is on Thursday.
 
This set up is by my desk and is a popular spot for the dogs to hang out in to keep me company. 
 

Miss Olive Update:
 
She had a very busy day! She was at the Vet today and also had her great spoiling spa adventure.
 
Thank you to all of the encouraging, supportive staff at the Vet that surrounded her for the big weigh-in!
 
Thank you to Becca Terri N for taking this great photo!!! We just had to put a heart around her weight shown on the scale!
 
Her weight today was 70.2 kgs(154.44 pounds)! YES! We have been working so carefully on a slow, even weight loss for her. 17.66 pounds lost since December 7th! WTG Miss Olive!
 
As many are aware; she had put on significant weight between September 29th & December 7th. She went from 62 KGs(136.4 pounds) to 78 KGs(171.6 pounds).
 
The Vet that saw her December 7th, advised that should her weight not get back on track; after closely evaluating what/how much food/treats she was being given in addition to her moving regime of walks; we should then consider doing a T4 blood-test.
 
This is documented by her Vet in her file and received by text and in addition a vm was left with BHRR as Miss Olive was in a foster situation. There was also an in-person discussion when Gwen was at the Vet later that day for a Vet apt.
 
Once we evaluated what she was being fed – we learned that she was getting a lot more in food items than we realised or had advised.
 
As a palliative Saint due to her extremely poor hips, keeping her lean is of the absolute necessity and importance. The concern for her was felt by many. Miss Olive is NOT a surgical candidate and she had been entrusted to our care to do right by her and we remain determined to do so.
 
She came back to our care December 12th and since then, we have kept her strictly to the feeding/treat/moving schedule required.
 
1) She gets her 8 cups of food daily – divided into two meals
2) She eats fantastic all on her own, no hand-feeding or enticing her with supplemental items on her food
3) She gets one Benny Bully treat 2-3 times a week or 3 Mini Zuk’s Rabbit or Salmon treats 2-3 times a week
We have started to even give her some of her kibble as her treats during the day – so less kibble at meal time – and she is responding beautifully.
 
She is moving so much better now. She is no longer chuffing and huffing/puffing like she once was She is no longer struggling with a high degree of difficulty to get up on her feet or go up the small ramp to our home.
 
Her bff play buddy is a GSP….who would have thought?!
 
She is happy – look at that face! She looks gorgeous – look at that coat!
 
AND she had great visits with so many human people between the Doggie Spa and the Hospital. She had been cloistered, like many of us due to the COVID shutdown and it was such a gorgeous day – 17 degrees – to be out today.
 
She remains on her Proin, Gabapentin and Deramaxx regime.
 
Miss Olive, thumbs up to you!!!!
 
AND per our previous post, her next professional groom session shall be in 8 weeks as spring is coming and her coat is going to blow big time!

Someone had their much needed spoiling SPA Day today!
 
With grooming places only just recently being able to open back up, we could finally get Miss Olive back in. We like to have her professionally groomed ~every 3 months.
 
Her next groom session will be in 8 weeks as now that we are heading into spring; her coat is going to blow!!!!
 
Here she is having a ‘dog’ nap in the tub….so chill! Thanks extended once more to K9 Bark ‘N Shine.
 
Will post more of an update on her later tonight!
 

Mr. Symba!

He is having a much deserved snooze after his big day today at LAH.

He had a very busy day! It was a busy and expensive day for BHRR too….

Mr. Symba had his post-op follow-up plus x-rays to see how his leg has healed from his TPLO procedure.

THUMBS UP given! He was such a good boy too….such a good boy getting his x-rays done.

We can now move on getting a surgery date with Dr. Philibert for his right leg TPLO surgery.

Bad news is that his right leg is deteriorating. After he had a thorough check on it, he has not been weight bearing – he is on Gabapentin and Deramaxx. The cold weather and the icy conditions are not helping.

We hope to be able to get a surgery date ASAP.

