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10-12-2020: Kristin never returned Janene’s texts or phone calls. I called Kristin to ask her what was going on. Long story short, they’re going to keep him.
My email to her:
Hi, Kristin. Here is the info on trainers you asked for:https://www.purelypositive.com/ in Mt Pleasant.
And these in Charleston: https://www.wonderdoguniversity.com/
And this person in Summerville. She doesn’t have a web site, but she’s closer: laneawilson@gmail.comI’m so happy that you are keeping Asher. That is the best outcome for him. It’s great that you talked to the other vet who recommended you change vets, that you start him on a maintenance type anti-anxiety med, that you give him treats every time you put him in the car, then in the parking lot, then in the vet’s office, and so on. As I said, a frozen jar of baby food (chicken) is great. You can get him to lick that and it lasts a long time and will keep him focused.
I hope that this works and it will with you and your husband’s commitment and patience. Let us know if you need our help. We’ll be here.
Jackie
10-08-2020: The Checkanecks met Kristin & Asher in Georgetown, SC and they learned more about Asher. Bob said when they greeted each other, Asher held back and looked up at his mom. In 5 minutes he was licking Bob & Nancy in the face. They walked him with Kristin saying he’s not good on leash because we don’t walk him; he just runs around in the yard. With just minor corrections, Nancy was able to walk him. He said Asher watches, listens well, and is a great dog. Kristin also said that she had recently had a dental cleaning done on him. How were they able to sedate him for a dental when he was too vicious to sedate him for neutering? As Bob said, that didn’t make sense. They believe he is a smart boy who would be great with a little training. They think he’s too energetic and young for them and needs a younger family.
Janene Tompkins is interested in Asher and I’ve connected her with Kristin.
10-11-2020: Janene Tompkins emailed that she’s interested in Asher. I talked to her about Asher and what I’d learned from the Checkaneck’s when they met Asher. Janene has 2 cats and they mostly live upstairs and when they venture downstairs, they have cat condos to get away from the dogs. I cautioned her about keeping them separate. I’ve connected her to Kristin Dobes, Asher’s mom, to talk about Asher. Janene has a 15-wk-old female Airedale named June Carter Cash. Ha. She’s already in training with The Dog Lady in Durham, who is certified through CCPDT and has studied under Turid Rugaas for 1 year! Amazing. She would use her for Asher as well. I like her and hope this works for Asher.
10-08-2020 Thor was placed with Logan Wyllie:
From: Jackie Cash
To: Jennifer Esler
Cc: Pat Nowak Hairston
Subject: Rocky Transport Oct. 7-8, 2020Hello, friends of Airedale Rescue Group. Thank you all for helping us get this sweet, 2-year-old male Airedale to his forever home.
First a little explanation: On our FB page, we asked for help to transport Rocky from Memphis to Charlotte. This boy’s real name is Thor, but he is in the “witness-protection program,” and we could not use his real name or photo. He is a beautiful, tall, richly colored, calm boy. (I’ve enclosed a real photo of him.)
He is easy-going and loves everyone and rides well. Thor will be traveling with his big white snowman Kong, Health Certificate, his medical records, Martingale collar, flat collar with tags, a small bag of the food he’s been eating, a small bag of treats, and maybe a harness.
Please make sure I have all of your phone numbers correct below. I will send a group text once I know for sure so we’re all connected.
Jenny Esler 540-539-1462
Linda Edwards 864-430-3413
Cyn Mobley 865-405-3002
Mike Elliott 423-963-0077
Logan Wyllie 703-472-5519
Jackie Cash 901-438-5782SAFETY
Regular safety – PLEASE USE YOUR CHILD LOCKS so that Thor cannot accidentally open a window or door!Please be aware of Thor when opening car doors, transferring him from person to person, always making sure a hand is on the leash. Remember that he may be confused by the recent changes in his life, including this transport. Unless necessary, remain in the car until the transfer occurs; when opening car doors, ensure that the leash is secured. We recommend closing the car door on the end of the leash (with about 4-6 inches hanging outside the door) so that when you take him out of the vehicle you can have your hand on the leash before you even open the door. He is very strong. When allowing potty breaks, ensure that collar/leash(s) are tight for no escape; be aware of surroundings – even a plastic bag in the wind may spook a dog in unfamiliar settings. Do not let him off-leash at any time.
