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July 9, 2020: Pat Hairston talked to Ian about Bear in Atlanta (Smyrna) GA He was willing to adopt Bear despite the fact that Bear had bitten his mom.
I confirmed with Ian on July 8 that he would adopt Bear and emailed Dan Moffitt, Bear’s dad the same day that we have a home for Bear and they can take him this Friday.
Dan emailed me today July 9th and said Bear had gotten into the trash last night and eaten something – they don’t know what – which resulted in a blockage and the vet recommended surgery but the family elected to have Bear PTS.
Backgound on Teddy via Cheryl’s email with some others:
On 07/08/2020 2:35 PM Cheryl CohenThank you for the great information. It actually happened on private property of the Doublegate Country Club and the club manager would never back a lawsuit against us. I am attaching Medical information on Teddy. I really appreciate your help with rehoming this great dog though he has a few issues. The trainer and I feel that he may outgrow as he matures.
Thank you all for helping Teddy.
Cheryl Cohen
On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 02:41:17 PM EDT, Andrea ShawJuly 8, 2020
Hi, Cheryl (& cc: to Vida & LuLu),
Cheryl: I rec’d your voicemail this afternoon, and thank you. I no longer have a fax machine, so if you are
able to scan Teddy’s vet records and send me PDF’s or jpgs to my email addys (both) that’d be great.
I imagine you don’t want to “ruffle the vet’s/office’s feathers”, being that this situation is a bit ‘tender’, but
I/we (including Barbara Yager, Pres. of Airedale Rescue Group) would be very grateful if “we” can obtain
a history on Teddy’s medical treatments/procedures, etc… The tumor diagnosis & treatment/procedure info
would also be very much appreciated, along with any blood-work panels/records as well.I proffered a suggestion to Vida when I spoke with her this AM:
Perhaps you can draft up a General Power of Attorney doc to give “power” to Kris, so he can legally
be able to pick up and move Teddy to his training facility on Monday – which I realize is “Day 11”. 1-day
after the ‘ordered’ 10-day quarantine period).If you don’t have a POA doc, I can prepare & send one to you. It will be specific Re: Kris being able to act
as your “Agent”, only on behalf of Teddy’s care/transport, etc… An attorney would prob. charge you
at least $150 to do this. You WILL need to get it notarized, so if your bank does not offer that service, you’ll
have to find a notary on or by Saturday. I suggest you do this before Monday, at the latest, because Sunday
is “day #10”).Please remember that Teddy is OWNED by you, so if/as the family of the child is ‘threatening’ to sue the Humane Society,
I sincerely doubt they would have a leg to stand on. Their attorney would likely also tell them the same. Just because you
are working for or are affiliated w/ the HS, the order to quarantine Teddy was (likely) issued by Animal Control (“AC”, which
is a County, taxpayer-based funded entity. That is actually in a way a a blessing – – as we all know (or, are learning) that AC
doesn’t know much about actual follow-ups, no “bite-case-specialist” has contacted you (odd), and they are operating on a
skeleton-crew due to COVID. All of this actually “buys” you time to make Teddy “disappear”.I realize that all of you are having difficulty “finding answers” from the various agencies/persons involved – and are also
concerned about your vet getting “upset” about his/her involvement (esp. after Sunday), but I feel strongly that there is a
light at the end of this tunnel for Teddy. Sad as I realize you must be to not have Teddy come back home, have faith that
he will be in great & caring hands with ARG/Barbara Yager, and her team of Rescuers.Because YOU own Teddy, I’m fairly certain (legally) that you can pretty much do anything you want to “move” him “away” from
the area (your neighborhood/home), once Monday comes. The family of the child who was “bitten” has NO say (legally) to ‘demand’
that Teddy be euthanized. Nor does the County – not without a court order. I further address a lawsuit’s timing possibilities, below…Another suggestion (and, if you engage an attorney, he/she will prob. ask you for this, too):
You can begin to gather Affidavits or letters from people who know Teddy. Your groomer, Kris, other family members, and perhaps
others (friends) that are dog owners who have visited your home and have witnessed Teddy’s loving, playful “character”.
Photos from the grooming competition will also be helpful to have “in your files”. My dear friend, a Master Groomer & a well-known
Airedale Grooming Competition Judge, and groomers are generally very proud to share their photos from competitions.Re: if you are sued, personally:
Your homeowner’s insurance, I’m certain, does NOT “have” “Airedale Terrier” listed on the “top 10 dangerous dogs’ list.
IF the family of the child does sue you – which will take them some time to get organized, and will likely cost them a bundle –
do contact your Homeowner’s Ins. company. Not now…. only if you get served w/ a Complaint (lawsuit). I have an interest in a
Homeowners’ Insurance claims’ business, so I know a little bit about this kind of thing.Remember: Teddy is an AKC pedigreed dog, and has show champions in his bloodline. That alone, is going to help your ‘case’ as well.
As will that the “incident” occurred (as I understand) on public property – or, at least “common area” property. He “escaped” through an
accidentally-left-open gate, through no (or, little) fault of your own, AND has been recovering from a recent surgery. So sure he was
“bonkers” when he got out to run freely. Typical Airedale…Anyways… I hope the above info is helpful to you.
Please feel free to call me if you have any add’l questions.
Best Regards,
AndreaMy 2 Email addresses for communications/correspondence:
andrea@resqdogs.com
AND:
Andrea.ResQDogs@gmail.comNote:
PLEASE USE “REPLY ALL” to me – SO I AM SURE
TO RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION(S). Thank you.On Jul 7, 2020, at 8:49 PM, Cheryl Cohen wrote:
Thank you for your quick response. You are giving us some hope. The parents of the children are insisting that he is put down. Animal control does not seem to know what they are doing or what the laws are. We have a court date scheduled for 1/28/21. Lulu has given me the name of a lawyer that is excellent and knows the laws, by her recommendation.
For the past 6 years I have run a 501(c)3 pet therapy group here and have been involved for the past 10 + years, visiting schools, nursing homes, adult day care center and humane education. I also am an executive board member for Albany Humane Society as is Lulu, Vida and Lynn. They have been such a help to us through this trying time. However the family also threatened to sue AHS.
