BHRR's Reese has had a great few days with her potential new forever loving home. I am so filled with the best of tears and warmth to say that she is ADOPTED!!!

In my almost 30 years in these trenches, each dog has touched me in a special way….then, there is BHRR's Reese. There are almost no words to express what all of this means to me, and to me for her.

This is is the completely withdrawn, uncommunicative, almost 'autistic' dog that came to BHRR in July of 2013. Many that attended our 6th Annual  "JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS' Microchip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser the day after her arrival witnessed firsthand how emotionally unavailable and unresponsive and closed in a world of her own, one of darkness she was.

NO longer! This is the Dobie Doll AKA Bambi Baby that counts, and can recall, and 'check-ins', that is crate trained and house broken and leash trained and, travels beautifully in a car…this is the amazing wee 'giant' that knows 'front feet up' 'door', 'stay close', 'wait' and 'come' and many many many more words! 😀 She could climb on the couch and HQD would tuck her all in.

The puppy that once was deaf and blind, had a smell impairment in addition to neuro issues has become the dog that is well balanced and quite social and while blind, she does hear 'tones' and 'sounds' and, as her inner ear infections cleared up, she was hearing more and more and, her smell is more focused – except when it comes to food and treats! The, she is in 'piggy' land! 😉 She can focus and she is not as OCD and she, does not resort back to stress behaviour of lip licking and, air grabbing…..

This girl is inspirational…I remember once thinking 'how do I help her'…and 'can I even help her'…..well, she helped me to help her….people say, I am to thank for saving this girl…well, you know what, she was equally if not more, the 'teacher' than I! She was an excellent teacher, and, I her pupil in so many ways…

Simply put, this dog is magnificent and, in doing a transitional adoption over the past few months, it has set her and the home up for success.

I am going to deeply miss my feisty, spunky monkey! AND, her play buddies(YES, she plays!) of the Purse Puppies, BHRR's Groves & Mr. Bubbles are sure going to miss her!!! AND, yes me too…..

I well up and spill tears of so much happiness for this incredible dog!!!! Through, those tears, I am beaming….just beaming…..

THANKS you BHRR's Reese….thank you for touching me so deeply, for being my instructor, for being a mentor, for helping me to help you and for being YOU!!! Thank your trust……I am humbled……….

My wish for her one day, would be to see this gift of a girl, be a therapy dog for, she has an aura about her….that is truly magical and soothing….yet, at the end of the day, my biggest wish of all has come true….a forever loving home of her very own to call 'family'……..

Below is a photo of BHRR's Reese on Saturday May 10th from the home, called 'nap time'. I sent off a new bed with BHRR's Reese, now, to get her to lay on it! One of her big 'siblings' is another BHRR dog and, blessed are we, that we could place another dog in this lovely home. Yes the photo is blurry yet, isn't it still precious!?!

One more sleepie and BHRR's Reese is off to spend three nights back with her potential future adoptive home AND, if that goes well, to stay. 🙂

Below are some photo's of BHRR's Reese enjoying the outside on our front brick deck as I was pressuring washing it to keep getting rid of all that spring thaw/mud away. ISN'T she beautiful??!! So inspirational!!!

I just love her shiny healthy glossy coat AND, that she has her head up high, confident and comfortable! 🙂 Just how she has always met the world, head on yet, she is now relaxed and, happy for she knows how to to communicate and she, knows that she will be 'heard' and 'listened' to and, so she is not withdrawn the way she once was. She is not shutdown the way she once was. She is not OCD the way she once was. She is that feisty and spunky girl with some 'tude!

She is still battling the hygroma from her slip at this home yet, with proper continued management, it will heal fine.

It is BBBBB time for I see BHRR's Ethel, BHRR's Abby & BHRR's Jersey also! 🙂

BHRR's Reese with my almost 10 year old Cherokee & BHRR's Reese with BBBBB's! May 8th, 2014

OK! We have a date! May 9th, it is! BHRR's Reese shall head to her possible future adoptive home, this time for three nights and, if all continues to go well, she shall remain there and be officially adopted! Please think good thoughts for her and, the home. 🙂

Will update her blog as we can.

BHRR's Reese is now back from her latest playdate with her potential future adoptive home. It went fabu well! 🙂

Below is a photo from the home. ISN'T it precious?

At this time, the home is pretty much 100% certain in that this is meant to be. However, as their next two weekends are going to be super busy for them, the next plan of action that we are all in agreement is: around May 9th – Date to be confirmed, BHRR's Reese shall go for another play visit – this time three overnights and, if things are going as great as, we have worked to set-up things up to be, she shall just stay and be adopted. 🙂

I thank them for their continued honesty and candor re: everything going on in their home/lives and, also, have deepest respect that they are equally wanting to ensure that this is right for BHRR's Reese also! 🙂

We will touch base over those three days and, go from there.

Patience between all parties is really doing the right thing by BHRR's Reese and the home.

Her blog will be updated as we can!

