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Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Jonathan Newman
October 20, 2020Jonathan is a software engineer, working from home. He does not anticipate returning to the office. He has a 15 y/o daughter. He has 2 acres, no fence. He relates that he has had Goldens and Labs in the past. He currently has a 2 y/o spayed “Multepoo”. In our conversation, he didn’t appear too familiar with the Airedale breed. He stated that he wants an Airedale for protection, that his daughter wants a big dog. I asked him what other rescue organizations he has applied to…his answer was “none.” I asked him what he knew about the breed and he said that “they’re stoic and stubborn.” He was unaware of their average life expectancy. We discussed the lack of fence to which he replied that the ‘dale would first go to PetSmart for training then to Off Leash Canine for training with a clicker and e-collar. He also stated that he wouldn’t let the ‘dale outside until he was sure that the ‘dale knew it’s boundaries. I explained that ARG does not approve of/condone the use of electronic/shock collars. He stated that the ‘dale “wouldn’t get zapped, it’s more like a “contraction” correction. I explained in depth the Airedale’s strong prey drive, that they will often take the shock in order to get the squirrel etc. He wasn’t aware that the Airedale was bred to hunt small game/vermin. He further stated that training is a personal hobby of his.
There is apparently a park as well as a dog park nearby.
He made many references to money in that he has the money for training, he has the money for boarding, he has the money to have someone exercise the ‘dale if need be.
He would prefer a young dog (puppy up to 3 years) without physical ailments.
I informed him that many dogs come into rescue with behavioral issues that are exacerbated in the rehoming process. That a good 3 months are needed to allow the dog to settle in. That time, patience, consistency and love are needed for successful rehoming.
He further went on to tell me that he has a deposit down with an Airedale breeder for a puppy but a litter is not planned until Spring. He related that if we had a dog for him he would lose his $100 dollar deposit most likely, but that paying $400.00 for a ‘dale is better than $1200.00. “I guess I could lose the deposit.”
VET: Chloe the Multepoo is up to date on all shots. Was last seen in August of 2020. No red flags on the chart.
PERSONAL REFERENCE: Unaware of desire to adopt from ARG. Reference was not familiar with the breed…”is it a dog, cat?” Reference has known applicant for about 7 years. States Chloe was timid and shy initially, but now “seems ok.”Impression: I don’t like this guy. He knew next to nothing about the breed. I question his motives. I’ll pursue this applicant if the CORE members would like. I’ll forward and wait for advisement.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Jesse Abramowitz
11/13/2020Jesse is well acquainted with the Airedale breed having grown up with 3…all rescues. He and his wife just recently purchased a town home after having moved from New Jersey in 2018. Jesse’s parents live in the same community, so will serve as caregivers and support in the adoption endeavor.
Jesse and his wife both work from home and have done so even before the Covid-19 pandemic, so he does not anticipate that this will change once we are “out of the woods” with all the restrictions and such.
They have no fence, but their community has plenty of green space. I informed him that his county does have a leash law, but I was not sure about his community though most gated communities do have a leash law as well.
We discussed at length that many of our rescues come to ARG with behavioral issues. I informed him that our mission is to place the ‘dale in the perfect home, that we don’t want to have to pull a ‘dale from a placement for yet another re-homing. I stressed this in light of the fact that he and his wife want to start a family and that sometimes the adopted ‘dale takes a back seat so to speak with the arrival of a new family member. Certainly if behavior issues were such that the ‘dale was dangerous/aggressive then that’s another story, but we want to avoid a situation in which the family decides they don’t have enough time for the ‘dale. He stated on his application that “…I strongly favor having the opportunity to raise a child alongside a dog.”
We discussed chipping the adoptive ‘dale if not already done.
He would prefer a male as he grew up with all male Airedales and just feels that he is more familiar with them. He would prefer a puppy or young adult and would consider up to a 6 year old. I informed him that we get puppies very infrequently, that most of our ‘dales that come into rescue are middle aged or Seniors.
I think (only having spoken with him on the phone) that they would be good. However, the fact that they want to start a family and adopt a ‘dale is concerning. I have reached out to their personal reference…have heard nothing yet.Airedale Rescue Group
Home Visit of Lynn Sucher & Mark Gordon completed by Patty Williamson
October 30,2020
*paraphrased from my conversation with Patty regarding her visitThe home is beautiful…clean but lived in. The yard is beautiful allowing for Billie to have ample interaction with nature. The home is on a lake, but is somewhat secluded. They have a wood slat fence that is reinforced/curtained with field fencing to prohibit Billie for getting in between the slats. She has an electronic doggie door and wears a receiver to activate same. Upon exiting the house via the doggie door, Billie has an awning to keep her out of the weather, the surface is astro/artificial turf. There is a large mudroom/laundry area that can be baby-gated off should they want to corral Billie, but she generally has the run of the house. Billie has her own bed, but she is allowed on the sofa.