After being pampered plus spoiled with treats and love, he is now all wonderfully drugged up, including with some Trazodone and snoring away. Rest is best for him tonight.

We also still need to raise another $3,000 for his second TPLO.

If anyone may consider his cause to support, donations can be made direct to Liston Animal Hospital – this is where Dr. Philibert will be doing the surgery once again:

613-591-0966

OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com

*we just need to know the password.

This boy continues to just charm all those that meet him. He is such a deam-boat of a personality plus dog!

Thank you in advance for any consideration to his bills.

Finances remain beyond tight for BHRR.

I will be posting re: BHRR’s Oslo’s own apt. today shortly and we are still seeking a February Sponsor or Sponsors for his bills – with the increase in both Keppra and Gabapentin; his monthly bills are running close to $800

AND Miss Olive still needs her own February Sponsor or Sponsors for her bills – She is now close to $900/month for her bills

Quality of life always for our dogs and both of these amazing creatures are going strong!

We would be deeply and forever grateful for even a $5 donation.

BHRR receives no corporate or government support. Most of our bills are covered out of our own pockets and we truly would be appreciative for any rescue angel donations.

This is documentation of BHRR’s Olive’s weight from EVC since she arrived into rescue. She went from 62 KGs(136.4 pounds) to 78 KGs(171.6 pounds).  As of December 12th, she has come back to us from her perma-foster home and we are working closely with her Vet Teams to get her back on track with her weight/health.

The Vet that saw her December 7th, advised that should her weight not get back on track; after closely evaluating what/how much food/treats she was being given in addition to her moving regime of walks; we should then consider doing a T4 blood-test.

We will post an update in March – three months after her return and when she is coming up due for her next recheck. We like to do rechecks on our palliative dogs, minimally every 3 months to ensure that they are living their best quality filled lives.

BHRR’s Olive!
Almost 2 years old!

This picture is gorgeous!!! Thank you again to her wonderful perma-foster home in sending this beautiful photo our way!

Miss Olive would like to gently remind the Santa Elves that it is time to drop off their special Secret Santa’s for the amazing BHRR doggies!

Here are the following dates/times/locations that we currently have available & please email contactbhrr@gmail.com for exact locations!

1) Anytime in our Donation Shed in Oxford Station
2) November 25th 3 PM – Nepean
3) November 27th 5:30 PM – Nepean
4) November 28th 10:30 AM – Nepean
5) November 29th 11:30 AM – Kanata
6) November 30th 4:30 PM – Kanata
7) December 1st 8:00 AM – Kanata

As I have more dates/times/locations, I shall post.

BHRR’s Miss Olive is back at the Vet herself for her next recheck in December and we will continue to update re: her palliative care status.

It is all about quality of life, not quanity for BHRR.

She is still in need of Virtual Foster Sponsorship for December.

We spend almost $900 a month on food/her medications to ensure that she is properly taken care of. This also includes regular professional grooming.

If anyone would be open to providing some sponsoring of her for the month of December, she and we would be SOOOOOOOOO thankful!

Donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contacbhrr@gmail.com
*we just need to know the password

OR you can donate directly to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381 as she has an account there

As most are now aware, we closed our doors back in October for intake with the most recent big ortho medical case diagnosis for BHRR’s Oslo. Then, last week, we learned the devastating news that BHRR’s Symba actually has two blown cruciates…not one, prior to coming into Rescue.

AND Mr. Coupe has his bilateral arthroscopic elbow and bone debridement surgeries scheduled for December 1st.

AND twice over the last week, BHRR’s Devin has now had to receive veterinary medical care.

We truly are humbled by each and every rescue angel that has managed to help us keep operating this year to date……

We sincerely remain humbled by any show of consideration to assist us during what has been a year like no other in Rescue…. 

We have been the local Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue in the community since our inception in 1996 with our strong expertise being on the special needs……please consider assisting to keep us in operation for many more years to come….

BHRR’s Miss Olive!

She is our palliative 1.5 year old Saint Beauty! 