Teddy gets 2-3 mile daily runs per our golf cart (as I do longer jog) daily except recently he had a benign tumor removed left groin and has been on low activity and of course, now he is being quarantined. He had to be restitched twice.
He is not vicious but there is no talking to these folks. The dog trainer, groomer and vet are all saying he has never showed any aggression. He even went to Atlanta with his groomer for a grooming show for two days.
I do believe that he is territorial with our yard and children freak him out.
We certainly appreciate your advice and help with rehoming him. I do not want to put him down or run the risk of the neighbors poisoning him. He will never have any peace in Albany. Both incidents happened on private property, our golf course is eight out our backyard. Covid 19 has brought all the families to the course riding bikes, swimming in the blue hole right behind our house and driving my dogs crazy. He is well trained at a young age and has had refresher courses. This is my husbands 6 th Airedale and my 3rd. Buster was a 90 pound Airedale that was just a huge TeddyBear. Teddy is sweet and loving and he needs to be in a home, as you know, without children.Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 7, 2020, at 6:36 PM, Andrea Shaw < andrea.resqdogs@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi, Vida & Cheryl (and, cc: to Lulu Kaufman, VP, HS Albany, GA)
Thank you very much, Vida, for reaching out to me/us (with National Airedale Terrier Rescue & Adoption organizations), and for providing Teddy’s paperwork/records. WE ARE GOING TO HELP YOU, AND Airedale “TEDDY”!
Just a side-note: I knew the breeder of Teddy’s Grandfather (per the pedigree doc you sent to me) – her name is/was JoAnne Vohs. She passed a few years ago, and was a wonderful (Airedale-pal) woman who not only loved ‘dales for decades, and had many Champions, but also was a very talented “felted wool” artist/crafter. I have 5 or 6 of her wool sculptures – Airedales made by her loving hands. One is even an Angel (about 7″ tall), with real-feather wings, which I cherish.
I’ve spoken with Barbara Yager (Airedale Rescue Group, LLC – a very trusted and bona fide 501-c-3 org – website: https://airedalerescuegroup.com/).
Barbara advised that they can definitely accept Teddy into their rescue program.
Be assured that I completely trust Barbara (I’ve known her about 20+ years – I’ve been “involved” in Airedale rescue for 38+ yrs).
Once “surrendered” by Cheryl, Teddy will “go” first to a Foster “Mommy” home to be generally-assessed on his behaviors. This could be for a few weeks, but don’t worry about his ‘change of environment’ – he’ll be just fine.He will eventually (probably within a few weeks) be very carefully “paired up” with a fully pre-screened adopting family (NO kids, or cats!, as we discussed that would be best for Teddy!). Also, the “chosen” adopter will have to have a securely-fenced yard. ALL of our Airedale rescue organization partners & affiliates throughly “check out” every potential adopter, and perform a pre-adoption home visit, and several ‘surprise’ follow-up visits as well. As an adopter, they sign a contract agreeing to this procedure that is a part of our rather-stringent Code of Ethics.
Cheryl: Barbara Yager advised that you will need to complete a “relinquish” / Rescue Release form (on their website.
Here’s the link: https://airedalerescuegroup.com/airedale-relinquishment/)Don’t worry about that Teddy has “bitten” (as noted to disclose on the RR form) – Barbara is fully aware of this situation. So be honest on the form, as Barbara & I ‘surmise’ that Teddy probably nipped in an “Airedale-crazed-bout” of unexpected excitement. If he’d intended to really bite with aggression, the whole situation (Re: the youngster who was “bitten/nipped”) would be more obvious, injury-wise. I only mention this, as I’ve had decades of experience with having been “nipped” and “bitten” myself, and learning from our County’s Animal Control Bite Report Specialist, and from an animal-bite-specialist plastic surgeon – one who ‘repaired’ my arm (due to an accidental/circumstantial bite from my own Airedale).
While in foster care, Teddy will be evaluated on a daily (if not moment-by-moment basis) and exposed to multiple & possible “triggers” by the experienced Foster Mommy. This will aid to determine what may or may not “get him going”.
We feel that he’s likely just a young man who is now “full of himself” (very typical of Airedales’ behavior), and may have some pent up energy, and needs to regularly blow off steam by being able to run like a maniac, and get tired out from full-attention and play.
Teddy will eventually be “re-homed” in an environment where he can get ALL of the attention he may crave.As I mentioned when we spoke, adopting a child is easier than adopting an Airedale from we “Rescue Old-Timers”! We’re all “terriers” ourselves, and we’re fully prepared to manage any Airedale – some of which can be more “pushy” & “stubborn” than others. Pretty much, we’ve “seen it all”, so I want to reassure you that Teddy will be in excellent hands.
Please feel free to call, text or email me if you have any questions, or would like to discuss “legality concerns” that have been ‘expressed’ by the parents of the child who was “bitten”. I have a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of ‘cases’ [er… “hystrionics”, in my “book”] that can evolve when a parent, shall I dare say, over-reacts to what may likely be a considerably “minor” issue.
Also, I know an excellent Animal Rights’ (& Bite Cases) attorney. Perhaps, if you need to do so, you can contact her… but let’s chat first…
Many blessings to you all, and thanks for doing all that you do to help the animals “have a voice”!
Sincerely,
Andrea ShawMy 2 Email addresses for communications/correspondence:
andrea@resqdogs.com
AND:
Andrea.ResQDogs@gmail.comNote:
PLEASE USE “REPLY ALL” to MY 2 email addys – SO I AM SURE
TO RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION(S). Thank you.Andrea Shaw
“Chief Barker In Charge”
and Dog Rescue Facilitator
ResQDogs Group, Inc.
“We Make Tails Wag!”TM
Working with dog rescue, breed-specific organizations – nationwide.
Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Direct line: (954) 465-0699andrea@resqdogs.com
AND: andrea.resqdogs@gmail.com– – -below are some (not all) of my dog-rescue & interest/group affiliations:
– President/Founder: ResQDogs Group,Inc.