BHRR's Reese – April 2014
*photo courtesy of her possible future adoptive home

BHRR's Reese had her latest play visit rescheduled to Monday. Below are two videos of her at KAH on Monday! 🙂 I meant to get a new weight on her. 🙂

This is an excellent opportunity to also post a bit more about what BHRR is all about and to impart some community awareness plus public education. BHRR is a special needs Rescue. More than that, we are also a Giant Breed Rescue. All r/q's rescues are out there doing the best that they can, most are all Volunteer, and, their mandates, procedures plus policies are put in place in the best interest of the animals' in their care.

To compare one special needs group to another, or one groups' numbers of adoptions or to say that, 'x' group is always posting happy news(some groups ONLY take in highly adoptable, non behavioural or medical dogs and that is the niche they fill in the community) yet,'y' group always has a dog in need is not looking at what makes a group truly r/q. Are they full vetting(many do not), are they pumping them in and out, are they doing proper behaviour assessments/evaluations, are they doing a very thorough adoption process, are they staying within their resources, are they giving all approved temp foster and adoptive homes info. packages and being there for them….so many points that could be made here.

BHRR also, only does four planned fundraisers a year and attends very few community education/awareness events. We are not out there every weekend, hands out asking or demanding money. We are so appreciative be it a $1 or $10 that comes our way. The rest of the monies raised for our dogs comes out of the pockets of Sean/I. We are not 'dabblers' in rescue. We have been around since 1996 and, do this to help one dog at a time and to do it the right way each and every time.

BHRR's focus is to take in the 'next in need' and that entails many highly unadoptable or harder to adopt dogs AND, one must also realise that, it is not 'us' turning down people by the thousands. People need to realise that many people do not want a BIG BLACK dog or, a dog with behavioural issues or one with medical reasons and applications are not flowing in like a rain shower. To cast negativity, on any group, without knowing what their mandates are and, their success rates – we were 100% for 10 years of operating, and, now are 99% as we go through year 18 – and, so much more about them, is shameful. There are so many groups and causes out there and, just as not every Breeder is equal, neither are the rescues. Most groups are happy to explain things, yet, they will not defend their programs. BHRR is the same. Should you not believe or support the processes or 'x' or 'y' group, there is sure to be one out there that does meet 'your' standards or lack of them.

BHRR was never founded to adopt high numbers. That is a bonus reward each and every time we do have an approved adoption. We take the 'next in need', always into BHRR – dogs that others will not or cannot assist. Dogs that would have been otherwise destroyed – the BHRR's Emmett's, the BHRR's Promises', the BHRR's Ava Marie's, the BHRR's Nessies', the BHRR's Maverick's, The BHRR's Cosettes', The BHRR's Emma's, The BHRR's Groves', The BHRR's SuzieQ's and on and on. We do not take in puppies often(we have done 8 over the last year+), record for us. Puppies are so much more highly adoptable, even special needs ones. We also do not place puppies up for adoption until they reach a certain age, as we do specialise on the giant breeds. We are always going to have a dog in need, be it a new dog or one that is already in our programs, such as BHRR's Porridge. In reviewing, the last 6 months of posts on our BHRR FB page, there is almost a 85-90% posting of GREAT and positive news, yet, we also post the 'reality' of rescue and, our group is very much in the trenches or reality of r/q rescue.

We adopted 13 dogs last year, 17 the year before that and the previous three years before that were 6,6, and 6. This year, to date, we have adopted 2 and we have two more under pending. We do not hide our statistics. We are quite proud to say that 362 dogs have been adopted since our inception. We are even prouder to say that we have helped hundreds upon hundreds and hundreds more via our Haven program etc. We are the whole picture, not a piece or part.

Our 2014 Statistics To Date:

2 adoptions – BHRR's Prince Eggo Belfast & BHRR's Torque

2 tragic losses – BHRR's Breen & BHRR's Zara

1 has come into BHRR in 2014 – April with BHRR's Leroy

2 are under pending adoption – BHRR's Reese &, BHRR's Jetta

3 more in our BHRR program, shall be placed up for adoption shortly – BHRR's purse puppies & BHRR's Maverick

AND, in the case of BHRR's Reese, is it not 'me' or the BHRR BOD that is holding back any adoption. Per the home even today, they are 90% sure they wish to proceed with an adoption. Successful adoptions are a two way street. It is relationship building, it is mutual trust and respect and listening and communicating and working together.

At the end of the day, it does not matter if BHRR's Reese is adopted. That is not what is most important based upon the reasons as to why BHRR was founded. What I care about is continuing to make her the best dog she can be. We committed to her, we are here for life for her, be that with her living in our home, in a perma-foster home or in a forever loving adoptive home. She will not do without. She is going to come away from these amazing visits, a better dog.

Every r/q Rescue can improve. I have said that for 26 years now. Yet, to be part of the 'improvement', it is best to talk and converse with the group directly. Words hurt not myself or Sean or any member of the BHRR BOD. What the words of people riddled with the wrong understanding of the workings of any r/q group, do is hurt the animals in said group that these groups are working so hard to help in the first place. This post is being made not because someone has sent me a note re: BHRR's Reese or BHRR. No one has done so. It is being made based upon what is being witnessed out there in the rescue community and, a comment passed along my way while several of us deep in the trenches or r/q rescue had been together. At the end of most people's nights, they go to bed and sleep. To those of us that have dedicated our lives to the animals in need, we sleep little to none. So, get out there and help r/q groups, be it BHRR or not. As posted above, there is bound to be a cause for almost every person out there. Yet, to speak about things, you know naught about, remember, it is the very animals' you think you are trying to help by your words, that you, are in fact, really hurting.

