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Applicant(s): August & Jon Ormand
Interview Date: January 19, 2026
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes: When August was a teen, she worked in a pet store where there was an Airedale for adoption. She spent a lot of time with him, often going in just to visit and take him out since he was in a small approximately 3×3 crate.
The Ormands are generally home during the day: Jon only works about 4-10 days per month and August works from home, only going to the office for about 3 hours every Thursday. Their property is about an acre and is almost all fenced.
I did ask about the dog, Scout, that they mentioned in their app had been stolen but that was 16 years ago so not a recent occurrence. Shelby is 11 and has been with them since he was about 6 weeks.
They have previously fostered some dogs but found the personalities of the dogs were not right for the family. One was a husky, the other was a lab mix, who was better suited to the family but was quickly adopted out. Their current dog, Shelby, was from a backyard breeder and is a bit skittish; the family would like a dog that would be more involved with the kids and family overall. The 16 YO son would very much like a dog he can do things with.
The family is very active. They regularly go on walks/hikes and there are lots of opportunities for outdoor play with the children who range from 2 – 16 in the home, and another older daughter who no longer lives at home.
The Ormands have fostered a few dogs, which they’ve found is a great way to test-run a dog for their family. August is very slow to commit to a dog, she told me, so fostering might be the best starting point for them, rather than jumping to full adoption. They’ve been discussing adopting an Airedale for about 4 years so they definitely are not rushing into this.
The Ormands understand that it will take time for a dog to adjust but they don’t want to force a fit that just isn’t there. August especially seems to really have taken the time to put a lot of thought into this adoption. Because of this, they are patient and willing to wait for the right dog to come along.
Vet Report: Waxhaw Animal Hospital confirmed that Shelby has been kept up to date with vaccines and with flea/tick prevention (Credelio) and heartworm (Heartguard).
References:
Sidney: “I would fully entrust them with any dog. They are a very caring family that love animals and they treat their dog, Shelby, very well so I think they should be able to adopt another dog.”
Riley (dog sitter): “I’ve taken care of Shelby several times in the past as well as seeing her around her family! She is definitely loved, even just by the way they talk about her. When caretaking for Shelby, I follow her routine the family has for her! Things such as walks and food schedule. Despite Shelby’s older age, she is still energetic and has a great back yard to play in. As well as a clean specious home! I’ve only had positive and fun experiences with the Ormand family!”
Dog Requested: Female, over 1 to 4 years old in overall good health; would consider a puppy but wants a dog that is past the chewing stage. They would like a dog with a good temperament, potty trained (not a deal breaker), is okay with children of all ages (they have a 2 year old). Likes to hike but is a family dog that likes to chill, ideally a dog that won’t always need a crate.
No jumping, mouthiness, growing or rough play (due to very young children), rough play with other dogs, Hyper activity level, food or toy with people.
Applicant(s): Brubaker, Sam & Brenda
Interview Date: 1/10/2026
Status: Incomplete.UPDATE: When I reached out to the Brubakers about getting a video home ‘visit’, sadly they replied “We have made the determination to not pursue having a dog. It is with great reluctance, but probably for the best for the pet. Thanks for getting us this far.”
I replied how sorry I was to hear this but knew they needed to do what was best for them, however, if they changed their minds, to just reach out and let me know. I then suggested perhaps an older less rambunctious dog would be a good option.
Notes: The Brubakers have been in their home for about 8 months. They currently don’t have a fence but told me they are going to “work on something quick’ to make sure they have a permanent fence. They have about an acre of land, which sits on an approximately 4 acre pond and about 300 yards away from the larger Lake Gaston. The Brubakers’ Airedale, Archie, was a jumper who could make it over a 5’ fence so they are aware of the need for caution and awareness when it comes to escaping ‘dales. With Bertha, their last ADT, she had no interest in taking off so not having a fence was a non-issue when they purchased the property.
Bertha had been kept for breeding and was 6 YO when the Brubakers adopted her. Just a year after adopting her, Bertha was diagnosed with cancer. They did everything they could and spent quite a bit of money ensuring she came through the cancer. When Bertha later got sick with kidney disease, the vet connected them with specialists and they did everything they could to save her and she got very special treatment. While this was costly, they felt they had to give her the best shot possible to live.
The Brubakers told me they ‘love their granddogs’ but can’t give up the Airedales muzzle and eyes; they also have two grandchildren, aged 6 and 7, who have been raised with dogs and cats.
