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Airedale Rescue Group
November 5, 2023
Re: SOAR placement of Airedale “Greta”Ted,
After speaking with you and then following up with members of SOAR and ARG, the difficult decision has been made to remove you from our approved list.
We certainly realize that accidents can happen, however being that you were not forthcoming with the fact that it was indeed you that the SOAR post referred to about Greta missing was extremely troublesome. You did not admit your involvement until the incident of a dog near Toledo escaping was brought up by me in our conversation. That truly was disappointing. We cannot in good conscience “put you back on the list” as you requested.
Additionally, other troublesome findings have come to light regarding the level of activity and attention given your dog(s) in the past. Whether or not true, we rely on the information that folks who genuinely love Airedales give us. Full disclosure is needed from all parties involved in the rescue/re-homing process.
I will be copying this letter to both ATRA and SOAR. As you can certainly understand we need to be able to place our surrendered Airedales in safe and attentive homes.
We wish you luck in finding a companion, as I know you sorely miss your dog. Perhaps an older, less active shelter dog would be more in keeping with your lifestyle.Regards,
Kelly Imbody, ARGGood morning everyone. I’m going to apologize in advance for this long, protracted email.
As you may or may not be aware, SOAR had a ‘dale escape a vehicle about 10 days ago. I saw the post on facebook and became concerned because one of my applicants (Ted Bizjack) whom we had offered a ‘dale to, and he declined saying that he had just accepted a ‘dale from SOAR. As a reminder, Ted spends his time between Myrtle Beach and Toledo, OH. When he told me this I said “great” and made a note on his board that he’d adopted from SOAR.
Then came the facebook post. The town listed wasn’t Toledo, but after googling the town, it was near Toledo. Was Ted involved in this?…hmmmm. I checked the SOAR site a day later and Greta, the escaped ‘dale had been found. Yay!!!! In the meantime I get a voicemail from Ted asking me to call him. Very suspicious.
So I call him and he tells me to “put him back on our list, that it didn’t work out”. I asked him why and he just gave me some vague reasons that she needs more room to run, just not the right dog for him etc. Then I told him that I had seen the facebook post from SOAR about the escaped ‘dale. Ted’s response was “that was me.” I asked him what happened and he told me that he went to the store and when he came out and opened car door, Greta bolted…leash and all. He said that he “should have tied the leash around the gear shift and this wouldn’t have happened. He said that he ran after her but couldn’t find her. It was getting dark so he went home. About 3 hours later, he gets a call from SOAR, Greta has been found and would he go pick her up. He did.In the meantime, Chris Bettis, from SOAR calls him and asks him what happened and why isn’t he out looking for her. His response was it’s dark. She told him to post flyers…he didn’t know how to do that. She said she’d email him one. So Greta is found, Ted picks her up. Chris calls Diane Butler who has adopted out to Ted in the past and knew him. Chris asks Diane to call Ted and implore him to turn Greta over to SOAR. Chris, in talking with Diane felt that Ted isn’t the same Ted that Diane knew. He’s experienced some major life changes (his wife passed away recently and he’d had to put his ‘dale down etc.) Diane called Ted, Ted turned over Greta back to SOAR and she’s safe.
Greta came all the way from AR to OH in her transport. Very stressful!!!!!!! Ted has had 4 Airedales in the past, so by rights should be pretty Airedale savvy. He should have known better that to load her back up in the car to run some errands. That being said, she should have been secured in the vehicle. But more importantly he wouldn’t have told me that it was he that was involved in the escape incident without me bringing it up. He was not forthcoming/honest. I HATE that. He said “I hope this doesn’t ruin my chances.” (ya think???!!???) I told Ted that I’d have to think this over and talk to the other gals in ARG.
So, I had in the meantime messaged Lynn O’Shaunessy who passed my message on to Chris Bettis, both of SOAR. Chris and I spoke. She told me of the incident, of Diane’s involvement and that apparently at his residence in Toledo that he has a pole out in the yard and he tethers his ‘dales to it vs. walking. She told me that he told SOAR and ATRA in his application to them that he is fenced in Myrtle…he is not. I did his home visit, but he assured me that he walked his dog daily thru his neighborhood down there.
I am planning to send Ted a letter stating that we feel we can’t adopt out to him. I plan to copy that letter to both SOAR and ATRA.
I guess I really didn’t need to “talk” to you gals as I’m gonna do this regardless. I just want to keep you in the loop. I will put this on Ted’s board, will change his topic and send the letter.
At least this had a happy ending in that Greta was found. I just hope she finds a safe, forever home. Thanks for “listening”!
Love you all!
