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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!Natalie,
At this time I don’t think Asher is a good fit for you as he will require training plus someone who will be home a lot. Because of his behavior issues, he’ll need consistent and concentrated attention as he’s somewhat of a problem child! When we do get the right ‘dale, you’ll need a home evaluation as you have relocated. Keep the faith.
Kelly
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Natalie Rammer
Sent: Friday, September 4, 2020 11:42 AM
To: Natalie Rammer
Cc: Kelly Imbody
Subject: Re: Airedale Rescue GroupHi Kelly,
Reaching out in regards to newly listed Asher as well! There seem to be quite a few listed right now. Is he pending already or is there a chance to adopt!?
Thanks,
Natalie RammerGeorge Chace called me the next day stating that he realized he never really answered my question as to “would you let these folks take care of/dog sit your Airedales?” He said he would only let them watch one of his (don’t remember which ‘dale he said!) because of behavior issues, not because of the applicants. I thanked him for calling. Such a nice guy!!!
I will just remove both of them from the google sheet.
On Fri, Sep 4, 2020 at 9:41 AM Jackie Cash
Morning, Kelly. I believe your instincts are right on target. No need to do a home visit for these folks, particularly Trembath! George & Sandra Chace are great adopters and have helped with transport. He drives a convertible and has sent photos of him driving his ‘dales around with the top down. But, with a chihuahua, I would be reluctant to place any dale unless we knew that the dale was ok with small, snack dogs.If Rebecca gets back in touch and says George brought one of his ‘dales over and everything was peachy-keen, maybe we consider her, but I’d let her fall away.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On 09/04/2020 6:31 AM Kelly Imbody
I don’t know if what I want to do is “kosher. The last 2 applications that I’ve received I want to put in a new category labeled…”have you REALLY thought this through?” (!!!!) I left it with both that our core team would review the applications and if/when we find a ‘dale that fits, we’ll proceed with a home visit. It just doesn’t make sense to me to ask that of our home visit folks at this juncture. I have posted both phone interviews on these folks respective forums, and if you want me to go ahead & schedule home visits I can certainly do that. These 2 applicants are just not stellar potentialities in my book. Let me know what you all think. The applicants are: Rebeca Andrews and Andrea Trembath
Thanks,
KellyI will just remove both of them from the google sheet.
On Fri, Sep 4, 2020 at 9:41 AM Jackie Cash
Morning, Kelly. I believe your instincts are right on target. No need to do a home visit for these folks, particularly Trembath! George & Sandra Chace are great adopters and have helped with transport. He drives a convertible and has sent photos of him driving his ‘dales around with the top down. But, with a chihuahua, I would be reluctant to place any dale unless we knew that the dale was ok with small, snack dogs.If Rebecca gets back in touch and says George brought one of his ‘dales over and everything was peachy-keen, maybe we consider her, but I’d let her fall away.
Jackie Cash | 901-438-5782
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On 09/04/2020 6:31 AM Kelly Imbody
I don’t know if what I want to do is “kosher. The last 2 applications that I’ve received I want to put in a new category labeled…”have you REALLY thought this through?” (!!!!) I left it with both that our core team would review the applications and if/when we find a ‘dale that fits, we’ll proceed with a home visit. It just doesn’t make sense to me to ask that of our home visit folks at this juncture. I have posted both phone interviews on these folks respective forums, and if you want me to go ahead & schedule home visits I can certainly do that. These 2 applicants are just not stellar potentialities in my book. Let me know what you all think. The applicants are: Rebeca Andrews and Andrea Trembath
Thanks,
KellyHome Visit evaluation for: Laura and Van Ward 606 Nearlake Ct. LaVergne, TN 37086
Evaluation completed by: Sheryl Redlin-Fraizer iamgrowsgreen@gmail.com 615-476-3483
*unable to edit and/or copy pdf file of eval. The following is transcribed from pdf file.Suburban, well kept home. Home very clean, neat. The floors were hardwood/laminate to carpeting upstairs; normal comfortable furniture.
Backyard was nice sized with chain link fence; doggy door at the back door. They want to take their dog with them wherever they go, so I didn’t get the sense they would leave her alone much. We talked about traveling with the dog & hotels that accommodate pets. They have done this with their other dogs in the past. Laura enjoys walking for exercise and is looking forward to the adoptee walking with her. She is very fit.
