In Memory of Helen
BTRC is sad to share the passing of alum Helen. But at the same time we are also grateful because we know, beyond a doubt, that the last years of Helen’s life were the best years of her life – spoiled and loved beyond measure in the most perfect home.
Helen’s Dad Evan has written a beautiful tribute to this amazing soul, and we wanted to share.
Our Helen!
When Helen came to us on November 18/2017, she had spent some time being fostered by a lovely young couple in Toronto. This gave her time to acclimate from a terribly abusive situation and get her first taste of what real life could be. After being rescued, her poor eyes were in such bad condition and so painful that they had to be removed along with having several teeth removed as well.
She came to us this way, a little worse for wear maybe, but with her unstoppable spirit intact. She was an excellent fit from day one. Our previous BTRC rescue Pebbles was extremely shy, again because of a past situation, and Helen wasn’t afraid of anything, so Helen began bringing Pebbles out of her shell and Pebbles became Helen’s seeing eye dog and best friend.
Helen just loved the car, especially the passenger seat so she could navigate lol. With that in mind, we decided to take a chance and booked a trip to Tennessee, the week before the holidays. That began five years of travelling with our girls that we will never forget. Between trips to Ottawa to visit Uncle Bill and Aunt Laurie, to the East Coast, lots of day trips like Aunt Marina in London and many trips to our trailer on Manitoulin Island.
Also, during covid lockdown periods, their antics together kept us going through hard times including Mom’s knee surgeries.
Through it all Helen gave us more than we ever gave her and although she has left a big hole in our lives for a long time, we have the satisfaction of knowing that she had the best years of her big life with us, and what a privilege that was!
Our sincere condolences to Evan and Marlon, as well as BT sister Pebbles on Helen’s loss. Run free at The Bridge Helen. 
Adopted November, 2017
HELEN IS A SPECIAL NEEDS DOG – SHE IS BLIND.
This is the face of happy! Smiling, tongue out to lap up the warmth of the sun and the love of those she knows well.
A puppy at heart with spirit to spare, handsome Helen may have lost her vision, but not her zest for life. She LOVES flinging her toys around, rolling about in the grass, and sleeping next to her foster mom on the sofa
Gleeful when greeting people, she tries to put her paws on their chests and cover them in kisses, and while she’ll gladly accept the advances of friendly dogs, she’s not shy about warning them off with a brief bark if they become rough.
Easygoing when handled, she calmly accepts showers, nail clippings, and being carried, and although not a fan of her crate, enters obediently when tempted with treats.
Until she felt safe in her foster home, Helen paced in circles, prompting her foster mom to place several beds throughout the house, thereby creating “safe zones” for her. Now that she’s familiar with the layout, she roams freely, and when she finds a bed she likes, settles in for a nap
As for walking on leash and trusting new voices, a squeaky toy works wonders (her foster mom calls it their “secret weapon”), literally summoning her and having her follow. Not yet cat tested, the ideal home for happy Helen is a tranquil, patient and nurturing one, without small children, but with another calm and gentle dog for companionship.