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HOME EVALUATION FORM
Meredith and John Hildreth
120 Cricket Ln
Alpharetta, GA 30009
404.992.6263
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]: The house is a 3 story “cluster home”. It is in a suburban setting, set back from any busy roads. The neighborhood has a speed limit of 25 mph and speed bumps. There are lots of sidewalks, lots of neighbors out and walking their own dogs. A very nice, tight community.
Condition of Home [check all that apply]:
Immaculate, Well-kept
Describe the home interior:
[Include type of furnishings, flooring, and general appearance. The house has very nice furniture. They have been there 4.5 yrs. No antiques. Doesn’t appear to be a “don’t touch that kind of environment”, altho John did ask me if the decorations on the coffee table would be OK. I told him it depends on the dog, but as long as there isn’t any food those should be fine.
Accommodations:
Their plan for when they are not at home is to leave the dog loose in the house. I asked them what would be their plan if it ends up that the dog is unable to be left alone. They didn’t really think about that option. Meredith asked if they should get a dog crate. I stated it might be a good idea to have one in the event the dog needs to be crated. I also suggested if they had a laundry room or a bathroom that the dog could be in while alone if the dog doesn’t like the crate. They stated they have a downstairs bedroom/den with a bath that could be used for that purpose.
Children:
No children in the home. Grandchildren are infants living in Texas and would not be visiting regularly
Family Environment:
The Hildreths appear to be excited about bringing another dog into the house. The dog will be the center of their world. John is planning on having the dog ride with him while running errands and going with both of them when they go to their house in North GA mountains. It will be well taken care of.
Life-Style Compromises:
They have had a dog previously, so they are fully aware of any lifestyle compromises required. They have a good relationship with their vet. They have a pet sitter established from their previous dog. Their neighborhood is very pet friendly.
Other Pets:
N/A
Important Question to Answer:
o Explain that re-homing a dog is stressful for the dog. I did.
o That often the rescued dog they want to adopt or foster may have training accidents, even if
they are housebroken, while they are in their new home or foster care, for the first few
weeks. I did.
o Ask the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an
accident.
What was their reply? This was where I saw a potential question. They previously had an Aussy mix. Meredith talked about how absolutely perfect that dog was. No accidents, no behavior problems at all – ever. When I talked to them about potential adjustment period, stress behaviors, they both seemed surprised. I gave them a few examples when
we adopted our Airedale from ARG, we discovered he had severe separation anxiety (he could not be left alone in the house – even in a crate) and was grumbling at my 3 yr old. I explained that with assistance from ARG and training (having our daughter be the one to feed him) things did work out, but it will take some time and compromise. My AiredaIe, Sandy, ended up being an excellent family member and neighbor. I have no reservations that this family will be willing to put the work in to make the dog comfortable. I was just surprised that Meredith seemed so naïve to needing to go thru that period of adjustment. Their most recent dog was an Aussie mix. From my understanding, Australian Shepards are not exactly easy dogs to own. They are intelligent, need to “have a job”, cannot be bored or they get into trouble finding a job for themselves. Terriers are similar; just add in a dash of stubborn. I feel they will be able to accommodate an Airedale into their lives.
Additional Information:
Please describe any additional information about the home environment that you feel is pertinent. Their neighborhood is excellent for pets. Most neighbors have dogs. Lots of opportunity for walks. They state the dog will be leashed at all times. They are within walking distance to the downtown area which hosts many social functions, farmers markets, concerts. I predict the dog will be well loved, attended to and well socialized, an integral member of the family.
o Is there anything in general or specifically that would cause you to feel uncomfortable about
placing a dog or cat in this home? No.
o If so, what?
o Gut feelings are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog
with the applicant? No hesitation at all.
o Explain.
