BHRR’s Skye(Neo)
BHRR Haven Dog
Such a beautiful girl!
February 1st, 2017
All snuggled up and dozing in front of one of the fireplaces.
Skye
We know many have been patiently….or, not so patiently waiting!!! 
Here is the FIFTH & Final instalment of our 2016 Traditional December 24th XMAS Eve Photo’s!
As most dogs remained in their approved Temp Fosters, not all doggies could have their photo’s done BUT, we got those that we could! We will be posting over the next few days almost 50 photo’s of BHRR doggies & a few of our own! 
We have had quite a few come back for the Holidays as their families are travelling.
ALWAYS a blast for us at BHRR! 
We cannot SHOUT out enough big thanks of our deepest appreciation to ALL those that stepped up to be part of our 14th ANNUAL SS to the BHRR dogs!
Another amazing successful year THANKS to so many angels that made it possible!!!
We only had 1 person not send their SS’s yet, as we had other kind plus thoughtful generous people send extra goodies to help cover any that were missed, we are so BLESSED to say that, each BHRR dog had something special to call their own this XMAS!!!
Many of these dogs are experiencing their very first XMAS of love, shelter, with enough food and, tons of helping hands, not hurtful or neglectful ones…. THANK you’s being sent out again to every wonderful and lovely Secret Santa that made this possible!!!
I am inspired by your caring, giving and, incredibly beautiful hearts!!! A million thank you’s being sent again!
THANK you to all that came out yesterday to attend our 5th Annual ‘CHAIN OF SUCCESS’ Thank you Pooch/People Potluck!
Here are 13 of the dogs waiting for our almost 40 guests to arrive!
AND, here is part of the post I made in the Potluck Group to all of our attendees!
“Now that the horses and dogs have been fed plus watered and rotated and are settling down for the night….it gives me the proper opportunity to say thank you to our 35 absolutely amazing and incredible guests!
Thank you for the laughs, the conversation, the memories made, the food and the kindness of Secret Santa gifts for the BHRR dogs and to BHRR!
Thank you for the great experiences given to our BHRR dogs as so many have come to BHRR broken, beaten, scared and lost….what you give to them with loving touches and kind words, I shall truly be forever indebted to all for. So many have never had a gentle caring hand or heard a soft loving word prior to our rescue and each of you are showing them that not everyone is cruel and are assisting in building up their confidence plus helping them heal….
I am so grateful of your time and this is a gift that you are giving each BHRR dog when you visit. Thank you for that!
Thank you to Brooke and Elizabeth for their time, patience and sense of humour with spastic Baby BHRR’S Kaos as we attempted photo’s of him to make his own long awaited, much anticipated and truly wonderful special announcement!! You did it sweet precious boy!!!
Our 50/50 was $205 and Elizabeth with her beautiful heart donated her winnings back($102.50) for us to help pay off BHRR’s Maple’s Emergency Surgery bills! Thank you also to those who dropped monies into the donation jar – $50 CDA & $120 USA. Humbling….
Thank you to BHRR BOD Mary for being such a great treasurer!
After a tough week and a bit – so much worry & and stress on a couple of *fronts*, so, having today with all of you was really wonderful……just to be around all of you is comforting and inspirational and motivating…..in my darkest rescue moments, it is days like this I hold close to my heart and gives me the strength to fight again for what is right…….please know that you give me this special gift when you come to visit!
Thank you to everyone that made today the WOW & amazing day it was!
Until next year….may Santa spoil all rotten!”
We have made the decision that BHRR’s Skye shall be moving to our BHRR Haven Program. We believe this to be in her best interest.
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 – 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 Skye had her annual and forgot to post her two adorable Halloween photo’s that were taken by a fellow staff member that night!
She had a SUPERB Vet Visit and so proud of all that this amazing girl has accomplished since her arrival to BHRR!
She is such a great sport!
*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.
We are just 5 SLEEPIES away to our biggest Fundraiser Event of the year. 🙂 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! 😀
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! 🙂
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!
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 December for a post op recheck and to exam the swelling that has begun to develop again on that left front leg of his. 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………
This amazing girl is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION again.
