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From Cindy: 03/06/18
Hi Jackie,
Other than crazy temperature fluctuations and very high winds we have faired well on the weather the past few weeks .
After five weeks Maggie has settled in to being a happy, goofy dog. She loves to go for long walks and still seems to prefer outside to inside but so do my dogs . She walks really well on the transitional leash even in public areas with a lot of distraction. She is very friendly with people. Other dogs on a leash are a trigger for her so she requires good handling skills in those situations. She understands “ Place “ and does this very well but needs reminders with high distraction ( not at all unusual for most dogs) . Below she is practicing in the house as well as outside with the distraction of the other dogs. You can see in the photo inside the house she still fixates a bit on over head lights but ultimately settles.
She prefers to sleep the night in her solid crate covered with a blanket and will pace and whine until I open the door and put her to bed. I think she has learned that it is a dark safe place .
She loves to get in the back seat of the truck and lay there with the door open. She still struggles being calm when vehicle is in motion. The calming cap does help by dialing down all the visual stimulus. We do short trips . She always does better on the way home after she has been for a walk or been to Woofers and is tired.
Maggie has done some daycare at Woofers. She actually loves to play with other dogs but has to be paired with dogs that don’t mind her rough “paws-on” play.
I think the woman you mention could be a good fit provided she can give Maggie plenty of exercise. She has trimmed up to a healthy weight from walking 3 miles a day but she is still a huge Airedale and easily 75 lbs. The exercise quickly put a stop to the nuisance barking and digging.
Would also not say she is kid safe. Her main issues would be children trying to grab something from her mouth or touch her paws. She will growl. I feel she is all talk as she has always backed down for me with just an abrupt “ah-ah” . She is bratty but not aggressive. With coaching of dog and children this could be managed.
I suspect she may need some sedation for a long transport , possibly just some Benadryl . She is still basically an anxious dog that will be frightened in new circumstances. She will pace , drool and visually fixate when frightened by new circumstances.On March 6, 2018 at 10:51 AM Jackie Cash
Hi, Brianna & Jonathan. First, please accept my apology for taking so long to contact you since you applied to adopt an Airedale. We are a very small organization of volunteers and sometimes volunteer activities must take a backseat to work, family, travel, illness, etc.
I’ve read through your application and want to address some things for you to consider before we go further. First, I’ve attached a link that lists the Airedale as one of the worst dogs for first-time dog owners: https://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/worst-dog-breeds-for-first-time-dog-owners.html/?a=viewall
Second, I’ve attached a link that gives you a broad range of costs to consider in the care of a dog. An Airedale with its grooming needs and training needs will be upwards of $1200 per year typically: http://dogs.about.com/od/becomingadogowner/a/costofdogs.htm
A couple of things that I want to emphasize: We require that adopted Airedales be kept as inside dogs and that they are never to be left outside when no one is home, even in a fenced yard. We also require that they not be allowed to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck. I would also be concerned about an Airedale getting to your chickens. Airedales are extremely prey-driven and will go after chickens in a minute. If your chickens are protected by fencing all the way around and over their area, they might be ok.
You say that you want a dog that is loving, playful, and patient. Those first two are no problem; the patience, not so much. They’re very independent, curious, and are easily bored. They require strong leaders, consistent and on-going training, and lots of physical and mental stimulation.
The fact that you and your husband have flexible schedules is a plus. Airedales, like all dogs, are social animals who love to be with their “pack.” Many are good with children (your 12-year-old son is a real plus!) and we would not place a dog with you that we did not KNOW to be good with small children. Even so, small children must be supervised at all times with an Airedale, especially one new to the family.
If, after all of the above, you wish to continue the process to be considered to adopt, please let me know a good time to call you and we will proceed.
Thank you for your patience and thank you for considering a rescued Airedale.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782 | http://www.AiredaleRescueGroup.com03/06/18: Would Lynda Walker be a good home? Sent Cindy an email re same. It would be a 6 hr+ trip for Maggie. That might be a disqualifier.
On February 25, 2018 at 11:13 AM Jackie Cash
Your emails are always so encouraging, Cindy. I defer to you as to what is right for Maggie. I don’t like a dazed/medicated dog either. I like the idea of using Place for her in the car. It doesn’t appear that you use a specific rug or mat to define her “place.” Do you differentiate between place and wait or stay? Are you using the calming cap for her in the car yet? Let us know how much the head cover is and we’ll reimburse you for that and any other equipment you purchase for her.
As we get applications, we will be evaluating suitability for Maggie. We have some previous adopters who we’re evaluating as well.
