It is a wild Winter Wonderland Day here! 30+ cms on its way!
Yet trying to take photoβs or video is proving to be an exercise in futility! 
None of the doggies want to get more than a few inches away from me!! None of my photo’s are anything special! Lots of photo-bombing going on!
BHRR’s Maverick with BHRR’s Leroy!
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for 2 decades.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Friday December 16th, 2016 to Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed as of Wednesday January 4th, 2017!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
Thank you for your continued understanding β The BHRR Team
Gentle Reminder!
We are at Pet Valu Hazdeldean this Saturday November 26th from 10 AM – 4 PM for our last community education and public awareness event of 2016!
We are looking at bringing BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Whisper for our famous Red Carpet Pooch Smooch Sessions!
We will be doing nails, ear cleanings and dog baths – ALL inside too!
More details in poster!
BHRR’s Baby Kaos is getting ready for Halloween! Not Yet Available For Adoption!
Remember to have safe Halloween practises for a happy Halloween for pets & kids!
NOTE: BHRR shall be closed for the intake of adoption applications and shall not approve adoptions from Monday the 24th of October to Tuesday November 1st inclusive.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
BHRR’s Dyson’s *new tail* π
He is going to feel so much better!
He was having a big pee in this picture, so the rest of him is cut off for his privacy sake! :p I could tell he really had to go when I picked him up. Kept pulling me to the door.
On our way home now!
Thank you LAH!
Dysonβs Angels: Donations made to date: $500 & Bills To Date: $696.13
Rachel
Margaret – New Collar
Alex & Karen
UPDATE: his surgery is now done and I will pick him up for around 3:30 pm. π
Dr. Liston planned on only taking about 2″ or so off his tail to help with his chronic refused to ever heal happy and sorely damaged tail issue…..
AND this ever so handsome and chill boy who loves to lean on people was dropped off this AM for his partial tail amputation at Liston Animal Hospital. π
Weight today is 129.58 pounds!
BHRR’s Dyson sure has come a long way since he first arrived to BHRR!
See you soon you sweet man!
He is still available for adoption to a right matched forever loving home once his tail heals up. π
Not the best pictures yet what a lovely man he is!
The second picture shows his goofy side!!
*CORRECTION: Location Address is: 5919 PERTH STREET, Richmond, Ontario*
Our next microchip clinic is being hosted with Dr. Zak at Pet Valu Richmond on Saturday September 10th!
Dr. Zak has now been with us for 8 microchip clinics to date and this is #9!
*No appointments necessary
*We are inside so rain or shine!
*10 AM – 4 PM
Our accreditation per CVO requirements to host this microchip clinic shall also be posted.
We shall also be doing dog baths, ear cleanings, nails for cats & dogs and will have some merchandise for sale! Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! More details in poster.
All monies raised shall go towards helping to pay off the bills for BHRR’s Dyson’s partial tail amputation that is scheduled for September 8th.
BHRR has been precedent setting/instrumental over the past almost 10 years with our Microchip Clinics in our efforts of having more dogs/cats hopefully find their way home should they become lost or stolen by being chipped.
BHRR’s Dyson is scheduled for his partial tail amputation on September 8th at Liston Animal Hospital.
If anyone may consider his cause, you can call 613-591-0966 (Liston Animal Hospital) directly and make a donation on his account. *Dyson*
Or you can make a donation via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org
Thanks from our hearts and on behalf of BHRR’s Dyson in advance!
Dyson’s Angels: Donations made to date: $100
Rachel
BHRR’s Dyson(Available for Adoption!) had his annual last night and a recheck on his perpetual happy tail…..
After years, yes years of treating this tail off and on, we are going to amputate a portion of it off. I am not one for taking off body parts unnecessarily yet we have reached a point that this is in his best interest. We did his heartworm/Lymes testing along with pre-op bw and vaccines. He is such a goof!
He has always been a lean muscled boy once we got past the beyond skinny state upon his arrival into rescue and last night, he was down a bit from his last weigh-in so we will re-evaluate his food intake plus it is time to proactively de-worm again – we like to do that twice a year even if a dog is not symptomatic.
All of us, and BHRR’s Dyson also continue wait patiently for that right matched forever loving home to find him!!
In the meantime, he romps in 3+ acres of fenced in yard, hikes in almost 148 acres of land, gets to sunbathe as he wishes on the brick deck and is loved beyond measure!
BHRR’s Salem had her own special picnic snack date yesterday and was spoiled!! Thank you to this lovely home for having her into their home! She also remains available for adoption to that right matched forever loving home.
BHRR’s Big Ben came back to BHRR yesterday after over 4.5 years in his adoptive home due to a divorce(Adopted January 5th, 2012). He was so excited to see me and I him. I now have a Vet appointment on Monday for him as he is seriously overweight, long overdue for vaccines, has not had Lymes/heartworm testing nor been on preventative since 2014. π
Welcome home my beautiful boy….
We are just 5 SLEEPIES away to our biggest Fundraiser Event of the year. π July 10th!
Thank you to everyone that is making this a most promising and exciting event again for 2016!
What has traditionally been the largest microchip fundraiser in Canada!
Kanata Animal Hospital’s 9th ANNUAL Microchip, Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!
There shall also be ear cleaning, a silent auction table, baked goodies for humans, doggie treats, Canine Water Wellness shall be there, Pet Valu shall have our dog cooling/treat station again in 2016, Pet photography, Face-painting and so much more!
Come meet some of the big dawgs of BHRR! π
No appointments necessary!
Rain or Shine!
9 AM – 4 PM
440 Hazeldean Road
Here is an update on what we are still needing:
BHRR is in search of the following items for our event for 2016!!!
Thank you in advance for any consideration!!
STILL ISO:
1) Volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities, work, friends, family, neighbours etc. Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
2) Donations of pop, bottled water, & small bags of chips.
3) NEED DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
4) Bags of ICE! ICE! ICE!
5) Silent Auction Items
6) Human Bakers
7) Dog Treat Bakers
8) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
9) Coolers to borrow for pop/juice/ice
10) Tables
11) Chairs
12) 1 more Tent – I have three, PV Stittville will have one, CWW will have one, Doogie will have one, The Maracle Family will have one.
***This event is such a great time!***
Here is the Facebook Event Page to join and stay updated! π
Coming up Saturday June 25th!!!
More details in poster!
BHRR’s Gentle Jake & BHRR’s Flame shall be with us on Saturday!
BHRR’s Salem shall be with us on the Sunday!
***UPDATE: 27 NEW Items Added Tuesday March 22nd to the Facebook Silent Auction***
The detailed rules of this Silent Auction are posted in the first photo in this album.
As many are now aware, Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.
The current size of it is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.
A short medical summary:
His third CT scan, this one on his chest has come back at this time clear of any enlarged lymph nodes and metastasis. His MRI not only confirmed that this was a complex surgery yet was even more complicated than once thought – ONLY two surgeries like he needs has ever been done to date by his two expert surgical oncologists.
His surgical team shall be upwards to 20 people now including his two surgical oncologists, his urologist and his ortho specialist plus supporting nursing team. His surgery is expected to be ~10-12 hours in length.
We now have a surgery date set of March 23rd.
We know that his one ureter is compromised, and that he may lose his one kidney. We know that he will have part of his colon removed and that his femoral nerve is at high risk of damage and./or removal. He will need to have his Psoas muscle completely removed and his Iliacus muscle will be partially removed.
He will also need to have the hernia repaired – the mass/tumour has herniated down his thigh and into his groin area.
They will send the whole mass/tumour off to histiopathology.
While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.
All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.
Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.
One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.
*The BHRR Auction will begin NOW
*The BHRR Auction will end at 9 PM EST on Sunday March 27th, 2016
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.
Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279
As many know, BHRR is a Great Dane & Giant Breed Rescue that focuses strongly on the special needs and has been around since 1996. We are federally registered and are an all Volunteer Rescue. We also work with Equines.
We have a second to none adoption success rate and also provide a safe haven for animals that are deemed unadoptable due to medical and/or behavioural reasons. BHRR also has a program that works with the homeless and their pets each XMAS – Operation D.O.G. – Donating our Goodness plus we have a Helping Haven of Hope and Happiness that works with women/children and their pets in domestic abuse situations. We have been operating these two programs for over 15 years as part of our way of continuing to help animals and people in our community.
We are a unique one of a kind program out there like none other.
While we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary of operating BHRR, instead BHRR now faces an uncertain future. BHRR does not receive any corporate, provincial or federal government support. We operate on the kindness of donations, adoption fees and we do several yearly fundraisers. However, 60% of the payment towards BHRR’s expenses comes from the pockets of Sean and myself.