COVID safety – please use COVID-19 precautions. Please wear a mask when meeting the next volunteer and employ social distancing. One example may be for the arriving Driver to get Thor out of their car and the accepting driver unlocks their car to allow Thor into it. After touching the leash from the other driver, use your hand sanitizer.
Please bring along a bowl and a bottle of water and offer water to Thor at each handoff. We want to be sure that he stays hydrated on the trip, but don’t be overly concerned if he doesn’t drink at each handoff. He might also appreciate a small treat or two.
All times are approximate, allowing time for Thor to sniff around, go potty, and have a drink of water. (Humans, too.) Please call the next driver if you see that you are running behind or run into any problems. And, please let me know when you have handed Thor over to the next person. PHOTOS ARE APPRECIATED, but please do not post them with his name on FB.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Leg 1: 8:30 to 10:00 am CDT (Memphis to Parkers Crossroads, TN)
Jackie Cash (driving a dark grey Mazda CX-5 SUV)
meets Jenny Esler
at McDonald’s on TN 22 (I-40, Exit 108, north side of xway)Leg 2: 10:15 to 11:45 am CDT (Parkers Crossroads to Nashville TN)
Jenny Esler (driving 2017 Black Audi Q3 w Drew Univ. license plate wrap)
meets Linda Edwards
At Mapco, 1909 8 th St. @ Wedgewood, Nashville
(I-40 to I-65 South (toward Brentwood), take the Wedgewood exit, go right off the exit to the next intersection (1 block) to the Mapco Station on the far right corner of Wedgewood and 8th Ave.)Leg 3: 12:00 pm CDT to 4:00 pm EDT (Nashville to Knoxville, TN)
Linda Edwards (driving a grey Mazda 3 Sport)
delivers Thor to Cyn Mobley, At Risk Intervention Waystation:
DO NOT USE GPS TO GET TO CYN’S. USE THESE DIRECTIONS
Coming from the west on 40, take the bypass Interstate 140 (aka Pellissippi Parkway) toward Maryville.
Go about 11 miles, then take exit 11B. This will put you on Alcoa Highway heading toward Knoxville.
Watch for a right exit to Governor John Sevier Highway aka Highway 168. (If you get to the Navy and Marine Corp Reserve Center on your left, you have gone too far and missed the turn.)
On Highway 168: Go 3.5 miles to the first traffic light. There’s a gas station there.
Turn RIGHT at the gas station onto Martin Mill Pike. Go 1 mile.
Turn RIGHT at Bonnie Cate school to stay on Martin Mill Pike. (You will be following signs to Library and to Stock Creek Baptist church. Go 1 mile.)
Turn LEFT at Stock Creek Baptist Church onto Stock Creek Road. Go almost 1 mile.
You will see a gravel driveway and an old barn on your right.
There is a reflective sign that says ARI — very hard to miss.
Please don’t park on the grass — if it has rained at all, you’ll get stuck
Cyn Mobley cell phone number is 865-405-3002Thursday, October 8, 2020
Leg 4: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm EDT (Knoxville, TN to Asheville, NC)
Mike Elliott (driving Light Gold Chevy Equinox SUV)
Delivers Thor to Logan Wyllie, the adoptive dad
At Red Roof Inn, West Asheville, 16 Crowell Rd., Asheville, NC 28806Leg 5: 12:15 pm to 2:30 pm EDT (Asheville, NC to Indian Land, SC
Thor is home!
Everyone, please be safe. I recently had a transport where I had to take a detour and was over 1 hour late getting to the next person. It happens. But don’t rush. Just call ahead.
Please reply to this email so that I know you have the transport plan.
Thank you!
10-08-2020 The Checkanecks were to meet Asher and Kristin today in Georgetown. Fingers crossed!
Bob called and said they met Asher and he’s a great dog. He was very nice, held back on meeting them for maybe 5 minutes and then he was giving them licks. Good dog, no aggression, he listens, young, powerful, and playful. Many inconsistencies in Kristin’s story. She told us he can’t be neutered because he is so bad at the vet, yet she just had a dental cleaning done! ??!! Bob said Kristin has a very active, busy 7-y-o child. He said he wouldn’t hesitate to place Asher with children.