They have looked at Welshies recently as well, as they considered possibly adopting a smaller dog, although they prefer the terrier This was about the time Remy decided something had to be barked at, so of course, Maddie had to join in, and it was impossible to talk. Far from being annoyed at the noisy disruption, the Brubakers just rolled with it as typical ADT behavior and got a good laugh. We shared other stories of Airedale character and it was very clear that the Brubakers understand and really enjoy the Airedale’s silly and goofy antics.
Vet Report: When Brenda and Sam told me that Warrenton Animal Hospital was a new vet for them and they’d only seen them once at the end-state of Bertha’s life, I had Brenda send me the information for the previous vet in Durham NC. Bahama Road Vet Hospital told me that Bertha had always been kept up to date with vaccines, and for flea/tick they used NexGuard and for heartworm, Heartguard.
References:
Becca Wilusz: “Sam and Brenda are absolutely incredible and will be amazing to any dog that is lucky enough to be cared for by them. “Uncle Sam” and “Aunt Brenda” are my Labrador retriever’s favorite people – he freaks out when they drop in for a visit and they take great care of him. Their precious dogs have been loved (and spoiled) and I know they were heartbroken when losing their last one. 100% have my full endorsement as a dog mom.”
Elliotte/Elliottes Pet Spa (Groomer): Elliotte was so excited about the Brubakers being ready for another Airedale that instead of just replying back to me via text, he called me. “These guys are the best people in the world; you couldn’t ask for better pet parents; could not be a better home; anything B [Bertha] needed, she got.” Elliotte told me they brought Bertha in for grooming every 5-6 weeks. She had been a breeding bitch and had had 18 puppies (!). She was obese when she was adopted by they brought her weight down and also had a number of tumors removed.
Dog Requested: If the dog has the right personality, they may choose to do therapy work with him/her. Bertha was about 90 lbs. but at this point, the Brubakers feel a smaller dog would be better for them. They have discussed another breed, including Welsh terriers, but really like the Airedale characteristics. They have no preference for male or female, and prefer a dog in the range of 1-4 years old.
Applicant(s): Jan & Wejun Robinson
Interview Date: December 30, 2025
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes: The Robinsons are in a heavily wooded area, per Google Earth. Jan is a part-tine caterer so is mostly home, and Weijun is retired. She is very active doing yoga and also walking a lot. Both of them will be responsible for the care of the dog. They do not have a fence so it’s important that the dog is well trained so he/she doesn’t run.
They will use a crate, which will be in their bedroom.
The Robinsons have two grandchildren, who are 11 and 15.
Their previous Airedale, Roscoe, they got from Ed Majestic. Roscoe was 13 YO when he passed.
I asked about steps they would take if the dog got lost and we discussed having the dog chipped. Additionally, she noted they would offer a reward as well as look actively.
Note: I meant to get clarification about her estimated annual cost of $600 per year for care so the Home visit volunteer should ask about this.
Vet Report: The Robinson’s were “always up to date with vaccines with their animals and regularly on flea and tick prevention.” Heartworm preventative was Heartgard Plus.
References:
Mary MacGinness: “For sure. In fact,1 would love in my next life to come back as one of their dogs as their pet. I would be well taken care of they are both great loving people.”Michele Van Cleave: “I have known them for almost 50 years. Lived next door to them for 10 years. They are true dog lovers. A dog would be so blessed to be placed with them. We have both had airedales and have loved them dearly. Their Airedale Roscoe was the best dog I ever have known. I am happy to provide any information you might need. Please find them a precious Airedale.”
Dog Requested: The Robinsons have no preference as to male or female. Age-wise, they are looking for a dog between 1 YO and 4 YO. They have two 2 YO cats so the dog will need to be cat-friendly. Additionally, the have family visiting that have dogs and cats.
Kaye reached out to me to let me know that she thinks right now fostering may be her best option. It sounds like there may be some changes in the next year – moving, possibly. I let her know that wouldn’t be a problem at all and let her know there would always be the option of foster to adopt.
Applicant(s): Kalandrian (Kaye) Davis
Interview Date: 12/6/25
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes: Kaye has not had an Airedale prior to this so I asked how she became familiar with the breed. When she first began looking at possibly getting a dog, she did a lot of research. She wanted a smart and protective dog and was interested in the Schnauzer but the Giant was too big and the Standard was too small. She is also interested in possibly training the dog to be a service-type dog. From what she’s seen, everyone loves these dogs and are very passionate about them.