Unfortunately, we could not process the application to full completion to then be able to approve this home to adopt BHRR’s Skye. We were unable to successfully close off on their Vet reference.
Her right matched home is out there! All of us remain patient. 🙂
BHRR’s Skye, our gorgeous Neo who owner was killed and then this scared, confused, undersociliased Neo was dumped at a pound by the woman’s boyfriend, has some exciting news to share….
She says that she is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION!
We will update as we can!
Please keep her in your best good luck wishes! She needs that special home that will be patient, understanding and keep her going on this fabu track built here at BHRR!
All I could possibly dream for her is the hope for her to have a forever loving home of her very own, possibly even for XMAS.
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 – 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!
BHRR’s Skye!
~2-3 year old Neo
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
She is ready to make her own special announcement!
She has walked an incredible journey of rehabilitation during her time with us.
With a patient, kind and understanding hand, she has relaxed so much since she came into Rescue. No longer confused, scared or feeling lost, she has come out of her shell and is affectionate, playful, goofy and a real ham!
She is eager to please, and sometimes a bit too eager with her mouth taking treats!
She has to be reminded sometimes to be gentle as she does become excited and then will want to ‘mouth’ the other dogs.
With careful and patient integration, she does not feel stressed or worried about other dogs and gets along in complete harmony plus balance.
She has many good friends and besties at BHRR!
Strangers of both dogs and people, can still stress her out sometimes yet treats and a calming word/touch settle her wonderfully!
All she needs is a home that shall continue to build on the strong foundation that we are building here and keep giving her structure, consistency, obedience with so much love and heart and caring loving hands.
She will continue to thrive as she learns more and more about helping hands and that they are not there to hurt her.
She can go to a home that works ft. pt, from home, semi-retired, retired etc. as she is so versatile!
She is a hoot to wash, eats well, sings a song when it is dinner time – yours or hers! and is crate trained and has proven 100% trustworthy in our home alone up to 2 hours.
She is no longer worried about car rides the way she once was, loves walks and hikes and her leash manners are slowly but surely coming along!
She can go to a home as an only dog yet, would do wonderfully in a home with one or two other right personality dogs as they will keep showing her that life has so many awesome things to experience plus enjoy!
Her coat is so soft to touch and I am always ‘loving’ on those ears….
She perfect in all her imperfections and for that right matched personality matched home, she will be appreciated and enjoyed!
I am very proud of this lovely beauty…to go from losing her owner – she was killed by a truck while on her phone – to being poled in the shelter, further scaring an already lacking in socialization dog that had been uprooted from all she knew and was so confused – to entering our rehabilitation program and blossoming like a beautiful flower…..just a couple of thorns here and there!
Thank you to all the angels involved in getting her saved from Karen and Jane to all her transport lovelies!
Thanks to Wendi and Melissa also for the help getting this fabu prof photo!
Please consider sharing this post in the hopes that her right matched forever loving home is out there waiting to find her!
GOOD for you lovely lady! You did it!!
BHRR’s Skye(Neo) – October 31st, 2015
*NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
It is her turn to be our Cover Girl!
On October 30th, she weighed 106.48 pounds.
On October 31st, she had her professional photo shoot and thank you again to Wendi for the extra hands to give her more positive experiences and thanks to Melissa for the great talented photo’s of this stunning gal!
BHRR’s Skye felt so comfortable with Wendi, just as she did with all the staff, at KAH on the Friday.
She was worried of the photographer at first, even before the camera came out yet by the end of the session, she was sitting, focused, intent and happy to be friends with Melissa! Treats are a great ‘ice breaker’.
She will always need careful integration with strange dogs as they can and do worry and stress her out yet, she lives in complete harmony at BHRR with all the dogs thanks to the patience, and understanding of her fear. AND, the more that she has careful integration, the less time she is going to need each time for that integration to become fast friends with other dogs……
If she just has a bit of time to soak up all the sounds, sights, smells etc. around her, she relaxes and is so affectionate, playful, loving, kind, will sing you a song if you are lucky! and when she gives you her heart and trust…..you will feel so humbled…….
I love this photo so much for she is looking at me as Melissa is taking her photo….she makes me feel like I am the luckiest person in the world….she has given me her trust and loyalty and I would never betray that…..
