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Good morning James and Catherine,
I just wanted to let you know that Valerie gave you a glowing report…you have been moved to the list “Waiting for a Spare ‘dale”.
Please keep an eye on our website as well as our Facebook page. If you see a ‘dale that seems a good fit, reach out. We do the same on our end. Unfortunately I can’t tell you how long the wait will be as we never know when a ‘dale will be coming into Rescue. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’ve any questions or concerns. Enjoy the rest of this beautiful fall weather and be well!
Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071PS I texted you the Facebook link for ARG as I only do Facebook on my cell.
https://airedalerescuegroup.com/ is the link for ARG’s website.Sent from Mail for Windows
HOME EVALUATION FORM
To the Home Evaluator: This form can be used when doing a home visit to evaluate a potential family for a rescued Airedale. Adoption or foster applicants you are visiting have already met preliminary criteria by having their Adoption Application accepted and have passed the telephone interview.
When doing a home visit, please attempt to get as much information as asked for on this form. Ask questions, where appropriate, and get as many details as you can about the home environment. Some of the questions on this form may not apply to a particular home so use your own judgment.
If possible, bring a friend or another rescue volunteer with you on the home visit. This helps both for the purpose of having another pair of eyes and ears to assist you in making a complete evaluation and for your own personal safety.
________________________________________Name James Downer and Kathy Waggoner
Address 1232 Island Club Drive
City, State ZIP Charleston, SC 29492
Phone 843. 412.3800
Email jimdown@bellsouth.net, kjwaggoner608@att.net
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]: 1300 sfSetting [check all that apply]:
Rural
Semi rural
x Suburban
Semi urban
Urban
Wooded
Open acreage
Waterfront
Highway frontage
Neighborhood street frontage
City environment
Property bordering on park/fieldCondition of Home [check all that apply]:
Immaculate
x Well-kept
Lived in but clean
Exterior untidy
Interior untidy
Exterior unkempt/poorly maintained
Interior trashed/dirtyDescribe the home interior:
[Include type of furnishings, flooring, and general appearance. For example, “antiques with museum atmosphere,” “shabby furniture,” “brand new furniture and/or carpet,” “badly stained carpet,” “hardwood/ vinyl flooring with some carpet/rugs,” etc.]The furnishings are comfortable and in good shape. The floors are laminate and in good shape with some area rugs. The home is attached and fairly new – less than 10 years old.
Accommodations:
[Describe what accommodations the home has for a dog and where the dog will be left when the owners are not at home. For example, “crate in kitchen/laundry room,” “baby gate across kitchen,” “no crate planned,” “pen in basement,” “pen in garage,” “outdoor run,” etc. Include complete description of any pen or kennel [chain link run, dirt run with chicken wire, etc]. Will the dog ever be left chained out or left uttended in a fenced-in yard? Describe the fencing, if any, and consider security of fence.]The couple sold their house and are currently renting long term. They said that their landlord is open to adding a fence to the backyard. They do not want to crate the Airedale, but are willing if required. They plan on walking the dog and/or taking him/her to dog parks. They don’t plan to leave the dog out on a chain. We talked about Airedales being adventurous and how owners must be vigilant to never leave an Airedale on its own.
Children: NA
[Give ages of children, if any, and pay special attention to the behavior of the children, the parents’ responses and method of discipline, and the children’s interactions with other pets. Note whether parents always supervise young children with other pets and if the parents seem to expect the child/children to be “responsible” for the care of the pets.]Family Environment:
[Describe the behavior of the adults among themselves, and to any other pets or children. Are they respectful, hectic, noisy, loud, quiet, commanding, etc.?]The couple met later in life and there is a great deal of love and respect between the two. They are 70 and 71 and due to health constraints they are somewhat homebodies. If they travel it will be day trips and they will take the pup with them. They are fairly quiet, but also now the challenges that Airedales pose as they went through this with Max, who they adopted at the age of 3. I think they will be patient and kind owners.
Life-Style Compromises:
[Has the applicant thought through life-style compromises pet ownership will require? Give details.]