– Breed-specific dog rescue facilitator – working with local & nationwide rescue groups;
– Regional Rescue Coordinator & Advisory Board Member – ATCA Rescue and Adoption Committee (“National Airedale Rescue, Inc.” – http://www.airedalerescue.net);
– Member: Nat’l. Canine Health Information Committee (USA) ;– Broward County (FL, USA) Rescue Coordinator / Past-President & Board Member – Sunshine Airedalers of Florida, Inc. (rescue);
– AKC Meet The Breeds’ representative for the Airedale Terrier Club of America/Eukanuba Tournament of Champions’ Events;
– Member & Committee Member – Airedale Terrier Club of America: ATCA Health Committee, ATCA Yearbook Committee; ATCA Breeder Referrals’ “envoy”; ATCA Hospitality Committee & 15-yrs’ (past) Advertising Mgr. for “The American Airedale” newsletter;
– ResQDogs Group, Inc.’s database owner and member-list manager (this member-list receives posts Re: dog-rescue info & other pertinent dog care news and update messages to over 72,000 rescue organizations and colleagues on a weekly basis, throughout North America, and beyond;
– Advisory Member/Webmaster: Hunting Working Airedales, Inc. (www.huntingworkingairedales.org);
– Member/Webmaster – Airedale Terrier Club of Florida, Inc. (www.flairedale.com);
– President – Sunshine State Airedale Rescue (an Airedale and other terrier rescue organization, presently in its initial ‘set-up’ stages);– Rescue Volunteer – American Bouvier des Flandres Rescue League, Inc. ( http://www.abrl.org);
– Founding/Advisory Board Member – Dog Beach of Hollywood, Inc. (www.dboh.org);
– Rescue Volunteer – Destiny For Dogs, Inc. (www.destinyfordogs.com);
– Rescue Volunteer – SOS4Paws Rescue, Inc. (www.SOS4Paws.com);
– Grief Counselor – On-call referrals for several Broward County (FL) Veterinarians as a Grief Counselor, aiding in client-assistance and terminally-ill dog cases;
– Level 3-Certified in Canine Healing Touch TM (rehabilitative canine massage);
– Nutrition, supplements and diet counselor (as a layperson, via 30+ years of hands-on experience with staving off various dietary concerns, and allergy-related conditions)
– Practitioner of homeopathic and herbal remedies, including 28+ years’ experience consulting for use & implementation of the Bach’s Flower Remedies & various other herbals;
– and, I’m a “Dog-Mom” to our pack of beloved Airedale Terriers & Bouvier des Flandres dogs at home…… some more info about me & my org…
ResQDogs Group, Inc. serves dog lovers nationwide by providing breed-specific rescue information, case-by-case dog rescue organizational needs, and we facilitate in emergency rescue situations – including “LOST DOG” message cross-posting, geographical area searches and assistance. We ‘work’ with 175+ different breed-specific rescue groups – nationwide – on individual breed-specific rescue cases, and are funded solely by private donations to offset operational costs such as those expenditures we incur to transport dogs, search for lost/missing/escaped dogs, or to have rescued dogs vet-checked or medically-treated when necessary. We also share donation funds that we receive with other bona fide rescue groups and rescue organizations in need.
I also, upon request, perform comprehensive background searches, background checks, and obtain other pertinent info gleaned from public-domain (and, sometimes, private) sources, in an effort to aid & benefit bona fide dog-rescue organizations to “qualify” the legitimacy of rescue organizations, their administrative teams, corporate ‘structure’ & active volunteers – to ensure the overall safety of potential placements of rescued dogs.
“We can’t rescue all dogs, even tho we’re dedicated & determined to try ~ but saving even one at a time is a great start!”
On Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 3:02 PM Vida Gross < earthy5@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Andrea,
Please find a copy of all Teddy’s paperwork attached to this email.
Also I have the name and contact of the trainer that we’d like to have him fostered at until he can come to you.Kris Morrill
229-343-5369
kris@revolutionarycanine.com
1510 Gaissert Rd
Albany GA
31705Background:
———- Original Message ———-
From: Jackie Cash
To: Marcela Hincapie
Cc: Barbara Yager
Date: 09/16/2019 11:29 AM
Subject: Re: IzzyHello, again, Marcela. Thank you for sending this email. It never came in last week (?). We are so happy that things are going well with Izzy and Thomas.
As I told you this morning, our behavior consultant, Dr. Murray, is booked up until the week of September 29th. I know you are happy with the trainer you are working with, but we do want Dr. Murray to speak to you when she can arrange it after the 29th.
Please keep me informed about your training with Joseph Sacundux (spelling ?; I’m not sure I understood you on the phone). I would like to know more about him and his training methods and the cost of his training. As you and I discussed, we will pay for that training in lieu of your adoption fee.
Thank you.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On September 16, 2019 at 10:56 AM Marcela Hincapie
Jackie,
Hope you are doing well. I have good news for you. We have been trying to get to the bottom of the situation with Izzy. As I told you in our last conversation, we have a friend that is really close to a dog trainer. We went to see him with Izzy and the kids and he gave us some instructions in how we need to handle the situation with Izzy. This was not a formal trainer class but it was 2 hours of him showing us how to handle her around Thomas and other dogs.
Izzy sure have the Alfa temperament and this makes things a little bit difficult, but he said that we need to be constant and we will see results.
Regarding Thomas and Izzy, he said that is Thomas the one that has to show her that he is the owner and gain her trust. We need to change the mindset and that will take time, but she is very sweet and good spirited dog, so we all think this is not going to be a problem.
We will need to take them both, Thomas and Izzy in for some lessons, but I will wait to hear from you regarding the dog trainer that you mentioned before.
I am very pleased with this last week and I hope from the bottom of my heart that we can fix this issues for ever.
Thank you for everything,
Marcela
_________________———- Original Message ———-
From: Jackie Cash
To: “mhb.marcela”
Cc: Barbara Yager
Date: 09/19/2019 8:33 AM
Subject: Re: IzzyGood morning, Marcela. Did Izzy “scratch his face” with her teeth or her paw? If it was with her teeth, you must muzzle her! Please do this with your boys, with visitors. It would be better if the trainers came to your home to see Izzy in her environment rather than you going there. In your home is where the incidents are occurring.
