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2/15/20
Personal reference ph. # 506-899-0218
Spoke with Stephanie Steeves. She and Jessica met in college so have known each other since 2011. She has not met Jessica’s fiancé in person, though does correspond on social media. Stephanie lives in British Columbia. She states that Jessica is very caring and responsible for anyone or anything that is under her care. She can see no reason for her not to be approved. She relates that Jessica works with autistic children is some capacity and is currently pursuing her Masters degree. She related that her job is flexible which is what her foster dogs needed at times.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone interview: Jessica Johnson
2/15/20Jessica related that they prefer a male as her fiancé feels there a “personality issues” with females and he hasn’t had good luck with female dogs. She states that she has experience in dog training though she has not formal education in this arena, it is “something I’m good at and enjoy.” She related that she has experience with training hunting dogs and also in dealing with behavioral issues. She has fostered Pits, AmStaffs and Goldens. She and her fiancé are not Airedale Terrier experienced but do have a friend in LA with an Airedale. She had a friend whom she dog sat for while in high school who had an Airedale. They currently live in an apartment. The complex has a ¼ acre dog park as well as some walking paths. Jessica and her fiancé are looking for a home with some acreage. They currently have a turtle. Cat died of natural causes a couple of years ago & her lab in 2010. They don’t have children that regularly visit but do plan to start a family within 5 years. Her fiancé works on site as a mechanic, so if not physically in the apartment is close by. They prefer a puppy. I explained that puppies are often hard to come by. She said they would consider a dog under 4 years old.
I’ve placed a call in to the apartment management and am awaiting clarification of the personal reference phone number.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: Scott and Andra Kunkle
Address 3119 Auld Farm Drive
City, State ZIP Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone 828-499-2442
Email scottorandra@charter.com
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]:
~2,000 square feet
Setting [check all that apply]:
Rural
Semi rural
Suburban
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]:
Immaculate
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.]The interior of the home is clean and neat. Some of the furniture shows minor damage from a previous Airedale. These marks are reminders of a happier time when the house was the domain of the dog. The structures are intact and safe.
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 untended in a fenced-in yard? Describe the fencing, if any, and consider security of fence.]We discussed crate training as an option for the next dog. Previously baby gates were installed as minor containment, while allowing the dog to roam free in the house. When outside, the dog will be exercised using a cable run. The property has an installed invisible fence. The owners installed the fence for their previous dog.
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.?]Scott is an artist, and Andra is a pediatric physician. Both are reserved professionals, who dedicate time and effort into providing a stable, nurturing environment.
Life-Style Compromises:
[Has the applicant thought through life-style compromises pet ownership will require? Give details.]Yes. The house has been modified to accommodate an Airedale. Their previous dog was a regular visitor to the walking park in town. They spoke of many trips to other states, each time taking their Airedale with them. At no time was boarding or doggie day are used.
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.]N/A
Owner Interaction With Other Pets:
o Describe the relationship all family members seem to have to other pets.
o What role will the dog play in applicant’s life? A family member, companion
o Are the other pets treated like family members?
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?
o Is applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commotion? Based on their experience with their prior Airedale they are definitely prepared
o How committed is adopter? They are very committed
o What are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad?
o Do owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors?
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? Based on our conversation yes
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.What was their reply?
“Accidents happen to people and animals … first we cleanup the mess … make sure the cause is not a medical issue … and go on with our lives “
Additiol Information:
o Please describe any additional information about the home environment that you feel is pertinent.
The home is full of paintings of their previous Airedales and other dogs. One that made the most impact was a painting of Annie and Scott. Her health was failing, and he was carrying her to ease the pain. Annie was looking over his right shoulder, smiling, knowing she was loved.
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. We would trust them with our Airedales completely.
o If so, what?
o “Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog with the applicant?