Yes, they are very ready to adopt and plan on being with the pup 24/7.Other Pets:
[Describe number, type, age, and gender of the other pets and give complete description of their apparent health and well-being. Things to note would be skin or flea problems, condition of ils, overweight or underweight, type of collar, id tags other pets have, etc.]No other pets are in the house.
Owner Interaction With Other Pets:
o Describe the relationship all family members seem to have to other pets.
o What role will the dog play in applicant’s life?
o Are the other pets treated like family members?
o How do the other animals behave?
o If applicant is looking for an additional dog, or cat why does applicant what another?
o Does applicant believe that the new dog will “train” old dog or vice versa?
o Has applicant ever owned more than one dog or cat at the same time?
o Is applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commotion?
o How committed is adopter?
o What are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad?
o Do owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors?
o Do other dogs in the home obey happily?
o Are the other dogs out of control and undisciplined?
o Do the owners appear to know some basic training techniques?
o How do the animals react to the owner’s response?Important Question to Answer:
o Explain that re-homing a dog is stressful for the dog. Check.
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.
o The potential adopters understand this as they had issues with Max early on.
o Ask the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an accident.What was their reply? Jim explained similar issues with Max and said he worked with Max and was patient.
Additiol Information:
o Please describe any additional information about the home environment that you feel is pertinent.
o Is there anything in general or specifically that would cause you to feel uncomfortable about placing a dog or cat in this home?
o There is only one thing to bring up. Jim is obese and never got up from his chair. He said he had gained a lot of weight after Max died. Kathy said that she walked Max every day. She is spry and got up and down several times. I feel she would be the prime walker. This was my only concern and their health issues. Otherwise they are perfectly nice people.
o If so, what?
o “Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog with the applicant?
o No. Cedric is too fast. I don’t think that they could run after him if he got out. I think they would give him a lot of attention, though. I’d recommend an older Airedale that’s not a rascal like my sweet Cedric.
o Explain.Conclusion:
x Approve Applicant
Do not approve applicant
Approve after additional counseling of applicants
and/or
Approve after modifications to the home environmentPlease describe:
Additional comments:
Home Evaluator’s Signature: __Valerie K. Perry______________________________________
Date: ________10.09.2021_____
Contact information: Email & Phone No.: ________843.743.8619 perryvk@yahoo.com________________________________
________________________________________Additional Suggestions To The Home Evaluator:
• If you need to take notes during the visit, please do so discreetly on a small note pad, rather than on this form. It is preferred to have the applicants feel at ease with you and to be themselves. Complete this form after the visit is over, when you are not in the presence of the applicants.
• Qualities to note are sincerity, commitment, tolerance of normal animal behavior, honest representation of the home environment, children’s behavior with other pets, and expected role of the children in pet care. Obtain explanations about the absence of any family members during the visit. Feel free to ask leading questions to begin productive conversation. Often good conversation will reveal far more than questions.
• Do not make any promises to the applicants or indicate whether or not they will be approved to adopt or foster. Please refrain from discussing any particular animal presently in rescue that may become available for adoption.
________________________________________Okay on the visit. I had a busy week and just got to your email. Sorry for the delay.
1) Our rescue Maddie that we got at 6 months was a frantic runner. She had been tied to a tree 24/7 and abused. We had to catch her in the house to put a lead on for a walk. But it only took a couple of months and she calmed down “with us”. Two years later, she stopped trying to get out an open door. In fact, started waiting for the leash.
2) Yes, I’m concerned that a puppy developed the “run” personality! That is because it is confined too much, overly neglected or fearful from abuse.
3) Johnson Ferry Road is a very busy 4 lane divided Highway only 150 feet from their front door.
4) I am hesitant to take Jazzy because I don’t want the interview to be about her. You may recall that “Expert” Airedale Trainer Andrea Chase returned our sweet Jazzy to ARG (Yager’s) labeling her as dangerous and untrainable. No problems here. Humm.So I want to go and evaluate the people and the dog without any other distraction. I’ll email them tonight.