What can we say about this picture? One improvises and becomes creative when a pillow is needed for a power nap after playing with a puppy! ?

She is in big need of a virtual foster donation buddy for December if anyone may consider supporting her.

We are currently spending almost $900 a month on her meds – Proin, Gabapentin, Deramaxx, Eye Lube plus high quality fish based food.

We will have her back in for her next recheck in December plus she will be due for her next professional grooming season then too.

As those that have been following her journey are aware, four ortho specialists determined that she did not qualify for FHO surgeries or hip replacement surgeries.

Olive is also our Pseudohermaphrodite which we found out when she was in for her bilateral entropion surgery plus spay – she is actually a genetic he.

We continue to work hard to give her the best quality filled life possible.

She is always a big hit at EVC!

Donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbrr@gmail.com
*we just need to know the password

Thanks in advance for any consideration in being her December virtual foster buddy! 

AND thanks to her wonderful BHRR Haven foster home for this great photo!

My last post of my night!

Time for folks to think about what they plan on giving up for 14 days in our 9th Annual ‘Give it up 4 Autumn’ Fundraiser! 

Starts Thursday November 5th and we already have 4 people signed up to date! Be creative! Some people have even done a swear jar in the past putting money each time they or someone in their office swears and then donating the monies raised at the end of the 14 days.

All money raised shall go towards helping BHRR’s Symba and BHRR’s Coupe!

More details in the poster and please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you would like to be part of our 9th annual event!

Here are the blog links to BHRR’s Symba:

AND for BHRR’s Coupe

For those who wish to consider making a financial donation to their worthy causes, you can do so via PayPal gwen@birchhaven.org or via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com OR you can do so directly to Liston Animal Hospital 613-591-0966

We have many many many thousands of dollars to raise and we are now set back even further as sadly, BHRR’s Oslo has needed emergency care today…..

From our home to all of our friends, family & supporters, the best of good night wishes are being sent!

 

NOTICE:

Unfortunately, we find ourselves having to address the below issues once again. Every few years it seems we must re-visit this despite being very clear on our website, Facebook and Petfinder as to how we operate.

This last 24 hours we have had not one yet, two extremely unpleasant moments.

Let us be extremely clear that if people continue to disrespect what is openly stated; we will involve legal and take the necessary action(s).

Our camera’s are running.

1) we are a foster based rescue that operates out of our home and our approved fosters. NOWHERE does it state that you can just drop by, visit or ‘get’ a dog because you want one.

It is NOT even ok to leave a voice message as a ‘courtesy heads up’ that you are on your way or will be on your way shortly to our PRIVATE property which is our home.

We would never do this to you; so do not expect it to be ok to do it to us. We get so little quality family time as it is and your blatant disregard for being mindful of our family time is not going to be tolerated.

We have a very thorough adoption process which is and has been posted over and over and over again in the last shy of 25 years.

All of the steps to be considered for a BHRR approved adoption is found on our websites and even in the application. We have done our job to have the information there. It is now up to you to read and follow the instructions.

We have posted many times over that only completed applications shall be considered/reviewed. We are NOT going to respond to ANY inquiries sent via email, text, voice message, Petfinder or Facebook. This is and has been posted many times over. So Stop. Spamming via email, text, phone, and/or Petfinder is not going to receive a response. They will be deleted and if you continue, marked as spam/junk/blocked.  It is equally NOT acceptable for you to come uninvited; to our home, private property with or without any completed application in hand.

As we also post, if a dog is listed on Petfinder, on our Website or on Facebook page as being ‘Available For Adoption’, YES, that dog is still available. We directly state that we work to keep everything up to date.

We have equally posted many times over that we are not going to make exceptions to our adoption contract, processes, policies and procedures.

2) the steps to surrender a dog is also openly stated on our website.

Do NOT leave a message and then only a couple of hours later show up at our home expecting us to drop everything and put your request above all of the other needy dogs that are equally ‘urgent’.

