Haven of the Heart

Looking for Good Homes

havenoftheheart — Sun, 29 May 2011 03:01:51 +0000

We added a few animals to our Adoption Pages today. Please check out Princess, the x-Rottweiler, Pepper the Sheltie mix, Winnie the American Bulldog who is still waiting for her turn to find a home, and our adorable puppies. By the way, Poncho is still here, the one with the mark of a heart, how can you not love that? Please call us at 905-936-3055, 8 rings and leave a message. We will call you back.

Forever in My Heart

havenoftheheart — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:55:41 +0000

In loving memory of my mother, Brunhilde Maria Conley

(March 30, 1926 – March 20, 2011)

She will be forever in my heart.

Remember Me

Remember me, not as I am today,

But as I was, in sunshine and in rain.

Striding the fields, and with my dogs again.

And for the future let that memory stay.

It won’t be difficult to have the mind replay

the tape within your head; just let the train of thought

recall that other time, although now far away.

When once the highlight of my day

was at the farm and breathing bracing air

of wind swept field, glad to be alive,

when I still had the energy to drive

to walk for miles in care free company

with dogs and nature, and before the wear

of age had laid it’s leaden hand on me.

(written by Betty Jones, modified by Ursula Hart)

Alas! Spring has arrived.

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:57:34 +0000

Dearest Friends and Fellow Animal Lovers,

Alas! Spring has arrived. Trees and shrubs have burst into intoxicatingly aromatic, colourful bloom. Multiple schools of prolific Koi cast a reddish glow over the tepid waters of our ponds. A heron stands tall at the water’s edge, dipping his beak at every opportune moment at the bounty at his feet. Frogs croak with fervour in diverse harmony amidst the coltsfoot and the lily pads while the Kingfishers chatter amidst the willows. A pair of red-tailed hawks glide effortlessly over the field, circling again and again, determined to flush out some small prey below until a brazen raven, soon followed by another, gives chase. The air is alive with scent and sound. What could be more glorious?

A synopsis of the past 9 months

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:54:26 +0000

Winter was relatively mild and filled with promise of spring quite early on in the year. It seemed as though Mother Nature stirred from her deep repose way back in February. It was a good thing for it made a series of challenging events so much more bearable for us all. I’ll give a brief synopsis starting with the completion of my only newsletter in 2009.

No sooner had I finished my September news mailing, I realized that I had become run-down, both physically and emotionally. In fact I had developed a painful rash on my face and forehead. Thinking that I had contracted a virus, I went to see my doctor, who dismissed the rash as a sinus infection. As my condition deteriorated and I found myself unable to function on account of excruciating pain, I was taken to hospital, where I was diagnosed with a severe case of shingles in face, eye, ear and gums. Had I been given the luxury of remaining in bed, motionless for the duration of the virus, I might have recovered more quickly. As bed rest was not an option, given my intense workload, I am still experiencing post-shingles pain ten months later. On account of this major setback I could not send out the annual Christmas newsletter, as I had done for the past twenty-five years. My sincerest apology to everyone, especially to the very kind friends, who sent us warm greetings. As anyone who has ever had a bad bout of shingles knows, it’s a challenge to get through a day, especially if intense physical work is a part of the routine.

The animals, for the most part, sensed my dire state and showed some restraint on their approach. The very young of course, who had no concept of restraint, continued to body slam and jump on me and then look at me in the most bewildered fashion as I moaned and groaned in despair.

Since my last correspondence we’ve had dozens of requests for help and subsequently many new arrivals, most of which I was able to relocate into new adoptive homes. In each situation the animal required costly surgery, which their owners could not afford and had not anticipated. Not wanting to see the animal put down, they contacted me to see if I would take it on and provide the necessary care. Once the animals had their respective surgical procedures, I made the decision to either find new adoptive homes or, on occasion, return it to the original owner, provided that it was in the animal’s best interest. I try to do what’s best for the animal.

We are grateful for your support

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:34:58 +0000

Our cat influx has exceeded our adoptions, hence an old building had to be refurbished to accommodate our new arrivals. That means another place to heat and clean and drain our finances. The last couple of years have been a true challenge financially, especially in the winter. We offer animal lodging in 8 outbuildings, excluding the farmhouse. These buildings are all heated, some with propane others electrically, some using both. During a cold spell it’s not uncommon to spend between $8,000 and $10,000 a month on heat and hydro. The recession has not been kind to us making bill payment a challenge.

We are grateful to those who have supported the care of our waifs via a financial contribution. We are grateful for your cheques as well as Canadian Tire money and Zehrs cash register receipts. Contributions to our cause can also be made on-line at www.canadahelps.org

Good times at the Haven

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:39:48 +0000

There is never a dull moment at the Haven…

My mother is in ill-health

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:21:21 +0000

My mother’s health was relatively stable until the end of February, when she had to be hospitalized on account of a mild infection. She was to be discharged within a week but something went awry during a swallowing assessment, which resulted in her choking and retching violently until she lost consciousness. The severe strain apparently ruptured a blood vessel in her brain, which caused my mother to slip into a coma. Although a brain bleed can be terminal if the bleeding continues, a small bleed is self-resolving in due course. Such was the case with my mother. Unfortunately our health care system is not supportive when dealing with seniors. The next few months turned out to be an on-going struggle to fight for my mother’s right to life. Even though my mother had regained consciousness within less than a week of the occurrence, the system wanted to cut off life support. My mother’s speech had returned but she was unable to swallow liquids and required a feeding tube. For six weeks I watched, as my mother grew weaker and weaker without food while I continued my fight to try to get a feeding tube inserted. Once the G-tube was in place her condition gradually improved but not without my daily support, sometimes even twice a day. I learned that once a person is declared DNR (do not resuscitate), which seemed reasonable at the time that, indeed, all measures become merely palliative with the emphasis on a rapid death. In fact my mother would have expired ten days into her coma had I not dislodged a four inch long, tampon sized gob of mucous that had collected at the back of her throat and attached itself to her tongue, severely blocking her airway. I was shocked to hear that severe cutbacks in funding have left seniors in very precarious positions, much of which I am certain is not known by the general public. Once my mother is stable and back at home, I shall pursue this matter more diligently not just for her sake but also for the sake of every elderly person, whose right to life is being compromised.