Back to BHRR's Reese, the home and I had a very good talk today – almost an hour! – and, I am so happy to have such homes considering to adopt from BHRR for by working together, it shall be best determined if BHRR's Reese is meant for this home and if, the timing is right. 🙂 BHRR is a very different group than many and to have a BHRR dog means something special.

BHRR's Reese shall be coming back to BHRR on Wednesday April 24th and, we shall go from there.

VIDEO #1 BHRR's Reese April 21st, 2014
VIDEO #2 BHRR's Reese Aprl 21st, 2014

BHRR's Reese is headed off to her possible future adoptive home on Saturday, this time for a two night overnight stay. I will get her back on Monday. At that time, we will have a discussion with the home as to 1) if BHRR's Reese needs more time with a transitional adoption and 2) if the home, is even still interested in moving forward with said adoption.

I feel it is a good match home, yet this is a very special needs Dobie and, I want the home to be really aware of what they are getting themselves into(AND, I know they have been so honest and upfront themselves with us also) and, this time has been so good for all of us involved, no rushing, no pressure to see if this is meant to be. The home loves her, what is there NOT to love, yet, I have complete respect for their own candor in wanting to be sure that they own dogs and current lifestyle etc., is of benefit not to just BHRR's Reese yet, their own home.

This has been a wonderful transitional adoption experience process to have gone through and, at the end of the day, BHRR's Reese will have had more beautiful memories and loving hands to have helped continue her growing along this great development journey she has had, from when she first arrived under our authority.

Will update her blog as I can!

BHRR’s Reese weighed 43.56 pounds(19.8 KGs) yesterday. When she returned from her overnight play date, I weighed her at KAH.

She had a good visit. 🙂 The home said that she is a great dog. 🙂 She apparently slipped a few times and went down hard at the home and now is sporting a hygroma and, I will monitor it and drain(yes, not always the best option yet, we have had to do this more than once over the years and they have healed beautifully) and/or antibiotics if required. I will tensor it for now also.

Below is a photo from her night at this home and thank you for giving her this really wonderful experience. Thank you also to the home for sending it to me.

I am open to her going back for another visit, a couple of days this time and will discuss further with the home what their preference is. As always, no rush on our part nor on the home’s part and, if this is meant to be, great, if not, than that is fine also.

BHRR’s Reese – April 8th, 2014

Our Dobie Doll AKA BHRR Bambi is having her first overnight sleepover later today with her possible future adoptive home! 🙂 At BHRR, we will not rush anything, and, we want to set up our homes and our dogs for maximum success and, a transitional adoption is what is in the best interest of all involved. This girl is extremely bonded to me….Mason too 😉 and, baby steps! She is doing fabu though! When her possible adoptive home was here while I was away, they said they were pretty sure that BHRR's Reese remembered her and, as I did tell them before I left, I WAS sure she would! 🙂

Sean and Mason loved on her while I did her mani/pedi Sunday night and, I shall give her an extra special bath today prior to bringing her to work with me.

Below is a photo of her taken in March while I was away. I am so happy to be home and with my animals again….

BHRR's Reese – March 13th, 2014
*Photo courtesy of S. Dowler

BHRR's Reese is moving under a PENDING ADOPTION! 🙂 We shall keep her blog updated as we can.

BHRR's Reese had her first 'solo' play date on Friday February 21st. She weighed 18.2 KGs(40.04 pounds) @ 10 months of age. Yes, a nicely petitie Dobi-Doll AKD Bambi-Baby! The Vet that saw her one day after her arrival to BHRR last July was able to see her again on Friday and, thinks she looks marvelous and is so impressed with how much progress she has made at BHRR! 🙂 She really is an inspirational girl!!!

Below, is a photo of her play date/visit and a write-up from the home. 🙂 The next step of this possible gradual transitional adoption is a sleep-over.

I also showed the home how BHRR's Reese knows words like 'door' and, what she does when you say that word to her. This is ONE very smart dog! She travel wonderfully in the car. You just have to make sure that the wheel wells in the back seat are filled up with blankets or dog beds, so she does not fall into them .

BHRR’s Reese’s Solo Visit

So after a 2 hour drive where BHRR’s Reese slept calmly in the car, we pulled in the driveway.  Now I had to put the logistics that I had been pondering on the way into action.  I left BHRR’s Reese in the car for a few moments and got my dogs organized so they weren’t all waiting to mob her as she entered- 2 in the bedroom and 1 out to start.

I carried her up the front steps although I knew she could do them because the rain had left everything pretty slippery underfoot and set her down inside the door.  Off she went re-familiarizing herself with the house.  Without Gwen, she was a little more nervous for longer than the last 2 visits and, of course, this was the point that I realized that I hadn't fully paid attention to how Gwen calms her down!!  What I did know is that it was by reassuring her by touch so between that and the rope toys to play with she settled in.