Lynn and Mark are “awesome.” They are both very active and slim.
Billie is well-behaved, but crazy! She is the sweetest, nicest Airedale I (Patty) has ever been around. She settles easily. You can tell by the interaction between them that she is a true family member. She seems very happy and is very attentive. She is fed Fromm’s and appears to be well taken care of.Being that Billie is only 11 months old, and she truly is sooooo sweet, it is imperative that the adoptive ‘dale not be overly assertive/aggressive. Billie needs a playmate, not a boss. The adoptive ‘dale needs to be as sweet as Billie.
I would absolutely recommend Lynn and Mark.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Lynne Sucher
10/24/2020This application is a “no brainer”! Lynn and Mark are experienced Terrier owners and lovers. In the past they have had an Irish and an Airedale. Most recently they adopted a “Whoodle” (Wheaten/Poodle) with serious behavioral problems. Their trainer told them that the problem was that someone took a brain and put it in a Wheaten! They lost their Whoodle to cancer at the age of 10. The Irish lived to a great age of 14, and the Airedale 13.
They had submitted an application a year or so ago with ARG, but decided they wanted a puppy and didn’t want to wait. They currently have an 11 mo. old spayed female whom they picked up at the age of 9 weeks. (I can smell the puppy breath!!!) Lynne states Billie weighs about 65 lbs. right now.
Lynn describes “Billie” as the sweetest dog. Not an aggressive or assertive bone in her body…she loves other dogs. Billie goes to the fence and cries when the neighbor’s dog is out as she wants to play. For this reason, they feel they should adopt a ‘dale…Billie needs a playmate/packmate. They take Billie to the trainer at least once a week for socialization.
They are fenced. Retired, so minimal time alone. Trainer works using positive reinforcement. Lynne and Mark are active, doing a lot of hiking so want/plan to take both with them when able.
They would prefer a younger adult ‘dale just to keep up with Billie. They don’t want an aggressive dog. The ‘dale needs to get along well with other dogs.VET:
Billie is up to date on all shots. Was recently seen in the summer as she ate a Tide pod!PERSONAL REFERENCE:
Has known Lynne since Kindergarten. She states that though she doesn’t see Lynne that often as she lives in VA, Billie is a happy and well-behaved ‘dale…for an 11 month old! She called her Billie the Wild One! She states she is getting big!Jonathan,
Airedale Rescue Group would like to thank you for your interest in and love of Airedales.After reviewing your application and your preferences, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we don’t have any Airedales that would be a good fit for you. As you are most likely aware, Airedales and most dogs for that matter, come into rescue because of troublesome issues. These issues are exacerbated through the surrender and re-homing/adoption process. We see a regression in training/learning, an escalation in aggression issues if present and acting out just to name a few. We rarely have a perfect Airedale…something we’d all like!!
Stability and consistency are just a couple of ingredients in a successful rescue recipe. Our goal at ARG is to find the best, most nurturing and permanent home for our Airedales.
We wish you well in your search for an addition to your family. We are just unable to help at this time.
Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARGMary,
Thanks for letting me know as I hadn’t gotten those emails. Thank you for “answering the call”! Enjoy your Holidays and hopefully we’ll be in touch again in a few months.
Warmly, Kelly Imbody, ARGHi Kelly,
Were you copied on all the mails? She is having surgery next week and they don’t want the home visit til Dec.Jan. They will email me a reminder:)
Thanks! MEmail sent informing them that they are on the “waiting for a sparedale” list. Encouraged them to keep an eye on website & fb. To contact ARG should they see a ‘dale that interests them.
ARG Home Visit Willinger
Completed by Mandy Dugan 10/7/2020
(recopied)
Furniture is leather, country décor, nice and tidy. Lived in but comfortable. Kitchen flooring laminate, rest of home is carpet.
If dog prefers a kennel, then one will be set up in sitting area of master suite. The dog will either sleep in the master bedroom or upstairs with the granddaughter. They are currently fencing part of their backyard with a wooden fence with wire attachment. I made recommendations that they accepted.