With our wish to ensure that every penny that comes to BHRR goes direct to them for food and Vet bills or items of comfort like dog beds, Sean & I have been covering 100% exclusively all the rescue hydro bills -$1,040/month, Phone, Gas for transports, home-visits and vet visits etc. We cover almost 50% of all the food bills out of our own pockets – BHRR goes through almost 120 pounds of dog food a day. Vet Bills are the same.
As some are now aware, in September of 2015, my husband Sean was found to have a mass. It took until January of 2016 for the experts to diagnose said mass for he has an extremely rare cancer.
Sean has been diagnosed with a retro-peritoneal liposarcoma.
The current size of his mass is 8.2 cm x 10 cm x 21 cm. This is an extremely RARE cancer – less than 1%.
To further complicate matters, this mass has herniated down into his thigh and groin severely compromising his ureter and femoral nerve. He has had three CT scans of which his latest has shown that to date his chest remains clear of metastasis and his lymph nodes are not enlarged. His MRI has shown that his case is extremely complicated and the surgery he shall specifically require, scheduled for March 23rd has ONLY ever been done twice before by the two expert surgical oncologists assigned to him.
All of this is to say that we are not looking for sympathy or anyone to feel sorry for us.
Instead, what we are hoping to do to help ensure the future of BHRR is raise some monies to help with bills over the next three months for BHRR that we have always covered ourselves as Sean shall not be working and I myself am taking a month off without pay from my behavioural work plus shifts at the Hospital.
One way that we are hoping to cover bills is to do at least one Facebook silent auction. If anyone has an item or items that they would like to donate to this cause, please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
If anyone wishes to make an independent monetary donation, they can do so via email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org or via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org – Please use the ‘Friends & Family’ option so that we are not charged fees.
Since Sean’s mass was first discovered in September, BHRR has remained operating with top notch quality hosting successful events such as our annual creative ‘Dine with the Dogs’, BHRR mini Open Houses, BHRR ‘Private’ Experiences, community education and public awareness events and even our annual XMAS ‘Chain of Success’ Potluck.
We have successfully rehabbed and adopted quite a few dogs and assisted many other groups also during this time.
The quality and stellar standard of care of the animals’ in our care has continued without interruption and as the date nears for Sean and I to stop work as he prepares to head into his 10-12 hour surgery on the 23rd of March, it is time to now ask the BHRR village and our community to please consider helping us continue to help those in need of our programs so that we can get through the next 12 weeks.
We want BHRR to be around another 20 years and we hope that people will consider a donation to help with the expenses of the next three months.
BHRR has only taken in three new deserving dogs since January 2016 and hopes to continue with assisting more dogs once Sean’s surgery is over etc.
Thank you in advance for reading this novel….
This is a picture of my husband Sean….BHRR would not be here today without him and please do keep him in your best wishes.
We sincerely hope we can host a couple of successful auctions on with your help!!
NOTICE:
BHRR shall be closed from Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 to Sunday April 3rd, 2016 inclusive to the intake of adoption applications for processing.
Any applications received during that time will be reviewed in the order that they were received as of Monday April 4th, 2016.
Thanks for your understanding!
This Saturday and Sunday! PV Stittsville! 1250 Main Street!
BHRR’s Flame, BHRR’s Kaos and BHRR’s Steam will be with us on the Saturday!
BHRR’s Hercules will be with us on the Sunday!
BHRR’s Winter Wonder Land VIDEO #2!
Many other dogs are in VIDEO #1 and that will be on those dogs blogs and stated as VIDEO #1. This is VIDEO #2.
50+ cm of snow received today!
COMING up in four sleepies! Saturday February 13th & Sunday February 14th!
BHRR’s Steam and BHRR’s Flame shall be with us on Saturday and Sunday’s BIG DAWGS are as of yet TBA!
This is our FIRST Community Education and Public Awareness event of 2016! We have not been out since November of 2015!
No appointments are necessary and we are microchipping Saturday and Sunday and more details can be found in the poster below.
Cats and Dogs have to be minimally 8 weeks of age.
Thanks Regan and PV Kanata for hosting us that weekend! So touched as always to have your support!
ISO: Bakers! Our 3rd Annual “Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction begins Saturday January 16th, 2016 and shall run through until Sunday January 24th, 2016!
We are in search of bakers for human and/or doggie treats for this unique online auction!
All items do not need to be baked until the end of the auction to ensure freshness!
Last year we had 41 amazing goodies up for grabs! We are hoping for an equally wonderfully successful fundraiser to help a most deserving dog in our Great Dane Rescue.
If anyone may consider donating a baked goodie to our creative fundraiser, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org Please do NOT post on this thread for your kind and generous offer may be missed!
All monies raised shall go towards BHRR’ Mavie’s Vet Bills. He was back at KAH on the 14th of DecemberΒ for a post op recheck and to exam the swelling that has begun to develop again on that left front leg of his. Β He was back to not eating as well and dropping weight again. Clear signs that something is brewing…..
His had swollen lymph nodes yet was not demonstrating a fever. He is back on the Baytril 150 mg – 3 Tablets BID and that is a cost of almost $300 for just over 8 days. We are also running more bloodwork.
So, our Iron Man is not yet out of the woods………..
Thanks in advance for any consideration………
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Thursday December 17th, 2015 to Tuesday January 5th, 2016 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 6th, 2016!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will do intake.
Thank you for your continued understanding β The BHRR Team
BHRR’s 8th ANNUAL ‘JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS’ Online Auction has now begun!
Runs through to Thursday December 3rd @ 8 PM EST!
Over 50 items listed to date and some more to come!
Please consider helping us help BHRR’s Mavie!
If anyone has any items that they would like to donate, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org FOR we would be so appreciative. We only host 5 planned Fundraisers a year and BHRR’s Mavie is going to deeply benefit from all money raised in this auction.
He has his surgery scheduled to remove that left front leg implant on Tuesday November 24th with his wonderful ortho specialist. He had a sudden rejection/infection to that left implant recently and now that the Baytril(almost $600 for 16 days worth of treatment) has worked its magic on the infection, he is ‘good to go’ for surgery!
It SOON shall be time! You have been asking and patiently waiting…..get your thinking caps on!Β
It shall soon be time to sign-up for our 4th(FOURTH) ANNUAL GIVE it βUPβ 4 Autumn Event!
The deserving BHRR doggie in 2015 to benefit from this one-of-a-kind unique Fundraiser is BHRR’s Baby Kaos. Past years have seen BHRR’s Lord Stafford, BHRR’s Breen and of course, BHRR’s Autumn benefit from the kindness of others!
This Fundraiser shall run from Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 @ 12:01 AM to Tuesday November 17th, 2015 @ 11:59 PM.
WHAT will you consider to ‘give up’ for 14 days to help BHRR’s Baby Kaos?’
Please do EMAIL us contactbhrr@gmail.com with what you are ‘giving up’ to participate! We hope you may join us in ‘giving something up’ to help raise monies for BHRR’s Baby Kaos!
In the past some have given up treats or coffee and put that money away to donate, others are giving up what the money they would have spent on lessons such as riding or tennis(or putting the equivalent in a jar to donate!) AND, others have put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have – chocolate, cigarettes etc. Feel free to be creative!
More information to be found on the poster below and here is the link with all the details!
Thank you Barry for this outstanding poster!
Come VISIT us at PV Stittsville(1250 Main Street, Stittsville) for some HOWL-O-Ween Fun!
Saturday October 24th 10:00 AM β 4:00 PM &Β
Sunday October 25th 11:00 AM β 4:00 PM
Dog Baths $15,Β
Nails $10,Β
Ear Cleaning $10,Β
Microchips $40Β including registration – Cats/Dogs must be minimally 8 weeks of age
Merchandise for Sale!Β
Visit some of the βbig dawgsβ of BHRR! Dogs TBA
*No Appointments necessary!Β
RAIN OR SHINE!
**BHRR is still in search of a few approved Volunteers to lend a hand Saturday and/or Sunday! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if you can help!**
All monies raised shall go towards paying off our current accumulated Vet Bills for amazing deserving dogs like BHRR’s Kaos, BHRR’s Raven and just this past week BHRR’s Porridge.
NOTE:
From Monday October 19th to Monday November 2nd, 2015 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
………………………………………
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
NOTICE: BHRR shall be closed from today to Wednesday September 23rd, inclusive. Our facebook page shall also be unpublished during that time for thanks to an incredible angel dream team network of our solid top notch beautiful strong village and community, we are making a dream come true for an extremely special young lady.