She would like to adopt and is open to age. She also works at a local horse sanctuary.Kaye has been at Vanderbilt Medical Center for 11 years so she’s got good stability in her life. Her home property is about an acre and her family also has a larger farm that is about 5 acres with cattle. At the farm, the animals are more therapeutic/recreational focused. At her home, she has a 4’ chain link fence.
Kaye primarily works from home. On a typical day, they would eat breakfast then go for a walk, she would then work. She is active and would include the dog in her activities. While working at home, the dog would have free rein of the house. The dog would receive basic obedience training; there are local groomers, boarding, and a vet near the military base. There is a training program in the area for service dogs and she would also work with the dog at home.
In her app, she notes that the dog would stay in the garage when she was not home. I asked about that as I was concerned with chemicals, cleaning supplies, and other items the dog could get into. She told me her garage is heated and there is a crate in the garage. She also mentioned having a crate in the house and now seems more inclined to keep the dog inside the house. She told me the dog would pretty much be able to be where it wanted to be – if it wanted to be in, she would keep it in, but if it wanted to be out, she would let it out.
I asked what she would do if the dog got lost. She would get the dog chipped, if it was not already chipped when she adopted him/her, and would check at the shelters. She also has Ring camera so would post on the Ring app, which can be received by folks on social media who do not have the app. She would also alert the local police department.
When traveling, Kaye would plan to take the dog with her or would have someone stay in the house with he dog.
Kaye is very excited. She was actually in Atlanta Monday 12/15 – Thursday 12/18. We tried to get together to walk with my dogs but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get away due to having work done in my kitchen. I had hoped to see her firsthand with my dogs but it just wasn’t possible this visit.
Vet Report: Kaye does not currently have a pet so does not have a vet but she does work with one at the horse sanctuary where she volunteers.
References: Kaye did not include references in her application so I requested those from her and she sent me the contact information for the two below women.
Tiaura Lucas:
“Good afternoon as well, yes Kaye is always loving on my 3 pitbulls, she very kind to them and always have a snack or treat , they jump n love on her also n a playful way. I know she would be a great candidate to adopt and it would bring some excitement into her life, she been wanting a pup/dog for some time now.”
Shikora Black;
“Good morning Mary,
I’m happy to share my experience with Kaye Davis. While she doesn’t currently have a dog, Kaye has always had a natural, gentle way with animals. She is patient, attentive, and genuinely affectionate, and I’ve seen pets quickly grow comfortable around her.
I would absolutely trust Kaye with any of my own pets. She is responsible, compassionate, and understands the commitment of caring for a dog. I’m confident she would provide a loving, stable home for an Airedale.
Please let me know if you need anything further.”Dog Requested: Kaye is open as to the age of the dog. She would like a dog that she could bring to the farm and have around other animals, including cattle and horses. She wants a smart and careful animal and she also sees a dog as an investment as well as a pet. In the app, she mentions she is looking for a male 3-6 YO, but in discussion she told me that while she doesn’t want a puppy, she would be okay with a dog as young as 1 YO, with 2-4 being ideal, and even a few years older than that, and she would be open to a female as well.
Approved. Waiting for spare ‘dale.
Per Craig and Christine Lincoln:
Hi Mary,
We just returned from Lovelady’s home visit and they were outstanding. We think they would be perfect adopters and may also be a good resource for future rescue needs.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions!
Thank you,
Craig & ChrisApplicant(s): Brent & Mindy Register
Interview Date: 11/29/25
Status: Move to HVNotes: This will be the Registers first Airedale. Prior to moving to Gainesville, they lived in an apartment in Duluth and a neighbor had a very well behaved male ATD, which is how they came to know the breed. Their subdivision seems relatively new and is right on Lake Lanier. There is access to the lake and community docks and many friends visit with their dogs. Per GoogleEarth, there are no trees on the property, so no shade; although not ideal, if they don’t leave their dog(s) out in the warmer months, that would not be too problematic. Ideally, they’ll plant some relatively quick-growing trees.
The fence is a wood two-rail fence with additional wood beams creating an X in each section; attached to this is a coated wire grid fence to the ground, which secures the dog inside.
Their previous dog, Sassy, was Mindy’s Havanese, who she got when she was single. She did have seizures but Mindy told me Sassy was a wonderful dog and she lived to 12.