Conclusion:
Approve Applicant Yes
Do not approve applicant
Approve after additional counseling of applicants
and/or
Approve after modifications to the home environment
Please describe:
Additional comments:
Home Evaluator’s Signature: Alison Sweeney
Date: 4/1/2025 Contact information: Email & Phone No.: ahs21958@gmail.com
770.843.696
Good afternoon Alison and Meredith,
Meredith, Alison has graciously agreed to do your home visit. She will be contacting you via either email or phone (770 area code).
Please schedule a time that works for the both of you. ARG asks that everyone living in the home be present for the home visit if at all possible.
Please reach out to me with any questions/concerns you may have.
I’ll be anxious to hear how it goes!!Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071
kevnkell@hotmail.comVet: Biko was euthanized in September of 2024. He was up to date on all vaccinations. No red flags on the chart.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Meredith Hildreth
March 18, 2025Meredith Hildreth and her husband live in Alpharetta, GA. She describes their neighborhood as the homes being single family homes but close together. They have a gated front yard and a gated side yard. The fence/gate is wrought iron, about 4 ½ ft. high. The home is 3 levels. There is a park in front of the homes and she said that everyone has dogs…some more than one. Everyone walks. There are sidewalks. They are one block from the city park with their extended neighborhood/merchants being very dog friendly. They do have a 2nd home in Blue Ridge, GA which they go to about 2 weekends/month.
They have 2 adult children living in Atlanta. No small children visit.
They rescued their Aussie mix at the age on 1 year. A non-starter for Meredith would be having to housebreak/train a dog. She says that she doesn’t want to deal with that.
She has no sex preference. Would prefer young…age 1-2 years.Reference #1: Has known applicant for 10-15 years. Lives in Alpharetta, but not the same neighborhood. Knew their Aussie mix “Biko”. Applicant has Husky-Hound mix that she rescued and would not hesitate to let the Hildreth’s take care of her dog. She described Biko as a “love”, well-behaved and cared for very well. Describes the applicants as “amazing people…honest, reliable and trustworthy.”
Reference #2: Is the applicant’s pet sitter. Biko would come to her home in Marietta, GA. “Biko was precious. Always happy, well-behaved. He was very much loved. Hildreth’s are great pet people. You could not ask for a better place for a dog to land.”
Airedale Rescue Group
Mandour Phone Interview
February 25, 2025Laila and her husband Rudy are no strangers to the Airedale. Rudy had an Airedale when Laila met him, and they have had an additional 2 since then…approximately 30 years give or take.
They live in Leland, NC having moved from CT a couple of years ago. They live in Brunswick Forest which is a large community with an HOA. They are not fenced. The neighborhood is very walkable and dog friendly in that there are 2 dogs parks. They have been without an Airedale for a couple of years and are ready for another.Laila describes herself as “pretty active”. She enjoys walking, gardening, and kayaking. Rudy golfs 2-3 times/week. Her Mother lives with them. She is 98 years old. Has some short term memory issues. Uses no assistive devices to get around.
They have always had females. Their last ‘dale, Maggie developed cancer in her foot, declined rapidly and was put down. They are open regarding an age range. They have not rescued before having gotten all 3 Airedales as puppies.
Both personal references gave glowing reports. Both have known applicant for 30 plus years. Both described all the ‘dales as well behaved. They described the applicant as doing the best of everything for them.
Vet said applicants are great dog people. Maggie was a sweet dog. Absolutely no reason not to consider them for adoption.
*Applicant is traveling to Europe mid-May through the 1st of June and wants to wait until their return to adopt.
Personal ref #2: Out of country. Will call me when he returns.
2/2/2025: Ref. has known McGuire’s since 2017. Well acquainted with Phoenix. Described him as the “weirdest, quirkiest” dog. Had such peculiarities. Phoenix gracefully allowed us into their home. He was weird about his food. He and I wrestled. McGuires have been through a couple of moves, lost a pregnancy and always kept Phoenix foremost. They are wonderful people. The kids were great with him and he with them. They took care of each other. Any animal that lands in their care is the luckiest animal in the world.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Sam & Heather McGuire
January 30, 2025Sam & Heather live in Sylva, NC. They describe Sylva as a small town, West of Asheville, NC. They live in downtown Sylva. There are sidewalks. It is in far Western, NC. Very mountainous.