After some time playing and exploring, BHRR’s Reese settled on the dog bed with my youngest son and a cover and took a little nap.

The one thing was that was a little different without Gwen was that she seemed to pace the house a little more but not in a nervous way.  On reflection, I wonder if she was looking for her……

My dogs still have not quite got her figured out yet- one seems to get it, when BHRR’s Reese walks towards you step aside because she will walk into you.  My other female who is 11 can’t quite understand why she continuously enters her space and is a bit cranky with her.  My Male, for the most part, is fine because she is a girl but got a little worried when she tried to walk over him while he was lying on the dog bed.

After a very pleasant 4 hour visit, it was time to head back to Gwen and needless to say BHRR’s Reese was extremely happy to see her!! 

BHRR's Reese – February 21st, 2014

BHRR's Reese is going to have a very special play date/visit on Friday! This is going to be her very first one sans moi. 🙂 I am extremely excited for her PLUS the home. 🙂

Kinsley and I are home recently from a second play date/visit with a home that could/may be a right matched potential fit as her forever loving adoptive home.

As soon as I parked, BHRR’s Reese was out of the car and trotting up their driveway(IT is as if she remembered being here on December 31st!!). She did the first two stairs without much assistance from me and I put my fingers under her chin and used the ‘touch’ to signal the last step and to go up.

We stayed just over 2.5 hours(another time flew moment!) and, I so enjoyed that cup of mint tea! 😉 Made my sinuses/chest/stomach feel so much better. 🙂 Thank you for having that for us to enjoy! 🙂

BHRR’s Reese was even more comfortable…she was exploring even more and she loves the two tugs ropes there(thank you X for sharing them with her! 😉 ) and, she even fell asleep in my arms as we sat talking in cushy chairs and, the home could pet and stroke her face to their hearts content. She made one attempt to even play with one of their dogs.

We are all on the same page about having another play date/visit and this time it shall be sans me….the home wanted me to promise that I would be just a ‘text’ or ‘call’ away! YET, I think they shall be fine! 😀

Below are two videos I took before we left home to go visit! BHRR’s Reese loving the snow! 🙂

Reese 2Feb2 2014 VIDEO
Reese2Feb2014 VIDEO #2

*WE ARE IN A FOOD CRISIS AS OF JANUARY 5th, 2014 – 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!

BHRR’s Reese is NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!! YAY! YAY! YAY! She did it!!! 🙂 CONGRATULATIONS! 🙂

She has not had a seizure since December 20th and she may never have another one or she may have more. There is no crystal ball and, at this time, she is not going on any medications.

Dobie Doll AKA Bambi Baby is so dear to many of us and, this is such a miracle baby! 🙂

I would like to see her in a home with at least one other dog, a home that does not have a lot of stairs, a home that works ft, pt, from home, semi-retired or retired does not matter. She is another great versatile BHRR dog! 🙂

Things that she does require is not just a ‘dog’ proof home yet, a ‘Reese’ proof home. The home that had the play visit with her on December 31st, witnessed firsthand how easy it was for BHRR’s Reese to get caught up in a lamp cord and, then managed to wedge herself through the rungs of a chair. She is 100% housebroken and 100% trustworthy in our home and while, I still crate her from time to time, for, as many are aware, I believe that dogs should be crated trained to prepare them for times they may have to be at a Vet Hospital or on crate rest due to illness or injury.

This dog has no fear, so, you have to almost protect her from herself, while as I keep saying to so many ‘not putting her into a glass bubble’. If I had ever done that, this gorgeous Doberman would not be where she is today. 🙂

She is food motivated and what she requires BIG TIME is the patience of that right matched forever loving home. Consistency and patience. If you are patient with her, she is less likely to become OCD and overwhelmed and begin to lip lick and paw the air with her front legs. She can still do this when she is excited and she has a calming touch/hold and words and she settles wonderfully.

Collars still tend to worry her so, we have been working on a harness and she is great in many ways except when she wants to go one way and, I want her to go another! 😉 Especially when it comes to the horse barn. SHE LOVES going there…AND, long grass….she take such joy from the long grass.

She is great with all dogs yet, not all dogs are great with her. Many are uncomfortable around her as they ‘sense’ her that she is not the same as they are. This is an insecurity on their part, not hers. She keeps all in the same way, with big high paws of hello! 😀

She is sassy…she has no qualms about telling me off if I am late with her supper! She is still fed Performatrin with some water pured in yet, she drinks really well from a water bowl. We hold the food bowl down until she ‘feels’ it, with her own paw and let her then do her thing. Water, sometimes gets tipped over yet, that is what towels are for!

As she listens to voices all the time, she has a special ‘tone’ – lower and very distinct that breaks wherever she may be in her head and she can then ‘hear’ …she then just needs to focus and so you say her name and the command just once and pause…..you can then say it again for she does have that neuro issue and she is so much better now to ‘stop…listen and then move’. She is not getting frustrated like she used to for she knows that we are going to be patient and communicate with her and repeat. She is SOOOOOOOOOOO proud of herself when she does what she has been asked to do! She is just so happy! 🙂

She completely loses her focus still when it comes to treats and food and, is very motivated with both yet, it is hard for her to narrow and hone in on the smell and she, can still become overwhelmed and excited(stimulated). AND, then watch your fingers! 😉

She is also sassy when it comes to wanting to play and, will come up behind me and grab the back of my pants! Sometimes, she can pinch skin, so, we continue to work on ‘gentle’….