Check out: https://paws-a-tiveresults.com/
or https://www.gooddogatlanta.com/
or https://animalbehaviorconsulting.com/about
or http://www.caninecountryacademy.com/
All of these are Certified Professional Dog Trainers through http://www.ccpdt.org
Please, please be careful. You cannot take a chance with Izzy hurting someone.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On September 18, 2019 at 2:41 PM “mhb.marcela”
Jackie,
I talk to the trainer yesterday and he recommended me two places close to my house. (He lives in midtown and we live North an hour in the suburbs) I am going to go and see them this weekend. I will let you know which one we choose to take Izzy
Yesterday we had an incident with my oldest son and she scratch his face while growing at him. He was playing with her. So difficult to know what the trigger is. We ignored her after that happened.
I will keep you posted with the info of the place as soon as we choose one.
Thanks,
Marcela Martinez
770-514-8837
______________
09-27-2019
Hi, Marcela. I looked at the web site for Save Me From the Doghouse and I don’t see that the trainer has any certifications or credentials for training through any of the national organizations, nor does he explain his philosophy or methods. That makes me suspicious. Most trainers – and, in fact, I believe all the ones I sent you links for – will want to see the dog in its own environment if at all possible. And all of them have trainers certified by national organizations. I worry that he will use a shock collar on her. A shock collar on a dog that is already reactive will result in her being even more reactive. If he uses shock collars, I would run, not walk away.Did you contact any of the ones I sent?
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On September 27, 2019 at 4:17 PM Marcela Hincapie
Hi Jackie,
Hope you are doing well. I went this week to find out the training place for Izzy. They offer a training in order to take care of all the issues. The plan is a 2 weeks full time in the facility and then bring her home and introduce her to the kids and the dogs in the neighborhood. This option is $1195. + $60 for the in house session. The next level is 3 weeks if needed for $1695 + $60 for the in house session.
I talked with the owner and he looks very savvy in the way he was explaining to me the issues we are facing and how this can be change for the positive. He told me a lot of things that the training we consult a couple of weeks ago told us.
The other place was a place like PetsMart where you go to a session and it’s with a lot of other dogs, but it didn’t feel like a behavior correction, it looked more like potty training and basic stuff.
Neither place will come to my house for a couple of sessions.
The name of the place is Save me from the dog house, the phone number is 770-928-7887. I am attaching the business card. If you want to call and verify refer to the Airdale and Marcela.
I think this is the road we are going to take, or I can keep looking for just a behaviorist and see if I can find someone to come to my house.
We had a good week and we are so much in love with her.😊
Marcela
_________________
Hi, Marcela, Barbara asked me how you were doing with Izzy and it reminded me that I haven’t heard anything for nearly 2 weeks. Did you find another trainer who could work with you? If you did not, I have another one I just learned about yesterday. Let me know when you have time.Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On September 27, 2019 at 5:43 PM mhb.marcela wrote:
Jackie you are right. He talked about that. Well this is not the place for us then.
I will try to connect again with the 3 that you sent me. Don’t worry I am doing the homework as fast as I can. We are the first ones interested in this.I will let you know.
Thanks,
Marcela Martinez
____________
10/11/2019
Oh, I’m so sorry, Marcela, that your mom is ill. How nice that you can be there with her.It’s good to hear that Izzy is doing well with your boys. Do let me know when you get back home how things are going.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On October 11, 2019 at 10:52 AM Marcela Hincapie
Jackie,
I am in Colombia because my Mom was hospitalized. I will contact you as soon as I get back to the States. She has been really good at home with my boys.
Marcela
07-08-2020: Spoke with Marcela:
When she diagnosed RA 3 years ago
Was in treatment humira
4 mos ago fine, no prob
Last 2 mos she shut down. Lymph nodes swollen. Humira can produce cancer. Lupus cleared up. Also skin turns white- loses pigment. Has Hashimoto’s also.
Lupus new. Doesn’t know how to manage pain and inflammation. Sometimes she cannot even walk. Then ok for a few days, then it’s her shoulder. Very challenging because of her 2 boys, 16 and 11. Husband working from home and they’re there.
Mom can’t come and no one can come and help.
45
Humira induced the lupus flare up – on anti-inflammatory and pain meds
Monday go to dr to try something.
She loses her mind when she walks.
She grabbed her sister-in-law’s neck and put him on the floor.
The only person is Marcela. She has been the entire world to her. She has been the one who cares for her. She’s not able to do anything. Her husband is taking care of her, plus he works, and he takes care of the boys, and her.
She lays down on the floor with Izzy and does a belly-rub and she gives her kisses. If you are a very loving person with a dog.
She hasn’t been to the vet since she had her
Updated, healthy, no scratching, eats anything,
Due for vaccine the 27th———- Original Message ———-
From: Airedale Rescue Group
To: bayager@comporium.net, airedalemail@comcast.net
Date: 07/07/2020 11:01 AM
Subject: AIREDALE RESCUE GROUP RELEASE FORM Form submitted on Airedale Rescue GroupName Marcela Martinez
Telephone 7701548837
Alternate telephone 6782002057
Address 216 Tyler Drive
City Woodstock
State GA
Zip 30188
Email mhb.marcela@gmail.com
Name of dog Izzy
Male or Female? Female
Neutered/ Spayed? Yes
Age/ Birthday 11/27/2015
AKC papers? Yes
Weight 65
Reason for giving up Airedale Mom was diagnosed with Lupus and severe rheumatoid arthritis and the family will not be able to keep the dogs.
Dog currently lives with: a) number of adults:2b) if children, age of children: 2
c) if pets or other animals, types and ages: 1 more dog. 5 year old Welsh terrier
d) other important living conditions: she needs a fence yard because she is reactive to every dog that crossed the house. She is very good in the house no accidents and she doesn’t chew anything
Airedale is (check all that apply to your Airedale) Inside dog, Fenced yard, Runs loose, Crate trained, Housebroken, Bad with kids, Agressive, Hates cats, Good on leash, Hates grooming, Good in car, Good eater, Dominant to other household animal(s), Aggressive to people/kids
Dog’s best qualities are: Izzy is very sweet when she trust the humans she is leaving with. She is very mellow. She loves to relax and it is not demanding around the house. She is great at doing her business outside and love to go for walks
Dog’s worst qualities are: Izzy is nervous when she is around new people. Specially kids. She is great with teenagers and grown-ups. She is very dominant with humans and other dogs in the family. For example, when she gets close to you she grabs your arm with her mouth and holds. Tried to get her to stop but it’s her way to say I’m here. With Paco never had any problem. Paco was submissive. They play well together.
