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ARG Phone Interview
Natalie Rammer
3/25/20Natalie has no specific/first hand experience with Airedales. She grew up with Poodles…her parents are active in Poodle Rescue and have fostered a few Standard Poodles. She knows that she wants a hypoallergenic dog, wants a bigger dog than the Poodles she grew up with, and found that she liked the size of the Standard Poodles. She doesn’t want a Poodle, so she said she did some research and thinks that an Airedale would fit her lifestyle but also wanted to wait to adopt until she felt she was financially ready.
Natalie is very active. She works 8 hours/day. She is able to work from home 1 day/week. She currently is in a condo with a roommate whom has a mini Golden Doodle. She is in the process of purchasing her own condo and after some renovation, states that she should be moving in in July 2020. Her current and future condo complexes have a dog run, but she states that she wants to take a ‘dale hiking etc.
She plans to let the ‘dale have the run of the house, but if need be will crate train etc. until he/she is trustworthy. We talked at length about the fact that dogs often come into rescue with “issues” and that patience, time, consistency and love are necessary to make a successful transition for the ‘dale. I explained to her that often just the re-homing of a ‘dale is traumatic in and of itself, not to mention any other behaviors that may come with the ‘dale. I told her the last thing we want is for a ‘dale to have another bad experience.
I explained that we (ARG) rarely get puppies surrendered. She would consider a ‘dale up to the age of 3. She would consider chipping. This ‘dale if adopted sooner vs later would need to get along with other dogs as she’ll be in this condo for a few more months.I spoke to her personal reference. They have known each other for about 6 years. Her personal reference adopted/rescued her 2 dogs as well (Maltese Yorkie mix and a Maltese). She describes Natalie as responsible, kind, active and neat. I inquired about the “neat” asking if she thinks she realizes that Airedales can be a bit messy, that pine straw and dormant grass sticks to their fur…would Natalie be ok with that? She stated that she couldn’t think of a better person to adopt, that Natalie and her parents are both “major dog people.”
My concern is that she works a full day. She’ll need just the right ‘dale to leave home for that long. I explained that HV’s are on hold d/t the Covid-19 pandemic and that when things settle down, I’d get that ball rolling. I instructed her to watch the website and fb pages and to get in touch with questions/concerns.Don’t rush it Virgilynne. Your health & safety is WAY more important than getting a home visit done. Just keep me posted & be well!
KellyAgreed, and thank you for reaching out. Very best wishes to both of you as we muddle through this.
Here is a photo of Mick on the front porch yesterday as we were “socially distancing!”Sent from my iPad
On Mar 22, 2020, at 8:53 AM, Barb Saylor
I think that’s a wise plan. Nancy and I can coordinate the reschedule when the circumstances change. Stay well both of you!
Barb
Barbara H. Saylor, CFP
Palmetto Wealth Advisors, LLC
Sent from my iPadOn Mar 22, 2020, at 6:48 AM, Kelly Imbody
Good morning Ladies,
I hope this finds you both (and your ‘dales too!!)well, safe and hunkered down. These are very challenging times. I know that you had a home visit scheduled soon…please postpone until a healthier time. Keep and eye on the website Nancy as well as our fb page. Hopefully this will be over sooner vs later.
Stay well.
Warmest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071I have been talking and messaging Wendy. The one time I was in Carrollton both of them were not at home at the same time. It is pretty scary though with her working at a doctors office. I hope to schedule as soon as I feel safe. Thank you. Next time I am in Carrollton, they are not far from where I bought my car. So I will be going back for service, and will try to incorporate my visit. But, if not I will go just to the visit soon.
On Sun, Mar 22, 2020 at 6:52 AM Kelly Imbody <@hotmail.com> wrote:
Good morning Ladies,
I hope this finds you well, safe and hunkered down. These are challenging times. I’m not sure if/when you’ve scheduled a home visit, but please postpone until we experience healthier times. Hopefully this will be over sooner vs later. Stay well.
Warmest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Good morning Jessica,
Due to the past history of having given up dogs/cats, we at ARG have determined that re-homing an Airedale with you at this time cannot be pursued. Thank you for your interest.
Regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARGHOME 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 Jessica Johnson and her Fiancé
Address 201 Smyth Street Apt 231
City, State ZIP Greenville, SC 29611
Phone 916.880.8683
Email jessicajohnson3487@gmail.com
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]:
Unknown because they wouldn’t allow us to see the entire apartment. They met us in the parking lot and in case we brought Jasper. We explained why we didn’t (which had previously been explained as a possibility). They did not invite us up to see their apartment, so we said we were ready to go up and take a quick look and talk a little to them. Jessica’s fiancé stated he had just returned from traveling and everything was a mess and that they were in the middle of some cleaning. He then told us the bedrooms would be off limits and Jessica reiterated that the rooms would “obviously be off limits.” We followed them to their apartment, which was about 5-6 minutes because of the numerus halls, elevators, and stairs we had to take. At this point we started to feel uncomfortable with their demeanor as well as the route we were taking to get to their apartment.
Setting [check all that apply]:
Rural
Semi rural
Suburban
Semi urban
X Urban
Wooded
Open acreage
Waterfront
Highway frontage
Neighborhood street frontage
City environment
Property bordering on park/fieldCondition of Home [check all that apply]:
Immaculate
Well-kept
Lived in but clean
Exterior untidy
Interior untidy
Exterior unkempt/poorly maintained
X 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.]Hardwood/ vinyl floorings in the small space we were allowed to see. I can’t speak to the rest of the apartment. There was a couch and chair available to sit in but all other furniture, counters, floor, etc had trash, dirty dishes, and bottles everywhere.
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 unattended in a fenced-in yard? Describe the fencing, if any, and consider security of fence.]They were unsure where they will leave the dog. They said possibly a crate or let him roam freely. I am not sure where they would put a crate. They said if those options didn’t work, her brother lives 15 minutes away and the dog could stay with him or go to a friend’s farm somewhere in the upstate.
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.?]Very uncomfortable. Jessica’s fiancé talked at great length about how much he HATES jack Russel terriers, because they are wild, stubborn, bossy, and very annoying. Jessica confirmed she thinks they are very annoying too. We spoke about Jasper and what we lovingly call his ‘antics’ to give them an idea of how Airedales can be all of the things they dislike about Jack Russel Terriers.
Life-Style Compromises:
[Has the applicant thought through life-style compromises pet ownership will require? Give details.]They said the dog will be able to ride in the car with them for trips and have prior experience with some doggy daycares. Although their experiences were not positive so they will take the dog to a different daycare place.
Other Pets:
[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.]They had a turtle in a tank in the living room. The water in the tank was not clean and appeared to be thick with a film on it. They told us about a dog they recently had who they gave away. They never really specified why other than the neighbors didn’t like him. He lives on a farm somewhere. They also gave away 2 cats. Jessica said they were emotional support animals for her friend now.
Owner Interaction With Other Pets:
o Describe the relationship all family members seem to have to other pets.
They have given away all the pets they have owned.
o What role will the dog play in applicant’s life?
They spoke a lot about places they would take the dog during times they couldn’t have him but also that Jessica’s fiancé works from home so he will be fine during most days.
o Are the other pets treated like family members?
The turtle’s tank was, quite honestly disgusting and concerning.
o How do the other animals behave?
Didn’t see the turtle move. The dog they previously owned was difficult to train. They spoke fondly of him sleeping on the couch. But displayed some evident frustration with having him (inherited him from a family member). They were unhappy with interactions with neighbors and feel confident the dog is better off somewhere else.
o If applicant is looking for an additional dog, or cat why does applicant what another?
We were very confused as to why they are looking for a dog, given that they have given away 3 pets recently.
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?
2 cats at a time
o Is applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commotion?
They do not intend on getting the Airedale standard cut so felt like there wouldn’t be a large financial component in that regard.
o How committed is adopter?
I have concerns about them giving away 3 pets and having limited to no knowledge about Airedales and their energy level as well as their need to be engaged in activities and properly trained. Jessica trained Golden Retrievers in an unofficial capacity. She helped a neighbor train her dog to hunt. But no experience otherwise.
o What are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad?
They did not seem aware that bad behavior was a probability, nor did they seem amused at our stories about our dogs mischievous behavior. Richard and I laughed about Jasper sneaking to counter surf and ways we have worked on that with him. They didn’t have a reaction.
o Do owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors?