See above.
o Explain.Conclusion:
Approve Applicant
Do not approve applicant
Approve after additional counseling of applicants
and/or
Approve after modifications to the home environmentPlease describe:
Additional comments
Spoke with Janice via text message re: scheduling a home visit. Reiterated that I would prefer that her husband be there for the visit. She said they are generally only both off on Sundays. I told her that I can do Sundays. I told her that I would stop bothering her & to let me know when it would be good to complete the home visit. I’m just thinking if she really wants a ‘dale, she’d get this scheduled. Why doesn’t her personal reference know her spouse if they’ve known each other over 20 years? Something seems fishy to me. Maybe not…
Thanks for the update & clarification Janice. I would like to do the home visit when you will both be there if at all possible. My schedule is pretty flexible, so let me know when it’s good for both of you to be there. Thanks Janice!
Kelly Imbody, ARG
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: mebirdlady
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 8:56 PM
To: Kelly Imbody
Subject: RE: FW: Airedale Rescue GroupSorry, I transposed his number, 561-789-9553….Fuquay Animal Hospital, 919-552-7200…I will be off the Friday after this one…my husband will be at work…
Janice
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
——– Original message ——–
From: Kelly Imbody
Date: 1/28/20 10:45 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: mebirdlady@aol.com
Subject: FW: Airedale Rescue GroupAiredale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Janice Bird
January 26,2020Janice currently has a 10 year old “mini” Labradoodle. She weighs 21 lbs. She states she is very active for a 10 year old…”like a puppy.”
Janice had 3 Airedales growing up. One had a litter of pups and they kept one from the litter.
Janice lives in an apartment. I called and spoke with the rental agent. Tennants are limited to 2 pets per apartment. They do have breed restrictions for the “aggressive” breeds. There is a dog park on site. Approximately 100 ft. x 100ft. It is fenced and within the fenced area is an area where you can bathe or wash your dog off. The property is pretty extensive per the rental agent and many folks walk their dogs around the property/apartment complex.
Janice works as a manager at the Family Dollar 5-6 hours per day. She recently moved from Raleigh to Leland. She has only vetted her Labradoodle once with her new vet for “allergy shots.” I requested her to phone me back with the name of her vet in Raleigh for follow up. She will also contact me with her schedule to arrange a home visit barring any red flags from the vet or personal reference.January 28, 2020
Spoke with the Fuquay Animal Hospital. It has been over 3 years since she’s been in (she has moved from the area) so her records have been purged. I called the Leland Animal Hospital. She was last in on November 1, 2019 for heart worm exam (negative) and to have ears checked and address itching/scratching. Then returned in December for treatment of tape worms. Prior to vetting with Leland Animal Hospital and after Fuquay Animal Hospital, she vetted in Wrightsville Beach. The reports sent over to Leland from Wrightsville were unremarkable.
Also spoke with the personal reference today. He has known Janice for 45 years…they grew up together. He described her as a great dog mom…”fantastic.” He related that he “doesn’t know her husband that well but would assume that he’s good with them.” He could think of no reason that ARG should not adopt to her.I now am waiting on a good time to do the home visit…want both she and her husband present.
Sounds great, thank you!
On Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 1:18 PM Kelly Imbody
Yay!!!! Thank you so much Danielle. Here’s how it works (you may be familiar with the process)…I will email you both a shared email to introduce you to each other. I’ll also email you my notes from the telephone interview, vet comments and any personal reference comments that I have. I will also send you a Home Visit form. Please just use the Home Visit form as a reference as it can be a bit intimidating if you fill this out in front of them. You and they will coordinate a best time for the home visit. I would encourage you to take your ‘dale with you. This gives you a perspective of their interaction with the Airedale. We also ask that you schedule when they will both be available. Send your notes of your home visit back to me in a Word document as sometimes we have difficulty with pdf.’s etc. The bottom line is would you feel comfortable leaving your Airedale with these folks. If you’ve any questions and/or concerns, please contact me. Again, many, many thanks! Also…we thank you for your love of Airedales!Most sincerely,
Kelly Imbody
219-628-0071Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Danielle Corbitt
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 12:56 PM
To: Kelly Imbody
Cc: rickcorbitt@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Airedale Rescue GroupGood afternoon Kelly, yes we would be happy to help. Evenings or weekends work best for us.