This is our home. This is private property.

AND do not say to one of us that you left many emails or voice messages re: said dog when we communicate closely with each other and know that this is a lie.

YOU are making our work more difficult that it ever should be and trust me, operating a highly r/q Rescue is damn hard.

BHRR is not about you; it is about the animals and please allow us to do our jobs; our non paying, 24/7, 365 days a year jobs.

We have been doing this since 1996; know what we are doing, are the experts in what we do from rescue to transport, to rehabilitation to adoption, from feeding to vetting, to training to behavioural modification and so much more.

If you want to adopt; please follow the process. If you have a dog in need; please follow the process.

The Boerskins
BHRR

BHRR’s Miss Olive

Our 1.5 year old palliative Saint Bernard

She was in for a recheck for her eyes and for some other medical concerns on the 29th at EVC.

She will remain on eye meds, has been placed on antibiotics for a hot spot along with some cream for her private parts that has some urine scalding plus saliva stains.

AND thanks to a really generous loving angel BHRR’s Miss Olive’s Food/Vet bills have now been covered for the month of November!

We are currently spending almost $900 a month on her meds – Proin, Gabapentin, Deramaxx, Eye Lube plus fish based food. She also lovingly has a special Secret Santa to all her very own now. 
We shall be seeking a December sponsor(s) for her if anyone may consider supporting her….

We will have her back for her next recheck in December plus she will be due for her next professional grooming then.

We continue to work hard to give her the best quality filled life possible.

She is always a big hit at EVC!

Donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org or via contactbrr@gmail.com
*we just need to know the password

AND Miss Olive is having her next professional grooming session including a mani/pedi!

She is our palliative 1.5 year old Saint Beauty.

As those that have been following her journey are aware, four ortho specialists determined that she did not qualify for FHO surgeries or hip replacement surgeries.

She is on almost $900/month in medications/special food – we added Proin since we last posted re: her and with our Drive-Way Events; we have raised enough money to keep her bills covered until November 1st.

If anyone would consider becoming a virtual foster buddy for her for November – plus she still needs her own special Secret Santa – to help us with her necessary high quality of care, donations can be made via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com
*we just need to know the password

This is Melissa with her at Groomingdale’s who is absolutely a gem to work with for our grooming needs.

While we worry what the cold weather may bring for her; we are going to take things as they come and keep helping her live her best every day!

BHRR UPDATE!

1) In having a discussion with several members of the BHRR BOD; we shall be open as of Septermber 1st – subject to change if need be – for the intake of completed applications ONLY to consider for approved adoptions.

BHRR ONLY places per right matched personality fits and has an extremely thorough adoption screening process.

2) Unfortunately, again….in 2020 we will not be doing a BHRR Calendar. The cost is too high for what comes out of our personal pockets when that is monies that are desperately needed to keep BHRR open.

3) ISO: Auction Items for our upcoming 9th Annual Dine with the BHRR Doggies Event. Human, dogs, cat, gift baskets, gift certificates etc. ALL are welcome!

We also need draw prizes!

Please do not post your kind offers here, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com

4) It is that time again! Time to think about being a special Secret Santa to the BHRR doggies! 2020 marks our 18th year doing this!!

As of today, we still have 21 deserving BHRR doggies in need of a special SS to call their very own!

To learn more and to sign up, please do visit the link!

5) BHRR is in urgent need of the following items:
Garbage bags – all sizes
Laundry soap
Fabric Softner
Fabric Softner Sheets
Giants Sized Dog Toys
XL Costco Dog Beds
Blankets, Duvets, Towels
Paper Towels
Pinesol

6) Please do reach out if you or someone you know has a Great Dane/Giant Breed Dog in need. We are also a highly/strongly focused special needs rescue so take in other breeds as we can that are also: Deaf and/or Blind, Sick, Senior, Neuro, Injured, Pregnant, Palliative, Nursing, Other Medical, Orphaned & Behavioural

It hurts our hearts to see dogs being put to sleep when there is an organization – we have been around since 1996 – OR to see these dogs end up in disreputable places.

Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you or someone that you know needs assistance.

Miss Olive (1.5 year old Saint) is settling into her palliative foster home.

Her latest recheck showed that her eyes continue to heal slowly from her bilateral entropion surgery and are doing well! She has eye drops and when she came in for her recheck, I did a thorough clean up on both of them.

She is back for her next recheck in 2-3 weeks time.

Thanks to the generous monies that have been raised through our fundraising efforts, we have her bills for meds/special food covered until October. 

I will also be working on her getting another professional groom session in September. The first one we did was shy of $200 to get her looking and feeling beautiful.

Her monthly bills are just shy of $700 and if anyone would like to consider her cause to support to help us cover October and beyond; donations can continue to 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
*please let us know the password

Even $5 would mean the world to her and to us! 

 

“UPDATE: We have had a generous donation of $100 to go towards Miss Olive’s August sponsorship. PayPal took $3.20 in fees so she now has $96.80 towards her care for the month of August!
She would dearly love to receive sponsorship for August and for September and her bills are $700/month.
THANK you to anyone that may consider her deserving cause to support!!!”

This beautiful girl is back on Friday for her next recheck from her bilateral eye surgery plus a nail trim. The are healing very slowly and she continues to have eye irritation.

We have begun the Proin to see how it is helping her occasional overnight urinary incontinence.

The sad news – yet, we had 100% awareness going in that this could well be the case based upon the x-rays we took – that THREE ortho specialists have confirmed that Miss Olive does not qualify for FHO surgeries nor Hip Replacement surgeries.

Dr. Philibert has been conversing with myself and believes that with a continued proper med regime, we can give her quality of life for some time.

As she has now been moved to our Haven Program – a HUGE part of what we do at BHRR for behavioural and/or medical case animals – we have also moved her to a new foster home. She is now on palliative care.

She will be seen for regular rechecks as required; she will continue to enjoy professional groom sessions, she will continue to go on car rides to experience adventures; small walks so that she can enjoy people/animals and we are setting up alternative therapy options for her too.

She will have the best in food, treats and medication, not to mention LOVE! We will keep her lean and build up; her muscle mass and tone.

She will not be closeted away from the world. She will be given everything so that she will have the best of lives for as long as possible. She is now 18 months of age.

Her monthly bills for palliative care is just shy of $700 at this time and if anyone is wishing to sponsor her; donations can be via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.conm

OR direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381

You are loved Miss Olive and we got you, your Village is right here by your side!!! 

 

This was her face prior to surgery. You could not properly see her eyes. Her entropion was so bad, that she had developed corneal ulcers and it has made her visually impaired. The chronic pain and infections that she had…..

BHRR’s Miss Olive!

It was a busy Monday for BHRR!

BHRR’s Olive was in for a recheck on her eyes – and has to go back in another 10 days to see the Vet again.

We are doing a Urinalysis on her and will send to the lab as she has been having some incontinence issues, especially at night after she was altered.

AND I will be following up with the specialists in Montreal re: her hips to see if she is a possible surgical candidate as we have not heard word.

We understand and appreciate that everyone is extremely busy though.

BHRR’s Olive
18 month old St. Bernard
June 25th, 2020

One of the four x-rays we took of their hips and knees.

Both hips are bad, yet, that right hip is brutal. It is right out of the socket.

I did email the x-rays to Dr. Philibert and sadly, he does not feel that BHRR’s Olive is a good candidate for a FHO procedure, even with extensive post-op alternative rehab therapy. 

He is also not sure that BHRR’s Olive is even a good candidate for hip replacement surgery(ies) and recommended a referral to Montreal to obtain their own expert opinion(s).

We have worked with the speciality hospital DMV in Montreal many times over the years and will be sending BHRR’s Olive’s x-rays their way. We remain open to having them exam her too.