I think so. We discussed with them about the pieces of Jasper’s history we didn’t know because we rescued him. He is terrified of loud noises and it has impacted our lives. We don’t go anywhere at times their may be fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction. We have purchased different tools to help him cope and we have sought medical assistance from our vet. While he is manageable in the sense we can keep him safe, it is still a big undertaking. We said we would choose him all over again even knowing everything but in the beginning it was a difficult process to find things that would relieve his fear. Which led us to ask if they were prepared to learn about some of the dog’s “baggage” as time goes by and the dog is getting settled into their home. They very nonchalantly shrugged their shoulders and said they felt like it would be fine. So we talked a little about not wanting a dog to endure the trauma of being rehomed multiple times. And Jessica said, “Like Banjo?”
o Do other dogs in the home obey happily?
Their dog did not obey, which to the best of our knowledge played a role in why they gave him away.
o Are the other dogs out of control and undisciplined?
o Do the owners appear to know some basic training techniques?
Jessica spoke about training for hunting but in an unofficial capacity.
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.
We did and they did not seem too concerned. They spoke about different places they can send they dog for various periods at a time. (Farm, brother’s house, daycare)
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.
They didn’t have a plan for a crate. We talked about this incidents being possibilities and they said they could get a “castle” for the dog if needed. (they probably aren’t worried about the dog messing anything up because their place was already pretty much destroyed.)
o Ask the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an accident.
Shrugged their shoulders and Jessica said she will just have to see how much training the dog will need.What was their reply?
Additiol Information:
o Please describe any additional information about the home environment that you feel is pertinent.
The dog park has a very short fence. Our dogs would easily jump it if they wanted to go on a field trip to catch a squirrel. It is difficult getting in and out of the apartment building. We were not allowed to see all the living spaces. What we saw was not good. We had to follow a path through clutter and trash to find an empty spot to stand in the kitchen. At the door to the apartment was a trashcan FULL of “violation notices” from the apartment building.
o Is there anything in general or specifically that would cause you to feel uncomfortable about placing a dog or cat in this home?
They spoke negatively about a few dog breeds and owners of those breeds. They did not demonstrate any knowledge of Airedales, other than they are large and intelligent. I said sometimes I think ours are smarter than I am so I have to play with them to burn their energy. He said, “nah.” Their demeanor in general was off-putting and very uncomfortable. The longest topic of conversation was how much they hated Jack Russels and how much better off their previous dog is now that he lives elsewhere.
o If so, what?
o “Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog with the applicant?
I would never leave my dog with them. We initatially thought since we couldn’t our dogs to them we would invite them to come to our house and meet them. I would not feel comfortable with them knowing where I live and would not feel comfortable with being around my dogs. However, I think if they saw the energy level of Jasper, they would not be interested in adopting.
o Explain.Conclusion:
Approve Applicant
X Do not approve applicant
Approve after additional counseling of applicants
and/or
Approve after modifications to the home environmentPlease describe:
It was a terrible visit. They were not prepared for a home visit even though they selected the day and time about 1-2 weeks in advance. There comments about dogs in general was shocking and the condition of the turtle tank was alarming. The limited living space we saw was not conducive for a dog especially a curious dog who may want to investigate all of the trash. We also question the prior experience with dales because they could never definitively tell us one they have met. Instead they talked about hearing stories from a friend in California who has one.Additional comments:
I hate how judgmental all of this sounds and I hate taking an opportunity from somebody. Because I do believe the only way to get experience with an Airedale is for someone to give you an opportunity. But I do not feel they are committed to some of the possible struggles. Jasper by all accounts is wild and stubborn. But he is the funniest dog and just a gentle giant. It is a game to get him to follow any direction, and that is one of the things we love most about him. It is of course frustrating when it is raining and he sits in the back corner of the yard refusing to come in while looking at me like I am an idiot. But when he finally does come in, he wants to cuddle up next to us and be sweet. I wouldn’t change a thing about him. I just know to allow extra transition time! My concern is they have already given up a dog they were unable to change. I can’t say I felt like they were very organized or had a clear plan for transitioning a dog who may carry some trauma into their lives. They also mentioned Banjo, I was very evasive in any knowledge I have about him, which is minimal at best anyway. It was also incredibly odd that they wouldn’t let us so all of the apartment. Again, they chose the day and time way in advance and I confirmed with her twice as it got closer to the day. It was actually a really bad visit. When we got in our car to leave we talked about feeling uncomfortable because their demeanor was bizarre. It also took them about 10 minutes to let us in the gate, which they didn’t even do. A resident behind us opened the gate. She didn’t answer my calls or texts during the whole process of getting in but has directed me to contact her that way.