StewHi Stewart and Kelly,
Thank you both for dedicating time to this amazing cause. After further discussion with my husband, we decided to hold off on the adoption process right now. I apologize for taking up your time with this process. We hope that at some point in the future we may be able to revisit this opportunity.
Thank you again Stewart and Kelly from the bottom of our hearts.
Fleshler Family.
Emailed and texted Ben to contact his personal reference as my attempts have been for naught. Ben then texted me stating:
“Well my wife and I talked last night and would like to put on hold the rescue plans for an Airedale. She has sped up our time frame to be sooner than Christmas.”
I thanked him for letting me know.
I am moving this family to cold day in hell.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Benjamin Macdonald
September 23, 2021Ben and his family live on a cul-de-sac. The neighborhood appears to be established…Ben stating it is probably circa 1980’s. They have lived here 8 years. It is a 2 story home with a den downstairs. They have an underground fence. They have 3 children ages 10, 8 and 6. He describes it as a very dog friendly neighborhood stating that most of their neighbors have dogs. There are a lot of children in and out of the house frequently. They had a Ridgeback/Hound mix that they got as a puppy as a rescue and had “Greer” before they started their family. This was their first dog as a family. Ben stated that he grew up with a Cocker Spaniel and then a St. Bernard as a child.
The garage would be off limits to a dog as he states there are chemicals, gas etc. that he doesn’t want the dog exposed to/have access to. Both Ben and his wife work outside the home with Ben leaving the house around 0445 and returning around 1500 and his wife leaves around 0800. The dog would be alone 7-8 hours/day. They would plan to crate train the dog and the dog would be crated while at work. He stated that Greer was crated but occasionally was allowed to roam the house. He stated that the kids are great with dogs, but noted that since having put Greer down “they don’t run up to dogs like they used to.”
He stated that his sister turned him onto Airedales, but they are looking at rescue dogs in general. I explained to Ben that we would prefer that they be “set” on an Airedale before we waste a volunteer’s time with a home visit only to have them adopt/rescue something else. He got kinda crappy with me. He said they are set on getting a dog, that they would like it to be an Airedale. Noting that they want/prefer a young dog I explained that the wait would in all likelihood be quite a bit longer than for an older dog. He stated that they will get a dog “soon”. I explained that we cannot predict when a dog will be relinquished to ARG and for that reason cannot give a time frame as to when to expect a dog to be available and a good match.
He left a bad taste in my mouth, but I told him I would attempt to find a HV volunteer. Maybe it was just my mood.Vet: Greer was put down in October of 2020. She was brought in regularly for annual exam. Her last visit was for age related decline. There were no red flags on their record and the Vet Tech felt that they are good dog parents.
Personal Ref: Have attempted to call, left VM. No response. Will try again.Further work on this app. is deferred as applicant’s husband was hospitalized with Covid for 2 1/2 months, is now home and “doing a bit of walking”. Furthermore, it really grates on my nerve when they write/say that they don’t shed and they like the looks of them. Argh!! Also they have/are looking at Spaniels and Schnauzers. I’ll let them contact me if/when they’re ready. Of note is these folks are 75 yrs. old.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Nataliya Fleshler
9/13/2021Nataliya & Dima Fleshler have 2 young children ages 3 ½ and 7. They currently have a 9 ½ yr. old ADT named “Zoya”. They purchased Zoya from an “online seller of puppies” in GA. She could not remember the name of the seller nor the city/town.
Nataliya describes their life as active…hiking, running etc. They live in a well established neighborhood, 2 houses down from what appears to be a fairly busy street. Both she and Dima’s parents as well as a brother live in the area. The yard is fenced with a wood fence approximately 8 ft. high. She describes Zoya as “sneaky”…if they’re not careful, she’ll dart out the door and usually runs across the street to where other dogs live. On occasion, the FedEx driver has enabled her escape. She says Zoya is a “runner.”
They do their own grooming but admits that on occasion, they do take Zoya to the groomer. Their parents would watch Zoya if they go on vacation.
