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Tim Rease update:
I rec’d. an email today from Tim. He has reached out to Mandy for another HV. Thought I’m on a bit of a leave from ARG right now, I just thought it would be easier to maintain our connection. I asked Tim to have the HV sent to me when its’ complete and I will follow up. His new phone # is: 423-483-5117Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: James Moore
August 12, 2025Jim describes his neighborhood as rural, their home sitting about 300’ off the road. They have about 38 acres. No fence. He has tractors and a Kubota. There is a pond on the property. There is also a swimming pool that is “zero entry” so doesn’t pose a problem to his dogs. His dogs love to go “hunting” for squirrels and rabbits. Jim says it’s paradise for a dog. They have been on this property for 32 years.
They have a 2 ½ year old standard poodle whom they rescued so to speak. Jim said they got the dog at 6 mos. old from a friend of a friend who was in a car accident and couldn’t care for the dog. They have had 2 Airedales in the past, both of which they got as puppies. Both lived to the age of 11. Though Jim has never technically rescued, he said his father has rescued 3 Labs over the years and Jim has helped him with them. We discussed the various issues that dogs can come into rescue with and the need for patience and consistency.
Jim and his wife Lesa are retired. Lesa was a Special Education teacher. Jim keeps busy around the property and with their multiple rental homes. His parents live about ¼ mile away and the other neighbors about the same distance.
Interestingly, Jim has been in a wheelchair since his teens. He did not disclose this to me…both of his references did. He apparently is very independent and active. One reference said that he doesn’t like to ask for help. He does a lot for himself. Both references described him as a great guy.
Both references gave the applicant a glowing report. Stated that they are dog lovers, treat their dogs well and the dogs are well behaved.
VET: Zoe is a 2 year old spayed Standard Poodle. She is up to date on rabies, heart worm (Simparica Trio) as well as up to date with yearly exams. No red flags on the chart.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Catherine & Brett Bowen
August 10, 2025The Bowen’s neighborhood is about an hour West of Nashville, TN. Catherine is still working as a nurse at Vanderbilt. Brett is retired. The town of Dickson, TN is about 50,000 in population. Their home is about 10 minutes from town, and she describes it as “kinda rural”.
There are no other persons living in the home other than Brett and Catherine. Brett’s Mother lives in Dickson. They have a 29 year old daughter who visits occasionally from Clarksville, TN. Will f/u re: 2nd reference when they return from vacation
Their property is fenced both in front and back with chain link fencing. They have both walk through and drive through gates.
They have been involved with TN Boxer Rescue for several years and have had many Boxers over the years. Their current Boxer is a spayed female rescue with an age approximation of 10 ½ to 12 years. She currently has cancer. They rescued her (Emmy) about 2 ½ years ago.
They also have a neutered male ADT that they have had since he was a puppy having gotten Winston from a breeder in AL. Brett remembers ADTs as a child and wants something with more vigor and a higher activity level for Winston. He likes ADTs energy, personality, intelligence, and inquisitiveness. They want a playmate for Winston.
They really don’t have any sex preference and would accept a young ADT (1-2 years) or up to 5-6 years old.
They are well aware of the trials and tribulations that can accompany a rescue.
Ref: Andrea has known applicants for about 9 years. She describes their friendship as more like family. Winston is great with Emmy. “He loves her to death”. Andrea occasionally dog sits for the Bowen’s. She describes both dogs as well mannered and spoiled. They play well together, eat from different bowls but drink from the same bowls.
VET: Winston is up to date on all needed vaccinations and visits. Emmy is up to date on visits with vaccinations being waived due to age and medical conditions.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Catherine & Brett Bowen
August 10, 2025The Bowen’s neighborhood is about an hour West of Nashville, TN. Catherine is still working as a nurse at Vanderbilt. Brett is retired. The town of Dickson, TN is about 50,000 in population. Their home is about 10 minutes from town, and she describes it as “kinda rural”.
There are no other persons living in the home other than Brett and Catherine. Brett’s Mother lives in Dickson. They have a 29 year old daughter who visits occasionally from Clarksville, TN.
Their property is fenced both in front and back with chain link fencing. They have both walk through and drive through gates.
They have been involved with TN Boxer Rescue for several years and have had many Boxers over the years. Their current Boxer is a spayed female rescue with an age approximation of 10 ½ to 12 years. She currently has cancer. They rescued her (Emmy) about 2 ½ years ago.
They also have a neutered male ADT that they have had since he was a puppy having gotten Winston from a breeder in AL. Brett remembers ADTs as a child and wants something with more vigor and a higher activity level for Winston. He likes ADTs energy, personality, intelligence, and inquisitiveness. They want a playmate for Winston.
They really don’t have any sex preference and would accept a young ADT (1-2 years) or up to 5-6 years old.
They are well aware of the trials and tribulations that can accompany a rescue.