Read Globe and Mail columnist Christie Blatchford’s piece on my mother’s ordeal, <Hilda, 84, was no frail lady until she received hospital ‘care>

Here is a picture of my mother, donating her hair to charity one week prior to her illness.

Grieving for my Little S.C.

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:12:04 +0000

I was nothing short of grief struck back in January, when I lost one of my dearest little dogs, a 17 year old Jack Russell named S.C. (for Second Choice). Little S.C. would undoubtedly still be alive today had I followed my gut feeling, my 6^th sense so to speak. I had taken her to the vet for routine blood work just to be aware of any serious changes. Her kidney values were not ideal and it was suggested that fluid therapy be done. The dear little dog did not handle being at the clinic well so I was asked to take her home and bring her back in the morning for further IV fluids. I brought her back the next morning and picked her up at the end of the day. In my mind I had decided to conclude the fluid therapy sessions after the second day as it seemed to upset her too much. I told the vet that I did not want to leave her for another day but he insisted that a third day of fluid therapy was required to hydrate her kidneys. I had a very bad feeling about this and the 17-year-old dog, who was really quite bouncy and playful seemed to share my apprehension for she did not want to go back into the clinic the next morning. Once again I expressed the desire to remove the catheter so that I might take her home but I gave in to the vet’s urgings, thinking that it was in her best interest. No sooner was the IV hooked up to the catheter; my little girl began to tremble and wince uncontrollably for several seconds before she collapsed and died. Her plaintive cry and bewildered gaze, as she collapsed in my arms, shall haunt me forever. Both the vet and I tried to revive her for over half an hour but it was all to no avail. A blood clot had traveled to her heart. I realize that the vet was just as shocked as I was but I truly believe that we, as owners, know our animals best and should follow our instincts, especially when it involves nervous or older animals. I have certainly learned to give more weight to my feelings and I shall never allow an IV catheter to be reconnected. I have since heard of other owners, who had similar experiences when an IV catheter left in over night was reconnected. Let it be a warning to others. Little S.C.’s passing left me completely distraught and disheartened. Her passing seemed so senseless and unnecessary. For weeks on end, I relived over and over the horror of her last few moments. How I wished that I could have turned back the clock!

Bobby McBeagle, 20 years young

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:04:56 +0000

Little Bobby McBeagle, who is now 20 years old, originally arrived way back in ’91 and was termed the “Beagle from Hell”. Bobby had 6 unsuccessful placements and I had resigned myself to keeping Bobby at the farm, where his issues were “no issue”. Then in 2000 a lovely couple, which I had known over the course of many years, asked if they could bring him home. Bobby thrived under their loving care and compassion until the husband passed away and the wife was unable to care for him on account of failing health. Bobby has been back with us for more than a year and continues to motor on in spite of several surgeries and dental extractions. Quite recently he developed a very large tumour on his right foot. Although I was initially advised to leave well enough alone the growth grew at a most alarming rate to such disproportionate size that immediate action was required. Thanks to Dr. John B., an orthopedic surgeon at the Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital, Bobby’s tumour and connected toe were safely removed. Hence Bobby is able to walk without difficulty or pain. He’s one of the most complacent and endearing little guys, always wagging his tail in anticipation of a pat on the head or a tidbit in his mouth, unless he’s tucked away snuggly in his bed, snoring up a storm. In fact Bobby is the loudest snorer of any of the dogs that I have ever sheltered. I am so very happy that we were able to give him a new lease on life!

Seniors at the Haven

havenoftheheart — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:34:29 +0000

Some years ago, I found a home for a well-behaved, mature Shepherd by the name of Sheba. In September of last year she was returned to me, as she could no longer negotiate the stairs. Sheba adjusted well to life at the Haven but her legs gave out on her completely by Christmas. I tried her with canine wheels. Some dogs take to them readily but she simply refused. Sadly I had no choice but to call in the vet. It broke my heart, as she was mentally so very alert.

Quite early on in the New Year another one of our adoptees, Ozzie, an elderly Golden Retriever mix was returned to us, as he also was now unable to manage the stairs. Ozzie was adopted out three years ago to an elderly woman who was dying of cancer. I knew that it would be a short-term placement but felt that Ozzie should be given a chance to bring comfort and peace to someone in need. The lovely woman died within a year. Her husband, who was grief stricken, relied heavily on Ozzie to help him overcome the loss. Sadly the home had too many stairs, which Ozzie could not negotiate. Ozzie is now at the end of his life but still in possession of a powerful heart that is filled with love. He now lives with us, where there are no stairs, just plenty of cozy places to snuggle either by the fireside on a cool evening or under one of our many shade trees during the mid-day sun. Who knows how much time will be granted to him but however long he has it will be a good time, filled with plenty of love and plenty of treats.