Any adoption applications that come in during this time shall be processed in the order they arrive upon the re-opening of BHRR.
ONLY urgent requests for assistance shall be replied to as we are here 24/7 to help the Danes and other Giants in need! All non urgent matters will be addressed upon the re-opening of BHRR.
Requests can be emailed to gwen@birchhaven.org or contactbhrr@gmail.com or text to 613-725-4279 or calls can be made to the same number.
For any offers of items for our September 26th Annual Dine With THE BHRR DOGGIES Event, – looking for brochures, pens, pencils, key chains, promo materials for 40 Loot bags – AND more auction items, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org We would be beyond grateful for any consideration to our cause.
We are a small group and host very few planned fundraisers a year and would embrace any gift certificates or other items for human, animal – cat, dog, horse, bird etc. – with such sincere gratitude plus appreciation. Thank you from our hearts in advance!
We are also going to stop our unique 2016 BHRR calendar sales at this time. If you have not yet ordered yours, we shall see if we have any left when we re-open to be purchased.
I leave all with this great photo of BHRR’s Salem below from her special picnic play date with the Maracle family! Thank you for the photo!
This Saturday!
Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg very kindly asked if we would do one of our popular mini microchip clinics at their location and we shall be at their lovely location
Saturday August 22nd from 10 am – 4 pm!
*No appointments necessary
*Microchips $40 includes registration
*Nails $10
*Ear Cleaning $10
*Face Painting and Feathers by the ever talented and kind Dee Dick
*Famous Pooch Smooch Red Carpet Sessions $5
*Merchandise from sale
*Some baked goodies
We are still ISO: Three approved BHRR Volunteers to help out this day! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com if interested!
THANK you Global Pet Foods – Hintonburg for this great opportunity to see more cats/dogs(minimum 8 weeks of age) microchipped!
All monies raised shall go to BHRR’s Kaos’ mounting Vet Bills. He is the 6 week old Great Dane puppy that we were asked to assist that has a growth plate fracture and a knee concern.
AND here is the event page to join!
HERE is the poster! To our 8th Annual KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser being hosted at Kanata Animal Hospital on Sunday July 12th from 8 AM – 4 PM.
*No Appointments necessary
*Dogs/Cats need to be minimally 8 weeks to be microchipped
*Bake table
*Silent Auction
*Photography
*Face-Painting & MORE!
ENDS Thursday April 23rd @ 9 PM EST – We currently have $960 in bids to date!
To read all details and to bid, CLICK HERE!
Microchips $40 includes registration – for cats, dogs – minimum age is 8 weeks
Nails $10
Ear Cleaning 410
Saturday: BHRR Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Herbie-licious, The Love Bug, BHRR’s Angel Noelle and BHRR’s Riot
Sunday: BHRR’s Dogs Attending: BHRR’s Salem, BHRR’s Liberty and possibly BHRR’s Hercules – the third dog is not yet 100% determined.
GENTLE Reminder:
BHRR's Gretta's angels have been working quietly plus hard behind the scenes on a special Fundraiser event to help raise some much needed monies to help her with the bills from her cruciate repair surgery and rehab journey.
Thanks is appreciatively extended to Pet Valu – Manotick for helping us, AND, for hosting this event on Sunday February 15th, 2015 from 10 AM – 4 PM
This is the 'Grooming For Gretta – Sweetheart Spa' Fundraiser!
No APPOINTMENTS necessary!
BHRR is still ISO: two more approved BHRR Volunteers willing and open to helping lend a hand that day!
This is not a community education or public awareness event for BHRR yet, we will have some merchandise for sale such as our signature leash sleeves plus magnets. smile emoticon
Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
THANKS once again MUST be shouted out to BHRR BOD member B. Cole for such an amazing poster!
Winter Wonderland At BHRR
February 3rd, 2015
It was time for a new and updated Photo!
All of them are waiting for the kids to come home from school – what they do not seem to realize is Mason was already home! π
Part of how I got to spend my Birthday….many of our approved temp fosters have come to spend the day to play and visit – my own car would not start – darn cold! – and, so, instead of meeting at a local 'best kept secret' walking place, they came here to play on our 148 acres!
Back in December, Fran from Global Pet Foods Bank Street (1176 Bank Street) phoned plus emailed us to inquire as to our thoughts in being the rescue to benefit from the annual Global 'Show Us Your Heart' Campaign.https://www.facebook.com/GlobalPetsBank
Fran said that they have been following some of the great work that BHRR has been doing and, wanted to direct funds raised during their annual campaign in 2015, our way.
To say that we felt humbled and deeply honoured, was putting it lightly. We feel so privileged to have been chosen by Global Pet Foods Bank Street, out of so many out there in the community doing such much needed and essential work helping animals…….
This exciting campaign begins January 31st and shall run through to February 14th, 2015
If you visit their store, you can make a donation in any amount you desire, and, you can write your name or that of your beloved pet(s) on a beautiful red heart and, it will be displayed with such pride and thanks at their store!
All monies raised shall go towards BHRR's Gretta's Vet Bills – she took a bad fall at her approved temp foster home and, we have to now repair the cruciate in her back left leg. Her surgery is January 29th at Liston Animal Hospital. It was the first surgical date we could get…….
Thank you Global Pet Foods Bank Street AGAIN for selecting our small r/q Rescue to support……be it $5 or $50 or more that is raised during your annual campaign, it will mean the world to us!!! AND, to BHRR's Gretta!
Barry, thank you SO much again for working with me on this poster. It is gorgeous!
Our 2nd ANNUAL 'Breaking Bills Baking' Online Auction' starts TODAY – Saturday January 17th, @ 7 AM EST!
We will have 40 extremely generously donated and, delicious items. THANKS to all the baking angels that are making this annual event possible!!!
All monies raised in this Annual Fundraiser shall go towards BHRR's Maverick's Vet Bills. His current Bills are over $15,300.00 which includes three leg surgeries.
To read more details about the auction(those darn rules!) and, to view the items up for grabs so far….please visit the below link and scroll down the page…….Our latest new delectable array of items include Rice Krispies, Macaroons and, at least 5 l of the special pasta sauce that we served at our annual September "DINE WITH THE BHRR DOGGIES' event.
If anyone else would like to donate a baked goodie or goodies, it is NOT too late…all items do not have to be made until the auction is over to ensure freshness for the winner(s), please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Already 2015 is shaping up to be another extremely busy year for the special animals in need of us, as we have the Male Blue GD with the untreated broken leg and, have another Dane – BHRR's Gretta that will require a cruciate repair(Surgery is on January 29th) NOT to mention The Lord Stafford and his continued mounting Vet Bills.
We were able to assist 16 dogs in 2014, and, 24 dogs in 2013. We will assist as many as we can responsibly take on with quality and, resources in 2015.
THANK you Barry for working with me on this gorgeous poster!!!!
We will be out to visit around 11 AM on Saturday ourselves to get some photos' and, I am hoping to bring BHRR's Ichabod Crane, BHRR's Zayna and BHRR's Salem for their very first XMAS photo's!
I heard a rumor that BHRR's Mav 'could' also put in a celebrity appearance!
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shut down period for this year is from Monday December 15th, 2014 to Tuesday January 6th 2015 inclusive.
Any applications received during this time will be processed/reviewed on Wednesday January 7th, 2015!
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need and will do intake.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
How blessed are we that Chuck Desjardins Photography and, Pet Valu Innes & Belcourt(3838 Innes Road, Orleans, Ontario) chose our group as one of the two(Collie Rescue Network is the other r/q group) to benefit from their Christmas Photo's Fundraiser!
Photo's $15 Each OR 2 for $20
Date: Sunday December 7th, 2014
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
***This is not a community education event yet, we shall be heading on our to just hang and bring some of the BHRR dawgs to thank people!
TOMORROW!
BHRR's Stafford will be ready on his red carpet with roses in paw to hand out to his first 24 smoochers! I even heard that he may wear a bow tie!
BHRR's Maverick and BHRR's Ichabod Crane are also coming.
BHRR's 3rd ANNUAL unique 'GIVE IT UP 4 AUTUMN' Fundraiser shall benefit BHRR's Stafford!
WHAT will you 'give up' for 14 days to help BHRR's Stafford?'
Please do EMAIL us with what you are 'giving up' to participate! Some are giving up chips, wine, coffee, another is giving up chocolate, AND, one person is going to even put in their jar, donations for cravings that they have for the chocolate they are giving up. Feel free to be creative! π
UPDATE: We have 21 participants so far!