Thank you!
DanielleOn Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 7:14 AM Kelly Imbody
Good morning Rick and Danielle,My name is Kelly Imbody and I’m a volunteer with Airedale Rescue Group. I’m wondering (and hoping) if you would be willing to do a home visit for us there in Lenoir. We have some folks who are interested in rescue…they lost their ‘dale just this past August, so are still a bit overcome by that. If this is something that you’d be willing to do for us, please let me know and we’ll proceed. If not, I’ll try to find a “plan B”!!!
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071Sent from Mail for Windows 10
After speaking with the Kunkle’s personal reference, I’ve a better understanding of his hesitancy with proceeding forward with the application process. She related that they are “amazing” people. She has known them for over 23 years, are the godparents of her children and have had Airedales as long as she’s known them. Scott is an artist an works from home. Andra is ready now to get a dog…she can’t live without one. Scott said to her just a couple of weeks ago that he’s ready to start looking, that he doesn’t think he’ll be healed until he gets another dog. She said that they always took their ‘dales into consideration whenever planning anything. She said they had seatbelts for them, sunglasses as one had vision issues and could offer no reason not to adopt to them. She said she was so excited when she heard my message regarding her being their reference for ARG.
Good morning Janice,
It was good to speak with you the other day regarding your wish to adopt from Airedale Rescue Group. I attempted to reach your reference Rob Rosen. The number given is: 561-987-9553. When calling I was informed this is a non-working number. Would you be so kind as to double check the number and get back with me? Also, am waiting on information regarding your old vet…in Raleigh I believe.
Thanks much Janice and I’ll wait to hear from you.Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody
219-628-0071Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Scott & Andra Kunkle
January 27, 2020My initial impression was that these folks (though I only spoke with Scott) are not quite ready for a ‘dale.
Scott related when I introduced myself and told him my intent was that “they are trying to give themselves more time” before getting another dog. They lost their Airedale just this past August.Their first Airedale was a puppy, female and was about 45-50 lbs. The 2nd ‘dale (that just was put down in August 2019, was about 14 years old. They got her when she was about 9 months. She was very prey driven.
They are on just over an acre. They have no fence. They live out in the country with woods behind and next to them. Scott related that he wouldn’t be able to find her had she gotten away. He related that he had a long cable for her. He expressed interest in a wireless fence. I told him that my ‘dale does well with a wireless fence, but it’s success is highly dependent upon training and the temperament of the ‘dale.
They want a female. They would prefer/consider a 1-4 year old.
My impression upon completing the interview has not changed. Scott was a bit reluctant to proceed with the interview, but I explained that if approved then the deed is done and they could search for a ‘dale at their leisure and contact ARG if/when they found a ‘dale that piqued their interest. I also gave him the option of their application being put on hold. He opted to proceed. I will contact their vet and if all ok, schedule a home visit. I would however not put them high on the list as emotionally they are not ready and still pining the loss of this last ‘dale.
January 28, 2020
Spoke with Crystal at Caldwell Animal Hospital. They are good pet owners. Annie (last Airedale) was kept up to date on all shots/vaccinations. They took her back and forth the Hickory to a specialist when she became sick with cancer. No red flags to report and no reason that they should not be approved to adopt.
Am awaiting call back from personal reference.
Good morning Robert,
I’m trying to move forward on your application but am having difficulty connecting with your reference Rhonda Thomas. The phone number I have for her is: 706-455-3933. Her voice mail also uses a different last name than Thomas in the recording. Could you confirm for me that this is indeed correct. I’ve left 2 voice mails at this number and have not as yet received a response.
Also, after reviewing the notes of our phone conversation, I’ve a question as to why you want a 4th dog…can certainly understand why it would be an Airedale as I must admit to extreme bias! Just curious as it’s not like you’ve a “pack” of small dogs!
I spoke with your vet as well. Maddie being 14 is covered regarding her vaccinations. However Anna Belle, (the vet called her Annie…am assuming this is the same dog?) hasn’t been seen since 2017 according to their records. Tucker is up to date according to them.
So, I’ve just got a few loose ends that I need cleared up so that I can advance you and Ron to the next stage in this admittedly sometimes cumbersome process, but so necessary for the sake of our ‘dales.
If you would clarify your reference for me and address Anna Belle’s vaccination status for me it would be very helpful. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I’d love to move forward on scheduling a home visit. Thanks much Robert.Kindest regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARGAiredale Rescue Group
Robert Gleadall phone interview
1/9/2020Robert and his partner have 5 acres, 2 of which are fenced. They currently have in their “pack” a 14 y/o lab mix named Maddy; Tucker, a 6 y/o retriever mix and Anna Belle, a 5 y/o lab mix. All are neutered/spayed and were adopted at less than 1 year.
Their neighborhood consists of 198 homes on 600 acres. Each home sits on at least 2 acres. There are walking trails/paths throughout the entire neighborhood.
Robert has had Airedales before, and if a suitable ‘dale is found, this would be Airedale #3 for him. He has also had a Wheaten Terrier adopted through Wheaten Rescue. Sadie was their last Airedale adopted through rescue. Based on our conversation which supports the application, this is a great place for a dog! Both Robert and his partner are able to work from home 2-3 days/week. A dog sitter/walker comes when they are working full days away from home.
Robert is currently serving as the Treasurer of the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, GA.Vet reference:
I spoke with a Tamara at the office. There are no red flags on their chart, no suspicious injuries etc. Of possible concern is the fact that 2 of the 3 dogs are not up to date with shots/vaccinations/exams. The 5 y/o lab mix has not been seen since 2017, while Maddy the 14 y/o was last seen July of 2017. Tucker is the only one up to date.I have a call in to the personal reference.
I’m somewhat concerned that 2 are not up to date. Robert is Treasurer of the local Humane Society for goodness sake!!! Why do they want to add to their “pack” when they don’t seem to be able to keep up with what they have? It’s one thing to want to “do good” and adopt, but with that comes responsibility and accountability.
Thank you so much! He is a handful but it’s worth it. 🙂
Caroline Henneberger
678-215-4731On Jan 12, 2020, at 4:40 PM, Kelly Imbody
No worries! Enjoy him & love him! Let me know if you need anything. ARG has a wealth of experience and information!! Kelly
Get Outlook for AndroidFrom: Caroline
Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2020 6:40:43 PM
To: Kelly Imbody
Subject: Re: Airedale Rescue GroupKelly!!!!! I am so sorry I haven’t responded back to you!!!! We have had a lot going on. Thank you so much for your call. But, we have a new addition to our home….an 8 week old Airedale puppy! Really didn’t want to do a pup again but he kind of fell in our laps. Please forgive me for not responding to you sooner. ❤️
Caroline HennebergerOn Jan 11, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Kelly Imbody
Hi John and Caroline,
My name is Kelly Imbody and I’m a volunteer with ARG. I left a voice message about a week ago re: your application to adopt an Airedale. If you are still interested, please call me at 219-628-0071. Thank you!Regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARGShelby and Andy,
My name is Kelly Imbody and I’m from Airedale Rescue group. Are you still interested in adopting an Airedale? I’ve left messages and sent emails regarding your application that we received. If you are still interested, please contact me by email or at 210-628-0071. I consider your application closed if I don’t hear from you within a couple of weeks.
Regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARGHOME EVALUATION FORM – Mike and Sherry Spain
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 this 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 Mike and Sherry Spain
Address 403 pimpernel st,
City, State ZIP Summerville, SC 29483
Phone 574-298-9022
Email turquoisedaisy93@rocketmail.com
Size of Home [estimate square footage if possible]:
around 1500 sq ft or so?