She will not be good with kids at all. Our experience was very traumatic at the beginning.
She is very reactive to other dogs when she is on leash and also when thet are like in a dog park. I will never trust her not to heart another animal when she doesn’t know him. She walks very well on leash and love to go hiking but when another dog crossed her way she just loose it. Needs a good and strong humand to correct this and then she is fine.
She doesn’t like other dogs close to her food, Collar and leash – uses a harness and leash has two clips. Sometimes they use a long line on trails. She doesn’t pull and will come.
Has Airedale received any obedience training? If yes, please describe. No. We worked with her with love in trusting us and now she is very receptive and sweet. Specially with Mom. With the rest of the family we still having some issues
Has dog ever bitten anyone? If yes, please describe when and the circumstances My little kid when she just came home. She doesn’t like kids.
Veterinarian’s Name, Address and Telephone number. List whose name the records are under. Marcela Martinez
Izzy Martinez
Greater Atlanta Vet
7704246303
Airedale was vaccinated and/or tested for a) Rabies YR: 2019b) DHLP-P date:2019
c) Intestinal parasite exam; worms test date: 2019
Results & Treatment:2019
d) Bordetella vaccine date: 2019
e) Heartworm test date: 2019
Results & Treatment, if any:
f. Heartworm medication used:
Last date given:
g) Flea/Tick preventative used: 2019
Last date given:
How often?
h) Does your Airedale have a microchip? If yes, issuing company name and number:
Food Name: pure Vitae BEEF
Amount: 3 3/4
How often? A day
My dog has allergies to (check all that apply to your Airedale) Other (describe below)
Other allergies flea bites
If dog receives supplements, describe what and how often no
What kind of injuries has your dog had? Describe here none
What kind of medical issues has your dog had? Describe here none. Very healthy
What type of ongoing medication does your dog take, for what ailment? Describe here none
“Digital Signature”: By submitting this form, I certify that the information provided on this form is true and accurate. Full name: Marcela Martinez
Date: 7/7/202007-08-2020: They have just adopted a 1 year old Brittany Spaniel and already have a 12-y-o smooth fox terrier which is declining. They don’t want to bring in another dog at this point. But they are planning to move back to GA to get away from the chemicals that are used on the golf course. She thinks those may have caused her other Brittany’s cancer; and there are many women who live in their neighborhood who have cancer. Maybe related.
I talked to them about Teddy, the biter, and she would have taken him in a minute, but they want to wait bc of their smooth fox’s decline in health.
07-08-2020: They bought a female pup, Gracie, from Laurie McCrae in Augusta, GA, High Fields Kennels. She’s 10 wks old. They have a deposit down on another one in SC, a German woman last name Herz (?) but she won’t send photos. He might be in market for a rescue. Keep him in mind.
06-30-2020: Offered to Robert & Dana Hollingsworth and they are going to take her but they can’t until after work is finished on their home (they’re staying with her parents in basement right now). They will be back in their home on July 18, so anytime after that.
07-07-2020: Bobbie is going to be fostered by Kevin & McGee Mays until she can go to the Hollingsworth’s.
Hi Jackie,
A lot of info here and think the current owners made the right decision to re-home Bear. Think the original owners new this dog had problems.
Sounds like a busy young couple that will not have the time to go the distance with changing this dogs mindset. Lots of info in the behavioral assessment but not a clear path for most owners to follow without a trainer onboard. I agree with much of the info in the report. I of course disagree about “reading an Airedale” and some comments on the nature of an Airedale. I don’t think Bears issues are an “Airedale thing” but a common issue I see these days with puppies raised without adequate socialization , exposure to the world and structure in the home.
This is a fearful and insecure dog at a challenging age and in need of more structure and guidance than provided. He is a challenging combination of bratty and fearful.
I suspect he was not around women much when young and is uncomfortable because women often speak in higher pitched voices and are more animated in their talk . This could also be an issue with children and add physical animation as well.
My guess is if Bear were placed with a single man the problem would be temporarily circumvented . If it were someone that gave this dog a lot of structure and guidance Bear could be managed but not necessarily “fixed”. If Bear went to a man that provided no structure or guidance , I see this insecure behavior potentially escalating to aggressive guarding behavior probably towards anyone. And that person would become captive to this dog.
I do believe at his young age that his issues could be addressed. The problem with rehabbing a dog with these issues is even with a training program to work through the insecurity, this will still be a relationship issue . If new owners aren’t highly committed to maintaining the appropriate mindset the training will have been in vain.
The positive things I see about this dog are:
He apparently got along with the other dog although there are a few clues that Bear was stressed about that dog.
Also the fact that he would run with the male owner and would stay with him off leash says Bear will readily go into pack mode. Bear is looking for some guidance.Do you have an adopter in the wings that would take on the challenge of a dog with a bite history given the guidance and support to accomplish behavior modification (probably a dumb question)?
Cindy
Sent from my07-06-2020 Spoke to Faye Owen, the trainer/behaviorist. She was very nice and forthcoming.
I asked if the Moffitts had employed any of her suggestions:
Yes, They have used composure and Adaptil and when people come over, they keep him on leash and have visitors acclimate to him by throwing treats to him.Faye says they have a small home and the dogs stay outside a lot. Since the bite to Aly, dogs are in only when Don is home.
She believes that Bear was only around men before or had only bonded with men before. For the last 9 months, Aly has been preoccupied with baby and can’t interact with Bear. Bear is a friendly dog and wants to be close but he’s fearful.
She thinks that they allowed too much freedom in the settling in period with Bear. They did not recognize his fear of women.