Starts November 4th! Please consider 'giving something up' for a 14 day period and, then donating the funds saved to BHRR's Stafford's bills!
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE (You do not need a PayPal account either)
A file is set up at Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 and they will take Visa, M/C and AMEX over the phone under the account of ‘Birch Haven Rescue’ for ‘Stafford’. They will take Debit or Cash in person at 440 Hazeldean Road in Kanata, Ontario
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services C/O Gwendilin Boers 2425 Totem Ranch Road West RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal to gwen@birchhaven.org (please use the ‘gift’ option OR the ‘friends and family’ option) OR we shall have to pay service charge fees
Please consider going to the Helping Ottawa Fur Kids Facebook Page and, 'liking' our photo and, then putting in the comment section 'this amazing rescue gets my vote!' Contest ENDS Wednesday October 22nd at NOON and, each of the 6 rescues participating will receive a monetary donation, based upon where they rank upon the close of the contest. THANKS in advance for your consideration!
NOTE:
From Monday October 20th to Monday November 3rd, 2014 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
UPDATE: BHRR's Dyson had his annual today and, he weighs a very fit, svelte, muscled 59.50 KGS(130.90 pounds) and, is most likely a smidge more as, he wiggled.
A++++ all around on his exam and, his 'new' happy tail injury does not seem to require antibiotics this time around, yet, he will be on Deramaxx for the next few days. Some bw done and, a nail trim and tons of loving! He was such a good boy….really brave and, wagging that tail!!! I also gave him his October Revolution. π
He and all of his fans remain patient that his right matched forever loving home shall find him!
BHRR's Dyson's annual is scheduled for October 7th.
BHRR shall be attending our THIRD of ONLY four community education & public awareness events for this year, on October 4th & October 5th! The last community education/public awareness event that we attended was in May!
Pet Valu Stittsville so very kindly has invited us back in 2014 to be at their locale on October 4th & October 5th for their 'THANKS FOR GIVING' Event and, shall help us host some great activities!
AND, we will have BHRR doggies in attendance! Please visit the below link to find out which amazing BHRR doggies are coming which day!
From October 1st – October 16th, Pet Valu Stittsville will be selling 'Paper Pumpkins' for a donation and, your name and/or that of your pet(s), will be proudly displayed on said pumpkin put up at Pet Valu! Pet Valu will also be collecting material donations for BHRR during this time – we are in need of xpens(36" & 48"), Pinesol, Paper Towels, Lysol Wipes, Costco Dog Beds and, bath mats!
BHRR's EVENT PAGE For The 'THANKS FOR GIVING' WEEKEND AT PET VALU STITTSVILLE!
BHRR is still seeking 1 BHRR approved Volunteers to hang with us and zee big dawgs on the Saturday and one to hang with us on the Sunday! Please do email contactbhrr@gmail.com
Thank you's must be extended from my heart to Bre and her fabu staff at Pet Valu Stittsville, to Melissa of Groomingdale's who is donated all nail trims and grinds(Friday/Saturday/Sunday) to BHRR AND, also to Ashley of AMB Photography!
AND, last but never least, thank you again to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this great poster!
HERE is our poster for our NEXT Microchip Clinic! PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans contacted us months ago to see if we would host one of our established Microchip Clinics at their locale. Honored again to be able to have the opportunity to chip more dogs & cats to help ensure they have a better chance of finding their way home if they are lost or stolen. SO important to microchip!
PV Innes & Belcourt, Orleans, Microchip & Nail Trim happening on Sunday September 21st, 2014!
*NO appointments Necessary
**Cats & Dogs – as long as they can comfortably be held
*RAIN OR SHINE – We are indoors that day!
Here is the Testimonial sent my way by the kind person who won the special picnic date with BHRR's Dyson. This individual is also a very valued BHRR Volunteer of ours.
Rachel Ng:
"Hi Gwen, this is my testimonial on BHRR Dyson.
I have known BHRR Dyson since the day he came to BHRR and he has certainly come a long way.
On that first day, I remember him being distrustful and uncertain of the outside world. With a loving environment and proper care, he has now blossomed into a goofy, playful and curious dog that has never met a dog/person he hasn't liked (that i have witnessed). He greets everyday with the same excitement and joy. Once he knows you are trusted, you have gained a friend.
I have seen Dyson interact with dogs of all ages and sizes; both familiar and unfamiliar to him. I have found that as long as an introduction is done properly, Dyson will have made an instant friend. Most recently, Dyson met my dog and got along famously with her. Through the day of hiking and picnicking, both seemed to enjoy each others company and even lay together for a rest. For my dog to accept an unfamiliar dog and be comfortable enough to lay beside and be touching the other dog is truly saying something about Dyson!
As for people, he seems to enjoy the company of everyone and anyone. I have only ever see him react to a few men. The reaction has always been the same: a low growl, no lunging, his tail wagging…it almost seems more like a curiosity reaction with a mix of unsure. That being said, these men have all been wearing hats and sunglasses, their face/features hidden. When this has happened, I have been able to easily divert his attention and continue with our activity.
Overall, Dyson is a great dog and would make a great companion to that right family. He has come a very long way from that distrustful and unsure dog. He still carries some of his past with him though, but in the proper hands, it will matter naught."
BHRR's Dyson's Special Picnic Date Photo's!
STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
Thank you to the lovely humans that gave him this very wonderful day experience!
He made a new friend and, from what I hear, Skittles is quite smitten back in turn with him! π
Yet, another great moment given to this lovely dog that continues to make him such a well balanced and solid bo
BHRR's CHAIN OF SUCCESS!
Photo's #1, #2 & #4 are courtesy of Rachel Ng.
HERE is our poster for the PV Kemptville Microchip & Nail Trim happening on August 16th, 2014!
*NO appointments Necessary
*RAIN OR SHINE – We are indoors that day!
HAPPENING TODAY! Sunday July 13th!!! DO not forget mark your calendars!!! π RAIN OR SHINE!!!
BHRR ONLY hosts 4 planned Fundraisers a year. This is our 2nd one of 2014.
We know and accept that for the first time ever, that we shall be seeing some showers in 2014. BOO! π
AND, we are prepared for the weather to make your day a blast! π
AND Microchips, Nails per our protocol plus the Silent Auction & BOW WOW Butchers shall be inside the Hospital.
We have 8 tents with a spare on hand to keep everyone dry for ALL the outside activities! π
Microchips for cats/dogs & Nails for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits etc! π
Rogers Community Cruiser shall be in attendance 9:30 – 11:30 AM with complimentary coffee/timbits
Dr. Amy Jewiss shall be present from 10 AM – 2 PM to discuss acupuncture and other services she now offers at Kanata Animal Hospital
Daryl of BOW WOW Butchers WILL also be in attendance!
Facebook 'PRE-EVENT' Mini Auction – 7 For 7! – AUCTION ENDED JULY 12th AT 12 NOON EST!
FaceBook Online Auction Album can be found HERE
There are 7 items(in honor of this being our 7th YEAR hosting this one of a kind Fundraiser) AND, shall be hosted for 7 days, that shall be available for bidding as of Saturday July 5th!
*The BHRR Auction will begin at 6:00 AM EST on Saturday July 5th, 2014. Unfortunately, bids submitted prior to this time cannot be considered.
*The BHRR Auction will end at NOON(12) PM EST on Saturday July 12th, 2014.
*All bid prices are in Canadian funds.
*Bids must be done in $2.00 or Greater increments.
*S&H is available on all but one Item – Item #3
Any questions, please do email gwen@birchhaven.org or call (613) 725-4279
BHRR's Treasure's home-visit for a possible approved adoption has been scheduled for Sunday June 29th. We will also be bringing along BHRR's Dyson. We shall be updating his blog as we can.
COMING up Saturday July 5th, 2014! Thank you to Critter Jungle for asking us to come back again in 2014!
Microchips $40 includes registration
Nail Trims $10
Dog Wash $10
*NO appointments necessary!
BHRR's Dyson came road tripping with myself and one of our amazing approved BHRR Volunteers, Margaret on June 1st, to do a home-visit in the TO, Ontario area. The home was really taken and smitten with BHRR's Jetta(they had met her at our November BHRR "EXPERIENCE' Mini Open House) and, we said we could bring another dog to this home visit and, they chose BHRR's Dyson.
He did great on the car ride, no surprise there! π BHRR's Jetta was the car seat hog!
It was clear to see from the moment we arrived, that BHRR's Jetta was the right match hands down and BHRR's Dyson, was not as comfortable and was a bit stressed. This is why home-visits are so important. This ended up being a great experience for BHRR's Dyson for he was able to visit a new home, travel, try more at city life and, have even more hands love on him. We went for a walk to the boardwalk on the beach(gosh, that experience for me was second to none, as it was for Margaret too!) and, he demonstrated yet again, that there can be a dog or two that makes him not comfortable and, with positive correction(he will do a small bark and pull a bit), he carries forward on the walk without any issues. It is fear that makes him that way and, it is more male dogs than female dogs, size does not matter and, when he meets the dogs, no problem. However, if the dog starts barking and lunging at him first, he will bark back and stiffen in fear. In all the time that we have had him, I have only witnessed that once and, that is in an earlier blog. We do not allow him to meet a dog that, he will bark or do a small pull at. That can enable 'negative attention seeking behaviour' and, the meeting will be on our terms, not his. By taking this approach, this does not create a 'monster'.
This is why it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO important to get this otherwise, goofy boy in the hands / homes of a dog experienced home ONLY. Dane experience as posted previously is not the most important thing. He lives in complete harmony in my home and, has seen many a dog come in and out during his own time with us and is crate trained, housebroken, proven to be great with dogs of all sizes – even the 30 pound puppy here right now – the guinea pigs, horses etc. – yet, there can still be a dog or two upon our journeys' out and about that can make him uneasy and, a home needs to know how to positively, quickly and effectively handle this and, then passively ignore and move forward. We do not 'feed' into any anxiety and, we do not reward the behaviour. He is given a calming word/signal and, positive correction and we carry on. Since his time with us, I can count five dogs that he has barked at and, he has been to a LOT of places with us.
It is essential that anyone considered to adopt him be well aware of this, and, that we want him continuing to be the best dog he can be. He is not a dog that you just let loose in a dog park(most dogs and their owners do not belong at dog parks as is!).
As for cats, we were originally told her was great with cats and, he has not given me any reason to suspect he would not be good with cats, yet, integration is key for the success of all involved. He has not officially been cat tested at BHRR. He has been fine with the ones he has seen at work at the Hospital and, at Pet Valu when we were there. The cats that we saw on our walk in Toronto did not phase him. There was one flighty small dog that, I think he thought was a black squirrel that caught his attention and, he was reminded of his manners, and, we kept walking on the leash.
I do not want to see him in a busy city environment. A quiet neighbourhood in the city is fine yet, at this home visit in what is called 'the beaches' in Toronto, was way too much for him. He was alert and a bit strained. Yet, by the time we left many many delightful hours later, he was much more relaxed(not yawning or lip licking so much) and, asking for love. Before then, if he was not pacing, he was trying to stress sleep and, did not want me out of his sight. He was happy to explore the home, did great on the stairs and, had no issues with the three other dogs in the home.
Country or rural home is great too yet, I want to be assured that he would have continued exposure to new things – he did fine with air brakes in Toronto and alarms and sirens and crowds. Was not his 'thing' yet, he was not panicked or terrified. He is initially a bit reserved and aloof with people he does not know and, we just ask people to allow him to come to them. Once, he 'stakes out the land', he can be sitting in your lap if you blink too slow. π
He still resources over his kibble and he remains eating in a crate and, the resourcing is not to humans(we are always careful to make sure he knows we are there and, going to take his bowl) yet, to other dogs. This is not uncommon behaviour on a dog that was emaciated at one time. He is allowed to eat in peace and, he shares the water bowl without any issues.
With all the dogs here, he is not the dominant one by any means and, is quite an easy keeper, yet, we are a very experienced dog home, a multi dog experienced home also.
He can still pull on his leash in distraction types of settings yet, better and better!
He is a magnificent dog and in that right matched forever loving home is going to thrive yet, he is not a status symbol, a 'cool' colour of dog to have and nor is he perfect. He is 100% perfect in all of his imperfections though! π
Below are two photo's from June 1st in Toronto, Ontario. I am still in awe that we were only 11 minutes away from the CN tower yet, the beach was right there off the lake, parks(three of them) and so much more. Felt so tropical!
GENTLE REMINDER!
We are at PV Hazeldean – 457 Hazeldean Road on Saturday May 3rd from 10 AM – 3 PM!
This is s ONLY our second Community Education & Public Awareness Event for 2014 and, we are ONLY doing a total of 4!
MORE Details HERE!
In attendance representing BHRR shall be:
BHRR's Ethel
BHRR's Groves
& I will be bringing my own GD Matrix – I am neutering him on Friday and, so, he is going to be on Gwennie watch!
UPDATE: Below is the lovely board that Bre of PV Stittsville has put together in support of PAWS for BHRR!
Total of PAWS/Event Sales/Donations as of April 30th, 2014 – THANK YOU to all of the supporters: $5,140
*The goal that PV Stittsville has set for the month that includes the April 12/13 activity weekend: $5,000
We shall be bringing: Saturday April 12th, – BHRR's Flint, BHRR's Noelle and BHRR's Leroy
We shall be bringing: Sunday April 13th – BHRR's Torque, Mr. Bubbles and BHRR's Treasure
AND, the councilor shall be at PV Stittsville for around 11 AM – 12:30 PM along with the paper!
AND, we will be doing doggy tattoos for a $5 donation!
**Blow pens and stencils and non toxic materials to be used
ON Saturday April 12th – BHRR will be at their Store from 10 AM – 3 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!
ON Sunday April 13th – BHRR will be at their Store from 11 AM – 4 PM with BHRR Dogs TBD!
MARK your calendars! HERE is the poster for PV Stittsville's annual PAWS Event! BHRR was so incredibly touched to have been chosen again in 2014 to be the recipients of this event! π If anyone wishes to have a copy of this poster to help crosspost and share this event, PLEASE EMAIL
We would be so grateful for all the assistance in getting the word out!
For the whole month of April, PV Stittsville(1250 Stittsville Main), for your kind and giving donation, will have 'PAWS' that your name OR your pet(s) name will be written on and put up in their store in BIG appreciation. Funds from this Event will be used to help pay for BHRR's Purse Puppy, Coach who has been diagnosed at this time with at minimum, a congenital heart condition AND BHRR's Porridge, diagnosed with a nasal tumor.
BHRR shall only be making a maximum of 6 Public Awareness & Community Education appearances in 2014 and this is our first! π We are booked for four to date, and, one more is in the works! COME on out, visit with us, some of the BIG DAWGS of BHRR and, have some fun! π
BHRR shall be at PV Stittsville on Saturday April 12th(10-3 PM) & Sunday April 13(11-4)!
FOR more details of this MUST ATTEND Event, please visit HERE!
Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry once again, for hammering out with me this incredible poster! So talented!!! AND, thank you being publicly extended to our much loved extended fam at PV Stittsville for inviting us back again in 2014!!! π
HERE is the poster for our 3rd ANNUAL BHRR 'Special 1-on-1-Date' With A BHRR Dog Online Auction –
ENDS Thursday April 24th @ 9 PM EST! Details HERE!
Winners to be located in the Ottawa, Kanata, Gatineau, Orleans, Kemptville, Prescott, Brockville, Kingston areas ONLY
THANK you BHRR BOD member Barry AGAIN for this awesome poster!!! So talented!
If anyone would like to help us crosspost this event and share this poster, please EMAIL!
Very sadly, BHRR’s Dyson is the latest for this season for a coyote grab. π π Once again, just like last spring, we will be out with the neighbours ‘working’ on the problem and spending the spring and summer and fall, trying to continue to find ways to keep them away and from causing problems in the wintertime. This is the second winter now, that we have had big issues with the coyotes. π π
GENTLE REMINDER & UPDATE – This event will NOW also be used to also help BHRR’s Porridge – Rushed into KAH March 19th for when I returned from being out of the country, he was not well. He had dropped 3 KGs(6.6 pounds) – he is down to 74 KGs, had a nasal discharge, flared nostrils, no temp yet, belly breathing and could not breathe with his mouth closed, had not drank anything in over 24 hours, minimal eating, lethargic, swollen lymph nodes and, could not rest on his side(his fav resting spot).
