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Good morning Doug,
I can’t thank you enough in advance for agreeing to do the home visit for ARG. I have attached the application, my notes from the phone interview including notes from personal reference & vet. Also attached is the home visit guide…just use as a guide, no need to fill out completely as some items will not/don’t apply. The bottom line question of import is: would you feel comfortable leaving your ‘dale with these folks?
Please feel free to take your ‘dale with you as this sometimes provides valuable insight re: interactions. I have told them that we want everyone home for the home visit, and will reiterate this in my shared email to both you and them when I introduce you to each other “virturally.” You may want to remind them of same when you speak with them to schedule the visit. Their fence bears looking at closely. When you’ve completed your visit, just jot down your notes/findings/impressions and email them to me.
Please don’t feel you need to rush to do this…maybe try to complete it at your convenience within the next month or so.
If you’ve any questions/concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I anxiously await hearing from you regarding the visit. A short introductory email will follow this one. Please find below the “vitals” on these folks. Again, many, many thanks Doug.
Erin & Kevin Lamb
865-254-4290
kevinanderin.lamb@gmail.com
10810 Gable Run Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37931-2170Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Erin LambErin and Kevin Lamb have 2 children ages 8 and 6. Their son Hayes has a “sensory disorder” (this was disclosed to me via the personal reference). They own their home. Back yard is currently fenced however Erin admits that “it is older, not in the best shape and sections are down.” She relates that due to the high cost of lumber, they haven’t pursues getting it fixed but that if a dog were placed with them “they would make it work.” Their POA says that the fence portion seen from the road must be wood.
Erin grew up with a Welsh Terrier. She and her husband just put their 15 y/o female Lab down last August. They are not currently looking at other breeds as they like the Terrier personality but that Kevin prefers bigger dogs. They currently have a cat. The cat is both inside and outside, so the adopted ‘dale needs to be good with cats. The cat got along well with their Lab.
They both work outside the home and are gone for 8 hours/day. Erin drops the kids at school and then picks them up. So the ‘dale would be alone all day. Their cat is microchipped and they would plan on chipping the ‘dale.
They would prefer a puppy/young adult. I discussed with Erin that A: we seldom get puppies and B: that since they are gone all day, a puppy would probably not be a good idea what with the amount of training and time required. By the same token they do not want a Senior dog. She agreed. We discussed at length the needs of rescues and she seemed to be well aware of and understand same.I spoke with her personal reference and received a glowing report. Reference has 2 rescues and she is well versed in the needs of bringing a rescue into the home. I asked her to reiterate that to Erin so that she understands fully the need to place a dog in the perfect place. Reference has known clients for 4 years and are good friends/neighbors. She describes Shelby the Lab as an “amazing old pup” and stated that she was one of their own. They were devastated at having to put her down. She was a family member. She lived and did everything with them. The kids adored her, the in-laws adored her. Reference feels that with Erin and Kevin having to deal with a child on “the spectrum” that they are more aware and tuned in to needs/behaviors and feels they would be great bringing a rescue into the family.
Vet also gave a positive report. Shelby was current on all vaccinations and preventatives. Cat is up to date as well. No red flags to report.Thank you Laura. I’d say the ball is in her court, right? If she’s interested she can contact you. Thank you for being willing to help ARG!! Enjoy the long weekend!
Best,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
Sent from my iPhoneOn May 29, 2021, at 11:49, Laura Kjeldsen
Update-We still haven’t met. She had to go out of town. I cannot do this Tuesday and asked for other dates she was available, but never heard.
Laura
Sent from my iPhoneOn May 23, 2021, at 11:58 AM, Kelly Imbody
Great! Will be anxious to hear how it goes!! Kelly
5/25/2021
I went to Joe’s to check out his fence. All that remains for him to do is create a stairway (3 or 4 steps) from the covered deck out to the yard. The fence is at least 5 ft. tall, wood & without ability to see through the slats. It appears secure. The yard itself is VERY small. There is a nice sized covered deck that connects (or will) to the yard. I clarified his work hours…8-10 hours per day that the ‘dale would be alone. He’s not sure if he could take the ‘dale with him to work. He drives a truck. The ‘dale, if he got one would need to be ok alone for 8-10 hours.ARG Home Visit
Marisa and Ed Hottat
342 Fish Creek Ct.
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
973-906-9294HV Volunteer: Valerie Perry
Home: Suburban, immaculate home.
New construction, laminate floors, some antiques and nicely appointed with area rugs and comfortable furniture.
Accommodations: They plan for the pup to have access throughout the house. No crate planned. They are home a lot and don’t plan to leave the pup unattended. The HOA won’t allow fencing. They plan to use a tie-out stake only when they’re in the back with the dog.
Children: One adult daughter. The grandkids are 5 and 6.
These are very nice people who seem to be ideal candidates.
Lifestyle compromises: Yes. They have a plan if something were to happen to them.
No other pets.
Owner interaction with other pets: Like family. Dog will play an extremely large role in applicants lives. Applicant has never owned more that one dog at a time. Applicants are prepared for increased work, expense and commotion.