Ref: Andrea has known applicants for about 9 years. She describes their friendship as more like family. Winston is great with Emmy. “He loves her to death”. Andrea occasionally dog sits for the Bowen’s. She describes both dogs as well mannered and spoiled. They play well together, eat from different bowls but drink from the same bowls.
VET: Winston is up to date on all needed vaccinations and visits. Emmy is up to date on visits with vaccinations being waived due to age and medical conditions.
Kelly,
Did the home visit today with Sarah Hemmings. Her new house and fenced yard are great. You did not send a “home visit” document to complete so I’m not sure what I need to say other than she is very conscientious and everything looks like she has a very nice setup in which to foster an Airedale.
Del
Hi Kelly,
Ann Brown and her husband, Jim are a very nice couple. As you know, they have owned Airedales, have a fenced in yard, pet sitter down the street, and a veterinary office close by. They would provide a wonderful and loving home to any lucky Airedale. I hope they find their match.
I will complete the home visit form. Please let me know if you need anything else.
nancyj.merritt@yahoo.comAiredale Recue Group
Phone Interview: Ann Brown
June 18, 2024Ann lives with her boyfriend Jim in an over 55 active community in Summerville, SC. They are both retired. She worked in accounting and interior design and Jim worked in nuclear engineering at the Savannah River site.
She just very recently lost her Airedale “Buffet” (male, neutered ADT) who was just shy of 13 years old. She rescued Buffet at the age of 4 mos. in Macon, GA.
She currently has an American Bully, age 7, spayed female named Lulu. Lulu was also a rescue. Ann is familiar with ADTs as she has had 3 in the past in addition to Welshies.She is fenced with wrought iron fencing with “puppy pickets” along the bottom.
Jim’s brother lives nearby and she has a dog sitter in the area.
Ann is interested in fostering and/or adopting. She is also willing to transport, but states that her car would probably not accommodate a large crate.
Ann is currently not emotionally ready to adopt, but wanted to get the necessary formalities taken care of in the mean time.
Reference: Has known applicant for at least 10 years. Used to live near them when applicant lived in Augusta, GA. They spoiled Buffet. They took him on walks and/or to the dog park every day. Reference dog sat a couple of times while Ann and Jim traveled. It is a very loving home. Jim is great. Both are dog lovers.
Reference: Laurie McRae of McRae’s Highland Airedales said she’s known Ann since the 1980’s. Very loving people. Dog lovers. No reason not to adopt out to them.
VET: spoke with Danielle at office. Buffet was up to date on all vaccines. Took an injectable heart worm preventative and was on flea/tick preventative. Lulu is up to date as well. Danielle said they are very sweet people.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview
Sarah Hemmings
June 4, 2025I had previously spoken with Sarah back in October of 2022. She has not rescued/adopted since that time but she has moved. She at that time lived on a type of co-op “farm” as she described it, but the owner decided to make her home the office. Hence the move.
She still lives in Athens, GA and describes her neighborhood as having sidewalks, slow traffic and tree covered. She is fenced with a wood fence. There is space between the wood slats but not to the point where a ‘dale could get it’s head through.
She still has her Welsh Terrier, a 9 yr. old neutered male.
Sarah lives alone. She works as a federal contractor.
She would prefer to foster at this time as her job situation is somewhat iffy. She prefers an older dog, female. She realizes that there are “foster fails” as her Welshie, Artie is a foster fail. She is Airedale savvy.
One of her references listed is one that she listed in 2022. I spoke with him at that time (see phone interview notes from 2022), but have been unsuccessful in connecting with him this go around. I have elected to forgo needing a 2nd reference.
I was able to speak finally with her other reference and received a glowing report. This reference has known Sarah for 27 years. She knows that she prefers older ADTs. She states that Sarah’s dogs receive excellent care. She has a good fenced yard, close to the dog park. She knows that Sarah “has always had Airedales…she was raised with them”.VET: Artie the Welsh Terrier is up to date with vaccinations. Rabies is due in 2028. He receives Interceptor and Bravecto preventatives. He was recently in for a nail trim. There are no red flags on Sarah’s record.
Home Visit:
The Mandour’s live in Brunswick Forest, a large, gated community with ample green space and walking/biking trails throughout. Their home is one level, hardwood floors throughout with area rugs. The home is well kept, but not pristine/museum like. It is lived in. There is a large backyard that abuts to a large pond. They are not currently fenced but a fence is to be installed soon…either before they go to Europe, or upon their return home. They did say that there are occasionally alligators found in the pond and that no one allows their dogs off leash near the ponds.
Laila is an avid gardener, Rudy golfs. Laila’s 98-year-old mother lives with them. She is very spry, alert and starting to be a little forgetful. The Airedale would have the run of the house except for Laila’s mother’s room. Food would be given in the breakfast nook. Beds probably throughout the house, but definitely next to Laila in their bedroom.
Laila’s sister would stay with her mother and Airedale if they traveled. The Mandour’s are very nice people and an Airedale would do well to call this home.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.
