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Airedale 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, 910-200-5890Hi all,
I just spoke with Mary Fischer-Mullins re: Sammie. She is settling in nicely and they have found her to be wonderful with an ever emerging personality. Mary will send me the agreement along with the check. I realized after I had her on the phone that I didn’t know who to send it to, so rather than sound stupid (!) and uninformed, I just had her send it to me. I do need to know to whom I should forward the agreement and payment once I receive it though!!!!
She also expressed an interest in pursuing and understanding Sammie’s apparent dislike of other dogs and asked for trainer recommendations. Do any of you know of one near where they live which is Canton, GA.? I told her that I’d check with you all and get back to her with some names.
Enjoy the day and glad you are enjoying your “goodies” Jackie!!
Xoxoxoxo to you all!
Kelly
Hi Rebecca and Donna,
I’m following up a text I just sent with this email, letting you know Rebecca that Donna needs to postpone the home visit you were to do next week. She came home to a burst pipe and is dealing with all the water damage. I told her that she is to contact you when she is ready to reschedule the home visit. Thanks for being able to help up place these ‘dales in their forever homes Rebecca.
Please contact me if either of you have any questions.Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071I can’t thank you enough for your help! This is the hardest part of ARG… knowing where there are folks to help with home visits. Thank goodness for Christina and the rest of the core group’s years of experience with the region we serve!
I’ll introduce you to the applicants via a shared email. Then you may go ahead and contact them to schedule the HV. We ask that everyone living in the home be present at the time of the HV. I will remind them of this in the email, but you may want to reiterate it when you schedule.
Please find attached the folk’s you’ll be visiting application, my notes from the phone interview, as well as the HV evaluation form. Use this as a guide…it is quite cumbersome, and some of it is applicable and some not, depending on situation. The bottom line is…would you feel comfortable leaving your ‘dales with these folks?
Once you’ve completed the HV, just jot your notes down (preferably in a Word doc. as these are more compatible with our internal site) and send them to me. Or, if you’d rather, you can give me a call and let me know what you thought of these folks.
Here’s their contact info:
Donna & James Carnevale
donna.carnevale2@gmail.com
704-913-0917
32 Fairway Ridge
Clover, SC 29710Please don’t hesitate to call/email/text me with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your help Rebecca!
Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071
Good morning,Donna & James, I’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Wolbers. She has graciously volunteered to do your home visit. As a reminder, we ask that everyone living in the home be present at the time of the home visit. Rebecca will be getting in touch with you to schedule the visit. Please follow Covid-19 guidelines to your comfort level.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me. I’ll be anxious to hear how it went!
Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Hey Kelly-
Abby Brown seems to have some interest in Bruce. I just posted him in FB. Cat hater- killed one- but great with kids.
What is her status on processing. BTW I did not get her on the spreadsheet but she is in the board.
Thanks
Pat,
Ha! Funny, I just now hung up talking with her. She’s all over the map. Is looking at Airedales, Wheatons, Boyton Spaniels and Kerry Blue. I told her that if/when she has figured out what she wants to contact me. She never mentioned Bruce.
KellyThese folks are too much. Their mailbox is full, so Pat couldn’t leave a message. The # on their application is incorrect as the owner of the # called me, stated that she is a dog lover and just wants to be sure that I find these folks so that they can get a dog…she doesn’t know them, but just feels bad that they are probably waiting desperately! She was so nice! Anyway, they also don’t respond to emails to both emails addresses they listed…maybe they’re incorrect as well! So, I finally called their personal reference…the # is wrong!!!!!!!!!! She gave me the correct # 863-514-8976. I called it, they were in the car, the connection was bad so she said that she’d connect me to blue tooth. It was even worse! I hung up. I’ve texted the above #. The ball is in their court. I’m done.
HOME EVALUATION FORM
To the Home Evaluator: This form can be used when doing a home visit to evaluate a poten al family for a rescued Airedale. Adop on or foster applicants you are visi ng have already met preliminary criteria by having their Adop on Applica on accepted and have passed the telephone interview.