He and Nancy really liked Asher and thinks he would be fine with them, but they wonder if he’d be better with a younger, more active couple. (Keep in mind that they have worked with Afghan and Greyhound rescue for 20 years and have helped place 5000 of them!!!!).
10-08-2020:
I agree, Chris. No, don’t send him anywhere for the training; it should go on in your home, not in another facility. A lot of trainers call themselves behaviorists. I would check with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/We will support whatever you decide to do.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On 10/08/2020 12:08 PM Chris Patterson
Thanks, Jackie. I don’t think putting him into yet another environment quickly would be constructive, even if there was an alternative foster available. I got a recommendation from the local foster/rescue lady for a behaviorist that they’ve used, and I’ve reached out to her.
He’s fine behaviorally, here. As far as he’s concerned, he’s home. Our Boys are tolerating him just fine, and I’ve mastered the art of walking all three of them, albeit slowly and sticking to quiet residential streets.
I need to understand what the dynamics of his insecurities are. I now worry that the repetition of the bite-retrieval sequence may be motivating him to attack the people looking to adopt them, since “Pa” picks him up after each episode, and takes him “home”. Clearly, he arrived here troubled, but I just hope we haven’t added to them by trying to show him the kind of care and attention that all of ours have benefitted from. Objectively, being a member of our household is a pretty plum assignment – they are the center of attention in a well-endowed home, with their providers being around pretty much all the time.
Jennifer does a lot of rescue work – 45, of which 44 have gone on to forever homes. They also train service dogs and security dogs, in addition to working on domestic pets with problems. I think she’s gone as far with Zeke as she’s going to take him – his issues don’t surface here, with us, nor with her, now that he’s spent two weeks in her home.
She would keep him, and work on placing him through her agency connections, but I feel as thought that would be denying another needy soul a place, where Zeke already has one, here.
I’ll keep you guys posted; any advice would be welcome. We are too invested in him to turn him over without having a clear and safe path for him, and will deal with the physiological impacts until we get there. Honestly, he’s a sweet and loving soul, and deserves someone who will give him the care, attention, and sense of security and belonging that he craves. We have to figure out how to transfer the bonding he’s done with us, to someone who has more space in their lives for him, and aren’t as affected by his unavoidable shedding.
From: Jackie Cash
Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2020 12:25 PM
To: Chris PattersonHi, Chris. I was tied up half the day yesterday with the first leg of a transport for a sweet Aire-boy from Memphis to Indian Land, SC. He overnighted in Knoxville with our Cyn Mobley, and should be meeting his new dad and human child about now.
I’ve been reading back through Zeke’s history that includes all of your updates and follow-ups and our communications. We do not have anyone who can take Zeke currently — examining past and present approved folks, former adopters, and volunteers.
I have been researching trainers in your area, some of whom I may have recommended to you before. You are, understandably, loyal to your trainer as she has done such a good job with your previous dogs. I do not know Jennifer’s methods of training, and he apparently responds well to her, but, perhaps a different form of training may be more effective for him. I’ve looked at these websites and read about their training methods and their certifications, and at this point, I see nothing wrong with trying another trainer. We urge you to contact them for at least a consultation. ARG will pay for consultation and training.
http://www.carolinavetbehavior.com/ Located in Raleigh; she is a veterinary behaviorist
https://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/trainers-and-behaviorists.html Veterinary behaviorists; they are in VA or MD but
https://www.awesomepawsabilities.com/ Listed as a certified behavior consultant.
https://goodhumandogtraining.com/ Good certifications from different training associations
The other option is to search for “dog sanctuary for unadoptable dogs.” There are many listed and I went to the websites of a few, but they would need a lot more investigation.
This does not mean we will stop looking for an acceptable home for him.
Thank you, again, Chris & Tina.
Jackie
10-07-2020:
He’s calming down, but I am scared to death of trying to place him again, after so many upheavals in the past four weeks. He left our house for the Cepulos on Sept. 11, came back on the 12th, went to Jennifer’s on the 17th, then was placed with the Riveras on the 27th. I drove him back to Jennifer the evening of the 28th (a poignant experience for both of us), then she took him to the kennel on Friday, the 2nd, the woman who works there took him home that evening. He lasted there until Monday, and I brought him back here. Too many changes even for an animal without the obvious challenges he faced in his formative months. I wouldn’t want to inflict yet another adjustment on him, now, just for humanitarian reasons, and am reluctant to put someone new at risk of being bitten.However, keeping him permanently just can’t be an option. Tina is suffering more than I am, is struggling with her breathing, even upstairs, on a separate HVAC system, where the dogs aren’t permitted. I am back to sniffling and sneezing, and red eyes, but I can tolerate it for a while. Longer term, of course, could have more serious consequences.