PORRIDGE VET RESULTS TO DATE: Full exam done, lungs sounded ok, did a full blood work up including a heart blood test(awaiting results, we could not use Dormitor(if he did have a heart condition, this would be not in his best interest) to sedate for x-rays and the Torb barely took his anxiety edge off(we were not able to do his nails as he needs the Dorm also to sedate him) and, we could only get the right lat for x-rays yet, the heart on that side look almost completely normal. There was no noticeable bulge or significant enlargement yet, we had to take four shots to get his full chest and lungs just of the one side and the left side could not be completed at this time. We took biopsies of his lymph nodes, heart rate was elevated. The staff there noted how poor his energy level was from his norm ‘must maim with my happy tail and enthusiasm hyper harle happy boy ‘tude’ and while, he did eat some wet canned food, he had a hard time trying to eat anything dry and could only take one dry piece of T/D that was offered to him. The Vet has prescribed Doxy for him 4 tabs BID of the 100 mg IN case it may be infection related yet, he would not be presented ‘classically’ if that were the case. Yet, we are being proactive from all angles.
He went down hill so fast while I was away and, I thank all for monitoring him and I have trusted and do trust that those that were here, did keep his best interest at heart and, did not see fit to bring him in. I was completely ok for hi to go in for peace of mind and, I had been told that he was eating and drinking well and energy level was ok, no nasal discharge and lungs were clear(one person here is a nurse). In discussing him in more depth tonight with some of the wonderful souls that were here, it was noted that a weight loss had been seen, that drinking levels had gone down and energy level had changed. He was apparently fine and completely normal up to late last week and, I arrived home on Tuesday early afternoon. Whatever he has, it is aggressive….. π
AND, in the 24+ hours that I have been home, his condition from there worsened further and, I jumped in bringing him in ASAP. Even called KAH to change his appointment to an earlier time slot.
Possible diagnosis at this time range from early heart to early lymphoma to early nasal tumor. Good case scenario, an infection of some sort.
AND, here is the PV Stittsville, Nail Trim Event Poster! $15 for grinds/$10 for Trims on Saturday March 22nd from 10 am – 5 pm, and, all money shall benefit BHRR’s Coach, our ‘heart’ boy!
Purse Puppy Coach shall be coming with me after my work shift on March 22nd,Β – around 2:30 PM to visit and thank all those that will be there AND, he will be doing ‘KUDDLES 4 KASH’ to also help raise some money for his bills. AND, for those that have had the pleasure of hugging this boy, he is DELIGHTFUL! I may also bring BHRR’s Angel Noelle or perhaps BHRR’s Torque! π
On Tuesday March 4th, BHRRβs Purse Puppy’s Coach weight was 14.9 KGs(37.78 pounds)! Since his arrival into Rescue, he has put on 34.28 pounds! π In just 14 weeks! π
I have a huge blog post to make from this Vet visit and then coming back the next day for emergency x-rays and an ECG (the results were suppose to be back within 24 hours….) and, from there, the next steps for him. I have the report from the one Vet to post and, I have passed along all information and details to PVAR who have the other two puppies and who adopted the mom. At the minimum, it is believed that he has a congenital condition. π AND, the chances that HE is the only one in that large litter to have this condition is slim to none.
As I am heading offline for the next week+, blog updates will be to a minimum to none – SORRY! π I am going out of the country and later this year, also plan on going back out of the country as I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicarauga to assist/train/mentor in a spay/neuter clinic and, to work with the strays etc. over there.Β So, I will post as I can and, thanks to all that follow the blogs!!! π
Now, we just have to have those right matched forever loving homes find all of these great BHRR doggies that are AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION! π
Get today’s Metro Ottawa to read all about Liz Bradleys’ incredible Rescue Pawtraits & the Ottawa Dog Blog! See BHRR’s Dyson – bottom right! He is patiently still waiting for that right matched forever loving home to find him!
Please consider heading to PV Stittsville to participate in our FIRST EVER(Annual or Bi-Annual – not decided as of yet) $5(Five) 4 Food Fundraiser – February 1st to February 28th inclusive!
$1,518.00 DONATED To Date as of February 22nd, 2014!
I want to thank PV Stittsville immensely for being so open and supportive for BHRR to have our unique and creative Fundraiser at their lovely store! All money donated is being used to buy Dog Food from their store. As the generous, kind and extremely thoughtful donations are coming in, the incredible staff at PV Stittsville are using the funds to buy dog food as we are in our food crisis now. Sean has already gone in to pick up what food has been bought to date and, I will be in on Saturday to pick up the next bags that thanks to the community's big hearts, more is continuing to be able to be purchased.
We are hoping that this Fundraiser shall be successful! We are so happy to be showing our own hearts in turn to the store that is making this all possible and to buy all the food we can with the monies that come in. THANK YOU to the village that is surrounding BHRR and, PV Stittsville!!
AND, the 2nd annual PV Stittsville Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bones Event is in full swing! 11 have already been purchased to donate to the animals(each BHRR dog has a photo attached to one bone) of BHRR! TY! TY! Be sure to visit PV Stittsville, while BHRR DOGGIES LAST! π
**As OF FEBRUARY 15th, 2014, ALL BHRR DOGGIES HAVE A Secret Admirer Sweetheart Knuckle Bone!**
AND thank you to BHRR BOD member Barry Cole for working with me again on this fabu poster!
HERE is the poster! THANKS Barry for working with me again! The final product has turned out wonderfully!
If anyone wishes to have a poster to put up at their work or share on fb etc., PLEASE EMAIL
I am still slowly catching up on blogs from 2013 and, so, am now on BHRR’s Dyson’s blog! π For the blogs that you see ‘new’ beside, you may have to scroll way down to see all updated blog posts as, I am trying to make them date appropriate/relevant.
Below is a VIDEO that was sent my way of when BHRR’s Dyson was at the PV Hazeldean event on August 10th, 2013. π
AND, here is his XMAS photo from December 24th, 2013 as part of our tradition at BHRR!
HE is doing great and while, there is a lot of interest in BHRR’s Dyson, it is all the wrong interest….only the right matched forever loving home for him and, for any of our BHRR dogs. Our success rate was 100% for over 10 years of operating and, now that we are in year 18th, we are 99%. That speaks volumes to how our well our adoption processes are working.
BHRR’s Dyson AUGUST 10th, 2013 VIDEO
BHRR’s Dyson – December 24th, 2013
Since December 22nd, 2013, Sean & I have been working to renovate our Sunroom. It was time. Though, we have re-painted it twice since we moved in, the tiles that we put in back in 2000 were worn and the room needed aΒ ‘face lift’ in many ways.
Yet, it is very difficult doing renovations with animals and kids, especially when we installed radiant floor heating and we put it on and, the dogs took over in this cold! LOL
Below is a photo of them enjoying the new tile we laid(porcelain) with the radiant floor heating on. It has been so cold, that, even the Wolfies and Saints and Newfs are loving the floor! Makes it a bit hard to work around them to prime and paint and tile and, install a new door and a new fan and…and…and! I will be glad when it is is all done. IT has been a process. π
Those long legs on the right side are BHRR’s Maverick’s! He is back on January 31st for his latest x-rays to be sent off to Dr. Philibert to review.
BHRR – our ‘work in progress – we call our home ’25-life’ – sunroom – January 2014
*WE ARE STILL IN A FOOD CRISIS!!! WE ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS LEFT π π
OUR FIRST OF 2014* FOOD = LIFE for the animals of BHRR!
PLEASE consider our cause and donate a bag or funds for food! We thank you from our hearts for any consideration!
PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU CAN HELP US with our dog food fund/needs!
UPDATE:
LESS than 6 hours to get your chance to bid/win on our first ever ‘Breaking Bills Bake’ Online Auction!
All items will be baked fresh! ENDS tonight(Thursday January 23rd @ 9 PM EST)
We have 32 amazing items up for grabs and this, shall be a yearly Fundraiser for BHRR moving forward!
BAKE SALE ONLINE Auction to assist with BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s(the beaten/abused puppy that was also picked up and thrown and had her one leg/elbow broken and was never treated that required a leg amputation) Vet Bills has begun!
Please consider participating and crossposting. THANK YOU!
She also has a YouCaring Fundraiser page!
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/-caring-an-arm-a-leg-for-christmas-puppy/124645
BHRRβs Angel Noelleβs βBREAKING BILLS BAKEβ Online Auction Fundraiser
*Items do not need to be baked until the Online Auction is over. π
ONLINE AUCTION: STARTS January 18th, 2014(7 AM EST) & ENDS January 23rd, 2014(9 PM EST) β We have 32 items to date!
Thank you to EACH person who has stepped up to help us with sharing this request for donations for this fundraiser, offering to make an item, sending those very precious notes of support and kindness AND, in believing in this very special ‘angel’! As always, thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! What a brutal start to 2014, we have had at BHRR. π With being in a food crisis, BHRR’s Angel Noelle’s amputation and, BHRR’s Blooms’ gas bloat. π
All monies raised in this Online Auction shall go towards paying for BHRRβs Angel Noelleβs Bills.