Home Evaluator’s Signature: __Emily Cook______________________________________
Date: ___3.16.2020__________
Contact information: Email & Phone No.: _Emilycook07@gmail.com 678.485.5152_______________________________________
________________________________________Additional Suggestions To The Home Evaluator:
• If you need to take notes during the visit, please do so discreetly on a small note pad, rather than on this form. It is preferred to have the applicants feel at ease with you and to be themselves. Complete this form after the visit is over, when you are not in the presence of the applicants.
• Qualities to note are sincerity, commitment, tolerance of normal animal behavior, honest representation of the home environment, children’s behavior with other pets, and expected role of the children in pet care. Obtain explanations about the absence of any family members during the visit. Feel free to ask leading questions to begin productive conversation. Often good conversation will reveal far more than questions.
• Do not make any promises to the applicants or indicate whether or not they will be approved to adopt or foster. Please refrain from discussing any particular animal presently in rescue that may become available for adoption.________________________________________
Hi Kelly,
Welcome to the Airedale Rescue Group. Thank you for reaching out – it’s a miracle I got your email today because I only was going through this Windstream account to begin deleting over 8,000 junk emails that have piled up in this mailbox. If you change your contact information for me to Bsaylor@pwa-sc.com I will always see that.
I spend about 50 % of my time in each of our St Matthews Sc (30 miles below Columbia) and Seneca SC —northwest corner of the state. I’m willing to do home visits and transporting depending on dates, schedules, locations, etc. im self employed, but I’m not yet retired. Nevertheless, I probably have a bit more flexibility than lots of working people.Feel free to reach out to me as needed.
Barb
Barbara H. Saylor, CFP
Palmetto Wealth Advisors, LLC
Sent from my iPadOn Mar 12, 2020, at 8:12 AM, Kelly Imbody
Good morning Barbara,
My name is Kelly Imbody and I’m with Airedale Rescue Group. I found your name pouring through our website and I’m hoping you will be willing to help us with a Home Visit in Columbia, SC. I know it’s a bit of a drive for you, but you are my “Plan A” and I don’t have a Plan B!!!
I work closely with Jackie Cash, Pat Hairston, Barbara Yager and Christina Prange. I’m relatively new to the group, but not new to Airedale Rescue as I transported extensively in NW Indiana before we moved to NC 5 years ago.
If this is something you think you can help us with, I’ll forward you the information an these folks.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.Most sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Good evening Ladies!
I’d like to introduce Barbara Saylor to you Nancy. She will be in touch with you to schedule your home visit at a time that works for the both of you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’ve any questions/concerns. I look forward to hearing from you Barbara, and thank you for being so gracious as to do this for ARG and thank you both for your love of Airedales!!
Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219=628-0071
Barbara Saylor Bsaylor@pwa-sc.com to do home visitGood evening everyone!
Virgilynne I’d like to introduce you to Wendy and Brooks. They are anxious to adopt an Airedale. Virg will be in touch with you both to schedule a home visit. We’d like for the both of you to be present for the visit. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Virg has your contact information and will be getting in touch with you. I can’t wait the hear how it went!
Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Virgilynne Prewett Virg.1604@gmail.com to do home visit
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone interview Wendy Voyles
March 10, 2020Wendy lives in NW GA, near Carrollton and Douglasville. They live outside the city limits on a dead end road with only about 5 homes on it. They have a pasture at the back of the property, but there are no cows/horses in the pasture. They have 1 acre, no fence. They are not ADT experiences but have “met” Airedales in the past and liked their disposition and scruffy appearance. Wendy has researched the breed and her husband is on board. They are newly married and her husband had Jack Russel Terriers in the past and Wendy’s most recent dog was a Bouvier that she rescued after hurricane Andrew…so she has been dog-less for quite some time. She did have a pair of sugar gliders as pets more recently but had to re-home them due to a change in her apartment complex pet policy at the time.