Applicants are 100% committed. Regarding owner’s responses to good and bad behaviors…HV volunteer states that they really had good answers. They do not demand perfection or have unreasonable expectations. Applicants appear to know basic training techniques.
Discussed stress of re-homing. Probable training accidents etc. and reaction to behavior issues. Applicants stated that they are prepared for this.
Additional information: Lots of space. They plan on having 2 dog beds. HV volunteer would feel comfortable leaving her own ‘dale with the applicant. They really understand and love Airedales. I think they will not take any risks at all. I believe this will be a safe and healthy environment for an ADT.
Concerns: Lack of fencing but I think they can figure it out.
Recommend approval of applicant(s).5/14/2021
Personal reference:
I spoke with the Hottat’s reference. They have known each other for about 20 years when the Hottat’s moved to the US from Australia. Personal reference knew Toby. He was a good dog, well-disciplined. Reference stated that Ed walked Toby all the time. They took good care of him and they loved him. She could see no reason not to adopt to them.Airedale Rescue Group
Marisa Hottat Phone Interview
May 10, 2021
Marisa and Ed have been without an Airedale for approximately 8-10 years. They got “Toby” from a breeder in Australia as a puppy. They have been in Summerville, SC for about 2 years and NJ prior to that and then obviously Australia. They had to put Toby down when he was just under 10 years old due to a blood dyscrasia. They live in a large neighborhood, 2 houses down from the cul-de-sac. The neighborhood has a large man-made lake. There are gators in the lake, though Marisa says that she hasn’t see one in quite a while. Dogs are not allowed to swim in the lake. There is a dog park in the neighborhood. Their children and grandchildren live nearby and visit frequently…”a few times a week.” The grandchildren are ages 5 and 6. So, the adopted Airedale must be good with children as well as cats as the grandchildren have 2 cats and this is where the ‘dale would stay when Marisa and Ed are out of town/vacation.
Marisa and Ed are retired, so the ‘dale would spend minimal time alone. They plan to allow the adoptive ‘dale to have the run of the house. Toby was not crate trained and Marisa doesn’t plan on crate training. I explained to her that sometimes the dog prefers a crate if they have been crate trained and that this is considered their “den” or safe place. She related that she understood, would acquiesce if necessary realizing that this may be what the ‘dale needs. She still sounded very hesitant, saying she would have to ask her husband.
They want a male. “My husband wants a male.” They would consider a ‘dale age 1-3 years old. They don’t want a special needs Airedale. It would need to be well-adjusted as it needs to be good with cats and small children.
These folks want the perfect Airedale if one exists! They aren’t looking at other breeds and I did tell them they may have quite a wait. I have put in a call to the personal reference.Laura,
Thank you! She is in Acworth, GA. I’ve attached the phone interview and her application along with the home visit form that you can use as a guide. The bottom line remember is the $64,000.00 question: “Would you leave your ‘dale with these folks without any reservations whatsoever?”
Here’s her contact info:
Stephanie Campbell & Joseph Hurst
4104 Glenaire Way, Acworth, GA
steph.campbell22@gmail.com
404-510-3411
I’ll send you both an email re-introducing you & you may schedule at your convenience. You can call me with your findings or send me a brief write up of your visit…whatever is easier for you. Again, many thanks and I’ll await hearing from you!Kindly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Hi Laura,
We last corresponded in August when you graciously agreed to do a home visit for ARG on a gal by the name of Stephanie Campbell. After the two of you spoke, it was determined that transporting Airedales in need would be most appropriate considering what she had going on in her life…planning a wedding, moving etc.
Stephanie recently reached back out to ARG and she is ready to adopt. Would you be willing to do her home visit…”again”!?
Please let me know of your decision so that I know how to proceed. As you know, ARG relies heavily on our vast network of past adopters, supporters and all lovers of the breed!
Thanks in advance for your consideration and I anxiously await your reply.Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Stephanie Campbell
May 4, 2021I spoke with Stephanie about 9 mos. ago, did the phone interview, but didn’t post it on the board…senior moment! In any event, at that time she decided with everything going on in her life (planning a wedding, moving etc.) that she would be better to just transport for the time being. She reached back out to ARG after seeing Chauncy on our site.
Stephanie and her husband live in Acworth, GA which is a suburb of Atlanta. They live on a cul-de-sac, she admits their yard is on the small side. They are not fenced, but neighbors on both sides have partial fences. Per Google Earth, the one neighbor has what looks to be about a 4’ picket fence. It is difficult to see the fencing of the other neighbor due to trees etc. There is a wooded area behind the home which then gives way to what appears to be light industrial buildings/business (warehouses).
Stephanie has had an Airedale in the past having gotten “Lucy” from a NC breeder at the age of 6 months. She just put her down last summer. Her previous home was not fenced and Lucy learned to stay in the yard. Her husband Joey is on board with getting an Airedale. She relates that he had smaller dogs growing up. When I spoke with Stephanie the first go around (!) she was working from home 2-3 days per week and going in to the office the others. Her situation has changed what with things opening up post-Covid. She is now in the office 5 days/week from 8-4:30. Her husband works from home right now, but if/when returns to work they would be on opposite shifts so the ‘dale would be alone a maximum of 3-4 hours.