Below is a Video from August 18th, 2013 that I had not yet posted on her blog – was on our now unpublished BHRR FB page. 🙂

BHRR’sReeseAugust18th20013

*WE ARE IN A FOOD CRISIS AS OF JANUARY 5th, 2014 – 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!

BHRR’s Reese is scheduled for another play date/play visit with me at an approved BHRR Volunteers’ home this Sunday! 🙂 Hoping for another most wonderful experience for her!

Will try to get photo’s this time to post!

She will be making a very special announcement this weekend! 😉 😀

HERE is a wonderful blog post sent my way from the home that had a wonderful play visit with her on December 31st. THANK you to this lovely home for offering to do this!! 🙂

BHRR’s Reese’s First Visit

We were very happy (and a little nervous) for BHRR’s Reese first visit to our house.  First a little background- our house is a bungalow with the living room separate from the kitchen with multiple doors unlike Birch Haven that is more of an open concept layout.

BHRR’s Reese came in the door with Gwen and Kinsley into our porch which made her a little nervous.  It is very small so not many steps to be taken before you find a wall.

Once inside, BHRR’s Reese very quickly got busy making her map.  For the first visit, we limited the space to the living area, kitchen and a small part of the hallway.  She very quickly decided that she liked the kitchen best which, of course, had to be the one with the most obstacles.  It did not take her very long to maneuver her way around and figure out where everything was because, for BHRR’s Reese, there are no obstacles!!

Onto the living room which I had reorganized to create open floor space.  Not as many things to count around so she very quickly got that figured out except for one thing- my daughter had been seated on the floor in the middle of the room and then decided it might be better to be against the wall and moved.  BHRR’s Reese already had her located in her original spot and returned quite a few times wondering where that “thing” had gone.

BHRR’s Reese found a rope toy in the living room all on her own and got busy playing with it.  She also was comfortable enough to be relaxed with one of my children for a nice belly rub.

Oh, one thing that I forgot to mention- this was all done with various members of my canine crew present.  First, one at a time for the initial introduction and then with all three and BHRR’s Reese together.

All I can say is that it was absolutely amazing to watch.  Were there a few bumps along the way?- of course but most of the time BHRR’s Reese found things in front of her with her feet first.  This is one wonderful dog and it is very hard to believe in watching here that she cannot see.  

We are just leaving from a very wonderful and special playdate visit with Dobie Doll aka BHRR’s Bambi Doll Reese!

Whether there is or is not an approved adoption in early 2014 is not what I take home with me today….that is secondary.

I take home an incredibly special puppy to many of us that has proven yet, again how ‘normal ‘ she really is!! What a great additional experience she had to help make her that much more of a well rounded and balanced sweetheart!

While our day at BHRR started off in one direction, we go home and heading into the New Year in the best direction possible – with amazing good and kind dogs, friends, family, supporters and believers our sides…..

Thank you to this home for opening up their doors to is this afternoon!! Thank you for so much in giving Dobie Doll an extremely great time! Us, humans too….

Happy New Year with such warm wishes from the BHRR and Boers Clan!!

May 2014 find all filled with warmth, happiness and a healthy home and heart with those they care about and vice versa!

AND do not drink and drive!!!

I am going to focus on some ‘good’ news…….I will post more on BHRR’s Angel Noelle a bit later….wish, life was easier than it can be…. Yet, we shall prevail and do right by her!!!

Tomorrow, I am taking a very special wee Dobie doll to do a hv for a possible future adoption…..just a playdate…and, play visit to see how things go….

This home has followed her literally from Day 1 and, is no stranger to Dobermans, or special needs dogs and, her IS does not phase them…..she may have more, she may never have another….her last one was December 20th…

So, think positive and good vibe feelings for BHRR’s Reese and the home! This is another approved home that has adopted from us in the past and, is dear to us….

If if does not work out, that is ok….it was then not meant to be…not pressure on dog or home.

BHRR’s Reese – December 24th, 2013, BHRR Traditional Christmas Eve Photo’s – the bag is from her amazing SS Group!

BHRR’s Reese has not had another seizure since I made the last update. She has several appointments coming up. I will update as I can.

For those wishing to making donations to her care:

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 ‘Reese’. 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(please use the ‘gift’ option)

YOU CAN ALSO MAKE BI-WEEKLY AUTOMATIC DONATIONS OR EVEN MONTHLY DONATIONS – HERE
(You do not need a PayPal account either)

Reese’s Rescue Angels: $328.00 Donated To Date & Bills: $4,178.17
Caren – $18.00 which is Chai (life) – in memory of Garth, a wonderful doberman that passed away
Nairn
Karen

I am a bit crushed to write this post….I live with a seizure dog – my PPSS has had idiopathic seizures for over 5 years now, and have owned and been loved by other seizure dogs in my life and we have rescued many over the past, almost 18 years……

I had suspected for awhile that our Dobie Doll was having small seizures and so, delayed putting her up for adoption, talked to her Vets, began to journal….and, then, I thought this last week, that maybe ‘I’ was wrong (she has OCD etc.) and, then two nights ago, BHRR’s Reese had an episode that very much confirmed my worries and I talked to her Vet Team again….bw is normal….and, then just a short time ago, as I was finally getting to bed after another 22 hour day, she had her worse one so far….