We won’t let him be euthanized, of course. He’s a needy, endearing soul, with issues that imprinted before we ever met him. I’d appreciate anything you folks might be able to offer in the form of concrete advice, in the meantime. We have no issue with providing for him, of course, it’s a most unfortunate and not correctible physical incompatibility that compels us to look for alternate lodging for him.
The bites are level 2; he either controls the force, or his jaws just aren’t as strong as a purebred Airedale. The incidents that resulted in his departure from the three failed placements have a common theme, as did our early experience. He presents something, usually pirated from the trash or off a counter, challenging the person to relieve him of it. If they attempt to, he bites. At the first home, he brought a toy to the man, laid it on the sofa, then bit his hand when he reached to take it. In the second home, they were tolerant of his biting, they were well-coached by the trainer and me on what to expect, and how long they’d have to be vigilant. Unfortunately, he and the incumbent dog, a Labradoodle of roughly equivalent size, became hostile, and Zeke drew blood.
The third home was even better advised and equipped, a young woman, living alone, who works at the kennel we take them to for playdates, usually when there are people coming to the house for repairs, as there are today. She understands perfectly how to deal with aggression, resource-guarding, etc. Monday, he was trying to provoke an incident, using a ZipLoc bag that he’d found somewhere. She wasn’t rising to the bait, but suffered an epileptic seizure, and her uncontrolled movements prompted him bite her hand. Obviously, a bad fit, as it turned out. I didn’t realize she is epileptic, nor would I have had any reason or right to inquire about her physical health.
He is fine here, and was good with Jennifer and her menagerie, as well, over the almost two weeks she had him and trained him. I know there’s a home for him, somewhere! Any and all thoughts welcome. Quincey has stopped talking about Zeke on Facebook, there’s lots of unsolicited and unwelcome suggestions forthcoming, that don’t do much but aggravate me.
Chris10-06-2020:
Thanks, Jackie. Yes, he’s essentially a #2 biter – the woman showed me a single puncture wound, akin to what I suffered early on. If he drew blood at adoptive homes #s 1 & 2, I’m not aware of it.The incident yesterday involved him holding a Zip-Loc bag in his mouth. McKayla, the adopter, is epileptic, which I didn’t know that until I went back to get his platform bed, this a.m., and asked for more details on the incident. She knew to leave him alone, with it, but had a “spasm” as she described it. The sudden movement triggered him, and he grabbed her hand in his mouth. I would guess that her hand moved, voluntarily or not, and that’s why the skin broke.
He either regulates his bite, or his jaws aren’t Airedale-strong. His teeth are sharp, and in our experience, the skin only gets broken if his target tries to withdraw his or her hand. We didn’t witness the bites at the Cepulos, or the second adopters, the Riveras, although I did see the result on his most recent disappointed sponsor’s hand, last night.
When he’s here, he’s fine. I sometimes give him calming treats, but we’re not in any danger of being bitten. We would save the heavy artillery for when he’s subjected to a situation that will give rise to his anxieties. Dr. Clark cautioned me, a month or more ago, that Prozac, and others meds of that type, can sometimes reduce inhibitions, if the animal is trying to control their behavior. He’s not a threat to us, as he is, so I think for now we’re better off leaving him unmedicated as long as he’s in our home.
Our biggest problem is with his gnawing idly on millwork and furnishings. We’ve learned, if he gets a napkin or something, to let him hold it in his mouth. I took all three of them for a 2-mile walk this morning, and he picked up someone’s morning paper. I had the impulse to relieve him of it, but then thought better of it. He dropped it three driveways down, but I figured it would find its way back, somehow – I didn’t want to bend over and pick it up in his company.
He’ll have calmed right back down in a day or two.