As for her recommendations for a home for him, she thinks a
Couple without children who understand that he doesn’t bond as well with women. The woman must engage with Bear, feed him, exercise him.We talked about the Level 2 bite:
bite levels 0 – 7
Above a level 4, you can’t place the dog realistically.0 air snap
1 graze or bruise or nip
2 punctureAfter the bite, Bear backed up to the other side of the room. She says the way she understands it after Don & the lab left the room, Bear came around the couch and was face-to-face with Aly who was lying on the couch. He licked her face. She started to sit up which put her even closer to him, and he bit!
07-06-2020
Faye Owen, Behavior Modification Specialist, Animal Harmony LLC, 154 Evewick Court, Dallas GA 30132 404-512-2028I left a voice mail for Faye Owen.
From: Jackie Cash
To: Terry Stamey
Date: 07/06/2020 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: ApplicationGood morning, Terry. Thank you for your message. Having an electronic fence is not an automatic no. Your status in our system is you are ready for a home visit. Since you have moved, please send me your new address, and we’ll try to move things along.
Thank you for your patience and thank you for contacting us again!
Jackie
On 07/05/2020 6:50 PM Terry Stamey < terrystamey@rocketmail.com> wrote:
Hello, I placed an application last fall and have never heard back from the lady that does the interview. Does this mean I am not eligible? I heard that to adopt, you should have a fenced in yard. I only have an electronic fence. If so, there’s no hard feelings, just let me know, I’ll look elsewhere. However, if that isn’t an issue, then I need to update my address on my application. I have moved.
Thank you for your time.
Terry Stamey07-04-2020: OMG, I talked to this man for an hour and made detailed notes that I then went back and made them make sense rather than just notes jotted as we spoke. I lost them!
However, they consulted a trainer/behaviorist and I’m copying in her report that he sent me. It includes everything he told me about Bear and if anything is missing, I’ll try to add it back:
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2020
Client:
Daniel and Aly Moffitt
2055 Anderson Dr SE
Smyrna GA 30080Animal: Bear, 16-month-old male neutered Airedale Terrier
Referred by: referring veterinarian
Attending Veterinarian
Dr Manack
Powers Ferry Animal HospitalDate of Consultation: Monday 18th May 2020
Main Complaints: Aggression directed towards unfamiliar female visitors and female owner. Resulted in one bite to face – Level 2 bite
Special/Medical notes: recently injured when running in the yard – stitches in his side and taking antibiotics.
People in the Household: Dan, wife Aly and son Beau, aged 8 months. Dan works from home and Aly has been more recently working at home. Beau in daycare during the day
Other animals in the Household: Porter, 5-year-old male intact Lab mix
Environment/History
Dan and Aly got Bear from a friend of a family member who had had another baby and could not spend the appropriate amount of time with him. The original family (Paul and his family) had had him from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks. Aly and Dan were looking for another dog to be able to play with Porter, as they had noted that since they had had their baby, Beau, Porter was not getting as much attention. Aly’s parents picked Bear up from South Georgia and kept him that day before Aly and Dan could go and get him. They picked him up at 6th April and realized that the picture that they had originally received was obviously when Bear was much younger. Bear was much bigger than they had thought and was very boisterous.
As soon as Dan noticed that Bear seemed a little nervous around women, he called and asked Paul if that had happened before. Paul commented that he was ‘fine’ with everyone but had always had a problem with his mother in law, who was nervous around dogs. Bear would make a weird noise and growl when he saw her, but hadn’t displayed any other aggression. Dan and Aly have noticed that Bear appears ‘unsure’ around all females, although will go up initially and greet them, sometimes jumping up in order to greet them. However, during their visit, he may then growl if they approach, or get up, and because Dan has managed him at those times, Bear hasn’t approached them. Bear has not displayed this type of behavior towards any visitors that are men. Bear has not displayed any aggression towards Beau and just seems to ignore him. Aly and Dan are however very careful on how much interaction Bear has with Beau at the current time.
Aly and Dan introduced Porter and Bear in the backyard and although Porter seemed to ‘set some rules’ Bear was very compliant and they got on very well and spend a lot of the day playing together.
Initially Bear was being fed with one meal at time at nighttime, so that Dan could make sure that there was no aggression shown between the dogs when they were eating (as Porter was used to being free fed). Over the last two weeks, Dan has changed this feeding routine, and the dogs are now free fed, with Bear tending to prefer eating later in the day.
Dan has noticed that Bear tends to ‘air snap’ a lot. He hasn’t noticed if he does it when he is more aroused, but has noted that Bear will do it when asked to do something that he doesn’t really want to do. He has never made contact with Dan when he does this.
When Bear first arrived and Dan took him on walks, he was afraid of everything on the walk, even things such as pine straw on the lawns. Dan can now take him on long runs and can even run with him off leash – he stays close to Dan and is very obedient with Dan.
Aly and Dan have noted that Bear is sensitive to noises, and will stand and bark at the thunder, but does not seem overly scared.
Aggressive incidents
16th May evening
Dan and Aly had some friends over, and Dan kept Bear on the leash initially as he was so boisterous. When one of their female friends arrived, Bear growled at her, but she ignored him and he did not do it again during the visit, but Dan had him on leash when the visitors were there.
10th May around 8.30pm
Aly was lying on the sofa and Dan and Porter had left the room. Bear entered and started licking Aly in the face. He then became still and Aly became uncomfortable and started to sit up. Bear then growled and bit her in the face. When Aly cried out, Bear retreated and Dan came back in to the room and put Bear in his crate for the rest of the night. Aly had to visit the emergency room for treatment, and had two small puncture wounds in her cheek below her eye.2nd May evening
The family were at another family members house on the deck. Dan’s aunt stood up to leave and Bear growled at her. Bear did not move but Dan was ready to grab him if he did.
25th April
The family were visiting Dan’s father and Bear had not been to that house before and was not very relaxed. Dan’s father’s fiancé, Sandy walked by and Bear growled at her. Dan took Bear by the collar and moved him out of the way.
18th April
Aly had a treat in her hand and was asking both dogs to sit to give to them. Porter had sat, but Bear was not very relaxed, but then sat but quickly got up growling and jumped to get the treat from Aly’s hand.