If BHRR’s Olive is not accepted as a suitable surgical candidate; then palliative care is our only option – this will be done via our continued use of Deramaxx plus Gabapentin and we do alternative medicine too.

So many of the BHRR dogs are very familiar with Chiro, Acupunture, Laser and Cold Laser, Massage, Hydrotherapy etc. and if this is where we are headed with BHRR’s Olive, then that is what we will do. She would be placed in our Haven Program, which is an enormous part of what we do at Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services.

One step at a time though…next step is to see what the DMV specialists shall say.

BHRR’s Olive’s testicles.

**GRAPHIC PHOTO**

Well, as word seems to be travelling fast, here is the news we promised re: BHRR’s Olive and the interesting/surprising findings today!

As most are now aware, today, she had her hips/knees x-rayed and I have already emailed them to Dr. Philbert!, she had her bilateral entropion surgery, her Lymes booster, a much needed manicure/pedicure AND…..

She was to have her spay today and it should have been a mature one being that she is almost 18 months of age.

Turns out, Miss Olive was only a Miss with her Vulva AS ‘she’ did not have an uterus/ovaries, instead had two small un-descended testicles and a penis was found inside of the vulva.

I have seen this in cats, yet, never in a dog in my almost 25 years in Rescue and over 16 years working in Veterinary medicine. That this is a Giant Breed dog makes it that much more of a rare find.

This explains some of her ongoing urinary issues which the surgeon said that the penis should shrink a lot over time.

So, much to think about including names….

It was another very busy and expensive day for BHRR’s Olive with procedures and we would remain forever humbled and indebted to anyone that would consider making a much needed donation to her ever mounting bills.

Donations can be made direct to her account at Eagleson Veterinary Clinic
613-383-8381

OR PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR email transfer to contacthbrr@gmail.com

She still has a very long road to go…that right hip in particular – x-rays to be posted is bad…it is right out of the socket. 

A bit more information for everyone….
 
Only 25% of these rare cases are true hermaphrodite and BHRR’s Olive does not fall under this specific category. ?
 
Without extensive testing we do not know if BHRR’s Olive is under the Male Pseudohermaphrodite category or falls under the unclassified category instead.
 
Though, we do not believe that BHRR’s Olive falls under the unclassified category as their appearance is very much as a Saint would look!
 
This is exrtemely rare, especially in a Giant Breed dog.

 

Today is a big day for BHRR’s Olive!

Will be posting more shortly – including some graphic photo’s as there were some interesting and surprise findings!  I have been doing this for almost 25 years and I thought at first staff were joking when I was told of their findings…yet, I also have pictures for documentation!

Oliver was scheduled for a spay today and was to be a mature spay at that plus a Lymes booster.

A great manicure/pedicure was done too!

Additionally, will post more including the x-rays of the hips. Both are really bad, however, that right one is completely out of the socket, poor thing. Olive’s cruciate exam did not alarm her surgeon at this time.

Will be sending the x-rays to Dr. Philibert for his expert positioning and then we will go from there.

In this picture, Olive is getting new eyes! Olive is having bilateral entropion surgery also done today.

She was a huge hit with the staff.

When she goes home later tonight she will be given a refill of her Deramaxx that we have her on since her arrival June 1st, will be adding Gabapentin and also antibiotics to her medication regime.

We are continuing to brainstorm for Fundraising ideas as despite all we have done to date, we have even more to do for Olive. SO much more!

Donations can continue to 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

BHRR’s Miss Olive!

Professional grooming session: $176.85

Having Miss Olive feel and look her best: Priceless

She had a great groom session, her foster Mama says she looks fabu and that the grooming facility thought she was an angel!

Thank you again to her wonderful foster mama for taking her and also donating a tip to the groomer! 

Miss Olive is heading into her first big surgeries later this week – bilateral entropion surgery, a mature spay and x-rays of her hips/knees to then be sent off to her ortho specialist.