Thank you, Cindy.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
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On February 20, 2018 at 4:52 PM Cindy2Jackie,
We do have some dogs at Woofers that are on meds such as Prozac to help with severe anxiety and I do see some improvement. In many cases it seems the dog is just drugged into a daze so not my preference unless absolutely necessary. I am sure there are dogs like some people that just have a chemical imbalance that has to addressed with meds. I do not have real personal experience in that regard.
Because I have seen so much improvement/reduction in Maggie’s anxiety in my home in just three weeks I am hoping it is more a matter of structure and gradual exposure to a bigger world . Lots of routine and structured walks really help. She does need to burn off a lot of energy! We just started playing a little ball to add in some more fun exercise. She seems to love this but is having to learn to release the ball without being snarly. Also practicing “Place” with duration to teach her how to relax for an extended period and let the world go by is helping. I have attached a few photos of her relaxing on place . One is at the barn with her leash just on the ground , I am sitting nearby in a rocker and Finn and Grace are resting to either side ( birds , squirrels etc all around) . The other is her resting on the dog bed on the screen porch. She is capable but I feel calm has just not been her “ go to” state of mind. Dogs need to learn this preferably as puppy’s.
For the car riding I am going to start practicing “Place” with her in the back seat and me just sitting in the car . I am familiar with a mask type thing that you mention . We have used what is called a calming cap made by Thundershirt company at Woofers for some dogs that are visually fixated and it can help. I borrowed one to try for Maggie and think it helps somewhat so I ordered one (big girl needs a large) and we will add this on short rides in the car after practicing the Place exercise.
I think Maggie will need someone with plenty of time and commitment to followup with the foundation work I am doing but I feel this big gorgeous girl can become a great companion. I am always glad to provide some tips and support to a new owner.On February 17, 2018 at 5:36 PM Jackie Cash
Hi, Karen. Thank you for your reply. I know it’s a hard decision, and yes, meeting her would be dangerous as I’m sure you’d fall in love.
We will try to find another home for her and give you both time to resolve your gate issue.Thank you, and let me know when you’re ready!
On February 22, 2018 at 4:27 PM Lance Hoag
Kids lovin on Lilly.
It’s been beautiful spring days the past couple, so I bring Lilly to pickup Afton, and we head to the adjacent park. School kids come to play as well…thus Lilly gets lot of attention and love…she endures it very well.
The middle girl (and solo girl) just moments before this pics slipped climbing down a thing and banged her cheek/teeth on a pipe railing right in front of us. Ouch! She wailed hard. Lilly appeared to initiate a comforting attempt with her that ended her crying immediately. I thought to grab a pic, which turned into a mini photo shoot of some other of Lilly’s 6 year old admirers.
Lance
On Feb 22, 2018 11:14 AM, “Jackie Cash”
How great that she has done so well in a situation with lots of people and other dogs. She has definitely come a long way and you were just the person to make that happen, Lance. ARG will pay for her HW test on the 28th. Just call me when you’re ready to check out.We’d love to see photos of her. Did you take any at the brewery?
Thanks for the update, Lance!
Jackie02/22/18: She recuperated with Chuck Thompson, who took very good care of her, and on 02/19/18, she had her 8-week, follow up x-rays and she healed well. She is putting weight on her leg and ran for the first time this week. She’s a great dog. Chuck loves her.
The total for her surgery, follow-up PT, and x-rays came to over $3600.
02/20/18 from Cindy Green to jmc:
On February 19, 2018 at 8:38 PM Cindy2Hi Jackie,
It’s been three weeks with Mighty Maggie. I struggle to summarize my thoughts on this girl but think she is basically a big sweet goofy girl. I suspect she was left to do her own thing and was not exposed to much in this world. She is generally an extremely fearful, anxious dog but given time and patience she settles and adjusts to new places and things .She has become very relaxed and well behaved in her routine at my home. However she panics about riding in the car and being exposed to any new places. We are practicing this daily with short rides in the car and walks in new places. She has been to Woofers and really struggles with all the activity. I had to board her over the past weekend while I participated in a workshop with my “dale” Finn. They put her in a more quiet run and covered the front glass as she is extremely eye oriented/fixated in new places. She did not calm down until the second day, did not eat well and had diarrhea. But Sunday evening when I brought her home she was very happy girl , ate well and settled right in to the dog bed for a good sleep.
So bottom line , I think she an anxious dog that struggles with anything new and is not good in situations with high excitement, a lot of motion or noice . Even bright lights are distracting and upsetting to her. All of this can and should be worked through to get her to a good place . She is not aggressive with other dogs and actually tries to play but clearly has not had practice so gets overly excited and too mouthy. She is frightened of being groomed or having her paws or tail handled and has learned that growling works to stop this , yet with verbal correction she quickly backs down.