KelGood morning Tim, Patti and Keith,
Tim & Patti….Keith has graciously agreed to do your home visit. He will be in touch with you via text/call/email to schedule a time that works for you all. Keith may opt to bring his Airedale with him for the visit. ARG asks that both you and Patti be present at the time of the home visit. Please reach out to me with any questions and/or concerns. I’ll be anxious to hear about the visit!!!
Warmly,
Kelly Imbody, ARG
219-628-0071
kevnkell@hotmail.comAiredale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Tim & Patti Gard
10/30/2023OMG!!!! After talking to Tim a wanted to put a stamp of approval on them right away!!! Their “rescue story” about Rex (their current ‘dale) is on their application, but is much deeper that what is written. In any event, Rex and the Gard’s rescued each other as Tim will readily admit.
Rex is about 3 and a ½ years old. He is neutered. He gets along well with other dogs and the Gard’s 4 grandchildren ages 12, 9, 6 and 4. Tim says he doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body. The frequently attend the Charlotte area Airedale meet ups.
The Gards have 4 children, all in the area anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour away. The Gardsl work from home. Rex has the run of the house. The backyard is fenced with chain link. Their home is in downtown Kannapolis and he gets walked at least 3 times a day. He was a mess when they rescued him and Bob Marley would have been a more fitting name as he was covered in dreadlocks. They feel that he had been on his own for some time as his coat could attest to but also weighed 58 lbs. He was neutered but not chipped. He knew several commands. It took him 8 days to feel comfortable coming into the house and then leaving the deck.
He now loves to go for rides, is a cuddle bug and has truly enriched Tim and Patti’s life.
Both references have no qualms regarding the Gards. Jack Odin is the founder of the Charlotte Area Airedale Club and says these are great people. Take great care of their dogs. Sissy Harrison is the gal that found Rex on her property….he just showed up. Sissy said these folks should be first on the list to get a dog.
Vet reference was without reproach. All up to date, no red flags.I have emailed Keith Lehr and Dale McGlammery re: a HV
Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Sally & Oliver Miller
10/27/23The Miller’s have recently moved from Beaufort, SC to Dawsonville, GA. They have been there about 4 months. I spoke with Sally with Oliver listening on speaker.
Their neighborhood is gated and entirely fenced…it only includes 8 homes. Their own yard is fenced, and they do have a pool. They don’t have any type of barrier to keep the dog from the pool but stated that one of their Welshies loved the water and the other didn’t go anywhere near it. Sally stated that they never leave their dogs unattended in the yard/leave them out by themselves. The fencing is wood slats with wire but the dogs cannot get through between the slats. Their home is surrounded by woods.
Sally describes herself as “very healthy” and Oliver as “relatively healthy with back problems.” They currently have one Welsh Terrier having lost the other about a month ago at the age of 14. Oliver
had an Airedale in the past. Sally related that their current Welshie, Quincy had a rough time initially without his buddy Skipper.
Quincy has the run of the house, he used to sleep in his crate but since Skipper is gone, sleeps in bed with them. Sally stated that Quincy likes his crate and she will crate him is there are workmen etc. in the home.
They will consider either a male or female from about the age of 2 on up. They have a golf cart that Quincy loves and he is a good rider. Her niece is a Vet so that comes in handy on occasion.
Both personal references gave glowing reports on the Millers. Mary Lee Grove is in Beaufort, SC & has known the Millers for about 10 years and lived in the same neighborhood from which the Millers moved. Mary Lee has a Dachshund. She describes the Millers as excellent dog mom & dad. They are very on top of everything and have excellent Vets. They get Vet Techs to stay at the house when they travelled. Karen Trybalski also had nothing but good to say about them. She said they spare no expense when it comes to their dogs. The dogs are well behaved and have wonderful personalities. Karen would dog sit for them in their home as well.
Vet reports up to date on vaccinations. Went above and beyond with care for the dogs.Airedale Rescue Group would like to thank you both for your interest in and love of Airedales.
After reviewing your application and your preferences, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that an Airedale would not be a good fit for you at this time due to your work schedule. As you are most likely aware, Airedales and most dogs for that matter, come into rescue because of troublesome issues. These issues are exacerbated through the surrender and re-homing/adoption process. We see a regression in training/learning, an escalation in aggression issues if present and acting out just to name a few. We rarely have a perfect Airedale…something we’d all like!!
Stability, time, patience and consistency are just a few of the ingredients in a successful rescue recipe. Our goal at ARG is to find the best, most nurturing and permanent home for our Airedales.
We wish you well in your search for an addition to your family. We are just unable to help at this time.
Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARGOn Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 9:22 AM Jackie M. Cash
Morning, all. Thank you, Mark, for submitting Melissa Butley’s application. We have her application as well and one of our volunteers has spoken with her.Melissa, I am sorry that we cannot approve you to adopt because of your current work schedule, working 3 12-hr shifts a week. If that chAnges, we will be happy to reconsider you.
Jackie Cash
Airedale Rescue GroupOn 10/14/2023 7:45 AM CDT Mark Howitz
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for submitting an adoption application for a SOAR rescue Airedale. Have you also contacted your local TN Airedale rescue organization – ARG – Airedale Rescue Group? They can assist you in the approval process and make you aware of any dogs they have available. I have copied their TN state coordinator on this email. If you have any questions, please contact me any time.
Again, thank you for applying and good luck with your search.
Mark Howitz
847-502-7388 Mobile
________________________________________Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Melissa Burley
10/11/2023
Melissa lives on a lake on the side of a mountain in TN. She has a 2 bedroom home, with a chain link fence. A lot of wildlife in the area. She has been there just over a year having moved from Houston, TX after spending 20 years there. She has had no direct contact with Airedales though she has “met” a few over the years. Melissa grew up around dogs. Her Mother raised Dobermans and Rotweilers; did drug and tracking training as well as boarding and grooming of dogs. Melissa has had a Boston, Terrier, Yorkie, Yorkie mix, Dachshund mix and a “tea cup” Yorkie over the years. She is single, 44 yrs old. No children and no family in the area. All family is in VA.
Melissa is a great potential adopter with the exception of her work schedule. She is a travel nurse, but travels locally…no more than a 1 ½ hour commute each way. She works 12 hour shifts. With travel time and shift length (as an RN myself, you NEVER work just your 8, 10 or 12 hour shift…it’s always longer). She tries to work her 3 shifts in a row. She would like to become a flight nurse which will require ICU experience of at least 2 years. Her next contract is at Vanderbilt in the Transplant Unit.
I was very frank with Melissa in stating that her work hours are a concern. She kept referring to Boone. He sounds like a great dog but needs someone able to spend a lot of time with him. I asked what her plans were for a dog on her days of work being that she would be away from the house 16 or more hours. She hesitated and replied “…well I guess I could have my friend come over.” She had not as yet discussed this possible arrangement with her friend/neighbor. I got the distinct impression that she hasn’t thought this whole process through. I told her that her work situation is a major strike against her.
I spoke of the need for time, consistency, patience when rescuing as we do not want to have to re-home a dog that we’ve already placed because things don’t work out.
References: Both spoke very highly of Melissa. One having known her for about a year as they both are travel RNs and lived together for a couple of months. The other reference has known her for over 20 years and describes her as caring, empathetic and responsible. Reference knew her dogs to be well behaved and well taken care of.Airedale Rescue Group
Home Visit
Ted Bizjack
8/22/2023Ted Bizjack has 2 homes…one in Ohio and one in Myrtle Beach. He has completed applications with SOAR and ATRA being that he spends 5-6 months in Ohio, and the remainder in Myrtle Beach.
I visited the Myrtle Beach residence.
It is a condo, in a condo complex. About a block from the ocean. It is an older condo complex, with a pool.
It was very clean, carpeted throughout. It’s on the first floor. Owners of units are allowed to have dogs…renters are not. There is a small fenced/railed deck off the dining room which has a view of the ocean and the street.
He had a canvas print of his Ripley that he just lost about a month ago. He says that he takes his dogs (he’s had 4 Airedales) with him wherever he goes…within reason. If it’s too hot, of course he doesn’t.
He spends his time doing “whatever I want”. We talked at length about his ‘dales that he’s had in the past. Looked at pics on his phone. He desperately wants another Airedale.
Ted is retired and has plenty of time to devote to a rescue.Airedale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Ted Bizjack
July 29, 2023Ted has had 4 Airedales over the past 40+ years. He just recently lost “Ripley” whom was his 4th. He rescued Ripley from a gal by the name of Debbie Butler with NC Airedale Rescue? He lives part time in Ohio and part time in Myrtle Beach, SC…”at least 6 months in Myrtle Beach.” He states he spends more time in Myrtle than Ohio. He has completed applications with ATRA and SOAR and was told by one that they didn’t currently have any ‘dales and the other wouldn’t consider him because he isn’t fenced.
His home in Ohio is a neighborhood consisting of 4 streets with about 65 homes. There is a neighborhood behind him and corn fields everywhere else. There are no sidewalks in his neighborhood. His home in Myrtle Beach is a condo. He has a deck, but no designated yard as such but says there is plenty of green space for dogs to run, play and “do their business.” He stated that Debbie Butler (from whom he rescued Ripley) didn’t do a home visit…”she talked to my vet and that was good enough for her.”
Ted does his own grooming. Has never chipped a dog, but would definitely consider it.