At this point, we’re going to stop thinking about rehoming him for a bit, at least until he gets settled back in. He has been bounced from pillar to post, since leaving for the Cepulos on Sept. 11, and he needs to settle down and have his confidence restored, with the assurance that he knows where he’s going to sleep, when he’ll be fed and what, and that his need for entertainment and exercise will be satisfied predictably and reliably.
We also must be mindful that this is the third time he’s bitten someone, and then I’ve gone to get him. The second time, he went to the trainers’, but he’d been there for ten days or so prior, so it felt like home, and I suspect he conflates me with Jennifer, since she’d been coming to this home routinely prior to his being inducted into boot camp So from his standpoint, if he bites someone, he gets to go “home”. Not a good association.
Honestly, I wish he didn’t shed. We listed the Florida house two weeks ago, unrelated to Zeke, although it’s unlikely to sell for occupancy this season. We planned to go down six weeks from today, expecting to spend the winter there, but we can’t realistically take him with us. There’s no yard, and he’s too much for Tina to take out on her own, at night. Ours go to day care there, 2-3x weekly, vs just 1x here, and we’d need a bigger vehicle to transport all three. Really, it’s tight for them just taking them to Ruff Housing, here, but it’s only ten minutes each way.
Please do stay in touch, and I welcome any suggestions or leads you might provide. He’s sound asleep, now, on one of the Boys’s beds, and is almost angelic. His neediness is palpable, and I believe he bonded quite well to all three of the adoption prospects, but then he messes up with his instinct to dominate. And he may not be receptive to new house rules, although I think we’re as restrictive as anybody – no upstairs, four-on-the-floor at all times – but he may resent other prohibitions that we don’t practice.
chrisFrom: Jackie Cash
Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 11:34 AM
To: Chris Patterson
Cc: Barbara Reese Yager
Subject: ZekeMorning, Chris. We all are sad and disappointed that Zeke has had to come back to your home. We know that you and Tina are committed to him and want to do what is best for him and for you.
I’ve attached the Dunbar Bite Scale is helpful in determining how to handle a dog that has bitten. It is used by shelters and rescue groups, but it is new to ARG. Pat Hairston has used this is her training for service dogs.
Another suggestion from Pat is to try Prozac for him. We know that it has helped many Airedales. For instance, Banjo, who has been in “foster” care for more than 1 year was growly and reactive and had bitten the husband or “gone after” him more than once. His foster mom couldn’t walk him bc he was so reactive to other dogs. He had also been banned from one vet’s office because he was “vicious.” The foster mom took him to another vet and they started him on Prozac. He’s 80 lb and gets 2 @ 20-mg per day. As Sue says, “he’s a new man.” I think it’s absolutely worthwhile to try it.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks for the kind words, Jackie. This has been a shitty year for all of us, but you and we have both suffered more than many have. This was an uplifting and rewarding experience, welcome against the contrast of the other drama and trauma around us. Since Zeke went to Jennifer’s, the long-dreaded passing of Quincey’s Facebook friend, Buckwheat McGuire, has come about, and another pal, Richard Mellor, over the U.K. has had some complications with his cancer that may be life-threatening.
It just seems like there’s one piece of bad news, piled on another.
I sent Bonnie Cepulo an update last night. She had bonded pretty tightly with Zeke, and I had the sense that she would have persevered, had it been solely her decision. I told her that I’d consigned him to Jennifer and her husband, for the full “boot camp” program, and that I regret not having done that BEFORE they met him.
If they are still considered applicants to adopt, I wouldn’t suggest you rule them out solely on the basis of the experience with Jake. They are knowledgeable dog people, have a gorgeous home in a very attractive setting, and are young and active. Others might have persevered with Zeke, and certainly they rushed into making him theirs a bit faster than might have been wise, but a rehoming of a ‘Dale who has no issues, other than needing new caregivers, I think would have worked. My brother and his wife just took in a six year old Cairn bitch, up in Canada, and it’s gone seamlessly.
Upon reflection, I mistook him adapting to our household as his home, for correction of the underlying anxieties, or, more accurately, the inappropriate responses, that we encountered when he first arrived. We’ve had six Airedales over almost forty years, but five we got when they where freshly whelped, so basically a clean sheet of paper, and the third, Sami, was eight months old, and his first home was with an AKC executive in Raleigh, who had trained him with his wife. He decided he liked his secretary better than his wife, or Sami, and she went nuts, so he was back at the breeders when we went in search of a pup.