First two weeks of his arrival
Aly walked by Bear when he was in his crate and he growled at her.
Observations:
When I entered the house, Dan and Aly were there to greet me and the dogs were outside. They usually spend a large portion of the day outside, with access to the gated laundry room if they chose to. Aly confirmed that Bear prefers to lie by the back door observing the outside yard, but does play out there with Porter.
We discussed Bear’s history and the recent incident of aggression in the living room in the front of the house out of view of the back yard, and then towards the end of my visit Dan leashed Bear and we went outside. Aly provided me with some treats and Dan kept Bear about 6-8 feet away from me as I tossed the treats towards Bear. I also met Porter outside, who was very friendly. Initially Bear was very excited and pulled towards me and was not interested in the treats. Dan kept Bear moving and I observed Bear ‘half yawning’ for a few minutes, but he then relaxed a little and ate the treats, and I was able to toss treats towards him and he ate them. As I pointed out to Aly and Dan, it is more difficult in this breed to see much interpretative gestures in Bear’s face, as their ears tend to continue to point forwards and the eyes generally do not show as much expression as other breeds of dogs. However, I did not see much outward signs of fear, and Dan did a great job of using the technique of ‘approach and retreat’ as he walked towards, past and then away from me. I coached him through trying to keep the leash loose, and call Bear back to him, as this is the same method that I would encourage Dan to use with other visitors to the house. Bear did not shake (shaking off adrenaline, and a sign of relaxation) when I was there, but he did yawn a few times and was able to catch the last few treats that I tossed to him – again a sign that he was more relaxed and less focused on me.
After a few minutes and running out of the treats, Aly and I went back inside and Dan joined us a few minutes later. The dogs remained outside and I left the house shortly afterwards.
Conclusions:
Diagnosis: Fearful aggression – probably as a result of inadequate socialization during his socialization period, but also is still settling in and forming relationships.
There are several different factors that have influenced Bear’s behavior:
Important developmental periods and fear: – The most important period in a dog’s life is when they are between 4 and 16 weeks of age. This is called the Socialization Period, where they need to be introduced to all kinds of people, children, environmental stimulation and other dogs. Their brain is very amenable to learning at this stage of their development and positive experiences at this time equip them to become an emotionally robust individual in later life. Dogs which are not exposed to all of these things at this time of their life tend to react fearfully towards them when they meet them in later life. We know that initially Paul had Bear on his own prior to meeting and marrying his wife and moving in with her and her children. It is probable therefore, that Bear did not experience much socialization with women during that initial four month socialization period. We can see that he is very comfortable with men, and very bonded to Dan, but appears nervous around women, and even Aly who is part of his household now.
Dogs which are fearful can display this fear in a number of ways, commonly named as Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fidget about. Fear aggression can therefore look very aggressive, as the dog is choosing the fight option, but the primary motivation is Fear, with the intention of driving the frightening stimulus away. This undoubtedly works and therefore the dog learns that this strategy works and therefore tries it again.
Whilst the socialization period is the most important period in terms of establishing emotional robustness, the entire first year is important as we know that experiences that are both negative and positive make a deeper impression when learnt in this first year.
Genetics: – we don’t know anything about Bear’s mother and father, but we do know that fearfulness can be genetically inherited.
Breed: – the Airedale is usually described as ‘suspicious’ and ‘standoffish’ in the breed description, and as we discussed during my visit, this selective breeding of these characteristics often mean that these dogs are more difficult to read in terms of their body language indicating fear or other indicators of aggression.
Settling in period: – With all rescue dogs, we often do not know any of their previous experiences, and when they are fearful of people, we assume that they had an inadequate socialization period and did not meet extensive kinds of numbers of people. Many of these dogs, if given adequate time and patience, will go on to be braver, especially when they are living with other, more confident dogs.
We generally accept that most dogs, when transitioning to a new environment, routine and household will have a ‘settling in’ period, where you may see behaviors change over that time. This period is usually around three months in length.
Bear has experienced a huge change in his environment from his old home to Dan and Aly’s. He did not get exercised much at his old home, evident in his fearful behavior of ‘normal’ stimuli when on walks. He now has another dog to play with and extensive exercise when running with Dan every day. We did discuss during my visit that some of his aggressive behavior may relate to a general mental tiredness later on in the afternoon and evening, as the change from his old home and his new one is so substantively different.
Developmental age: – Many dogs also change from avoidant to more offensive behavior as they reach maturity. Bear is maturing through a period of development that is often called the social maturity period – often compared with late teenagehood in people, where dogs are trying to figure out where they fit with their social group and structure. This is also often the age when brain chemistry is changing rapidly and we often see behavioral changes related to fear and anxiety at this time.
Experience and learnt behavior: – during my visit we talked about associations and how Bear could be more nervous around Aly due to the potential of him accidentally associating her with his injury on the dog house recently (as she was the one there). However, there had been incidents of growling prior to his injury, but the bite was inflicted after his injury.
When diagnosing aggression and exploring the future prognosis for aggressive dogs, there are a number of factors that I consider:
– Bite inhibition: is the dog biting as a warning, or is he causing injuries? Bear has bitten Aly on one occasion and this bite was a puncture wound to her face. She was lying down and did not have the opportunity to move away from Bear. Bear started by licking her face, which is also a sign of appeasement and usually indicates a level of discomfort/fear. He then continued to be uncomfortable, and escalated the fearful behavior to a bite. His bite level would be characterized as a Level 2 as it was two puncture wounds.
– Warnings and threat levels? Is the dog giving you enough advance notice so that you can intervene before he bites? Bear has used warnings in the past and becomes stiff and growls. With the one bite, he became still for a couple of seconds and the growl was issued almost immediately prior to the bite, not giving Aly enough time or opportunity to retreat. However, with his aggression towards female visitors he does indicate with a growl before approaching, and in fact with several visitors he has approached in a friendly manner, only becoming uncomfortable over time. This does at this point in time, give us some ability to manage Bear to reduce the risk of another bite.