Seizure dogs can and do live wonderful lives…and, she can too. I am not worried that any right matched forever loving home could not meet her needs…..she has come so far with communication and social skills and being a dog, that, this is a set back as she withdraws back into herself and is hard to reach… I do not want her to go back to those early days and weeks… She is so confused and scared that she is shutting me out and I cannot ‘reach’ her….

So, at this time, she shall remain in rehab at BHRR and we may have to consider more testing to see of there is a tumour(none was discovered when she first arrived and the specialists were looking into why she was blind and had hearing(that is believed to be from a deep inner ear infection), issues and neuro concerns……is something now showing up?? That they could not find then??

So, my rest which was going to be a most pleasant short one is now filled with questions and worries and concerns…..

For all that have met this absolutely inspirational Bambi Baby, you will agree with me that she is exceptional…..she is miraculous and, more than ever, she needs all of us to continue being there for her and rooting for her…..

As I know more, I shall update…..

I could just cry…..

Deep breath, one step at a time and one test at a time and one decision at a time for her….

May she be ready at another time to be placed up for adoption and that right matched forever loving home finding her and understanding this is another very special thing about BHRR’s Reese and love her…..

BHRR’s Reese December 11th, 2013

UPDATE: Dobie Doll's AKA BHRR's Beautiful Bambi Baby's spay went well………….phewwww! Always, so relieved when the surgeries are over. No matter how many we do, still hold my breath.

She is on her way home now!!!!

THANKS for all the great vibes, texts, emails and messages today for her!

SHE is one very wuved baby!

She weighed 14 KGs(30.8 pounds)! Tiny wee gorgeous thing she is!!

MY last post before bed is to please ask if people could spare a thought for BHRR's Reese…

Her spay is today – Friday October 25th – having had to be rescheduled from Thursday October 24th.

Our Dobie Doll AKA BHRR's Beautiful Bambi Baby is heading to LAH – Liston Animal Hospital for her spay.

Her bw is good, her Von Willebrand's Assay was negative and everything crossed that she will have an uneventful surgery.

She is our blind, hearing impaired & neuro beauty that has inspired so many!!!!

AND cannot wait to find out what her new weight is….all of us here, can still carry her with ease.

We will take a closer look at her tail and that tiny growth on her foot too. Plus give her another mani/pedi while she is under.

Once, she recovers from her spay, she will be placed up for adoption!

She has taught me a lot since her arrival and she is going to make me smile and cry when it is her time to go……

So, please, if, you could possibly spare a thought or a blessing her way, I and I know that she would be so touched….

AND, thank you to the special angel that made a very generous and caring donation to her spay surgery…..you know who you are AND know that you are SOOOOOOOOOO appreciated and valued and we are privileged to know you!
 

UPDATE: BHRR's Reese's VonWillebrands testing came back NEGATIVE! YAY! So, her spay is a still a 'go' for October 24th and from there, after about 3 weeks, she can be placed up for adoption!!! YES!! OMG! I am so happy for her!!!

BHRR's Reese ROCKED our recent annual "DINE WITH THE BHRR Animals' Event! She proved to all attendees that she is as 'normal' as every other dog out there….So many could not believe that she is blind, hearing impaired plus has neuro issues. SHE BLEW so many misconceptions out of the water….

This below is a photo of BHRR's Reese when I met BHRR approved Volunteer Karen the day of her transport. It is from July 13th, 2013. I like to think that she is THANKING Karen for helping her!

Reese's Rescue Angels: $28.00 Donated To Date & Bills: $3,497.67
Caren – $18.00 which is Chai (life) – in memory of Garth, a wonderful doberman that passed away
Nairn
 

UPDATE: So, DOBIE DOLL AKA BAMBI BABY BHRR's Reese came to KAH with me today! She is our blind, hearing impaired and Neuro sweetie!

We have not yet crossed the 30 lb mark YET, she has put on another 3.3 pounds in just 8 days! She is now 29.04 pounds!
She looks FANTASTIC! She is such a 'teacup' Doberman for most, healthy Dobermans at 5 months DO NOT weight just 29.04 pounds.
She is super tiny, all bambi legs and I got a great new video of her today in the grass!

Her bw from the 19th came in as normal! YAY! YAY! YAY! YET, the Von Willebrands testing was not done and so, I brought her back today, AND, the wonderful compliments she has received for being EVEN that much better than even 8 days ago, is so heart warming!

We did another mani/pedi and TONS of loving!

In doing her nails, it was noted that a tiny growth was found by one of her back nails on her right hind leg. I had the Vet take a peek and it is suspected to be a possible Histiocytoma yet, there is virtually nothing to try and FNA or puncture biopsy at this time.