She knows that I would never hurt her, put her in a situation of harm and in turn, she has gifted me so much…..those eyes of hers, have so many untold stories behind them and incredibly gorgeous they are!
She has a ways to go yet before she is ready to be placed up for adoption yet for a dog that lacked so much in socialization with both humans and dogs, she is a ROCK star……..one just has to understand that she is scared about being hurt…..she was poled in the shelter she came from and that did not help at all….yet, she is leaps and bounds away from the broken, confused, scared girl that first arrived to BHRR……
She is getting more and more comfortable in her own skin and learning to love herself and gosh, she makes me beam with so much pride and warmth over how awesome she is!!!
Obedience with leash manners…..well, we are still working on that!
You humble me BHRR’s Skye….you make me a better person, owner, trainer and behavioural person……thank you for your gifts…
BHRR’s Waffle and BHRR’s Skye had their prof photo shoot this AM.
Thank you to Wendi for the extra hands and this was our first time having photo’s with Melissa. Nice to meet you! Elizabeth, who has done all our rescue pawtraits to date, is now on maternity leave, expecting her first baby in November and congratulations again!
It was a glorious sunny morning to have these photo’s taken and BHRR’s Waffle, you have shown just how close you are now in being ready to make your special announcement!
Relaxed, playful, affectionate, ‘ok’ to go with Wendi while I had BHRR’s Skye’s own photo’s done and, even took treats from strangers! You shall always require careful integration with strange dogs yet, nothing wrong with that!! My heart is bursting with such happiness over your rehab journey!! s Your photo’s are going to be a hoot to see!
BHRR’s Skye, you are light years away from the extremely fearful and reactive dog that arrived to us. You are no longer as confused, scared, defensive plus stressed with quite a few humans and dogs…..you came out of my car connecting with Wendi like you had known her for some time. Just like at the Hospital yesterday, with all staff plus dogs, you were calm and accepting and wagging your tail with Wendi.
I was a bit concerned about being in such a public area (first time taking photo’s here!) yet, there was a quiet section that we could take photo’s and BHRR’s Skye, I wish you could tell us why you were so worried about the photographer at first….she had not even used her camera yet and from the moment she saw Melissa, BHRR’s Skye was ‘woofy’ and ‘barky’.
However, by the end of the photo session, one gorgeous Neo was sitting, focused and attentive to Melissa, taking treats from her and making it hard for Melissa to get far enough away to take good photo’s!
Time…..you need more time of which I have so much to give you, patience, that continued obedience and structure and consistency…..yet, you shall get there BHRR’s Skye. Look where you once were?! When you are ready, you will let me know….Even your anxiety in the car(singing me a song!) was less than yesterday and you laid down and were content to soak up the rays of sunshine streaming in from the windows. You never could have done what you are doing now with your level of learned comfort, security and happiness when you first arrived and so freakin’ proud of you!! Your photo’s are going to reveal a dog that once was so lost that is now finding her way along a path of so much promise!!
Thank you Wendi and Melissa for taking time out of their own busy day and spending a bit of time with these beauties this AM. You have given them more positive experiences and touches with caring hands and that keeps them moving forward on their great plus wonderful path of rehab!
Time to now get one excited little girl prepared for Halloween!!
Happy Halloween everyone!! Be safe!!
BHRR’s Skye(Neo) and BHRR’s Waffle(Bloodhound/Great Pyr) had their final vet visits today! If all comes back well with the remaining bloodwork I am doing, they will be ready to make their special announcements in a couple more weeks for they are both still working on social skills and obedience also with those leash manners.
Yet, both of them ROCKED their Vet visits!
BHRR’s Skye has anxiety in the car and BHRR’s Waffle does not and BHRR’s Waffle has anxiety in a run and BHRR‘s Skye does not as much and so having them together was really good today for the one showed the other it was ‘ok’
BHRR’s Waffle weighed a lean muscled 36.7 Kgs and could use a bit more weight still.
BHRR’s Skye weighed a wee bit plump 48.4 Kgs and I was already cutting her back a bit on her food…..
Both are now chipped and had a good day at KAH!
Tomorrow, they are getting their professional photo’s done in prep for their big announcements when they are ready!!
