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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?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 George & Sarah Stevens
Address 291 Heathwood Drive
City, State ZIP Spartanburg, SC 29307
Phone 7044720889
Email sarahlcasaday@gmail.com
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]:
2534
Setting [check all that apply]:
Rural
Semi rural
XSuburban
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]:
xImmaculate
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.]Split level home with the main level remodel with open space and approximately 5 steps to lower or upper floor. Lower area has living space and bedroom while top level has all bedrooms. Home has a lot of exit for dog to go outside. Main level has approx. 1500sqft of open space with living room, dining room and kitchen and entry space which is part of this open about 20×20 space with no furniture. Home is decorated beautiful and no clutter.
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.]Crate in the living room and the access to the lower level and a baby gate for the upper level. They will install an invisible fence. Someone will be home and they will not leave the animal unattended outside. Currently the yard is not fence in but they have an open lot next to the home and surrounding neighbors has fenced in their yard.
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.?]They seem like normal human beings. They were respectful to each other and the husband expressed having a lot of patience being an 8th grade teacher. They are newly weds looking to feel their home with additional love.
Life-Style Compromises:
[Has the applicant thought through life-style compromises pet ownership will require? Give details.]Yes. Both adopters express their past experience with having a pet. They understand the risk of adopting an animal and what is necessary to properly adjust to their home and behavior issues. The husband express he has a lot of patience and experience with behavior issues. Their work schedules gives them both ability to help adjust an adopted animal to their lifestyle.
Other Pets: NA
[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.]Owner Interaction With Other Pets: NA
o Describe the relationship all family members seem to have to other pets.
o What role will the dog play in applicant’s life? Companion
o Are the other pets treated like family members? Sarah past animals were treated like family.
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? Yes. Both George grew up with multiple Golden Retrievers.
o Is applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commotion? They both understand and can afford to maintain an Airedale.
o How committed is adopter? Both appear to be very committed and excited to welcome a dog into their home.
o What are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad? George states he has patience to correct a dog with behavior issues and both willing to correct the behavior with resources before calling ARG. They are both willing to do the work to fix any issues.
o Do owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors? Neither. They have reasonable expectations.
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.
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 Ask the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an accident. Both will work on creating a schedule with the dog and by placing a doggy door for the dog to go out whenever they like.What was their reply?
They stated they understand the dog may come with issues and need to earn their trust. Both are open to loving and caring for the animal like family and willing to adjust their home to fit the dog. They both would try before giving up on the dogs transition out of their home.Additional 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? NO If so, what?
o “Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog with the applicant?
I feel comfortable leaving my dog with them.
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: __Andrea Beasley ______________________________________
Date: ____September 21, 2020_________
Contact information: Email & Phone No.: ______dabeasleys@gmail.com 248.416.0934__________________________________
________________________________________From: Caleb Andrea Beasley
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2020 10:41 AM
To: sarahlcasaday@gmail.com
Cc: Kelly Imbody
Subject: Re: Airedale Rescue Group home visitSarah & George,
Hello! This is Andrea and I look forward to meeting you both. My husband, Caleb, and I rescued our fur kid from ARG 5 or 6 years ago. He has been the light of our lives. I think we have separation anxiety from him. 😆 Honestly this is the best organization to rescue an Airedale Terrier. We have volunteered whenever the opportunity is requested simply because we want others to experience the love Coltrane gives us daily.
We look forward to sharing more during your home interview. If you are available this Saturday, Sunday and/or Monday for approximately 45mins-1 hour let me know the best day and time and your address. I will come with a mask and if you like Coltrane to come hug you I will bring him along. Look forward to meeting you all.
Sincerely,
Andrea Beasley
Coltrane has been deep couching during quarantine.
Good morning and thank you so much for again helping ARG!!!!
Here’s the name etc. of the folks you’ll be visiting:
Sarah & George Stevens
sarahlcasaday@gmail.com
704-472-0889
Street 291 Heathwood Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29307Also, please find attached the home visit eval. Form (for reference) the application to ARG, my phone interview notes.
*Please note my concern noted at the end of my interview.Please give me a shout/text/email if you need anything!!!!
Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071
*sent to Andrea Beasley dabeasleys@gmail.comI will start off by saying that by the time I finished reading this app. I was pissed. There were sooooo many stupid comments, incomplete answers/responses and outright omissions. I called her, told her that I had some issues with her app. and asked her for the house number…”I don’t like giving that out on the internet.” I told her she needed to find out if Atlanta has a leash law and license law. “How do I find that information?” Really? Are you kidding me?! When asked why an Airedale (aside from the stupid comment on her app.) she said “they’re hypoallergenic, they have a coat like a Rotweiler, but not as aggressive and they remind me of my husband.” What?! She’s had 3 Rot’s in the past. I couldn’t believe I was wasting my time on her. I told her when she figured out some things to contact me. She asked if we had any dogs available now. I told her we had more applicants than we had dogs. I told her I’d wait to hear from her. I’m hoping I don’t.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Eva Roberts
9/18/2020Eva is a professor and dept. chair at Winthrop College in Charleston, NC. She is working from home and will be until at least the Spring with very little work during summer session. She is uncertain as to what the fall semester of 2021 will look like. If she should go back to work, she would be gone 5-7 hours a day….the commute to Winthrop is 30-40 minutes. She lives alone and currently has no pets. She is in a townhouse, with a “tiny” bit of green space, though she does say that there are dog parks nearby. Her daughter and son-in-law live fairly close and have a Shitzhu. She also has another daughter nearby with 2 cats. She currenty has no grandchildren, but states that will in all likelihood change soon.