Wendy works full-time as a phlebotomist…8 hour days with a shorter day on Fridays. Her husband will be retiring at the end of this month. They have no preference regarding male or female. They would prefer a young (not a puppy) or middle aged ‘dale. They would consider the right Senior ‘dale.I spoke with Wendy’s vet. She has only seen them for an office visit/exam for her sugar gliders…routine. The gal at the vets raised no red flags.
Wendy’s personal reference has known her for at least 10 years. She did not know Wendy when she had her Bouvier, but said that her sugar gliders were her “life”. She said she took them everywhere and couldn’t think of a better dog/animal mom. She had not as yet met her husband, except through social media.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone interview Nancy Harr
March 10, 2020Nancy is an attorney currently working temporarily in Columbia, SC. Their permanent residence is in NE TN. Her husband works from home and is there (in TN) with their 2 y/o male Airedale, Mick. Nancy plans to return to TN this fall. They have 6 ½ acres in Afton, TN and a 5000 sq. ft. home. The upstairs of the home is ruled by the 17 y/o cat. They do their living on the lower level. The property has and electric fence at the rear as there is pasture land with cows. The fence is an electric fence and Nancy says that they are always out with Mick so the cows aren’t an issue. They also have a pool. Mick has no interest in the pool and Nancy states they may not open it this year as the kids are gone and it needs some work. They recently lost an Airedale at the age of 17 months due to a poorly functioning heart valve. They want an Airedale companion for Mick as she says that he’s been in a funk without her. They would prefer a female, “maybe one that a breeder has given up”. Mick is 95# with some Oorang in there somewhere!
I spoke with her vet office. They described the Harr’s as “wonderful” people. Mick is excitable and the gal I spoke with when told of the Harr’s desire to rescue said, “perfect! Mick could use someone.” There were no red flags at the vet’s office. Shot/vaccinations are up to date. No reason that the Harr’s should not be considered for rescue.
I spoke with personal reference. She has been house cleaning and pet sitting for the Harr’s for over 15 years. She described them as having “heart.” She says that they care about their animals as much as they care about their family. They are animal lovers and should be approved she said. She said she would have no trouble leaving her dogs with them…she’d even leave her family with them!!!
Hi Emily,
I’m just touching base with you to see if you were able to schedule a home visit for Jessica Johnson yet. If you’re having difficulty, please let me know. Will wait to hear from you.
Kindly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Sent from Mail for Windows 10
****************emilycook07@gmail.com************Rec’d. text from Janice stating that her father-in-law is having health issues. I told her no worries and to contact me when things settle down and they are BOTH available for home visit. I’m putting them in the neutral file.
Hi Kelly,
No worries! I didn’t understand until I actually saw what Greg does.
Greg works mostly office hours as a motor specialist and as needed as a mechanic for an auction house based in New York. This entails mostly phone calls and emails and some evenings he appraises or fixes minor mechanical issues with cars that are transported to him. I am home in the evening when Greg is working on cars.
In the event that Greg has to travel to a car or client, we have a sitter and a doggy daycare lined up that we used with the foster Staffy.
I hope this answers your question. If not, I’m happy to elaborate more. Or provide the contact of the Doggy daycare.
Jessica Johnson
Quality Autism Care LLC
Registered Behavior Technician
Email: Jessicajohnson3487@gmail.comOn Feb 16, 2020, at 6:04 AM, Kelly Imbody
Thanks Jessica. I was able to speak with Stephanie. I need a clarification for/on your application. In our conversation, you offered that Greg works on site and that the ‘dale would be alone 0 hours/day. Can you just elaborate on this a bit. I guess I’m having difficulty understanding how that’s possible…it’s great, but I need to understand. Thanks Jessica.
Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-00712/16/20
Apartment management gal I spoke with stated that she wasn’t aware that Jessica wanted to bring a dog into the home, though she states that there is another gal whom works in the office, and she may be aware. There is nothing in their file to indicate such. There is no weight restriction, though there is an extensive “aggressive breed” restriction list…Airedales aren’t on it! There is a $500.00 pet fee.