Stephanie’s parents and sister both live within 30 minutes and would be able to care for the ‘dale while they are gone. They have no sex preference. Do not want a puppy (thank goodness!) so really no age preference other than they don’t want to deal with puppyhood right now. They would accept a special needs ‘dale.Groomer:
Good owner. Came regularly with Lucy. Groomer related that she doesn’t see Airedales oftern.Personal reference:
They met in 2006 while in college. She describes their relationship as best friends though reference now lives in FL. She knew Lucy. Says that Stephanie loves dogs. Lucy was a sweet terrier, had a mind of her own, was intelligent, sometimes aloof, loved to cuddle and chase squirrels.Good morning Elite,
It was nice speaking with you the other day. We at Airedale Rescue Group, though we are always in need of fosters feel that it is in the best interest of our Airedales, that they be fostered in an environment with minimal distractions/stimuli such as other dogs being fostered. As you are well aware, most rescues come with behavior issues and required a lot of attention, patience and training.
Releash Atlanta is lucky to have you as are the dogs that come into your care. Airedale Rescue Group wishes you continued success with these dogs and we thank you for your interest.Kindly,
Kelly Imbody, ARGAiredale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Elite Shaier (FOSTER)
4/27/2021Google Earth shows the Shaier home in a well-established neighborhood. There is a wood plank fence visible. The home is bi-level. The lot is wooded with large mature trees. The exterior appears to be well kept.
Elite described her home as small and guesstimates that they have about a ¼ acre fenced. Elite states that she is an artist and retired teacher. Her spouse continues to work and is “on the road” through the week and home on weekends. She currently has 2 Great Pyrenes and a Malamute, all of whom were rescues. She relates that she has fostered dogs for the past year working with “Releash Atlanta”. She has fostered small dogs. Asked why she wishes to foster Airedales in particular she stated that she saw a post regarding the need for fosters. She admitted that she doesn’t know a lot about Airedales…just that they have a lot of energy and are cute.
Her dogs have the run of the house, are not allowed on the furniture. They sleep in the bedroom with her. She relates that they are alone if she needs to go to the grocery store etc. They get along well with her cats. The cats are inside cats. She doesn’t like crate training but stated that if the dog needs it she would use it.
As noted she has just fostered mostly small dogs. Some really old, obese, and some with medical problems. She relates that they were all adopted out in 2-3 months. “3 months was the longest I had a dog.”Groomer: I spoke with the groomer. She knows Elite. The 2 Great Pyrenes and Malamute seem well socialized and healthy. She states that ideally she should see these dogs every couple of months, but only sees them about every 6 months. “I guess if she doesn’t mind living with dirty dogs…” The groomer relates that the dogs “aren’t bad” but that they should be seen/groomed more frequently. She does relate having groomed a couple of the fosters…a Yorkie and another.
Vet: No red flags on her record. The tech knows Elite well. Dogs have been in for a dental. They are up to date on all shots. I spoke with Kaylyn and asked if the vet Marietta Vet Clinic 404-919-5150 works with Rescue organizations in providing a discount and she said that they do.
Personal reference: This is interesting. The personal reference’s name is Jill Smith. When asked how long she has known the applicant, she stated that she doesn’t really know her, but they both foster through Releash Atlanta. They were talking and Jill mentioned Airedale Rescue and that the is a foster with ARG but has never gotten a dog. She states that Elite is an “older woman”, very sweet and nice. That she has been fostering with Releash Atlanta for at least a year. Jill did Elite’s home visit for foster approval. She mentioned that she also did the home visit for Banjo’s placement. (?) She states the dogs are very sweet. She could think of no reason not to approve Elite but did say that she wasn’t aware that she was interested in fostering through/with another organization. I asked who she had spoken with at ARG & she said Pat. She related that she assumed she was an approved foster. I asked her if she’d had a home visit by a volunteer with ARG…she said she hadn’t. She said she would still be interested in fostering with ARG. I told her I’d see what I could find out.
Email asking to speak with someone from Releash Atlanta came back to me first with a form letter thanking me for my interest in Releash Atlanta blah, blah, blah. Sent another email requesting again to speak with someone BRIEFLY. Rec’d. email stating that “Elite is an approved foster with Releash Atlanta and has fostered several dogs for us.” End of story. This place has no phone number listed. I 411’d it. Nothing.4/17/21 Left message re: receipt of app. & to give me a call. Also texted. Informed of times I’d be available as they only want to be contacted in pm. Rec’d. text back saying “thanks”.
4/21/21 Called left message.
4/25/21 emailed.Mary –
Airedale Rescue Group recommends using Sean Killoran of Follow My Lead Training, sean@followmyleadatl.com, included on this email. Sean has worked with several Airedale owners in and around your area and has assisted ARG in evaluating a dog recently.
ARG will provide up to $250 for the initial assessment and training with Sean and possibly reimburse for additional training needs with a written training plan that we agree with.
We hope this helps to get a better handle on Sammie’s needs to make for the best possible fit for your family.
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Pat Hairston, 910-200-5890