I did not meet the neighbor children during the pandemic, they are not socializing much with other people. The neighborhood was quiet.
Laura and Van got other pictures of their dogs (no longer alive) and showed them. They were sweet pictures, some even costumed.
Companion. It was obvious they both missed having a dog in their life.
Yes. Based on the photos and them saying they already had the doggy supplies (bed, leash, food bowls etc.)
They have had an Airedale and cat (Airedale came as a puppy into the home where the cat was established). They had a Weimaraner and a cat.
Very committed. They will adopt a dog even if this avenue doesn’t work. I did tell them that my experience has been that the dog “finds” you. It is important to be patient and accept it that it wasn’t meant to be when things don’t work out.
Both very sweet, calm and soft spoken. They would be firm and have behavioral expectations, but certainly never abusive.
They know basic training techniques and have use a trainer in the past for their dogs. They are not unfamiliar with working with potty training, they have had a puppy and adopted adults dogs.
Nothing about the visit concerned me. Nothing to make me feel uncomfortable about placing a dog in the home. I would absolutely feel comfortable leaving my dog with the applicants.
The Wards are very sweet, calm, earnest and caring. They seem very loving and supportive of each other and are genuinely eager to bring a dog into their home and lives. I believe they have truly missed having a dog, were broken hearted when their last dog passed away from old age (also adopted).
Grooming: Added this because Airedales require some grooming and in the pictures of previous Airedale, she was nicely groomed in all of the many pictures they showed me.
Approve applicant.
I would place a mid-sized mature (not a young pup) female with them. Dog would be Laura’s primary companion (not to imply that Van wouldn’t be completely in love with the pup!) and I could see them being inseparable.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone interview: Andrea Trembath
9-3-20Andrea and her 13 year old daughter Charlotte live in a 3000 sq. foot home. The yard is not fenced. They currently have a 9 month old Tonkinese cat. (looks like a Siamese to me, but not a cat person here!) The cat has had minimal exposure to dogs and Andrea said the cat just stares at the dog…”I think he may be afraid, but he doesn’t do anything like he wants to fight or anything.”
During the course of our conversation, Andrea kept stating that she wants a “well trained” dog, one that does not require much time or effort. It will have to be a very “particular dog.” She reference an older, sedentary dog, low energy, not on a lot of medications etc. She stated at one point that she used to be a vet tech but doesn’t do that any more. She stated that she fosters a lot of cats because they don’t have a lot of needs. She further stated that she fosters cats because she doesn’t “have the capacity” to train as they are busy and not around much during the day. She also stated that she occasionally dog sits and these dogs “are well trained.” She expressed interest in BB on ARG’s site.
I asked her “why an Airedale?” She said that she has always liked their look and their coat. She again stated that she wants an older dog requiring few walks and one that is well trained. She has had Whippets in the past, stating that they sleep all day, not active. Her last Whippet was about 5 years ago. She states that it was a rescue. She also described how she and her husband (she is divorced currently) rescued a street dog they found in Belize…it looked like it had a lot of Whippet in it.
Andrea is able to work from home some days but also goes into the office. On office days she is gone all day. They have a screened porch that is shaded with sliders and said she could leave the sliders open if she knew the dog wouldn’t try to break through the screens. She said the dog would be inside whenever they weren’t home. She would hire someone or get neighbors to walk the dog on days she had to go to the office.
I suggested to her that perhaps she and her daughter needed to do a bit more research into different breeds as that I have found Airedales to be puppies as heart until the day they cross the Rainbow Bridge. I conceded that all dogs are different, but that she needed to realize that Terriers in general are high energy and that a tired dog is a good dog. I discussed the very real possibility of regression in behaviors when rehoming, that it often takes up to 3 months for the dog to settle in and feel at home, that a lot of time, patience, consistency, love and determination are required when fostering a dog. She stated that she understood.
I left it such that I told her that the core ARG group would review her application and if/when a dog came available that we thought would be a good fit, we would arrange the home visit. I’m not sure this will “fly” with the core members, so will f/u regarding this plan with them. I just feel that Andrea should stick with cats.