Sami taught US some things!
I’ll be wiser if we ever undertake this, again. We’re thinking this may be our last season in Florida; the weather drama combined with the inevitable turnover in our circle of acquaintances and friends, make us realize that it could never be our “forever home”. And the savings of not paying NC taxes on my income have diminished because my retirement account has all been paid out, so they no longer offset the considerable expense of maintaining the second home.
And, with my mother gone, and her home sold, I find a tug to have a pied-a-terre back in the little town where my forebears lived, and are now interred. My brother is there, and some friends who aren’t going anywhere.
A long way of saying, we may be candidates for fostering, again, once we get back next spring. This property is spacious and dog-friendly, and we have a network of service providers that we can rely on to help us with the kinds of health and behavioral stuff that Zeke brought to the household. Stay in touch, and, again, thanks for the kind words. Seeing Zeke in a great home is reward enough, but it’s nice to have others notice, too.
From: Airedalemail@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 10:49 AM
To: Chris Patterson; Christina Prange; Kelly Imbody; Barbara Reese Yager; Pat Nowak Hairston
Subject: Re: A Happy EndingThere are not enough ways to say thank you, Chris & Tina. I cannot imagine what would have become of Zeke had he gone to anyone else to foster. I suspect he would have been bounced to another home, and maybe another. Who knows? But because you two persevered and would not accept failure, he is equipped to live in a household with humans and canine friends. Because you two covered his significant and expensive medical issues, he is healthy and happy. Because you two enlisted the expertise of a qualified and experienced trainer, he has learned how to live harmoniously with his pack.
ARG could not have done it without you. We are forever grateful for your generous hearts and your love for these special animals.
Jackie
09-27-2020
Zeke learned bitey-face from Quincey and Cooper, and is now teaching Oliver, his new Labradoodle BFF, the ins-and-outs.Jennifer delivered him around noon today, and spent an hour and a half coaching them through the early stages of integration. There was nothing remarkable; Oliver put Zeke in his place when the first challenge to his primacy in the household came, and Zeke acquiesced to his new two-legged companion/pack leader’s directions.
It’ll be a few days before he will be completely absorbed in the household, but Jennifer feels that his young stewards, Jose and Emily, have a good grounding in doggie discipline and training, and between the two of us, they have a really thorough perspective on the kind of things Zeke MIGHT surface, when he’s anxious.
A gratifying and educational experience for us, particularly against the backdrop of the pandemic and attendant restrictions. Thank you for the opportunity to help Zeke, and for your sage advice as we felt our way through the process. I WISH he didn’t shed; if not, he’d be back here, lying at my feet, having downed his dinner and scuffled with his erstwhile stablemates. He’s left a hole in our household, and hearts.
Sorry, ladies…hectic day. We still have a fellow here working on our security/entertainment/network/etc.
Things went well today, he got along fine with their 2 ½ year old Labradoodle, but their vehicle was too small for two fairly big dogs, so Jennifer is going to deliver him in her van, tomorrow morning, to their home, which is close by ours. She will swing by here later so we can top her off for the extra time and effort she’s put in, and return Quincey’s food bin, which accompanied Zeke when he left last week.
There was a growling event when they put both him and Oliver in their car, I think the wife tried to pat him and he growled, but they seem unphased. Obviously, he wasn’t comfortable, and they aren’t yet his “peeps”, but having her there coaching and providing insights was quite helpful, I learned from them as they were driving home.
It seems the final chapter is about to be written, and we’ve told Jennifer to swing by before she heads home, and we’ll cover her off for the extra (now two) days and her efforts with the adopting couple. This has been an interesting and thought-provoking journey for us, and we’re grateful for having had the opportunity.
From: CHRISTINA PRANGE
Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2020 6:51 PM
To: Chris Patterson
Cc: Jackie CashHow did it go????
09-25-2020:
Free · Meet Zeke! – Nextdoor
https://nextdoor.com/for_sale_and_free/58091b76-c74f-446e-b95d-ad48214c0212?init_source=other_shareI know offering pets for free is frowned upon, but he will not be placed until/unless I’m satisfied that his adopters have the means and the capability to provide for him. We are deeply invested in him, on all fronts.