When doing a home visit, please a empt to get as much informa on as asked for on this form. Ask ques ons, where appropriate, and get as many details as you can about the home environment. Some of the ques ons on this form may not apply to a par cular 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 evalua on and for your own personal safety.Name Klein Family Address: 2171 Fortune Hole Rd City, State ZIP Hamilton, GA 31811 Phone 706-718-6990 Email foodblossoms@hotmail.com or ronnie_klein@hotmail.com
Size of Home [es mate square footage if possible]: 3200 sq per tax records
Se ng [check all that apply]:
xRural
Semi rural
Suburban
Semi urban Urban xWooded Open acreage
Waterfront
Highway frontage
Neighborhood street frontage
City environment
Property bordering on park/field
Condi on of Home [check all that apply]: Immaculate xWell-kept
Lived in but clean
Exterior un dy
Interior un dy
Exterior unkempt/poorly maintained Interior trashed/dirty
Describe the home interior :
[Include type of furnishings, flooring, and general appearance. For example, “an ques with museum atmosphere,” “shabby furniture,” “brand new furniture and/or carpet,” “badly stained carpet,” “hardwood/ vinyl flooring with some carpet/rugs,” etc.]
The house was built in the 1800s and has the original hardwood floors throughout the home, they have character, meaning they are scuffed and scratched from years of wear and tear but they are in good condi on. The furniture is all rus c styled. It’s not an que, but has the distressed farmhouse look to it. It’s used and well cared for. There are a few area rugs.
Accommoda ons:
[Describe what accommoda ons the home has for a dog and where the dog will be le 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 descrip on of any pen or kennel [chain link run, dirt run with chicken wire, etc]. Will the dog ever be le chained out or le u ended in a fenced-in yard? Describe the fencing, if any, and consider security of fence.]
There is almost always someone home. Ronnie now works from home and will con nue to do so. The grandfather is over at the house o en as well. They do not crate but they do have dog beds in the house. There is a wood fence in the front yard, but not one that would keep dogs in. We walked the exterior property with Tess (current dale) and the family and Tess never ran off or strayed to the road. The grandfather has had several airedales and was the one that trained Tess. He will be there to train the rescue as well. They do not intend to leave the dog una ended outside.
Children: NA
[Give ages of children, if any, and pay special a en on to the behavior of the children, the parents’ responses and method of discipline, and the children’s interac ons 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 respec ul, hec c, noisy, loud, quiet, commanding, etc.?]
The kids were older (12 and 15) and pre y laid back as were the parents. It was quiet and relaxed enough that Tess felt at ease laying down while we were standing around cha ng.
Life-Style Compromises:
[Has the applicant thought through life-style compromises pet ownership will require? Give details.]
Not sure this ques on really applies considering they already have a dog.
Other Pets:
[Describe number, type, age, and gender of the other pets and give complete descrip on of their apparent health and well-being. Things to note would be skin or flea problems, condi on of ils, overweight or underweight, type of collar, id tags other pets have, etc.]
There was only one cat (outside cat). Tess couldn’t care less that the cat was laying around and we stressed the strong hunt ins nct that many Airedales have. We gave examples of our own rescues and their shenanigans with neighborhood strays and other vermin that have go en into our own backyard. They fully understood.
Owner Interac on With Other Pets:
o Describe the rela onship all family members seem to have to other pets. They all seemed to adore Tess and were very excited about ge ng her a companion.
o What role will the dog play in applicant’s life? companion to not only the family but to their current dale as well.
o Are the other pets treated like family members? absolutely o How do the other animals behave? very relaxed o If applicant is looking for an addi onal dog, or cat why does applicant what another?
o Does applicant believe that the new dog will “train” old dog or vice versa? They know the dog will take certain cues from Tess but also understand that training will be required.
o Has applicant ever owned more than one dog or cat at the same me? yes
o Is applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commo on? yes
o How commi ed is adopter? I feel very confident that this family is commi ed to the rescue. They understand that if the dog isn’t fi ng in that they need to speak up and allow us to rehome.
o What are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad? A lot of the experiences we shared, were ones that Shannon and her father remembered with fondness since
she grew up with them throughout her childhood. The kids seemed as though they were ready to see what kind of shenanigans a dog could get into.
o Do owners demand perfec on or have unreasonable expecta on regarding behaviors? no, they seemed pre y reasonable.
o Do other dogs in the home obey happily? Tess is a very content dale. o Are the other dogs out of control and undisciplined? no o Do the owners appear to know some basic training techniques? yes
o How do the animals react to the owner’s response? Tess perked up, tail wagging and came right to them. No fear in her at all.