Thus I think she will be best suited to a single person or couple that has the time and patience to expose her to the world in a structured , confident way. When she relaxes she is a really sweet, goofy girl. She enjoys long walks followed by a good treat and a nap.
Cindyjmc response:
Morning, Cindy. Thanks again for more insight and recommendations for this sweet, anxious girl.What is your feeling about medicating her? I have no experience with “puppy Prozac” or anything like that except for Xanax for thunder – didn’t work – valium for car fears – didn’t work. I’ve heard that Composure works for some dogs and I’m sure there are other things – CBD oil, for instance. Have you ever used one of these?
https://www.outfoxfordogs.com/.
A trainer recommended I use one of these for an Airedale I had who was reactive to noise, light, cars – he was impossible in the car – but I could not get him to wear it. They can see, but it blurs the light. I wonder if it would help her? The fear and anxiety she experiences riding in a car can be debilitating. She may need to be sedated for a transport to an adopter.I will put her story on our web site and FB and hopefully someone out there will be just the right home for her.
Thank you, Cindy.
02/19/18: The Athertons have not replied and I have offered Hattie to Sarah Hemmings, who specifically mentioned that she was interested in her when submitting her application. jmc
02/17/18: Susan Zoller posted on FB that her female WFT Kate died. She had applied to adopt an Airedale back in October then Kate got worse (degenerative myelopathy) so she said to hold up.
She may be in the market again. Give her a little while to reach out.
jmc02/18/18 JMC to Robert Atherton
We have an Airedale You might be interested in. She’s 10 years old and was adopted from us 6 years ago. Her mom has started working full time and doesn’t have the time for her and the ‘dale, Hattie, has started experiencing separation anxiety. She’s healthy as a horse (an Airedale!), but does have a bit of urinary incontinence for which she is prescribed Proin. That keeps it in check.Would you be interested in hearing more about her? If so, please reply or call me.
On February 17, 2018 at 1:39 PM Karen Wiebe
Jackie, we have been back and forth on this. Right now our driveway gate is waiting a part and stands wide open for anyone to escape (all our Airdales have been escape artists) and it will probably be weeks before it’s fixed. And I am still fighting “something” probably sinus trouble. I guess the best thing is for you to consider another placement if one comes along, and if we get ourselves straightened out and she’s still waiting we will decide. The love would be available, but all the care and feeding would be mine, so it is a big decision for us. We would like to meet her, but that would be dangerous to decision-making, wouldn’t it.
–Karen
02/18/18: Cathy Biersack contacted jmc about a potential home for Hattie. However, the woman has a Westie and Hattie doesn’t like small dogs. Cathy is going to check through her people.
02/17/18: JMC’s phone conversation with Stewart Wallace re Watson:
Stewart Wallace. Re Watson.
Having really weird thoughts about Watson. Driving him crazy. Stewart is working again, 35 hr a week, the yard’s not fenced in. He’s getting a mile in the morning and half mile in the evening with Watson. Not getting enough exercise. Takes him to a big field and let him go and he just sniffs and will come back. Sees dogs out playing and romping and feels that Watson is not getting what he needs from him.Butler doesn’t walk in the morning. At night she sometimes goes. She plants her feet and doesn’t want to go. Butler will try to play with Watson but he doesn’t play back. Butler will try to get him out of bed and he isn’t interested. Sometimes they play tug with a toy. He thinks he’s bored to death.
Gets into everything. Can’t leave anything on the counter. He hasn’t done any real damage. Keeps the bathroom locked so he doesn’t get into the drawers. That’s not a big deal. He’s good in the house, good at heeling. Walks well. Another dog will bark and he will get excited until Stewart tells him to leave it.
No fence. Takes them both out on leash. Door does not shut well all the time. 2 weeks ago Watson got out of house. He’s been out at night and Watson gets out. Worries about him getting hit.
Watson turned 5 in Nov. He gets home about 3:30 or so. Feeds them at 4:00 and then a 20-min walk. When he wasn’t working they’d walk an hour or more at a time. Asked about a dog-walker. He’s funny about other dogs. There are dogs he plays with. If the other dog is playful and submissive he’s fine. If the other dog bares his teeth, Watson is all in. No idea if Watson will want to play with another dog or kill him. He’s that way with people. Landlord came over today. Watson will jump up on him. He jumped up. Watson bit the landlord. Drew blood. All he can figure Watson sensed his anxiety and concern. (Stewart was anxious that he might have to move again and had spent 15 hours cleaning the house because the landlord was coming over.)
Watson is not predictable. I suggested he go back to his obedience trainer, that he try a day care where they will evaluate Watson to see if he can get along with the other dogs. Told him we cannot place Watson because he has bitten – twice now. Also suggested he try Composure or a similar product.