Eve, 7 y/o granddaughter, shy and reserved, but then warmed up. She wants to adopt my dog Charlie!
Very respectful, quiet. Wants to make a perfect home for a rescue.
Yes, they are thoughtfully planning every angle of this to ensure both the dog and the family are happy ever after.
One ferrell cat who adopted them and looks healthy and well fed.
Relaxed and caring.
Companion to all.
Nothing present to think a placement should not occur here.
Would feel comfortable leaving my dog here after the fence is finished.
Rural, well kept. Lived in but clean.
Relationship family members have with other pets: Relaxed and caring.
Role dog will play in applicants life: companion to all.
Are other pets treated like family members: yes
How do other animals behave: cat was afraid of my dogs
Has applicant ever owned more than one dog/cat at a time: no
Prepared for increased cost, work and commotion: yes
Is adopter committed: Very
Owners responses to behaviors good and bad: Good. My dogs covered their house and bushes
Do owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors: noWould approve applicant. Would prefer the fence to be completed. They understand all the “ins and outs”. I think they would be better suited for an older ‘dale and would make an excellent, loving home.
Good morning Mary,
Thank you soooo much for doing this! Please find attached my notes from my phone interview, their application, and Home Visit evaluation form. Use the HV evaluation form as a guide, as all items will not necessarily be applicable. Please follow Covid-19 guidelines to the comfort level of yourself and the applicants. I will “introduce” you and the applicants via a shared email. You may then contact them to schedule your visit. Once you’ve completed the visit, just jot your notes down in Word or and email and forward it on to me. The bottom line question is: Would you feel comfortable leaving your ‘dale with these folks? We so depend on the eyes and ears of folks like you Mary in assuring that our ‘dales get placed in the perfect home! Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Again, thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you! Please find the applicant information below:Margo & Phil Jacobs
201 Dykeman Road
Dickson, TN 37055
972-979-1390
mocktrial1@icloud.comWarmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARGHi Mary,
My name is Kelly Imbody and I’m a volunteer with Airedale Rescue Group…working closely with Jackie Cash, Barbara Yager, Pat Hairston and Christina Prange. I have some folks who are anxious to adopt an Airedale and are in need of a home visit. I have completed their phone interview. Jackie suggested I give you a try to see if you would be willing to do a home visit for us. These folks live in Dickson, TN. If this is something that you think you’d be able to help us with, let me know (you are my Plan A…I don’t have a Plan B!!) As you know, ARG depends on our vast network of past adopters and Airedale lovers to help us in our work of finding forever homes for the ‘dales in need. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Most sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Margo & Phil Jacobs
10/6/2020This woman loves, loves, loves her dogs! I couldn’t get 2 words in edgewise. She has rescued Schnauzers and shut down irresponsible breeders. She currently has 4 Schnauzers. They have had 4 Airedales over the past 36 years…the last one they put down about a year ago.
They have over 8 acres fenced with coyote proof fencing. They have a pool which is totally fenced off. A door from the utility room out to a large run. All dogs have the run of the house and sleep with them. Both she and her husband are retired.
She relates that she is well versed with the Terrier personality. They don’t want a “wild one”…stating that “I’m old, we’re old…we’ll take an old one.” They also have property 4 hours away in Knoxville. They have a housekeeper that will stay with the dogs should they opt to not take them with.
This lady is super enthusiastic…made me tired just listening to her. I think they would make great dog/’dale parents. Reminded Margo of possible behavior regression with rehoming. They want a female.Spoke with the vet whom said they are fantastic clients. All dogs are up to date. All spayed/neutered. She would definitely recommend them to be approved.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Pat & Diane Willinger
10/4/2020
Pat and Diane are familiar with Terriers in that they had a Lakeland Terrier named “Nutmeg”. (how cute is that name!?) They got her from a breeder as a puppy. They put Nutmeg down about 6 years ago and are ready to bring a dog into the home. Their daughter and granddaughter live with them. Daughter is in college, granddaughter (Eve) is 7 years old and spends every other weekend with her father. Eve’s Dad has a dog (mutt) so is familiar with and likes dogs. Their son, Ryan lives about 30 minutes away and he too has a dog…boxer mix that he brings with him. Eve interacts well with his dog too.
Back yard is heavily wooded and Pat is currently fencing the far portion of their lot. He is a Master Gardner, so I asked him how he felt about diggers…! This is the reason for fencing the “back 40” as there are plantings and woods. He doesn’t necessarily care should he lose the plantings to an over zealous excavator! The fenced will be a combination of wood and wire mesh. We discussed at length the possibilities, some of which are much better than others.