Important Ques on to Answer:
o Explain that re-homing a dog is stressful for the dog.
o That o en 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 Ask the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an accident.
What was their reply?
These guys are old enough and relaxed to the point that they understand and expect accidents to happen. We discussed in detail about rehoming stressors and ways to help them cope.
Addi ol Informa on:
o Please describe any addi onal informa on about the home environment that you feel is per nent.
o Is there anything in general or specifically that would cause you to feel uncomfortable about placing a dog or cat in this home? None whatsoever. My husband and i feel very confident in this family. Especially having a current airedale.
o If so, what?
o “Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog with the applicant?
o Explain.
I would feel comfortable leaving Brody with them, although Brody would not want me to do so, simply because he’s got some separa on issues. 😉 He’s a mama’s boy.
Conclusion:
xApprove Applicant
Do not approve applicant
Approve a er addi onal counseling of applicants and/or
Approve a er modifica ons to the home environment Please describe:
Addi onal comments:
Home Evaluator’s Signature: Michele O’Neill
Date: _March 17, 2021_
Contact informa on: Email & Phone No.:706-523-1983 LRSwife@gmail.comDonna texted me stating that she forgot to mention in our phone conversation that they have a dog park in their neighborhood for a nominal yearly fee.
Kelly,
We had a great visit with Michelle and her husband Kevin on Sunday! Thank you for introducing us. They had a lot of good input on rescued Airedales and different personalities. We weren’t surprised by anything but it was important and fun to hear stories and think about possibilities.
They got to meet Tess and decided she’s definitely not an “alpha.” She’s so chill she’ll probably do well with male or female, any personality.
They did point out that their Airedales would all have killed our cats 🤣 which made them suggest that we reiterate we do have cats.
They are outside, once-feral cats who take care of themselves as far as predators go (coyotes, owls, etc) so we don’t worry about a new dog and would work on training to teach each how we love the other, etc.They got a feel for the fence situation. We’re prepared to leash train our new dog for as long as it takes to know the boundaries and trust each other. I’ve got this theory that because we have so much space that’s considered our “yard,” dogs don’t feel the need to bolt to a whole new place.
Also, good news- we started Tess on the Simparica TRIO, with the heart worm prevention. Thanks for the tip!
I’m not on Facebook much though I have an account. I tried to look up the group you mentioned but was unsuccessful. If you think it’s helpful for placing for me to ask for certain dogs, I will try again; otherwise, we do really trust y’all’s judgement.
love & luck,
Shannon Klein
706.718.6990Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Donna Carnevale
3/15/21
Donna and her husband Jim are retired. They live in a gated community on a golf course. Their home is on a cul-de-sac. They are not fenced. Their 3 neighbors all have big dogs. There are a lot of squirrels! They see great nieces and nephews ages 5-13 frequently and visit Donna’s 3 sisters whom all have dogs, so it is imperative that the dogs get along with each other. Jim had a stroke several years ago, but has completely recovered. They have been without a dog since 2005. They recently spent time with her sister in upstate NY and “all Jim did was take care of and love on her dog. So it’s time.” They have had 2 Airedales in the past. They had been looking at shelters for a dog and just recently found out that ARG existed. Donna stated that had they known that, they would have filled out an application a long time ago. They do not want to go through a breeder. Their last 2 Airedales came from breeders.
I asked that if they changed their mind and decided to keep looking at shelter rescues to let me know. I don’t want to waste their time nor do I want mine wasted. She affirmed that since they know that ARG exists, they are set on an Airedale. Their first choice would be a male. Age 2-older dog. They don’t want to deal with the puppy stuff. Providing the rescue can handle it, there is no place off limits in the house.
Being that they have been without a dog for so long, they do not have a vet and/or groomer. She said she would certainly ask her neighbors for recommendations.Spoke with personal reference. He is a neighbor. He has a Golden Retriever. There are deed restrictions regarding fences. He feels that these folks would be great for a rescue. He has known the Carnevale’s for about years. He can think of no reason(s) not to adopt to the Carnevale’s.