IT was not there until just recently and I will monitor for changes.

AND, we will try and biopsy it during her spay….

AND, the one concern is how vascular it is and we are all anxiously waiting to see what her Von Willebrands testing results will bring in…..

VIDEO#1 ReeseSeptember25th, 2013
VIDEO#2ReeseSeptember25th, 2013

BHRR's Dobie Doll of Bambi Baby Reese(our blind, hearing impaired and neuro baby) is at KAH today and we have not yet broke the 30 lb mark! She weighed in at 25.74 pounds!!! ALL legs!

Thank you to Auntie Caren for coming out and giving her some lovin' and thank you for the compliments on HOW far this miraculous wee angel has come since she arrived into my care on July 13th, 2013.

She is a HUGE hit at KAH and was swarmed by all! LOVED all the comments on how beautiful she is and how much progress she has made!!! It makes my heart feel so warm for Reese!!!

We did nails and bloodwork(NOT something that could have been even attempted when she first arrived without sedation!!) and she was a rockstar and even took a treat afterwards!

She will have her rabies and in a few weeks, she will be spayed and my intent is to place this very inspirational girl up for adoption once she tells me she is ready AND even, if her right matched forever loving home never comes along, SHE is living a great quality filled life at BHRR!

She is fully integrated AND all the dogs, even BHRR's Dozer plus BHRR's Cancun(the big scaredy cats of wee dogs) watch out for her!

They are her eyes and her guidance and it does bring tears to my own eyes with how they all work together to show her the ropes!

This wee girl is FEARLESS FOR we have never once treated as if she was not capable of doing things and she has been treated as NORMAL and she is! NOTHING that she will not try or do, as long as she trusts…..

SET UP FOR SUCCESS ALWAYS!

VIDEO OF BHRR's Reese

AND, my inspirational post for today! IT IS all about BHRR's Dobie Doll BHRR's Reese – our blind, hearing impaired & neuro adorable BAMBI Baby!

As has been posted previously, she has been getting her water with her food as her tongue positioning is not quite where the normal would be.

Well, I have been working with her with small bits of peanut butter and other yummies, to get her to reach out her tongue for her to become aware of her tongue more and to get her comfortable with the motion and building up some strength…..

WELL, as of a last night, she is going to the water bowl(she knows where it is AND will even paw it if she finds it empty – she uses her foot as a visually impaired person will use their own finger or thumb to 'test' how high the level of fluid is in a cup etc.) and lapping up some water. It is still quite awkward for her yet, she is 'getting the concept' and while she is still fed water mixed in with her Performatrin canned and now some kibble(YAY!), she is actually able to consume some water with her tongue on its own.

THIS girl is BRILL! Just BRILL! I just have to keep 'listening' and work on being the best assistant for her to guide her along this journey to a great future!

She is a HECK of a lot more normal than so many gave her credit for!

She makes me smile BIG everyday! SHE makes a bad day turn into a GREAT one!

BHRR's Dobie Doll AKA Bambi Baby Reese! –
She may be Blind, Hearing impaired & have Neuro issues YET, 100% INSPIRATIONAL and AMAZING!
August 4th, 2013 with Mason Ross Boers
15 weeks old!
THE proof that I posted about that SHE does stop and relax now! She and I are making so much progress together AND, yet, Mason is THE ONLY one before our 'special guest' of four legs arrived THAT could actually get her to really just stop and enjoy cuddling for any length of time…..
He may be young BUT, he is gifted with a touch that makes her feel safe!!!

Dobie Doll AKA Bambi Baby BHRR's Reese with Mason

BHRR's Reese's blog is updated to July 27th, 2013. MORE to come! 🙂

My Dobie Doll, BHRR's Reese! July 27th, 2013 She is blind, hearing impaired, limited smell capabilities and has neuro issues AND, 100% proving the world how inspirational and incredible she is!!!!

She is more and more responsive as time goes on! I have had her since July 13th, 2013 and she has just make HUGE HUGE HUGE strides! We are connecting and reaching each other and so beaming over here!

AND, no matter how much my own heart may be hurting in agony right now, she can always make me smile big and feel such joy!

VIDEO HERE!

A JULY 26th, 2013 VIDEO of BHRR's Reese our DOBIE DOLL AKA BAMBI BABY!

BHRR'sReeseJuly262013

BHRR's Reese(12 week old Dobie Doll)!!! She is blind/hearing impaired(we originally thought she was deaf YET, she had a bad ear infection and was so withdrawn into herself that she was unresponsive), has limited smell plus neuro issues YET, even, in the past week, much progress has been made on 'honing' her senses! 🙂

She LOVES hanging out in the horse barn while I tend to the horse water and hay. 🙂

She is playing with a tug rope lead. She and I had a break through and she is playing! 🙂 🙂

SOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of her! SO proud! 🙂

MY Inspirational POST for today!

BHRR's Reese played!!!!!! An actual play and she even 'interacted' with me for play! OH YES! YES! YES!

HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE!