The Registers have two daughters. Briar, their 6 year old loves all dogs, they told me. Alexandria at 14 is old enough to help with care. The Registers rotate work from home days so the dog will only be home alone one day/week. Most days the dog will be alone only 1-2 hours. The dog will be walked and played with daily.
Vet Report: Sassy was kept up to date with all vaccines; HeartGuard for heartworm and NextGuard for flea/tick prevention.
References:
Virginia Cowden: I would highly recommend this sweet family. I’ve known Mindy and we’ve been close friends for almost 30 years. She helped me with my golden retriever puppy rescue, she helped me rescue my chihuahua terror mix from Appalachia while we were on a mission trip. Now her daughters adore my lab rescue and our funny nutty doodle. They always say their house is dog friendly if I want to bring my pups to visit. They have a fenced yard, lots of neighbors who walk their dogs now. They work from home several days a week so new dog would have lots of attention.
Sassy was a “prima dona” dog but very loved. Mindy would bring her to visit my parents who adored little dogs. She got her walks, stayed in the center of family activity and I know the last years were tough as she was aging and having accidents but they held on to get her gently through those years. I think she was 15 or 16.
So yes this family would be a dream family for a dog to live in. My dogs would move right in if they could. The youngest daughter at 5 will sit in my lap and just look at dog pics on my phone bc she loves them so much. My older lab goes straight to Alexandria and leans back on her for a back scratch. And Brent is always sweet to whatever pups I’ve got at the time.Leigh Holbrook: My experience being around Sassy and the family was that she was very much part of their family. The kids were playful, careful, but knew when to let Sassy have her space. Both Brent and Mindy talked about there walks with Sassy but I don’t know the specific needs or frequency that a Havanese needs to be worked. They know the importance of routine and exercise with dogs. Our rescue is an Irish Setter so their needs are different.
The great thing about both Brent and Mindy is that they are easy going, patient, and observant to ensure the rescue would be adjusting well. As far as our comfort leaving our dog with them, we would know our dog would be in good hands! Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Dog Requested: The Registers are looking for a female, aged at least 1 year to 4. Must be dog and kid friendly.
`12/2/25 – Craig and Christina Lincoln have agreed to do HV. App, notes, and HV Eval form sent – they are heading out of town Wed, 2/3 – Monday, 12/8, so I will connect them to the Loveladys, alerting them of the Lincoln’s vacation and that they’re likely to not hear from them until after Monday.
I’ve alerted Charles that I am looking to identify someone to do their HV and that both Duchess and Traveler have been adopted. I also noted that I’ve added ‘dog-friendly’ as a need since they are bringing a puppy into the home in December.
Applicant(s): Charles & Susan Lovelady
Interview Date: 11/21/2025
Status: Move to HVNotes: The Lovelady’s have a large home with some good yardage; much of it open space but with some trees in the back (based on Google Earth shots). They have an e-fence. They do have a large lake (Guntersville Lake) about 4 houses away, as well as a municipal park along the shore area, and a nearby state park. Susan hikes a lot and would take Amelia with her. Susan often backpacks in the Fall and Spring and while Amelia was off-leash, she would always stay close by.
Although they have no grandchildren locally, there is a new grandbaby in Virginia Beach that will periodically visit, and there are plenty of children around the parks where Susan hiked with Amelia.
The Loveladys travel a lot with their camper; one of those about the same size as an ambulance that is vehicle and camper all in one. One concern I have is that Amelia was not harnessed, seat-belted, or crated when they were driving. She would lay on her dog bed between the bucket seats or in Susan’s lap. Charles told me Amelia would not tolerate being harnessed in.
Susan was not on the call because she was on a hiking trip. Amelia had great recall which allowed them to let her off leash sometimes on their walks. I asked whether Amelia had learned to swim, because of the lake being so close and Charles told me that the trainer did work with her to swim so she could but she didn’t like the water. They worked with a professional trainer on recall, etc. and continually reinforced what she’d learned.
Amelia’s illness started out as pain in her leg, and they thought she’d perhaps just strained it. But then her face began to hurt. They made three ER visits before she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Charles & Susan have also put a deposit on a puppy that will be available in December. But Charles told me they would be happy to be a home for Duchess, or another dog that fit. I did note that Duchess already had some interested applicants. I did mention Traveler, although noted she had a recall issue but she’d had no training at all.