Dima is working from home and that won’t change per Nataliya. She is transitioning back to the office.
Though their application listed “no preference” they would prefer a female. Puppy or young adult. She admits that she has looked at “Sheepadoodles” (will this Doodle craze ever stop??)
We discussed the expectations of rescuing. Mainly that we want the placement to be PERFECT. To expect the adoptive ‘dale to have some issues with adapting to new people, environment, current ‘dale, etc.Reference:
Has known applicant x 15 years and lives about 10 min. away. Reference has dog (Labradoodle), cat, chickens. Describes Zoya as spunky, wild, happy, loveable…loves the kids. States the kids are amazing with her. Zoya is well behaved, she listens, but she’s an Airedale. She describes Dima as calm. Nataliya will put everything she has into the adoptive ‘dale. Children are well behaved.Hi Kelly,
Im sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I visited Jamie and her family a few days ago. Lovely people, lovely family and home. I met the husband and children. All are very engaged. They have a lovely home with a fenced in secure yard. Fence seems like at least 8 feet. They shared with me the pictures of their dog that they had to let go recently. They seemed to really love and miss that dog. I would have absolutely no hesitation in giving them an airedale. We discussed the personality of the airedale a little and they seemed to love it and are so ready for an airedale. One of your comments to me was would I allow my dog to stay or visit with them. Absolutely yes. They are lovely. Best home visit so far.
Let me know if you need anything else from me.
SueGood afternoon Sue and Jamie,
I’d like to introduce you to each other. Sue will be doing your home visit Jaime. We ask that everyone be home for this visit. Sue may opt to bring her Airedale with her. Sue will be calling/texting you to schedule your visit, so check your spam and voicemail…we don’t want you to fall through the cracks!
If either of you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Sue Mioduser to do HV
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Jaime McMurtrie
August 30, 2021The McMurtrie’s live in a well established neighborhood with mature trees. The backyard is fenced with an 8’ stockade fence. You cannot see between the slats. They have an inground pool. There is no fence around the pool proper. It is 8’ deep in the deep end, but has more shallow water than deep. There are steps from the pool deck into the shallow end. The shallow water is 3’ deep.
They put down their Irish Terrier “Ira” in June of 2021. The rescued her at the age of 2 years from someone that needed/wanted to rehome her. She was with another Irish Terrier and another dog. She was unsocialized, lived in the backyard in a doggie igloo. She was in good health the 13 years that they had her and just succumbed to the onset of old age.
They have 2 girls, ages 8 and 5. They grew up with Ira as she was a member of the household before they came along. They also have 2 Guinea Pigs.
Jaime and her husband are employed, currently working from home. They do anticipate returning to the office but not full-time for the foreseeable future…probably something like one week per month. Jaime thought that when this does occur she and her husband wouldn’t be on the same weekly schedule. Jaime’s mother lives 10 minutes away and is their go to regarding dog care if need be. They also have a lady that watches the children on occasion whom would also watch/care for the dog.
They had also looked at Kerry Blues and Irish but have found them to be few and far between regarding availability in rescues.
We discussed Airedales being good or not with children. Discussed the swimming pool and their like or dislike of the water. I explained to her that ARG would not place a dog with them that we knew wasn’t good with children. As regards to water…it’s a matter of training. They try to go on dog friendly vacations as the dog is part of the family.VET:
Spoke with Sean at Montrose Animal Hospital. He said Ira was kept up to date on all vaccinations, heart worm and flea/tick preventative. She was spayed. There were know red flags on her chart.
Reference:Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Warren Dalal
August 23, 2021Per Google Earth, Warren’s home is in a neighborhood that appears to be well established…old, mature trees and bungalows. He has lived here since May of 2021. There is a wooden stockade type fence visible from the front view.
Warren lives alone. He has never had an Airedale and has not had a dog since childhood at which time he had a Beagle-Terrier mix.
He works at the CDC, sometimes working from home. It varies he said. The amount of time a dog would be alone would by 4-6 hours.
He said his fence is in good condition.