Both Diane and Pat are working from home. He is with Atrium Health Care and Diane works for an irrigation company. Both plan to work from home until mid 2021 at which point minimal time spent at the office(s) is the goal. There is built in flexibility in Diane’s schedule especially as her company is very pet friendly…she could take the dog to work. They relate that there is usually always someone home and when push comes to shove, the dog would be alone just 2-3 hours even when returning to work as they plan to choose their days.
Nutmeg was crate trained, but they stated they will take their cues from ARG regarding crating or not, depending on adopted ‘dale’s needs. They have no sex preference and would consider a ‘dale age 2 or older. They would like to avoid the puppy stage right now as it has been a while since they’ve had a dog. They currently have a cat that adopted them. She was a stray, gave them 2 litters before they could get her spayed and she is an outdoor cat. She avoids the boxer mix when he visits. Because of the kitty, they would prefer a cat friendly/tolerant dog.
They have connected with Jack Ouidan (?) and he has also put them in touch with Mandy Galbraith who coincidentally will be bringing her ‘dales over on the 6th for a visit. I will get in touch with Mandy to see if she can incorporate a HV in at that time!! I will hopefully talk with the personal reference & vet today.
These folks sound like great people and just in conversation, it is obvious that they loved their Nutmeg.10/5/2020
Spoke with personal reference. Has known applicants since 2013. Reference did not know Nutmeg, but the Willinger’s have watch her dog. Has nothing but great things to say. Could offer no reason not to adopt to them.Good afternoon Nancy,
It was nice chatting with you this morning. After reviewing my notes of our conversation, I think you would benefit by visiting our Airedale Rescue Group website. There is a plethora of information about the breed from puppyhood, grooming, behavior/personality, FAQs and so much more. Please wander around the site and I’m sure you’ll glean more information on Airedales. The AKC is also another good resource. If, after doing some research on the breed, you still feel that an Airedale might be right for you, please contact me.
Kindly,
Kelly Imbody, ARGAiredale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Nancy Kennedy
September 29, 2020First off, the application said call “anytime” so I did. There was constant noise in the background like she was doing something else while talking to me. I asked her if there was a better time, that I could call her whenever she’d like. “No, now is ok.” (noise continues).
Asked how she came to settle on an Airedale? “I don’t know. I had a Husky & she shed really bad. It was a “workout. Chose Airedale because they don’t shed…Labradoodles and Airedales.” I asked her if she has been in contact with any other breed rescue organizations? “I’ve contacted so many, I don’t know who. I sent out emails but none of them ever emailed me back. I’ve been to a lot of shelters looking at dogs.”
Nancy’s Husky died about a month ago. This dog was rescued from a private owner who had passed away and the surviving spouse could not continue to care for the dog. They rescued her when she was about 5 years old.
Nancy lives with her 3 adult children. She works day shift at a local warehouse. The kids are on 3rd shift and day shift, so “there is always someone home.” They have an inground swimming pool. It is fenced. There is a buried electronic fence around the property. Nancy relates that the electric collar didn’t work well because her hair was too thick. She stated that the Husky would “dart” so she was on leash or in a run. She asked if Airedales would “dart.” I told her that they are Terriers…they’ll chase rodents, vermin etc.
Neither Nancy nor her children have had any direct exposure to Airedales. They currently have a Yorkie approximately 8 years old…also a rescue. She said they got him from a friend who said this was the last puppy from the litter…his tongue is too long so he was pulled. She requires eye drops for tear production. They have had as mentioned a Husky, Standard Schnauzers and some shelter mixes over the years.I spoke with the vet and the groomer.
Vet: July flea/tick prevention. June Yorkie was “sick” and due for vaccinations but were not given at that time. ATBs rx’d. Meds refilled in August. No heartworm on file. Takes Heartgard.
Groomer: Yorkie comes regularly for grooming. June vaccinations given (!?) Xray of jaw d/t c/o bad breath. Jaw fractured, some teeth removed as result of injury secondary to the fracture. Soft diet and weight loss rx’d.
I brought the conflict of vaccinations/no vaccinations to Nancy’s attention. She related that they don’t know how the jaw was broken. Shannon Vet handles her eye/tear issue and the jaw fracture. Jefferson Veterinary handles vaccinations and grooming.
Question being: why not go to a vet that can handle everything?
