Global Pet Foods is inviting Ottawa pet lovers to Show Their Hearts this Valentine’s to help local shelters.

The Annual Show Us Your Heart campaign, raises much needed funds for animal shelters across Canada and since 2007 has successfully generated over $150,000 for homeless pets.

The Kanata, St. Laurent and Bank Street Global Pet Foods locations are raising money for Hopeful Hearts, which is a non-profit dog rescue in Ottawa. Hintonburg is fundraising for B.A.R.K..

“Hopeful Hearts does a fabulous job working with the sick and elderly pets that are otherwise unadoptable. They selflessly devote their time rehabilitating these pets and finding them forever homes,” says Karla Briones, Global Kanata and Hintonburg store owner. The Kanata, St. Laurent and Bank Street locations are giving to Hopeful Hearts. The Hintonburg location is giving to B.A.R.K.

In addition to donations, people are also being encouraged to participate in the company’s first ever Tweet-A-Thon, which runs throughout the campaign. Share your reasons for donating, followed by #ShowUsYourHeart, or simply Re-Tweet a message from @globalpetfoods.

You can also help spread the word by adding a “Show Us Your Heart” Badge to your Twitter and Facebook profile picture. The badge is available at Facebook.com/globalpetfoods

Birch Haven Rescue and Rehabilitation Services is a local rescue specializing in assisting Giant Canine Breeds & Equines & focus on the Special Needs – (Deaf, Blind, Sick, Senior & Injured). BHRR does not pick and choose which animal to assist but rather helps the next one in need!

Their area of assistance is across North America & the area of placement is mostly in Ontario plus Quebec. BHRR provides a safe ‘haven’ for animals for life should they not be adopted or are deemed un-adoptable. Birch Haven is a non-profit program and is an all-Volunteer organization without any salaried employees

Unfortunately BHRR is entering a food shortage again. With the upcoming addition of a new rescue, their current food resources will last only about 10 days. Please consider donating to help. Thanks so much! Currently BHRR feeds Canidae, Fromm, Natural Balance, Wellness and Solid Gold but will accept any high quality food. You can also choose to donate funds via Pay Pal, cash, or cheque. A $55.00 gift can buy enough food to feed 9 Giant Breeds for 4 days Please consult their website for more information on how you can do this.

As well, a calendar is for sale at Global Pet Foods-Kanata which goes to support BHRR.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

~ The BHRR Team

We all have that image in our minds: Christmas morning, a big box is wrapped and inside is a cute little puppy with a red bow on it. So cute, so sweet, and such a bad idea.

Giving a puppy, or any pet for that matter, as a gift is not a good idea. While it may seem like the best idea you’ve ever had, and while the recipient may seem to love it at first, choosing to have a pet is a huge decision that should never be made by someone else.

Dogs live on average 10-15 years so adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. This kind of relationship should never be entered into unless the adoptee has considered every angle of owning a dog. Another person cannot decide this; it is a very personal decision.

Each breed, or mix, of dog is unique. Each contains different energy levels, grooming requirements and all round personality traits. The breed of dog should be carefully considered personally and by giving someone a dog, this option is taken away from them.

The amount of dogs surrendered to animal shelters and rescues after the holiday season is astronomical. It is not the dog’s fault in the least. You may think it’s a wonderful idea, but it is not. Please consider a donation to a shelter in your friend or family’s name instead. It is much needed and appreciated.

Continue reading →

On behalf of myself and all the animals here at BHRR; we wanted to send out a heartfelt personal note of our deepest of thanks plus gratefulness for everyone who made the 2nd Annual BHRR Boat Cruise/Dinner/Auction so lovely AND successful!

The food was divine – too bad I was only able to grab a few bites of my own meal - ; could not have asked for better weather or in having the ship crew that we did (Lois and Art were with us last year too!); the support of myself in my welling up of emotional tears and the company of all of you just made our night so incredibly special! Lois even donated all of her bar tips to BHRR, despite my protests.

TOTALS OF THE 2nd ANNUAL BHRR Boat Cruise/Dinner/Auction:
Auctions – $2,703.00
“Jaxson’s Journey” Donation Jars – $409.92 *included ‘Scoop 4 Loot’ in Jaxson’s Jar

GRAND TOTAL: $3,112.92 in just 3 hours! THAT is $891.54 more than 2008!!! ($2,221.38)

*We are truly overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and hearts. Thank you on behalf of all of the animals who need BHRR

Continue reading →

Every dog has a bad side, we love them but they can definitely do some damage! If you think you have Canada’s Naughtiest Dog, enter him or her into this great contest hosted by Bark Busters.

Prizes include:
The grand prize winner will receive a Bark Busters in-home dog training service ($495 value), complete with a written lifetime guarantee as well as the opportunity to host a Bark Busters group training session for 10 of their friends’ dogs. Bark Busters will also make a $500 donation on the winner’s behalf to a registered animal shelter or rescue organization of their choice.

Continue reading →