Donations can continue to be sent to her Vet bills direct to Eagleson Veterinary Clinic 613-383-8381

OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org

OR via email transfer to contactbhrr@gmail.com

This lovely Miss is scheduled for her first surgery on June 25th. It shall be bilateral entropion surgery and we will take x-rays of her hips and knees and send them to ortho Specialist, Dr. Philibert.

While she is under, we will also do a mature spay plus give her a much needed manicure/pedicure.

AND prior to her surgery, what girl does not love to go to The Spa?! She is scheduled for a pampered pooch spa treatment on June 21st to make her feel and look her best heading into her first big surgery.

Her foster mama has been doing an amazing job with brushing her out – I have seen the pictures! – and this professional grooming session will enable her to look/feel even more beautiful!

At BHRR, we spare nothing for the dogs in need of our highly specialised programs and the lovely Miss Olive shall be no different.

We are still working on some Fundraisers and will update ASAP!

Thank you to all of our friends, family & supporters for helping us fight the good fight to remain in operation. We are the oldest operating Great Dane/Giant Breed Rescue in the area – here since 1996!

AND yes, that is a huge strand of drool on her face while we were at work!

*NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!*

Got her!!

More soon!

Thank you to Cassy & Colin for picking her up and thank you to Sharif and Megan for temp fostering her!

She weighed 62.9 kgs (138.38 pounds) at work today. We did blood-work, vaccines and she is now on Deramaxx for pain/inflammation.

Sadly, she is pretty much blind. Though, she had surgeries on her eyes in the past, when it is done at too young of an age for some giants; it can fail. Unfortunately, she has corneal ulcers and her eyes are very cloudy.
*EDITED TO ADD: That in seeing photo’s of her before her eye surgery, she did not have bilateral entropion surgery. She had bilateral cherry eye surgery. We are not sure why her entropion surgery had not been done at the same time.*

We will be having her spayed and do her bilateral entropion surgery ASAP.

We are still assessing her hearing and will shall repeat x-rays of her hips and knees when she is under for her spay and send off to Dr. Philibert to compare to her last x-rays and to best determine the best course of action for those hips/knees.

When she is under we will then give her a nice manicure/pedicure too.

She will start her de-worming and flea/tick plus heartworm meds tomorrow.

A HUGE hit at work, she was! 

Donations 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

In having known this Saint since she was really young, BHRR just had to step up to assist her plus her caring previous owner when they reached out to us again seeking help.

We will continue to work on ways to fundraise for her mounting Vet Bills.

One estimate was given was $10,000+ to fix her hips/knees.

*NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!*

The next in URGENT Need of BHRR.

Almost 18 month old special needs female Saint Bernard.

This is a hard owner surrender for us at BHRR.

We have been aware of this girl since she was a small puppy and her caring owner has reached out to us twice in the past re: her and possibly taking her in if necessary.

Early yesterday AM, her caring Owner reached out to us once more asking for our assistance as they want to give this girl the best possible chance of a quality of life.

This Owner has done all that they could to date for her, even getting a second opinion and a third opinion – this from ortho specialist Dr. Phiilibert – back in February.

This sweet girl – good with dogs plus humans and while she can get a bit excited around cats – has never hurt a soul; is all around awesomeness! – has severe HD and quite possibly bilateral cruciate issues. 

She did have a past surgery on her eyes and has been diagnosed with corneal ulcers. She is also said to have hearing issues. We will confirm this.

I have even had the absolute pleasure of meeting this gorgeous girl myself in the past.

That we were contacted once again for possible assistance as her Owner was now strongly considering humane euthanasia as they did not wish to see her suffer and could not take on the estimated $10,000+ to physically rehabilitate her; humbles us immensely.

We are forever touched to be entrusted with her welbeing.

We are working on a couple of Fundraisers to assist with her medical bills….

ETA to BHRR: Monday June 1st

We wil post more as we learn more and do keep her previous Owner in your hearts as this is not easy on them. 

**NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION**