Oct 7
2013

Rest in Eternal Peace…. ? – October 7th, 2013 – PHOTO's & A Video are below!
*this is a repeat blog post*
M&M(Magical Mastiff) BHRR's Titus, the Neo ~10.5 years of age
We were first contacted to assist this fine older gentleman in April of 2013 and bring in to our BHRR Haven Program. We did not have a spot at that time and we put him on our waiting list and hoped we could assist him very soon….
He arrived to BHRR on May 11th, 2013 and had per two Vets/Specialist both from Toronto and KAH:
"He has a variety of musculoskeletal issues. He is dysplastic in both of his hips and elbows as well as having arthritis in his spine."
We were advised that we would most likely 'lose' him in a matter of weeks yet, with proper care that involved alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments in addition to proper nutrition and exercise, the muscle mass plus tone he developed and how much stronger his poor neglected and abused body became….
AND, the dog that was not expected to live past the end of May, GAVE US just 4 days SHY of 5 MIRACLE MONTHS of such personality, heart, soul and kindness and love….
HE had a real 'soft' spot for BHRR's Zara, a fellow Neo here at BHRR!!
HE had such presence and character….he would 'tell me off' if I was late with his supper or that the water bowl was not full enough for him(HE loved a very full water bowl and snorkling and splashing and splishing and sharing!).
AND, the ice cubes…like a kid in a candy store with ice cubes!!! Became a total pup!
He was said to be not good with other dogs, well, many, can attest to JUST how good he was with other dogs and I am so happy that quite a few people attending our recent BHRR 'DINE WITH THE DOGGIES' Event, could meet him…what a ham!
He showed such trust towards the human race who had done so wrong by him….
I could write SOOOOOOOO much, yet, the tears are welling all over again….
THANK YOU MY "TIGHTY MIGHTY TITUS" – for gracing our home and heart…four just shy of a miraculous FIVE MONTHS!!! YOU are so missed by a village and all your BHRR family!
As always, I have learned so much from the dogs that cross our doors and heart, and, you have given me many life lessons……I am richer in the being touched by you…..I sure am going to miss that cute long stubby tail wag and whole butt wiggle of happiness you would give us…..

BHRR's Titus – October 2013 @ KAH

Oct 7
2013

Rest in Eternal Peace…. ? – October 7th, 2013
M&M(Magical Mastiff) BHRR's Titus, the Neo ~10.5 years of age
We were first contacted to assist this fine older gentleman in April of 2013 and bring in to our BHRR Haven Program. We did not have a spot at that time and we put him on our waiting list and hoped we could assist him very soon….
He arrived to BHRR on May 11th, 2013 and had per two Vets/Specialist both from Toronto and KAH:
"He has a variety of musculoskeletal issues. He is dysplastic in both of his hips and elbows as well as having arthritis in his spine."
We were advised that we would most likely 'lose' him in a matter of weeks yet, with proper care that involved alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments in addition to proper nutrition and exercise, the muscle mass plus tone he developed and how much stronger his poor neglected and abused body became….
AND, the dog that was not expected to live past the end of May, GAVE US just 4 days SHY of 5 MIRACLE MONTHS of such personality, heart, soul and kindness and love….
HE had a real 'soft' spot for BHRR's Zara, a fellow Neo here at BHRR!!
HE had such presence and character….he would 'tell me off' if I was late with his supper or that the water bowl was not full enough for him(HE loved a very full water bowl and snorkling and splashing and splishing and sharing!).
AND, the ice cubes…like a kid in a candy store with ice cubes!!! Became a total pup!
He was said to be not good with other dogs, well, many, can attest to JUST how good he was with other dogs and I am so happy that quite a few people attending our recent BHRR 'DINE WITH THE DOGGIES' Event, could meet him…what a ham!
He showed such trust towards the human race who had done so wrong by him….
I could write SOOOOOOOO much, yet, the tears are welling all over again….
THANK YOU MY "TIGHTY MIGHTY TITUS" – for gracing our home and heart…four just shy of a miraculous FIVE MONTHS!!! YOU are so missed by a village and all your BHRR family!
As always, I have learned so much from the dogs that cross our doors and heart, and, you have given me many life lessons……I am richer in the being touched by you…..I sure am going to miss that cute long stubby tail wag and whole butt wiggle of happiness you would give us…..