They recently put their 1st Airedale, named Phoenix down. In talking with Sam, he had just picked up Phoenix’ ashes that day. They have 2 children. Phoenix was their 1st “baby” and was about 2 when they had their 1 child. Their children are currently ages 10 & 7. They are not fenced. Their home is on about 1 acre.
They got Phoenix as a puppy from Diane Fielder in GA. They occasionally took Phoenix to have Diane groom him. Growing up Heather had Poodles; Sam had rat terriers, lab & English setter. Heather wanted a big dog and Sam wanted a Terrier…thus after much research they settled on the Airedale. Heather described Phoenix as “a great dog. He was high maintenance…needed a lot of training. He was the smartest and quirkiest dog.”
Both Sam and Heather have their parents (both retired) living within a 10 mile radius. They related that they were available to help with Phoenix.
Sam works from home 2 days/wk. (Tuesday and Thursday) Heather works away from home 5 days/wk. Both work for the local University.They have no sex preference. Would prefer a housebroken dog and will consider up to the age of 8 or 9. They do have cats, so the adoptive Airedale will need to be ok with cats.
Personal ref #1: Angela has known Sam x 15 years. They went to grad school together so she has known them ever since they got Phoenix. She described Phoenix as a sweetheart. Well adjusted, like to take walks. He was their baby and they prioritized Phoenix when their children were born, being sure to include him. She said Sam and Heather are great dog people.
Personal ref #2: Out of country. Will call me when he returns.
VET: McGuires were very good with Phoenix. Took very good care of him and he was current on all shots/vaccines/exams.
George and I had our home visit with Sean Treadaway this morning. We would definitely approve him and his home.
He lives by himself and works from home for Microsoft support. He lives in a very nice gated townhome about a mile from downtown Marietta.
He is a very active professional in good shape. A former marathon runner. Now just hikes.He had pictures all over and on his refrigerator of his Airedale that he had from three months that just passed at 12 this last November. You can tell he is still grieving.
His home is typical of a bachelor. Modern and not extravagant. Well kept and clean. Stone floors with rugs. The town homes are gated with about 4-5 individual buildings. None of the units have private fences but the entires property is gated.
You go into his building and then into his home. HOA prohibits unleashed dogs. Neighbors sent him condolences after his Cowboy passed when they realized they didn’t see him walking him anymore and word got around. We saw a note from a neighbor. He has lived in this townhome since before he got. Cowboy.We are happy to approve him and hope to keep in touch with him after his adoption. We go the dog park that is across the street from his townhome.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions and please let us know how things progress. We are so happy to be able to help out with this process and don’t hesitate to call for our help again.
Beth and George Childress
770-309-7263Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Sean Treadaway
December 18, 2024Sean just lost his 12 ½ y/o Airedale named “Cowboy” on November 3rd…Sean’s birthday.
Sean has lived in his neighborhood for over 20 years and describes it as a mix of homes and townhomes. It is not near a major highway. It is pedestrian and dog friendly. There is a dog park a few hundred yards away.
The property is fenced with a wrought iron fence that is 6-7’ tall.
Sean states that he would prefer an older puppy (already housebroken as he admits he’s never housebroken before) to a dog of about 2 years old. He relates that he has an active lifestyle stating that Cowboy was his friend and buddy, that they walked, ran and hiked together.
Sean would also prefer a male. Does not want any behavioral issues specifically biting as he had a dog that bit and had to be returned to the breeder and was ultimately placed on a farm.
Sean works from home. Has family in the area. He relates that he had a girlfriend that had an Airedale and that when he thought about getting a dog, he thought that an Airedale would be a perfect fit.
We discussed how rescue works i.e. finding the best match. I encouraged him to keep an eye on our Facebook page as well as our website and to reach out if he sees a dog that interests him and we will do the same from our end.