Charles was a doctor and prior to that, was a farmer. Susan’s Facebook page is full of pictures of her with Amelia, including both her profile and page photos, clearly indicating her love of Amelia.
Charles told me that they are also interested in volunteering.
Vet Report: Amelia was kept up to date with vaccines; she was given a 12 month heartworm shot and Credelio pills for flea/tick.
References:
Mel Klepper: Charles and Susan “treat animals as equals or better. All kinds of good recommendations. Great animal parents. Yes, I would be glad for them to care for my animals.”
Dan Mann: Shortly after texting Dan, he called me. “Can’t find any finer people. Susan had an Airedale; thought it would kill her when Mimi [Amelia’s nickname] died. Couldn’t find a better parent. They [Susan and Amelia] were inseparable.” Dan and Charles have been friends for years. They travel a lot and “Mimi always went with them. I can’t say enough about the care they gave her. They’re the kind of people you want as neighbors. It tore Susan and Charles up when Mimi passed. They took her to Chattanooga twice for care when she was sick. If I were a dog, I would want Susan to be my mom.
Dog Requested:
The Lovelady’s would like a female. They noted on their application that they are interested in a 5-8 year old but Charles told me they would also consider younger – from about a year plus; they would like an age that is young enough to still hike with Susan. Must be kid friendly and able to get along with other dogs because the Lovelady’s will be picking up an ADT puppy in December.Just communicated with Shari to let her know they were fully approved and noted in their file as ‘waiting for a spare ‘dale.’ She is very excited.
She also mentioned that after talking with Sue Taylor, they are thinking a younger than 1 YO would work for them. She is very concerned over a possible fence-jumper and possibly are thinking a pup less than a year would be less likely to jump a fence and get lost.
Applicant(s): Tracey Nicolai and Dan Black
Interview Date: 10-16-2025
Status: Move to HVNotes: Tracey and Dan both joined me on this initial call. Tracey is a long-time Airedaler having had 3: Dante, Mario, and Luigi, as well as at least one other terrier. They currently have a husky and have also had a pittie. The ‘dales have all bonded well with Tracey. She loves their silly personalities, which matches up with her own funny and fun-loving personality. Three of her/their dogs have been rescues. She is a realtor and markets herself as “a realtor for dogs… and the people who love dogs.” Many of their dogs have been rescues so she understands the need for time for a rescue dog to adjust to a new home and routines.
The property is about 4.5 acres with much of it fenced. Additionally, the area around the aboveground pool (with deck) is fenced. They are pretty far out in the country; per Google Earth, Chippendale Road is unpaved. They also have some unfenced woods.
Tracey has 3 kids and Dan has 1 son; all are adults. Tracey’s children do not have children of their own. Dan’s son has children so I mentioned the need for a dog that is child-friendly. They told me that none of their children live in Florida – hers in Virginia (where she lived previously) and Dan’s son is in Oklahoma. They haven’t visited Dan and Tracey in Florida. Tracey spoke enthusiastically about all her dogs and especially Airedales. She talked a lot about her different dogs, so much so it was hard to keep up with my notes!
Vet Report: Chemstrand Oak via text: “Hi. This is Lindsey with Chemstrand Oaks Vet. We received your message about The Nicolai family. The Nicolai’s are great pet parents. All their pets get vaccinated yearly, are spayed/neutered, and are all current on their heartworm prevention. Please let us know if there is any more information you need.”
References:
Toni: ”Hi Mary! One of the main things that bond Tracey and I is our love for animals. I would definitely entrust Tracey and Dan to care for my fur babies. They have a loving home with a large yard. Their dogs are happy and healthy and treated as family, not just pets. I highly recommend them to you.”Terry: “Yes they are both very trusted they use a vet here in pensacola all dogs updated, very nice home, fenced yard .They get chew boxes every month deliver to the hous. They also own their home.”
Dog Requested: Tracey noted an interest in Duchess since she does not like male dog, and Tracey and Dan have two males, that might not bethe best match. When I mentioned that she did say that she’d previously taken on another dog that supposedly had not gotten along with other dogs and bringing that dog into their home was no problem. This could be indicative of good dog-sense, training protocol, the dog not being as reactive as initially thought, any/all/none of the above, but it does seem she spends time with them and is patient.
She has no preference for male or female; she did say she preferred a puppy up to 1 year. However, Duchess is 6 so they are definitely fluid on the dog’s age.