I am beyond proud of both of these girls! They were excellent with all people they met and no issues with any dogs they met. Both have overcome a lot of fear issues, with both humans and dogs and made excellent choices today!!
I was so thrilled to see how much their tails wagged and that they were quite relaxed etc….
BHRR’s Skye says it is time to go home now! It has been a long day for me and them!
It SOON shall be time! You have been asking and patiently waiting…..get your thinking caps on!
It shall soon be time to sign-up for our 4th(FOURTH) ANNUAL GIVE it ‘UP’ 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 – 4:00 PM &
Sunday October 25th 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dog Baths $15,
Nails $10,
Ear Cleaning $10,
Microchips $40 including registration – Cats/Dogs must be minimally 8 weeks of age
Merchandise for Sale!
Visit some of the ‘big dawgs’ of BHRR! Dogs TBA
*No Appointments necessary!
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.
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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.
Another photo of this gorgeous lady!
Look who is relaxing and feeling more comfortable plus settled in?!
BHRR’s Skye, our Neapolitan Mastiff – she is the Neo, whose O. was killed by a truck and then the boyfriend dumped her and another dog at the pound. BHRR’s Skye has a long road ahead of her with emotional plus behavioural rehab BUT she will get there!
She also LOVES to sing songs…..sings a song if the water bowl is empty and reminds me a bit of HQD in the way that she looks at us as if we are idjits for not… noticing that the water bowls need to be filled up! She sings a song if dinner is late or she is not fed her bowl as fast as she may want etc.
She is full of soft grumbles and rumbles and squeaks and songs! We are quickly being ‘trained’ by her with what means what!
She had some resourcing when she first arrived plus some fear issues in seeing the other dogs and slow careful integration along with consistency and patience not to mention tons of understanding and obedience, has made her realise that she will not do without food or water or love etc. The stability and soundness plus well balance of the other dogs has taught her much.
We call her ‘Princess Skye’ for she is a bit of a ‘tudey lady! LOL She wanted to lay claim to the couch ALL to herself and well, that is not how we roll at BHRR.
She is loving and playful and so affectionate to those she has developed trust plus a bond with. Her circle of success grows ever wider as she is exposed to more stimuli and situations plus places.
She has personality plus and when she forgets her troubles plus worries, she is such a ham!
She acts more like 3 years of age max these days and she is developing much needed muscle mass/tone. She has had her share of litters in her past and her body is really looking so much better these days as her coat comes in such a glossy soft blue brindle. We are watching that waist line! She loves her food and has been putting on much needed weight beautifully.
She is crate trained yet, has also proven 100% trustworthy in our sunroom when we are away.
She is such a pretty ‘wee’ giant and loving the time that we are having with her.
When she is ready to make her special announcement, she will let us know……no rush, ever….
She is going to make a wonderful right matched fit home, an incredible special addition…she will melt your heart……she is that precious!
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!
Here is some information on the Neo Breed. I posted this on BHRR’s Flint’s(Now ADOPTED!) own blog when he arrived to BHRR.
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Pronunciation |
nee-uh-PAH-luh-tuhn MAS-tif |
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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. |
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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. |
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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) |
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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. |
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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. |
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Exercise |
They should be taken on daily walks at least twice a day. |
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Life Expectancy |
Up to 10 years. |
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Grooming |
These giant, shorthaired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder. |
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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. |
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Group |
Mastiff |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, USNMC, APRI, ACR, DRA, AKC, NAPR |
Female Neo, ~4 years of age, spayed, weight ~102 pounds
O. was tragically killed – hit by a truck while walking and talking on the phone with her bf making arrangements for him to pick her up.
She came from a home with three dogs and a child – two of the dogs were sent to the shelter the day after the woman was killed….one dog was kept by the home and both shelter dogs have rescue commitment placement.
We were contacted to assist by another wonderful r/q group – Just Paws – Thanks Jane – we remain honoured and privileged to assist….
We do not as of yet know what her name is or further details and, she was not faring well in the shelter environment so has been pulled and is in boarding right now until arrangements can be made to get her to BHRR. She is so confused and scared.
She is doing so much better now that she is being boarded and is out of the shelter.
ETA: Being worked on right now……..
Such a tragic situation.