– Triggers: How many triggers to aggression are there? Bear is triggered by all female visitors. It also appear that length of time the visitor is present may also be a trigger. Aly was bitten when Dan was absent, and other triggers may also include time of day, and action taken by the visitor = ie getting up when sitting down, and approaching and walking past Bear.
It is important to realize that all dogs have a bite threshold, a limit that if crossed causes them to bite. Given the right circumstances every dog may bite. If a dog is in pan or feeling unwell his bite threshold will be lower than normal. Some dog’s bite thresholds are low, some are high. This threshold can be determined by many different factors: genetic, early environment, previous experiences and many more. Many dogs are anxious or afraid around specific things that they encounter regularly, and some dogs are even anxious generally due to their early environment, their learning experience as they mature, and environmental circumstances that are stressful for them.
Bear is a fear aggressive dog. The approach to getting frightened dogs through fear-provoking situations requires patient, systematic desensitization to those situations, with careful management to reduce risk of injury to people. We also use counter-conditioning, a form of classical conditioning, with high value food treats, play with favorite treats, and extravagant praise to transform an emotionally negative situation into one that is positive.
Prognosis
As we discussed during my visit, Bear is still in his ‘settling in’ period and I am hopeful that we can reduce his fear of unfamiliar females, manage the risks a little more, and build a positive relationship with Aly over the next few weeks, so that you are observing less fearful aggression. However, this is still an investigative period and if you do see increased aggression as he settles in, we will have to reevaluate the ‘fit’ for your family.
Recommendations and Treatment Plan:
1. DAP collar
DAP or Dog Appeasement Pheromone is a synthetic replication of a naturally occurring pheromone that is emitted by the mother dog when she is nursing. Several scientific studies have shown positive effects in both adult dogs and puppies that are displaying anxiety related symptoms. DAP is available under the brand name of Adaptil and one collar will last for four weeks before needing to be replaced. You can buy these from Amazon or from http://www.entirelypets.com.2. Supplement to help with anxiety
There are various supplements on the market designed to help increase the level of amino acids in the brain using the ingredient L-Theanine, so that the dog is more relaxed. One of these supplements is Composure. You can also buy this from Amazon. I would recommend using these supplements at lunch time to see if this affects the ‘grumpiness’ of the later evening.3. Feeding routine
Bear has now transitioned to a free feeding schedule, but we did discuss whether any potential ‘hangry’ could have contributed to some of Bear’s aggression in some of the noted incidents.4. Downtime during visitors
During my visit we discussed that some of his aggression appears to occur when the visitors have been there for a while. I suggested that he may simply become overwhelmed over time, and to see if you can keep those interactions short and positive and then remove Bear and put him in his crate for some mental ‘downtime’. We know that Bear likes his crate and if you can also give him a chew to work on so that he continues to regard this as a positive place to be.5. Building relationship with Aly
Continue to work on building a more positive relationship with Aly. Use the leash if needed to build confidence. We discussed trying to build in some walks with Aly and Beau and for Aly to toss treats when Bear is in his crate. Do not try and work with him on Sit and Stay for treats, where Bear may become anxious, but make the treat tossing more casual.6. Introduction of new people/female visitors to the house
Have some treats available and when those people come into the house, either have them throw treats away from them, or you throw them away from you and the person as you greet them. This keeps Bear focused on finding the treats, and less focused on the person that has entered. The throwing of treats away from people also teaches him to move away from people rather than towards them. Keep him leashed and preferably meet them outside initially as you did on my visit. Use the approach and retreat strategy that Dan used during my visit.7. Calming signals and body language
It is particularly important in cases such as Bear’s to be aware of his body language and how he is trying to communicate with you. A particularly useful book is “on talking terms with dogs: Calming signals’ by Turid Rugaas. Lip licking, looking away, yawning, panting, moving slowly or freezing are signs that you should look for when handling Bear and when visitors are present. These are all signs that Bear is uncomfortable and their purpose may be to calm himself (as the author suggests) or communicate the need for release from stress. Fearfulness is also shown in the dog’s body language. The ears will go down and back, tail will go down and between the dog’s legs, the body of the dog will be lowered and the dog generally looks away, or tries to run away.8. Rehab trainer
It is often the case that dog owners need some practical help when teaching some training commands, or when setting up sessions to help acclimate Bear to female visitors (so that you don’t have to keep asking family members or friends). I wouldn’t anticipate that this would take prolonged sessions, but it may be beneficial for some help in either getting started on a particular command, or to help you progress along from the initial stages.My preferred rehab trainer for your area is Pawsitive Practice Training and owner Lisa Matthews. Her telephone number is 404 353 2416 and email Lmatthews@pawsitivepractice.com. If you do decide to contact her, please let me know and I can send over this report to her. She will then know all the relevant history and will be able to more closely follow the particular behavioral modification program.
9. Journal
It would be helpful to keep a small journal so that you can monitor effects of the collar, supplement and Bear’s relationship with Aly. This will also help us to identify any other correlations that may be involved in Bear’s aggression, or to identify any things in the daily routine that are helping decrease Bear’s fear of people.Behavioral Support and Training Recommendations
There is 60 days of support by phone and email included in your behavioral consultation program. I usually check in with clients around once a week/every ten days, but you are quite welcome to contact me in between check in times if you want/need to.
Faye Owen
Animal Harmony LLC
154 Evewick Court
Dallas GA 30132
Tel: 404 512 2028
Bite threshold factors – Bear———————————————————————————————————Bite Threshold
—————————————————————Trigger – movement, staring/length of time
(management with use of confinement at certain times, journal to find more correlations)
——————————————————————————————-Trigger – Aly
(counter conditioning work)
——————————————————————————————-Trigger – unfamiliar females
(Counter conditioning work with leash managment)
————————————————————————–Trigger – time of day
(free feeding and crate down time)
——————————————————————————————Breed type – more standoffish
(cannot influence)
——————————————————————————————Genetics – more shy dog
(cannot influence)
———————————————————————————————Generalised anxiety – settling in
(DAP collar and supplements)
——————————————————————————————-Inadequate socialization period
(cannot influence now)
———————————————————————————————-‘Normal’ emotionally stable dog—————————————————————————————————————————————-