Eva had an Airedale she got from a breeder as a puppy years ago…she thinks maybe she’s been without a dog now for about 15 years. She Chaucer via a silent auction thinking that she would just get the bidding started at $100, but nobody else bid on the puppy, so there you have it!! She stated that she remembers that the breeder was getting out of the business, so put this last puppy towards the silent auction. She related that Chaucer was really never very healthy and was put down at the age of 9. Eva said “he was blind, his hind quarters quit working…” She prefers big dogs she said relating that her Chaucer was 100#, but would prefer something on the smaller side now.
She admits when asked if she has been looking at other breeds that she has been on Petfinder, but finds it very cumbersome. She did find a Schnauzer mix that looked interesting. I explained that she needs to search breed specific rescue sites, keeping in mind that the vast majority are regional. She said she hasn’t been on our website in a while. She would prefer a female, but added it really just needs to be the right dog. She would consider an age range of Housebroken to older dog, providing the older dog didn’t have mobility issues as she has a lot of stairs at home.
I encouraged her to do some more research and determine if an Airedale is what she really wants before we schedule a home visit. I explained that our primary concern is perfect placement. Discussed the stress involved. She was agreeable to holding on the home visit with the promise that if ARG had a dog that would be perfect for her, that we’d let her know.
As it stands now, we will wait to hear from her.Offered BB to these folks. They said she was perfect but that they became aware of a dog (not an Airedale) at their local shelter that was due to be put down & “Van can’t bear the thought of that happening” so they plan to adopt this dog.
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Sarah Stevens
9-8-20
Sarah is an architect working from home for the foreseeable future. Her husband is a teacher. Sarah grew up with a Wheaten Terrier, her husband with Goldens. Sarah has not had a dog for about 8 years and she and her husband have not had a dog together. Sarah related that they have done a little research and are considering a Wheaten or Welsh terrier but feel that they want a bigger dog, she is familiar with the terrier personality, so they are gravitating towards the Airedale. Sarah believes that as growing up, her neighbor may have had an Airedale…this would be the only interaction either of them have had with the breed.
They are not fenced, but would consider an underground/invisible fence as “this would work probably the best with our lot.” They live in a split level and so the dog would have a bed/crate in the lower level where the kitchen, dining and living areas are. Both Sarah and her husband have family nearby…her in-laws are about 20 minutes away and do not have a dog; her sister-in-law is about 45 minutes away, also without a dog; and Sarah’s folks are close…they too are “dogless”.
They have no preference re: sex. They want a puppy or young adult…1-2 years. I discussed with Sarah that although we do get young dogs on occasion, most of the ‘dales that come into rescue are 5 years and up. I explained that we rarely get puppies. Of import is the fact that they plan to start a family and so want a dog that would be good with children. I explained that Airedales are high energy, often not being aware of their size nor strength. That certainly a dog can be trained/brought up around children and subsequently do well, but that in many cases, again ‘dales come into rescue with issues. I asked that she and her husband come into Airedale Rescue with their eyes wide open. If they want a young dog/puppy, they will generally have a long wait. They need to realize that it takes a good 3 months for the dog to settle in and realize he/she is home and that these are his/her people. To expect regression in behavior and/or escalation in bad/unwanted behaviors. Informed her that time, love, patience, consistency are all needed with a rescue as the process is very stressful on the dog.
I spoke with the personal reference. She was aware that they wanted a dog, but had not talked regarding specific breed. Personal reference has a pit mix and a Bassett mix. They have known each other for about 7 years, Sarah and personal reference were college roommates. Sarah and her husband have not met personal reference’s dogs, so she could not comment on how they interacted with her dogs. “They live the next county over so I don’t see them as much as I used to.” She feels that they would make good adoptive candidates.
My only reservation or caution with this applicant is that the ‘dale that is placed with them MUST be good with children, or I’m certain the ‘dale will end up back in rescue as they plan to start a family.Good morning Andrea and Caleb,
It’s Kelly Imbody for Airedale Rescue Group. I have reviewed and have had a phone interview with an applicant that lives there in Spartanburg. They are in need of a Home Visit…would you be able to help ARG with this? As you know, ARG depends on it’s network of folks who love Airedales and we couldn’t place these ‘dales in their forever homes without this group of loving and dedicated volunteers. Let me know if this is something you’d be willing to do for us and I’ll forward you the information. Thank you for your consideration and I anxiously await hearing from you!
Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071dabeasleys@gmail.com calebab@yahoo.com
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: John Wong
9/8/20
John works from home and there are 3 other adults in the home…no children. The 3 adults are gone during the day. John explained that he is looking as “several different dogs” right now. He has applied to a Standard Schnauzer rescue group and is considering Wheaton’s as his neighbor has 2 and thus he is familiar with them. His only interaction with an Airedale was years ago in Florida.
I asked John “why an Airedale?” He said that he wants a dog that is “loyal, smart, no shedding, trained.”
He has been about 8 years without a dog…the last being a Standard Schnauzer that they adopted and had for 11 years. He stated that he wants a dog about 30# and no more than 55#. I suggested to him that he do some further research, reminded him that the Airedale is the largest of the Terriers and discussed Oorang strain. Discussed average size of male and females. I suggested the Irish Terrier or the Welsh Terrier as well as the other 2 breeds he is interested in. He also said that he is “talking to someone about a Shepard-Schnauzer mix.
I left it with John that if, after further research/study, he is still interested in an Airedale to give me a call back. At this point, I don’t think John knows what he wants!