A young (late 20s) couple, newly arrived in town, are coming with their 2 1/2 year old Goldendoodle for a meet-and-greet with Zeke, tomorrow afternoon. They’ve just moved in to a home with a large, fenced yard, not far from us. If their dog, Oliver, and Zeke get along, we’ll do a play date at their home, next, and I’ll be able to assess them. They sound very promising – children will come later, when both dogs are more mature, and she works from home.
Another lady, a bit further afield, has expressed interest, and I gave her access to the Cloud files, but have not heard back from her. She has two dogs, and works – I know little else.
I’ll let the Group know if/when we find the right place for him. Meanwhile, he’s coming back from “boot camp” at noon, today. Our Boys are at daycare, we have a bunch of service people working in the house and it’s easier for them without the assistance of Airedales.
Thanks, I’ll get with Debi. If ARG has someone, like the Cepulos, in the area that might be a candidate, don’t hesitate to let me know. I don’t know how “shelter pulls” work, but if we’re able to place him locally, I’d reimburse ARG for that expense, separately.
It’s been a wonderful experience, spiritually, and I’m grateful for having had the opportunity. We are seriously looking at selling the Florida house and refurbishing this one – intimidated by the chronic weather dramas, and sobered by the turnover in our social circle down there, it may be time to “settle” in this home, and maybe travel a bit more than we have up until now. If so, we’d be better candidates for future fostering, although I think it best we limit ourselves to purebred ADTs, it’s been many years since I’ve had this much exposure to shedding animals, and it brings it all back into bas relief.
Again, condolences on losing your long-time friends, under such senseless circumstances. Being associated with the truckbuilding industry for as long as I have been, I am well aware of the havoc those vehicles can wreak when something goes wrong. Regardless of who is at fault, the passenger car occupants invariably come out the worse when they come into contact with a semi-trailer combination. I just exchanged notes with the recently-bereaved grandpa up in Canada, he’s obviously pretty deep in shock, still. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go back up there for quite a while, the way things are going.
God bless!
From: Airedalemail@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 10:53 AM
To: Chris Patterson
Subject: RE: Zeke ReportHi, Chris. Yes, please proceed with your local group. We understand. We will not stop looking and vetting folks for him. But, your group might be more successful, and after this long and your and Tina’s literal sacrifices for his benefit and ARG’s, it’s time for a change in focus.
Thanks, Jackie. I read the official account of the accident that took your friends’ lives, on the Arkansas DOT site. Awful. I am convinced that the stress of this pandemic is shortening lives in ways other than directly infecting its victims. Covid brain is more than an amusing eccentricity – the lack of mindfulness can be lethal. God bless those who loved them, and miss them.
Zeke being out of the home for five days now has highlighted the toll he takes on us. We’re both able to breathe freely, and I’m producing almost no expectorate from my chest, in contrast with past weeks. As much as we’ve grown attached to him, we have to acknowledge that our taking him on permanently carries costs we can’t even begin to calculate. So, it’s time to find him a Forever Home.
I’m going to avail myself of the Animal Rescue and Foster Group that our neighbor volunteers with. They have more demand for adoptions than they have “inventory” to fill, although larger dogs, like Zeke, take longer than smaller ones, as do shedding examples, in comparison with terriers and poodles.
If ARG has any other candidates, I’ll jump on them, but for his sake, and ours, it’s time he made his final transition. The local agency does the same sort of home vetting as ARG, and I will involve myself personally, before committing him to a new household. It would seem to me that Zeke is more likely to find a local family to adopt him, than someone in Atlanta or Wilmington.
Airedales are relatively rare and desirable, crosses like Zeke are abundant in pretty much every venue.
I hope you and the others in the Group are OK with this, but we have to move him along for our own health and well-being. Were he a purebred, or even a non-shedding cross (there’s clearly Labradoodle/GoldenDoodle in there, too) we’d have long since made the accommodations in our lifestyle to keep him.
From: Airedalemail@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 10:22 AM
To: Chris PattersonMorning, Chris. The Cannons, on whom I’d pinned my hopes for Zeke, are not going to adopt anyone right now. Josh is starting a new career today as an apprentice electrician, after being furloughed as a travel planner with a hotel chain.
So back to square one.
I need to refresh my memory on who we have waiting after a stressful weekend.
9024 Poplar Creek Rd
Nashville TN 37221
cell: 615 584 3456
damsm@me.com