BHRR's Titus – Summer of 2013 at CWW(Canine Water Wellness) – I will miss how he used to look at me and it would melt me to my soul
*photo's courtesy of M. Aris

Aug 2
2013

*Magical Mastiff* BHRR's Titus – almost 10 year old Neo
Musculoskeletal issues. Severely dysplastic in both of his hips and elbows as well as having arthritis in his spine.
July 20th, 2013 was his first Canine Water Wellness session!
This is his first session as we have battled eye infections since his arrival to BHRR. YET, we are good to go and he was a SUPERSTAR!

AND for those wishing to contribute to his care, you can donate funds to go towards his Hydrotherapy SWIMS at Canine Water Wellness!

YOU CAN FOLLOW our four MAGICAL MASTIFFS journey on our BHRR FB Page where they have their own Album – HERE

BHRR's Titus' "DREAMS DO COME TRUE" Angels: Donated to Date: $77.00 & Bills To Date: $1,398.81
Anna from Mother's Day Treat sales to assist three local rescues for helping with PRU's dogs
Clo who donated 2 Hydrotherapy SESSIONS at CWW to help us help him

BHRR'sTitusJuly20132 – VIDEO #1
BHRR'sTitusJuly20132– VIDEO #2

AND here is a photo of his very first session! 🙂 HE did so well! 🙂

July 20th, 2013 – looking at me….those eyes!

Aug 1
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!

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…….

Jul 25
2013

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!

Jul 20
2013

BHRR's Titus has his first CWW session on the 20th of July! THANKS again Auntie Margaret for been so wonderful to come with us! We could not do any sessions earlier has he came to us with eye infections and we have been battling them.

Jul 12
2013

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. 🙂
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!

Jul 2
2013

Katoby Distribution is having their FIRST even Campaign For Rescue Voting Contest!

This contest was created via nominations and on Monday July 1st, BHRR received an email regarding this voting contest and what a surprise PLUS honour to note that we were one of the organizations chosen to participate!

They have 4 prize packs totaling over $4000 in valuable food and products to give to the rescue groups you think deserve it! Top 3 dog rescues and the top cat rescue will each win a prize pack (as determined by votes). One lucky voter will also receive a price pack worth over $250!

Voting ends July 15 at noon – one vote per day per person!

May 14
2013

UPDATE: BHRR's Titus came to work with me today and weighed a thin 53.5 KS(117.70 pounds). He is a blue with some brindle marking Neo. 🙂 His tail has been partly docked.

While it is in his best interest to keep him on the thin side, he is a wee bit too thin.

We did a hwt, thorough exam(his heart and lungs sound good!), he was de-wormed upon arriving to BHRR, was put on revolution, I did a fecal, had his vaccines from when he was at the shelter and was chipped and x-rayed and thank you to the shelter for cleaning his teeth plus they neutered him back in March.

He is on Tramadol & Deramaxx and I also had his eyes closely looked at as they have been a bit runny since he arrived. His entropic eyes along with haws have contributed significantly to him having eye infections. I now have meds to help treat his infections. His has many worn and discoloured teeth.

His paperwork says his birthday is December 18th, 2004.

We have determined that his severe plus multiple musculoskeletal issues, including bilateral hip dysplasia, bilateral un-united anconeal processes (elbow dysplasia) and spondylosis of parts of his spine make him a best candidate for our BHRR Haven Program. We shall be doing Canine Water Wellness for him and other alternative/holistic approaches as he deserves to give him the best quality filled life as we can.

He is quite weak – at the shelter since beginning of March and no clear treatment prior to that of any of his medical issues – and lacks clear muscle tone/mass. AND as per the shelter Vets and his own at KAH, we cannot rule out any neurological causes for his balance concerns too.

If there are any of our approved Volunteers that would not mind loving on him as he is part of our MMMM Movement Experience gang now, please EMAIL and we shall get some of those special dates/visits organized!

I am still working on more for The Lion Kings and I would like to see if HQD may like another outing! I really want to show these amazing dogs just how loving and helping hands can be over hurtful and cruel.