Setting [check all that apply]:
Rural
Semi rural
X Suburban with lots of green spaces and walking areas around the neighborhood
Semi urban
Urban
Wooded
Open acreage
Waterfront
Highway frontage
Neighborhood street frontage
City environment
Property bordering on park/field
Condition of Home [check all that apply]:
X Immaculate but lived in, not a museum
Well-kept
Lived in but clean
Exterior untidy
Interior untidy
Exterior unkempt/poorly maintained
Interior trashed/dirty
Describe the home interior:
Looks very well cared for. Beautiful furnishings, no mess or clutter. But they are not
sticklers…they pointed out with a laugh where their previous dog had rubbed up against the sofa
wearing down the fabric of the cording. They expect the wear and tear.
Accommodations:
The dog will have access to the whole house and fenced back yard. I brought my Airedale with
me and they had no problem letting her explore to her heart’s content, inside and out.
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.]
Never left chained, ever. The backyard fence is a sturdy 5’ tall white picket fence that will easily
contain a dog who is not a trained jumper. Not a chance my dog could get over it. They
mentioned they are considering replacing it with even taller privacy fencing.
Children:
None.
Family Environment:
They are a stable, mature couple in their late forties, who are very experienced dog owners.
They seem very nice and super friendly, and I have no doubt they’ll be a wonderful family for
any dog.
Life-Style Compromises:
Sherry currently has no job, so she would love the companionship of a dog during the day. Also,
Mike travels occasionally for business so she’d also like the safe feeling of having an alert dog
on the nights she’s alone. They would both love a dog who can go along with them on their
outdoor activities, hiking and such.
Other Pets:
No other pets; they both were great with my dog.
oWhat role will the dog play in applicant’s life?
Constant companion, and will ideally accompany them on their outdoor activities, hiking, etc.
They do entertain regularly, so the dog should not be human aggressive or overly protective.
oAre the other pets treated like family members?
Based on how emotional they both were when talking about their previous dog who passed away
this year, their new dog will definitely become a much-loved and valued member of the family.
oIs applicant prepared for the increased work, expense [including vet cost], and commotion?
Yes, they are fully aware.
oHow committed is adopter?
200%
oWhat are the owner’s responses to behaviors good and bad?
My dog was very excited to be in a new place and pooped in the back yard. LOL. They just
laughed and had no problem with it. They interacted very well with my dog at all times and kept
getting misty because she reminded them so much of their previous dog. They really miss having
an Airedale. They are not considering any other breed.
oDo owners demand perfection or have unreasonable expectation regarding behaviors?
Not at all.
oDo the owners appear to know some basic training techniques?
Yes.
oHow do the animals react to the owner’s response?
My dog thought they were great. ☺
Important Question to Answer:
oExplain that re-homing a dog is stressful for the dog.
They are aware.
oThat 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.
Not a problem.
oAsk the applicant what they would do or how they would react to the new dog having an
accident. What was their reply?
It was a non-issue for them. They’d just clean it up and go about the day.
Additional Information:
oPlease describe any additional information about the home environment that you feel is
pertinent.
I think this will be an ideal family for any dog. Whoever gets them will be one lucky pooch.
oIs there anything in general or specifically that would cause you to feel uncomfortable about
placing a dog or cat in this home?
Nothing at all.
o”Gut feelings” are considered important. Would you feel comfortable leaving your own dog
with the applicant?
Absolutely. In fact, we have already talked about babysitting each other’s dogs when we travel
places where we can’t take a dog. I plan to leave my 2 dogs with them in early February,
assuming that won’t interfere with a new adoption.
Conclusion:
X Approve Applicant Absolutely!
Do not approve applicant
Approve after additional counseling of applicants and/or
Approve after modifications to the home environment
Please describe:
Additional comments:
Doesn’t get better than this couple.
Home Evaluator’s Signature: __________
Date: 21 December 2019 __
Contact information: Email & Phone No.:
Nina Bruhns, Summerville SC
843-696-0222 NBruhns@aol.com