Ref: Has known applicant 20 yrs. “Cowboy was a great dog. He was sweet, didn’t jump…just a super dog. Sean walked him, but didn’t take him to the dog park. He dressed him up in costume for a doggie Halloween parade.” This particular reference was involved in a mixed breed dog rescue for years. She describes Sean as a quiet, gentle human being. He loves his dog. She has never known him not to have a dog.
Ref: Has known applicant x 20 years. Describes Sean as being “a great person. He treats his dogs like family…they are his kids. She states that she served with him in the Navy and that she would on occasion take care of his dog. She now lives in NH and Sean had contacted her to watch his dog if he got deployed. He will not let just anyone take care of his dog.” She describes him as a great dog owner. He loves his dogs.
VET: Spoke with Vet tech. Cowboy was up to date on all appropriate shots. He was a sweet dog. No red flags on the chart.
Atisha Patel
You
Hi! Bella was great, I approve 🙂Thank you,
Atisha Patel
(864) 642-8014On Wed, Jan 1, 2025 at 1:18 PM Atisha Patel
Also- would Sunday at 6pm work instead of 330? Just text and let me knowThank you,
Atisha Patel
(864) 642-8014Home visit completed and home approved for a ‘dale! New wood stockade fence with secure gates. Home is definitely dog friendly as Lynnley has a bed downstairs in the family room where she works from home, as well as food and water right there in the kitchen. A bed is also upstairs in her bedroom and water available in the bathroom. Neighborhood is very walkable, minimal car traffic.
Hi Atisha,
That works perfectly. Oh that sounds so fun I’d love to come check it out :).
Thanks so much!!On Sat, Dec 28, 2024 at 6:23 AM Atisha Patel
Hi Bella,How does next Sunday around 330pm work? Weekdays are tough for me but I’m pretty open on Sunday.
Also- we’re actually having a Charlotte airedale group meetup the day before at my house if you’d want to join! We get together once a month at a different house/dog bar – we have anywhere from 5 to 25 airedales show up. It’s a blast! It is on Saturday 1/4 from 10-12 at 3945 Langhorne Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.
If you want to text me, that would be easiest to coordinate.
Thank you,
Atisha Patel
(864) 642-8014On Sun, Dec 15, 2024 at 10:34 AM bella montes
Hello Kelly,Thank you for your email. Atisha I appreciate you taking the time to do my home tour. Yes my move in date is Jan 1. So we can schedule something for maybe the following week. If you have any questions or need anything from me before then please let me know.
Thank you and happy holidays!
Hi Atisha,
That works perfectly. Oh that sounds so fun I’d love to come check it out :).
Thanks so much!!On Sat, Dec 28, 2024 at 6:23 AM Atisha Patel
Hi Bella,How does next Sunday around 330pm work? Weekdays are tough for me but I’m pretty open on Sunday.
Also- we’re actually having a Charlotte airedale group meetup the day before at my house if you’d want to join! We get together once a month at a different house/dog bar – we have anywhere from 5 to 25 airedales show up. It’s a blast! It is on Saturday 1/4 from 10-12 at 3945 Langhorne Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.
If you want to text me, that would be easiest to coordinate.
Thank you,
Atisha Patel
(864) 642-8014On Sun, Dec 15, 2024 at 10:34 AM bella montes
Hello Kelly,Thank you for your email. Atisha I appreciate you taking the time to do my home tour. Yes my move in date is Jan 1. So we can schedule something for maybe the following week. If you have any questions or need anything from me before then please let me know.
Thank you and happy holidays!
ulie,
Thanks for getting back to me. I will put your application on hold. If you decide to pursue Airedale Rescue, please reach out to me and we’ll proceed with another/different contact for your reference. Also, emailed your employer, but they haven’t responded as yet, though for me that’s a non-issue considering your place of employment!! Have a Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year!Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071
kevnkell@hotmail.com