THANK you to all to date that have spent some wonderful spoiling love time with them!

He is settling in well, eating is getting where I would like to see it, almost fully integrated with all the dogs and making new friends daily! He can motor when he wants to and when I call him, the way he stops, looks at you and then gives this wee jump and does his 'wobbly bobbly' happy trot over to me….sigh, just catches at me every time…

He has been great with all the dogs he has been integrated with so far and we will pull out our ramp for the front door as he has to lift both his front legs at once to almost front hop up the stairs….

AND for those wishing to contribute to his care, you can donate funds to go towards his Hydrotherapy SWIMS at Canine Water Wellness!

YOU CAN FOLLOW our three MAGICAL MASTIFFS journey on our BHRR FB Page where they have their own Album – HERE

BHRR's Titus' "DREAMS DO COME TRUE" Angels: Donated to Date: $77.00 & Bills To Date: $1,398.81
Anna from Mother's Day Treat sales to assist three local rescues for helping with PRU's dogs

BHRR's Titus – May 13th, 2013

May 11
2013

BHRR's Titus wishes to say that he is doing well!

I can well believe that he is closer to 10 years of age over 8 now that he is here.

His poor body, those elbows and hips…….

He has the cutest 'wee' Neo head, gorgeous frosting of white and the most expressive eyes and he can well afford to gain some much needed weight…..we will get there….

His eyes just speak volumes and he is bonding fast and as I type, he keeps nudging my arm for more cuddles and loving and so, this post is going to take 5 minutes if not longer to make AS he is so irresistible!

I look forward to our friends plus family having the joy of getting to meet him and I am hoping that we can provide him some relief from all his medical issues with CWW etc.

At this time, we have not determined if he is a Haven Dog or not, he is in rough shape, yet, we shall see what his Vet visits and exams will bring to help us make the best decision for him.

I am sooooooo relieved to have him here….it was hard not being able to help him when we were first contacted to assist in early April and then when we could, OMG! I was sooooooooo happy!!!!

He is home now…where he is meant to be…..I will rest easy for the first time in many many many weeks…..

Photos coming soon!

WELCOME TO BHRR TITUS!

May 10
2013

Meet 'Titus' – 8 year old male black Neapolitan(Italian) Mastiff HEADED TO BHRR May 11th 2013

He is one of 2 Neapolitan's that we were contacted directly by the HS to assist at the beginning of April. We were unable to assist at that time, yet, then we had two possible pending adoptions under way for BHRR, we committed to bringing this boy in(he is the most urgent and special needs of the two Neapolitan's).

He barks when he’s in his run but is taken out and walked without any problems. His issues are more on the medical side.
He has a variety of musculoskeletal issues. He is dysplastic in both of his hips and elbows as well as having arthritis in his spine. He lumbers around with ease multiple times a day for walks and doesn’t have any issue with getting up, though he is on treatment.

Assessments with Titus have shown that he is “curious and tolerant” of dogs that they have introduced to him in close quarters. When he is in his run and out on walks he tends to ignore them. There was a note, however, from the previous owner that said that he was reactive to large dogs that were aggressive towards him. Titus had no issues at the Shelter.

I am hoping that we shall be able to do Canine Water Wellness(CWW) with BHRR's Titus as we are doing with Lion King Pumbaa! For those that may not be aware, did you know that you can donate 'swims' for rescue dogs undergoing hydrotherapy at Canine Water Wellness! If you wish to consider donating for a BHRR dog, BHRR's Pumbaa already has a file set-up there and we hope to also do the same for BHRR's Titus. YOU would be giving the gift of extended quality of life!

AND if you go to their home page, the video on the bottom is about our BHRR's Apollo!!! Who also attended CWW!