We are beginning to gel!!! She is teaching me and I am teaching her! TEAM BHRR's REESE is going strong!

Just had to share!!!

VIDEO HERE – BHRR'sReeseJuly202013
 

BHRR's Reese – July 14th, 2013 @ our 6th ANNUAL KAH/BHRR Micrcochip/Nail Trim & BBQ Fundraiser
*second photo courtesy of S. Jacklin

MUCH to update….as always, yet, for now, I am going to post my inspiration for the day or week, if not for life!

BHRR's Reese…..

I am working on becoming the best team mate I can for her, so that I can best help her have the most quality filled life ever.

I am doing so much in observation, drawing upon 25 years of experience, almost 15 years of education/degrees and what has been aiding me the most, my instinct/gut feeling. There are times where/when you just have to go inward and just 'feel'.

To all that met this amazing miraculous little girl yesterday at our 6th ANNUAL Fundraiser Event @ KAH, you will agree with me that she is simply amazing and inspirational, will make a great teacher, and a miracle girl she truly is!

Today, she came with me to help fill the water up for the horses and I put her down in our sweet smelling shavings barn – no horses around – and after ensuring that the horses had their stock tank all full, I sat and watched her(I have to get a video).

I then began counting as she moved…..I then started over every time she went back in the same direction and then turned and went in the other direction. I counted over and over as she went from side to side of the barn corridor and from back to front….

I then started timing and I began to get a 'light bulb' moment….HQD BHRR's Salma would be proud! :)-

BHRR's Reese was 'exhibiting' OCD behavour and yes, she does have some yet, what she was doing by all her repetition over and over and over again was counting herself!!!

It is exactly 6.5 'BHRR's Reese' long reach paw stretches from one side of the paw to another AND exactly 21 paw stretches from one end to where I have the ladder set-up on its side(I do not want her tripping or bumping the water or feed buckets on the one end)!!!

Once, she figured that out, she was running and doing her little happy baby deer jumps and twists and turns and yes, every once in awhile, she would run and bump – one side more than the other – yet, for almost 20 minutes she played and ran and hopped and skipped!

She tends to 'feel' light and the warmth it gives her and so is attracted to it and I have to see how to 'teach' her 'coolness' so that she does not overheat.

She is very 'inside herself' and the eating has been better figured out….she will put her foot in her bowl to hold it still, I put water mixed in with Beef or Chicken stew(her tongue is further back in her mouth so, she cannot lap water the way other dogs do) and she has a bit of a hard time 'grabbing' food, so the Performatin is PERFECT for her! The water mixed in gives her extra hydration.

One of the Vets at the Event yesterday took a quick look at her and agrees with me that she has neuro concerns and so, supports my wish to see her visit specialists.

I am still working on how to 'reach' her….to communicate to her…If you touch her on the top of the head or back, she slinks and shy away. If you touch her on her side, she will tend sometimes to lean into you.

I am working on the vibration(NOT a vibration collar) yet, banging the floors and ground to get her attention.

Her smell is minimal…..

I need to make that inner 'connection' with/to her….to give her all that I want to give her and show her and open up a big beautiful world to her, I need to get that connection.

She seems to 'sense' me over smelling and she 'feels' with that sense when I am there over someone else, yet, I need to reach her…one of the Volunteers at our event yesterday mentioned the word 'autism' and yes, it is very much like that. AND, over-stimulation, especially with touch – can 'set her off' – she becomes further withdrawn and unapproachable. She will then pace and circle and air paw with stress.

So, after 25 years of working and owning and rescuing blind/deaf amazing souls, I am in a bit of new territory here(she has minimal smell, limited in her eating capabilities – yet, got that one figured out!) and my promise to her is that I will give her the world…..one piece at a time!

I do worry about quality of life for if she does have a tumour or possible life threatening medical reason for things, it will be devastating.

AND, I know that everyone is entitled to their opinions, YET, no, I am not putting her down….not unless it is in her best interest. AND, I think that ALL those that met this inspirational miracle 12 week old Dobie Baby yesterday, will agree that SHE is living and has made such a miraculous journey to date for the pup that was believed to be visually impaired, is in fact, much more than that and she has not just survived, she has made it her mission to thrive and ALL of us saw her joy of living outside……

She wags her tail, she gives kisses, she feels and has heart AND her soul is that of an angel's…….

So, before anyone sends me an email or message or posts about how this is unfair to her….my mission when I founded BHRR back in 1996 was to help the special needs and to save those that we can….AND, in order to do that, she needs a chance…..and, so many of us can say THAT she is more than deserving of that chance!

AND, I go into this journey, determined to help her be the best dog she can be, not into something she is not….AND, she is one mighty fine wee lady ALL on her own!!!

On July 9th, @ 4:34 PM I received the following message on fb by an approved BHRR Volunteer:
 

@ 5:00 PM, I received the following:

"I told her that this would be the best case scenario for her dog. I said that you have many dogs that are visually impaired therefore you know how to deal with it. Also, I told her that by placing the dog with you she would KNOW that the dog would end up in a good home. I told her about how thorough your adoption process is and that this puppy would end up in a fantastic home."

@ 5:01 PM, I received the following: