[Mary McEneaney]

Applicant(s): John & Rhonda Kinney
Interview Date: July 30, 2026
Status: Move to Home Visit

Notes: I spoke with both John and Rhonda, although John was the primary speaker and will be the official adopter. The Kinney’s have had three Airedales, the last one being Wrigley, who they got from Jean Surfas in Wisconsin. Their first Airedale, Nicky, passed at 5 YO due to an autoimmune disease. They took her for treatment at Purdue University’s vet clinic. While under treatment, she participated in a study and the results seemed to be she was over-inoculated – getting too many shots all at one time. Since then, their dogs have gotten all their shots but have only gotten one at a time. Wrigley, their most recent dog, passed just before turning 14. All their dogs were spayed.
The Kinneys do have a pool so I asked how they would handle that. They told me they’d taught Wrigley how to swim and will teach their next dog as well.

John is home most of the day although he walks quite a bit and also works out at a gym. They have a large fenced yard and their neighborhood is very walkable.

They would like a young adult – one to four years old, female. John and Rhonda are both in their 70s. In May, John had surgery and then he fell so had to have another surgery. They are Airedale experienced but not having met them, I do wonder, given their ages, if perhaps a 3 to 4 or even 5 YO would be a better option – get all that puppy energy out of her and better control/listening behavior. Their desire for a younger dog is because they know that adopting a younger dog, generally, will provide more years together.

The dog would be free to roam the house and allowed to sleep in their bed with them, as their previous Airedales did. They would work with a group obedience class, such as at PetSmart, and the dog would go with them whenever they traveled.

I asked about whether we would need to be sure the dog was child-friendly. There are no small kids visiting/in the household and their nephews are 14 and 16. As far as kids in the neighborhood, they work with the dog/kids to make sure there is proper introduction between the dog and humans.

Vet Report:
The vets office only saw Wrigley since they had moved from up north 7 years ago. Wrigley was kept up to date with all vaccines and was given Bravecto for flea/tick/HW preventative. The office saw her regularly and she was given very good care, stating “they did everything, including dentals.”

References:
These are not the two references on their application. In talking they also gave me Michelle’s and Robin’s information. I got the feelng they were more ‘in proximity’ perhaps neighbor friends, so I called them since I wasn’t sure how physically present the ham radio friends were to see the Kinneys with Wrigley or their previous dogs vs. just hearing about them over the radio.

Michelle Bailey:

Oh, they are 100 percent great dog parents. Wrigley and all others were spoiled beyond measure (same way I’ve always treated my rescues). I’m so happy to hear they are wanting another! I know losing Wrigley really broke their hearts. The dog will be their baby, for sure. Well taken care of, properly vetted, loved, spoiled….all the great things. Thanks for reaching out!

Robin Martin:

John and Rhonda would be the best dog owners. They treated their dogs like they were one of their family. Wrigley looked so happy and healthy. They have a doggie door that leads into a beautiful backyard. Their dogs had access to going out anytime. They were playful, happy and healthy.

We have 3 dogs and we go down and take them all to their home. John and Rhonda treated our babies like they were theirs. I can’t say enough good things about them. I know with all my heart that they were and will make the best dog parents. I would trust them with my girls 100%.

Dog Requested:
The Kinneys would like a female in the 1 – 4 YO age bracket, although perhaps a 2-1/2 to 5 YO might be a better fit given their ages and John’s recent health incidents, although John does seem to stay fit. This would be something to look for during the home visit – whether they would be up to a ‘teenage’ dog vs an older, more settled youngish adult dog.

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