This sweet Rottiex puppy used to live in a crackhouse. She lived a life of constant abuse and, at 12 weeks of age, she was abused, picked up and thrown. Her leg/elbow was broken and left untreated for another 12 weeks. She received no medical treatment during this time as my leg worked to try and heal on its own. I was terrifed and in extreme pain.
On Christmas Eve, an βangelβ contacted Gwen and, asked if Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabiltition(BHRR) could assist. BHRR immediately stepped up and another βangelβ came to her rescue and took her from this very bad place as βbecause I whimpered in painβ, the Owners wanted me gone ASAP and would have killed me if I had stayed with them.
On Monday January 13th, 2014, her leg was amputated and her bills will be close to $5,000 once all of her rehab is finished. She still has to have post-off follow-ups/exams, vaccines, physiotherapy etc.
Β
Here is a copy of a post that I made on our Birch Haven Facebook Page. For those that are inquiring as to ‘where’ the page went.
As we have many followers that are not on facebook, this is a post that can be ignored. π For those that do follow us on facebook and, missed this post, here is a copy….
This is the final post as part of the ‘end of year statement’ for the BHRR BOD….that absolute privilege has fallen upon my typing fingers…
So much to say, a Gwennie Novel that would be a Gwennie chapter to truly capture it all!!
It has been an incredible year for BHRR, 13 WOW adoptions, so many faces put to names of lovely folks near and far, friendships plus relationships that have strengthened further and increased those links on that BHRR CHAIN OF SUCCESS, new kind and beautiful faces that have chosen our cause to support and believe in, the miracles of so many that were considered by several to be ‘lost causes’, r/q rescues working side by side making an much bigger positive difference to animals out there in need, the laughs, the smiles, the fun(Yes, r/q rescue can be fun!), the public education and community education events, play dates and play visits, the fundraisers(the crossposting!) the walks/hikes, the animals plus people that have touched us to the core and made our hearts just burst in warmth and happiness, the donations of lifesaving food and, other material items, the financial hand to help pay for much needed bills and more dog food, the driving and the more driving and the more driving, and yes, the hugs!
We thank each you that has been there and we look forward to what we hope promises to be an even better year for all ahead. We are NOTHING without you…..AND, to my BHRR BOD, thank you!
It has been such a hard year in others ways, and we take those important life lessons learned and will work that much more diligently in making better decisions/choices in 2014 and onward….we are focused in letting go of the things that we cannot change and that are unhealthy in the name of r/q rescuing.
We endeavour to practise what we preach, research, stay updated and keep walking the talk!
We have cried and still do cry over those that shall no longer be with us – human and animal and, candles are lit in the most honourable plus respectful silence of those that we can no longer physically touch and talk to and embrace……We miss you and, we are better in the having been touched by you…..
We thank all those that have assisted us in not changing BHRR yet, in continuing to help make it a better version of itself! I stand up and applaud each of you and then, I kneel down in the most humblest of thanks in turn, for I appreciate each and every gesture from a dollar to an encouraging word to helping to do nails or helping me to keep making dogs more well balanced and set-up for success! You may not think you have done much, yet, you have…especially on those dark trench days….
2014 MARKS year #18 for our small r/q Rescue and, that moves me into an announcement that I have been slowly sharing with people over the past few months….
The BHRR BOD has been discussing this for close to a 1 year now….
As of 11:59 PM on Wednesday January 1st, 2014; we shall be unpublishing our page….and, deactivating the BHRR BOD account.
This was not an easy step to take by any means for we understand how key networking and social media is….this page has brought us soooooooooooo much goodness and kindness and, we go into this knowing that we shall find ourselves most likely struggling even more financially and with food needs than we ever have had to date…..13 dogs were adopted in 2013, 17 in 2012 and this page is to be credited with these success stories…..
We are a small group and like many groups, we are Volunteers and lead busy lives outside of r/q rescue and, in frequent discussions with members of the BHRR BOD, the bandwidth is just not there right now for me to keep up the pace of this page plus what so many have originally been attracted plus loved about BHRR, the detailed blogs…that is very much a ‘signature’ BHRR arena and, it has had to take a backseat more often than I would have liked in 2013.
2014, is also year of much excitement(and some stress!) in my own professional and personal life – I will be defending in 2014 in re: to my PhD that I have worked pt on for too many years now…, I am furthering my training to do more work internationally with strays, street dogs and spay/neuter clinics and teaching and being mentored….I have been invited to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and, I will also begin to shadow at other Hospitals to increase my own skill set and education with qualifications plus experience. AND, I also look forward to my time at the ES when I can get there. As a result, I shall also be deleting/deactivating my personal account. Barry, Catalina and Mary will remain our eyes and ears out there in fb land.
My priority has always been to the animals under our authority and being hands on and keeping our success rates unparalled out there….that, shall not change.
It is my sincerest of wishes that by this time next year, we can publish this page again….it has become such a staple to my day and, I look forward to coming back to post of daily tips and questions and quotes and all things BHRR plus beyond to help other groups also network their own events/animals and throw our support into their corner!
I have sincerely enjoyed sharing the ups and the downs as part of our commitment to full disclosure and that, we are only perfect in our imperfections as humans….
So, it is will deepest regret that this shall be my last post on this page for some time……..
The BHRR BOD is still trying to figure out how best put forth our requests for assistance and right now, we shall go back to using the website for postings…so, please do visit uswww.birchhaven.orgΒ for YOU are the real hearts and souls of BHRR, along with the animals…..
May love, happiness and health find their way and stay with you and yours in 2014….that is my wish for you!
Raising my glass to all of you in a toast of my heart to you!
FROM myself, words truly do fail me with how beautiful these cards are plus the stamps AND Anna’s heart…..Thank you! THANK YOU!
From Anna G-h:
“We are delighted to announce that we have note-cards and matching stamps (domestic permanent) available with all funds donated to Birch Haven to assist in vetting and food costs. Each are 4 for $5. Please let me(Anna) know if you would like to order any. We can mail free of charge once we have received payment for your order. These are blank inside so are perfect for many occasions.”
Anna can be contacted at: anna.goofy@rogers.com OR email HERE.
Payment can be made via PayPal ‘GIFT’ or via email transfer.
Simply stunning! The person in the photo for those that are not aware is Anna’s husband, Peter and the two lovely Danes are Kaitlyn and Kassie. π
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
This is not a community education or public awareness event YET, I plan on showing up with some of the BHRR doggies to hang and visit AND thank ALL that show up!
NOTE: THERE shall also be $10 NAIL Trims with all proceeds coming to BHRR!
NOTICE:
BHRR does not adopt out during the XMAS season due to our position that it is not in the best interest of any new addition being added during such a busy, exciting and somewhat stressful time for many.
Quite a few other Rescues, Shelters, Pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol to what we have been doing for so many years.
Our XMAS Shutdown period for this year is from Saturday December 14th, 2013 to Tuesday January 7th 2013 inclusive.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
Thank you for your continued understanding – The BHRR Team
Our 6th ANNUAL 'JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' Online Auction HAS started! π We NOW have 87 items posted – LINK BELOW – and more to come daily! This is not a facebook auction. As we have supporters not on fb, we use a wp plug-in app on our home website.
YOU have to go visit daily to see just what is there! π THANKS to all that have donated so kindly, generously and the animals thank you too! π
The BHRR Auction began at 7:00 AM EST on Saturday November 23rd, 2013.
The BHRR Auction will end at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday December 5th, 2013
http://www.birchhaven.org/fundraising-2008/online-auction-2012
BHRR’s Winter Wonderland #3 VIDEO – November 27th, 2013!
WINTER WONDERLAND Video #2 –Β November 27th, 2013
BHRR’s Dyson is now AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
He can go to a home that works ft, pt, from home, semi-retired, retired etc. ANOTHER versatile dog!
I would like to see him in a home with at least one other like minded dog that will continue to set him up for success. It is very rare these days to see him bark at a strange dog…he continues to wag his tail and just needs to know that the other dog is not going to hurt him.
He lives in complete harmony and balance with all the dogs at BHRR. He also had a great trip to PV Hazeldean in August!
He can and does continue to resource to other dogs when he is in his crate over his food or any high value item – ie smoked knuckle bone. He does share the water bowls very well….he has learned a lot about ‘sharing’. π
He can go to a home that is dog experienced. Not, necessarily Great Dane experienced.