He seemed well versed in all thing Airedale when speaking with him. He has only had females but would consider a male if it was a good fit. Ideally, he would like a 1 ½ -4 year old but would consider a “5 year old if it was again, a good fit.”
I told him I need to speak with his references and vet. He is currently in Ohio but plans to return to Myrtle the 1st part of August.
Reference: has known him for at least 25 years. Describes him as a good dog owner. His dogs were always well behaved and Ripley played with our dogs. No reason not to consider him.
Reference: Has known Jack for about 32 years. Reference lives on street behind applicant. Reference has 3 dogs, other neighbor has 8 (she took in 4 when their owner/neighbor passed away.) All dogs including applicant’s played well together. Reference stated that she has known all of Jack’s dogs over the years and they were good dogs…”they always had Airedales” (applicant’s spouse passed away about 5 years ago) States he is a great dog person.
Vet: (Waterway, Myrtle Beach) no red flags on chart; vaccine status incomplete due to 2 vets seeing client.
Vet: (Owens Ark Veterinary Hospital, Genoa, OH) states up to date between their practice & Myrtle Beach Vet. Tech was familiar with Ripley. “She was a great dog, it was very sad”. No red flags on client chart.
Google Earth of secondary address at 2233 N. Manor Dr. Genoa, OH 43430 shows rural/suburban neighborhood with good sized lots (looks like about an acre) Traffic doesn’t appear to be an issue as it has only one ingress/egress.
Applicant to contact me when he is in Myrtle Beach to schedule HV.July 14,2023
Joseph,
Airedale Rescue Group would like to thank you both for your interest in and love of Airedales.
After reviewing your application and your preferences, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we don’t have any Airedales that would be a good fit for you. As you are most likely aware, Airedales and most dogs for that matter, come into rescue because of troublesome issues. These issues are exacerbated through the surrender and re-homing/adoption process. We see a regression in training/learning, an escalation in aggression issues if present and acting out just to name a few. We rarely have a perfect Airedale…something we’d all like!!
Stability and consistency are just a couple of ingredients in a successful rescue recipe. Our goal at ARG is to find the best, most nurturing and permanent home for our Airedales.
We wish you well in your search for an addition to your family. We are just unable to help at this time.Sincerely,
Kelly Imbody, ARGAiredale Rescue Group
Phone Interview: Joseph Scott
July 7, 2023Joseph Scott lives with his 5 y/o son in a 2 story home in Fayetteville, NC on a cul-de-sac. There are sidewalks in the neighborhood and little traffic. He tells me he has a 6 ft. fence made out of PVC. Google earth shows a wood stockade fence. He states there is a dog park in the neighborhood. HOA requireds that dogs be leashed. His wife works in in VA and is active military. She has a Jack Russell terrier named Levi. Joseph tells me he is employed as a logistics analyst for the Navy. He said is not active military. He works between his home and the office…going into the office probably 3 days/week. Both Joseph and his wife have family in the Fayetteville area.
He has been without a dog for 3 or 4 years. His exposure to Airedales was dog sitting for a manager that had an Airedale. He states that he has experience as an assistant to a K9 handler when he was in the service.
It gets a bit murky when I called his personal reference whom turned out to be his wife.
She described Jonas their son as a high energy 5 y/o. Learning to express his emotions, improving his verbal skills and going to pre-school. He does not like small dogs. (Levi, the Jack Russell is a small dog??)
The wife states that Joseph will be retiring soon from the Navy…thought he wasn’t active military?
The vet reference that was listed was for another Jack Russel and a Yorkie that they had had in the past. Why wouldn’t they list the vet for Levi?Bottom line is things just don’t add up with these folks. Doesn’t seem like a real stable environment plus the fact that the child has some emotional/developmental issues. I can see a dog coming back into rescue if they were to get a dog from us.
I will send them a letter.Airedale Rescue Group
Home Visit: Brian & Katie Slattery
June 24, 2023Following is from phone conversation with Keith Lehr regarding HV conducted today.
These are great people. They have had Airedales in the past, most recently having lost their ‘dale to cancer. Katie grew up with an Airedale so they are well aware of the temperament and all that goes with the breed. They are dog on the couch kind of people, back door open etc. They have a nice home, a large back yard.
Their main issue is that whatever Airedale they bring into the home needs to get along with Cooper their ADT/mix who is also a tripod.
The dog will spend a few hours a day alone as the 2 younger kids (ages 15 & 16) are in school. Brian and Katie live just 4-5 minutes from home.
They have a wood fence…looks to be about 20 years old. An industrious dog could probably get out if it wanted to bad enough. They don’t want a young dog…would prefer an older dog.
The logistics of having Cooper “meet” potential ‘dale would have to be worked out.