BHRR's Titus – April 2013 @ The Shelter

If you are not familiar with this incredible breed, here is some information:

Pronunciation	nee-uh-PAH-luh-tuhn MAS-tif
Description	The Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious, powerful dog. The body of this massive, rather rectangular looking dog has abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a very large dewlap. The wide, flat head is large in comparison to the rest of the body. The muzzle is 1/3 the length of the head and is as broad as it is long with a well-defined stop. The large nose has well-open nostrils and a color that coordinates with the coat. The teeth meet in a scissors, pincer or slight undershot bite. The deep-set eyes are almost covered by the dropping upper lids and come in amber to brown, depending on the coat color. Puppies begin life with blue eyes, which later darken. The ears may be cropped or left natural. Many owners opt out of docking and cropping, preferring the natural look, as it is painful for the dog. The tail is carried straight up and curves over the back. In dogs that are shown in the AKC front dewclaws are not removed. The round feet are large with well-arched toes. The straight, dense, short coat comes in gray, blue, black, chocolate, mahogany and tawny, sometimes with brindle and white markings. A little white is permitted on the chest and toes. No white should be on the face. Chocolate dogs are rare.
Temperament	The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone. This breed looks a bit intimidating, but is actually affectionate, calm, peaceful and loving. They enjoy family and friends. This breed is a heavy drooler, particularly in hot weather or after getting a drink. Males may drool more than females. They are very keen to their owners’ commands. Intelligent, very protective, courageous, serious and mild-mannered. Generally quiet, they tend to only bark when necessary. They can be reserved with strangers; socialize them well with people, places, sounds and animals. These dogs are usually very loving with children, provided the children know how to display leadership skills. A Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. Obedience training is very important. Teach them to heel on a lead and to go in and out door and gateways after the humans. This breed needs a dominant owner who understands and is capable of controlling them properly. They will be easiest if this is established when the dog is still a puppy, but it is still possible to communicate with an adult Neo that the human is in charge. Children should be taught how to be pack leaders. Socialize this breed while they are young. This is a natural guard dog and protection training is not necessary. You cannot breed out the guard in the dog, no matter how submissive they become. If they sense there is a threat to the home they will react unless the owner is there and tells them everything is OK. Be sure you are consistent in approach and do not keep repeating commands the dog has failed to obey. If they are not listening, try a different approach, making sure you are in a confident state of mind. Neos will not listen to meek owners. These are not dogs for beginners, but it is an exaggeration to describe them as difficult in their association with others. A calm handler with natural leadership will achieve the best results. With comprehensive training and an experienced, dominant owner, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a wonderful family pet. This breed has a high pain tolerance. Neos that do not have a firm, confident, consistent owner who provides them with daily pack walks to release mental and physical exercise will become willful, over-protective and dog aggressive. When correcting this dog, the owner's correction must match the dog's level of intensity, and the timing of the correction must be precise.
Height, Weight	Height: Males 26 – 30 inches (65 – 75 cm) Females 24 – 28 inches (60 – 70 cm) Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg) The largest male Neapolitans may be nearly 200 pounds (90 kg)
Health Problems	Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born via caesarian section.
Living Conditions	The Neo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Take extra caution in warm weather to provide shade, water and a cool place to lie.
Exercise	They should be taken on daily walks at least twice a day.
Life Expectancy	Up to 10 years.
Grooming	These giant, shorthaired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin	All European mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, the most ancient member of the canine species. The first Asian mastiffs were probably brought to Greece from India by Alexander the Great around 300 BC. The Greeks introduced the dogs to the Romans, who adopted them enthusiastically and used them in circus combats. The word "mastiff" derives from the Latin word “masssivus,” meaning massive. English experts, however, have another theory. They contend that the mastiff was brought to Britain by the Phoenicians in about 500 BC and spread from there to the rest of Europe. In any case, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Roman Molossus. While the breed became extinct throughout the rest of Europe, it continued to survive in Campania, despite the perils of weather and war. One can therefore say that the Neapolitan Mastiff has existed in Campania for two thousand years, even though it was not officially recognized until 1946, and its standard was not set until 1949. The Neapolitan Mastiff was bred for use in war and in bloody Roman arena spectacles. Today this powerful breed has a well-deserved reputation as a formidable guard dog. Neos have been used by the Italian police and army and by that country's farmers, business establishment and estate owners to protect people and property. Though the Neapolitan Mastiff was first shown in Italy in 1946, the breed is still quite rare in the United States. The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the AKC in 2004.
Group	Mastiff
Recognition	CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, USNMC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC, NAPR