BHRR’s Dyson – August 10th, 2013 @ PV Hazeldean
BHRR's Dyson's REALITY SLIDE
Arrival to BHRR – Barely 100 pounds & A bit nervous of people and scared of dogs
Present: Over 135 pounds, great with people and barely scared of any dog!
He has been under extensive rehab at BHRR since his arrival on July 11th, 2013.
That first photo really does not show HOW skinny he was…each one of those lines is a rib sticking out and you can see his hip bones too.
From Friday October 18th to Sunday November 3rd, 2013 inclusive, BHRR will not be open for adoptions or the intake of adoption applications.
We do not adopt out around the Halloween season and many others Rescues, shelters, pounds etc. have also begun to follow a similar protocol.
We do not believe it is in the best interest of the animals in our program, especially for dark coloured dogs.
During this time, BHRR is available 24/7 as always for requests for assistance of animals in need.
THIS SATURDAY October 12 & SUNDAY October 13!
Come meet The Hobbit, one of our IW's, BHRR's Treasure, Matrix, BHRR's Flint, BHRR's Spice etc…..
BHRR's Dyson's blog has now been updated to August 15th, 2013. π
More to come! π
YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)
People can donate to Kanata Animal Hospital (613) 836-2848 and they will take Visa, M/C and AMEX over the phone under the account of 'Birch Haven Rescue' for 'Dyson'. They will take Debit or Cash in person too!
You can also mail donations via a Bank Draft to:
Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services
C/O Gwendilin Boers
2425 Totem Ranch Road West
RR#1 Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
OR email transfer to gwen@birchhaven.org
OR via PayPal(please use the 'gift' option)
BHRR's Dyson's 'DARLING' Angels $35 donated to date & Bills $467.54
From Anna's 'Where in the World Wedding Quiz' – Bre in honour of BHRR's Kringle
Nairn
**IF I am forgetting any ANGELS, it is completely unintentional and please EMAIL me**
Thank you from my soul and beyond for any possible consideration to his care……even a $1 donation is super!! 
Today, BHRR's Dyson came to hang at KAH with me, got a throrough exam, his vaccines, hwt, microchipped etc. and he weighed 58.3 KGs(128.26 pounds). Getting that weight on slow and sure. π He was barely 100 pounds when he first arrived to BHRR.
HUGE hit! AND here are two photo's of him being my co-pilot on the drive in!
August 15th, 2013
A short time ago, I received an email from the most talented and I want to say also, very beautiful and special Liz Bradley of The Ottawa Dog Blog.
http://ottawadogblog.ca/2013/08/we-won-the-top-most-influential-dog-blog-online/
As many are aware, there was a voting contest recently for the Most Influential Dog Blog online and the competition was quite tough AND, thanks to such an incredible surrounding community The Ottawa Dog Blog WON! By taking 60% of the votes!
HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing 'baby' grow plus develop!
AND, what so humbly surprised me(AND, made me grab yet, another tissue…this time with a welling up of good tears!), was that Liz/Jane was awarded a lifesaving generous gift of $500 donation to the charity of her choice AND they chose BHRR!! As they have posted about, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel privileged to have our small rescue chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!
There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus grateful and filled with intense gratitude…….
THE BELOW IS FROM LIZ/JANE:
"It was a difficult decision as to the charity who we would pick to receive the donation as all of the Ottawa charities work so hard.
We decided on Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation to receive the $500 donation! BHRR is an amazing rescue who is in need of money to feed the large and giant breeds they rescue – this money will go a long way towards food and vet bills for them!
Thank you again to all who voted. I am so very proud to live in this great city surrounded by fellow dog lovers.
With love and belly rubs,
Liz (and Jane)"
**Could I please ask our fans/supporters/family/friends to take a moment and go over and CONGRATULATE Liz/Jane immensely and tell them HOW uber awesome they are with what they do daily!!!**
AND, here is what I wrote on their lovely Blog post!
HUGE Congratulations Liz & Jane!!! Extremely well deserved! Your blog is quite important and valued deeply by so many and you make a BIG difference daily with all your efforts! I have loved watching your amazing ‘baby’ grow plus develop!
As Liz/Jane have posted, there are SO many great r/q Rescues deserving and in need and, I am touched, humbled and feel immensely privileged to have had our small rescue of Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services chosen to be the recipient of such an incredible gesture……Just honoured! Immensely!
I also wish to publicly thank Camp Cookstown from my heart, for having such a great contest, for helping to get the word out regarding so many fantastic online blogs and for supporting the work done in animal rescue with this very generous and lifesaving gift of $500.
There really needs to be more words to express THANK YOU! I am MORE thank thankful! I am genuinely appreciative plus humbled and filled with intense gratitude…….
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: DIRTY DAWG Wash for BHRR coming up FAST!
Thank you sooooooooooo much to Ginnette & CJ for having us back again this year!!!
I absolutely LOVE this event! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Saturday July 27th
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Min. $10 Donation
*Microchips $40 includes registration, merchandise AND Nail Trims too!
*Thanks to BHRR BOD member Barry for working with me on this poster!
BHRR's Dyson is very aptly named….HOLY! He reminds me of BHRR's Henry and all his 'hoover' desires…..He is almost fully integrated and what a nice young man he is. A wee bit nervous here and there, yet, bonded fast to me.
COMING UP ON Sunday July 14th, 2013! Our 6th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser!
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In 2012, we did 56 MICROCHIPS(ALL by qualified Veterinary professionals) & 94 nail trims!
We shall have our silent auction table again, human plus doggie baked table, draws, facepainting, caricatures AND so much more!
NO APPOINTMENTS necessary! For more information, please visit HERE:
OR follow all the exciting updates on our BHRR/KAH Facebook EVENT PAGE!
STILL LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Thank you in advance for any consideration!!
STILL ISO:
1) More volunteers to put up posters in their local community including training facilities
2) People open to emailing and promoting this event poster at their work and with friends, family and neighbours. I can email the poster to all willing to assist. π
3) Donations of pop, juice, bottled water & hotdogs/buns & hamburger/buns
4) NEED MORE DRAW PRIZES! Please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
5) ICE! ICE! ICE!
6) NEED MORE Silent Auction Items
7) Gift cards – please email contactbhrr@gmail.com
8) We need people to assist us with cross-posting this event and getting the word out! We have some huge Vet bills right now and more in the pipe.
PLEASE EMAIL if you can assist with any of the above!
***This event is such a great time!***
THANK you again to BHRR's Cosette's fabu mom for working with members of the BHRR BOD on this poster!
Here are some photo's of his transport to BHRR. Photos' are courtesy of one of his transporters, BHRR approved Volunteer Rachel.
He was a really good boy….a bit nervous, yet, a really good boy! π
On July 11th, @ 11:13 AM, I received confirmation that the transport was on its way and that they forgot to send along his Vet Records.
From the place that had him:
"Thanks :). Poor boy was shaky and nervous, with movers and everything going on here it was a lot for him. He also in a full blown run collided with my Mastiff :s Nothing broken, but is a little sore on the hind right this morning. If you could let me know when he arrives safely I'd really appreciate it π Thanks again!"
Photo below is also of him from the place that had him.
On July 4th, we made transport arrangements to get him – Calling him BHRR's Dyson(the 'Hoover' Vacuum theme) on July 11th, 2013.
Two photos of him below. These are from the place that had him and they had him listed on PetFinder and in the first photo, he looks quite thin.
BHRR's Dyson
This is the response I received on July 1st, @ 3:54 PM:
"That's great Gwen, thanks so much!!!! He's a huge sweetie, ended up here because his owners had had enough by the third foreign body surgery……..Rather than pick up their socks, get rid of the dog. He's had no issues since he's been here, but we have muzzled him if we couldn't be watching him ( We live on a farm, and stuff turns up everywhere ) But have not had to do that in a while :)"
MORE info. that came my way:
"….is a very happy, outgoing puppy. He gets along very well with other dogs but can play rough so a home with larger dogs is preferred. He seems to be fine with cats as well….is currently living on acreage and gets along wonderfully with horses and his best friend is a miniature donkey.
…came to us as he has had three foreign body surgeries….will swallow just about anything he can put in his mouth. He will need to be placed in a knowledgeable home …"
On July 1st, I was one person contacted in regards to bringing in one on a list of dogs for the person that had them was in-between places and could not take them all with them.
As we had a spot, we offered to take the Great Dane. We had been told the following:
"1 year old , male, neutered fawn with merle on his face Great Dane"
**