He would use a crate “to begin with and then it would depend.” I asked him to elaborate. “If the dog was good, then it can be in the house.”
I asked if he would consider chipping the dog. He wasn’t aware of what a chip was, after explaining to him, he said he would consider it.
I asked why an Airedale. He said he liked Terriers and wants a medium size dog.
I asked if he was looking at any other breeds. His response was “oh yes!” He is looking at Terriers and Schnauzers. He said he saw that there was a rescue site, so he applied.
I explained to him that training is important with an Airedale as they can be stubborn and headstrong. He asked me “how do you deal with that?” I re-emphasized the need for training and consistency. That training isn’t a one and done proposition. Having a well-behaved Airedale or any dog is a full time job.Interviewing this man was like fingers on a chalk board…excruciating!!! He did not offer any further information other than what he was asked. I got the distinct feeling that he has no idea what having a dog means, much less a rescue that may come with some issues that would need to be addressed. He knew next to nothing about the breed and for that matter hasn’t settled on what he wants. I did not like this guy from the get go. ARG should not adopt to this guy.
I did talk about accidents at any age. I asked about a vet and they have one and are comfortable with the dog sleeping anywhere. I mentioned crates and they said relatives would watch while on vacation unless they can take him/her to the beach.
Their yard is not fenced and small, but they have parks nearby or the neighborhood to walk in.I did mention life changes and socializing around kids.
Also talked about leashes and no slip collars or harnesses. She said they have used harnesses before on their Airedales.They are excited to have a furry family member and asked what the next step was or how to see who is available. I told them you or someone else from ARG would get back in touch.
Laura
Connie Gorgol to do HV
cgorgol@hotmail.com
931-216-8472HV not completed as applicant informed HV volunteer that they had adopted a 14 mos. old Airedale from AL…not one of our dogs.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Kari Rassas
7/23/2021
Kari and her husband Mark live in a semi-rural neighborhood. The property is about ¾ of an acre, not fenced and looks to have a wooded area beyond the back yard (per Google Earth). They do have an underground electronic fence.
Kari is retired and her husband continues working as an attorney. They have a 4 year old male, neutered Airedale named George Bailey. Prior to George Bailey, they had Barklay whom they got from a breeder. They have never rescued.
They have a 4 month old grandchild, but don’t see too often as they are in FL.
With George Baily and Barklay they did in home training as also worked with a trainer at a park.
Kari says that she is home 90% of the time. When gone, she will leave George Bailey inside if its hot and humid, if it’s nice out she leaves him outside. REMEMBER…THERE IS NOT A FENCE. She states that she has web cams and she can see where he is. She states that George Bailey prefers to be outside. She has a crate in the utility room that she leaves open and says that sometimes George Bailey will just get in and lie down, but otherwise he has the run of the house. He also has a few beds scattered throughout the home. She said she would crate a new/adopted ‘dale until she was sure about him/her or if the ‘dale was destructive.
Prior to having Airedales, Kari has had a miniature Poodle, Welshie, a couple of Doodles, an Irish Setter and a Schnauzer. Barklay was their 1st Airedale.
They want a playmate for George Bailey. Preferable one that is calmer as Kari said she can’t do crazy. They don’t want a puppy and they don’t want a wild one. They would prefer a playful ‘dale 2 years or older. They have no sex preference.
I discussed the need for patience/understanding/consistency when getting a rescue and that often regression in behavior is seen.
Vet: Up to date on all vaccines. Nothing untoward on the chart.
Personal reference: has known applicant for 50 years. “They treat their dogs like babies.” She states that the Rassas’ have a great set up: they come in through the laundry room. They love their dogs. George Bailey is well-behaved.
These folks sound like good applicants but my reservation is the fact that George Bailey is left outside while they are gone. I know they have an underground fence. We have a wireless fence for Amos that we rarely use. But he has blown through it in his younger days for a squirrel when we’re sitting right there on the porch outside with him!!!!!! I would never dream of going away and leaving him outside alone even with the wireless fence. Though the chances is probably low, I would also worry about a dog being stolen if left outside alone.
