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Applicant(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.
APPROVED TO ADOPT
From Dirk Roskam: Positive home visit complete, while young I think her experience with Airedales will serve her well. 2 of three roommates present, both will be primary caregivers.
HV Evaluation Form attached as PDF media file
Call scheduled with Jeanne and Larry for Sunday, 10/12, but received an email prior to the call that they decided to not move ahead with an adoption. No reason provided:
Jeanne, thank you for letting us know. Whenever you’re ready in the future, just reach out.
Mary
On Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 7:56 PM Jeanne Wentworth
Mary,Larry and I have decided not to pursue the adoption process at this time.
Please cancel our telephone interview for tomorrow.
Thank you for your time.
Jeanne Wentworth and Larry Tyree
Our phone Please cancel9-29-25 – Dirk Roskam has agreed to do the HV, which will likely be next week as this week will not work. HV eval form, application and interview notes sent.
9-29-25 – Dirk Roskam has agreed to do the HV, which will likely be next week as this week will not work. HV eval form, application and interview notes sent.
Applicant(s): Abby Riera
Interview Date: September 26, 2025
Status: Move to HV
Notes: Abby loves Airedales. When they had their previous ADT, Armando, who came to them when she was in 3rd grad, and passed this summer, she went through a series of training courses, including Canine Good Citizen, handling, and other courses. She recently kept Astro for 3 weeks when her parents were out of town and realized how much she missed having an Airedale around. She feels now would be a good time to adopt a dog.
Abby has two roommates, Adrianna Powers and Melanie Harper. Adrianna is more hands on with the dog and took an active hand with Astro’s care when Abby was in class and is willing to be a number 2 carer for Abby’s new dog. Melanie is more of a cat person but is willing to step in when necessary, as she did with Astro’s visit.
Abby is in classes from 8-10 in the AM. When Astro stayed with them, she would sleep with her and would then get up when she did. She then take Astro out to the front to do his business and on their return, Astro would jump into bed with Adrianna until she got up. When Abby returned, she would then play with him and/or take him to the Dike, a dog friendly park about 10 minutes away where they could walk and Astro could even swim.
Abby will graduate next December 26 (2026) with a double degree in Marketing and Business. She will intern in the summer and plans to bring the dog with her. There are a bunch of tiny homes in the area, so she expects she’ll move into one of those that allows dogs.
Abby and her roommates live in a 3 story townhome. Although there is no official yard, the property does open up to a grassy area and there is a fenced dog park, Seneca PetSafe Dog Park, nearby, about 15 minutes away.I reached out to EPOCH, the town home owner/managing company and they noted that Abby is allowed to have a dog, they just require she come into the office and officially register the dog.
Abby’s parents are 100% in support of Abby adopting an ADT and will support her in any way needed. If she needs cash for emergencies or even to babysit, they will be happy to do it.
Vet Report: The Riera family keep Astro up to date with all vaccines and he is on Simparico Trio for flea/tick/heartworm. He was kept in good health and always looked happy.
References:
Adrianna Powers:
Hi Mary, thanks for reaching out! I think Abby is a wonderful dog owner and someone I’d feel completely comfortable leaving my own animal with. When Astro stayed with us, he always seemed comfortable and content. Abby has so much patience with animals, even when accidents happen in the house or they need extra care and love. She’s very active and always made it a priority to take Astro along so he could get exercise too. Whether it was a walk, a run, or even just a car ride, it was never a question for either of us to bring him along. At night when he got the zoomies, she never got frustrated and she was always happy to play and give him the attention he needed. Coming home from work or school, we both loved being greeted by such a happy pup. Astro was definitely treated as part of the family, as would be any new dog that comes into our home. Abby made sure he had everything he needed and kept him on a consistent routine with food, bathroom breaks, and fresh air. I’m very protective of my own animals, and I would have absolutely no problem trusting them in her care. A lot of people say they’re dog lovers, but during the time Astro stayed with us, it was so clear that Abby genuinely cares for and loves animals as much as she says. I’m always happy to support and help her, and I’m excited to see her become a dog mom![Note: Although Adrianna is a roommate and I would normally request another reference who is not in the same household, because she is going to be assisting with care for Abby’s dog, I wanted to get her thoughts on Abby as a dog caretaker.]
Liam Foley:
Hey, yes she is a very big dog lover and has been taking care of her parents dog the past month or so. She treats them with great patience and takes them on walks daily. She treats her dogs as siblings. She helps me take care of my cat every now and then if I need help. I think she would be a great candidate for a dog.Dog Requested:
In her application, Abby noted she would like a dog up to 4 years old but she did acknowledge during our call that she thought a puppy would be a lot to handle. Speaking to her mom, Andreina, who adopted Biggie/Astro, they decided it would be best to adopt a dog starting between 1-2 years old and up to 4.Applicant(s): Claire Shamiyeh
Interview Date: September 20, 2025
Status: Highly recommend; Move to HVNotes:
She has also looked at adopting a Welsh through WTCares but likes the idea of the bigger Airedale as a woman living alone.
I was impressed by her maturity; she had clearly thought out this whole idea of adopting a dog, such as contacting her references prior to our phone call, and also carefully considering the best dog for her (and the best situation for the dog) and not just being excited about any available dog and not considering ramifications.Claire plans to provide regular morning walks and to also being active outside. She begins medical school next year and because it is a hybrid program, any non-lab courses are online and she will be home even more than she is now. Additionally, the school is very close to her home – just 2 minutes away – so her commute time will be negligible.
She expects the dog will probably be in his/her crate for about 3 hours. Although she is gone about 8 hours a day currently, she plans to come home during lunch once she has the dog. She does not expect the dog will be alone for more than 5 hours. Once the dog is at home and it is safe to leave him/her out, she will likely leave the crate open and available; this is what they do with Lily at home, providing ‘me time’ for Lily. We did discuss what she will do when medical school is at its end and she’s in residency, what with the long hours. She feels she will have been established in the area for long enough that she will have identified a caring, responsible sitter/walker.
RE: Vet and references – Claire had already reached out to them to let them know someone would be contacting them. This is a rarity in my experience – usually I have to ask applicants to do this and I feel this is additional evidence of this being a well thought out decision on Claire’s part.
Claire doesn’t yet have a vet in Greenville so I suggested she reach out to the family vet in TN for a referral, as well as post on the ARG FB page for recommendations.
Vet Report:
Monica Webb – Countryside Veterinary Services: The vet’s office confirmed Lily is kept up to date with vaccines, is on Simparico Trio and is both healthy and happy.References:
Lori Johnson: “They treat their dog like a true member of the family. I’m sure Claire’s dog will be a grand dog to her parents who will look forward to their visits. Claire is a very kind, responsible young woman and I would fully trust her with my dog.”Luke Bibee: “ I could not think of a better pet owner than Claire Shamiyeh. Her and her family are absolutely amazing and she have always treated their animals wonderfully. They are very healthy, on great diets, and get plenty of exercise. Claire is wise beyond her years and is incredibly responsible. She is the first to prioritize others and would undoubtedly make the best dog owner. I have entrusted her to look after my own dog and she was my first call to do so. I could not think of a better person for a dog to have the opportunity to be adopted by! That’s going to be one very lucky dog!!!”
Dog Requested:
Per email from Pat Hairston following conversation with Claire’s mother:
Claire is interested in Chas who is in Indiana with HART. We just assume not go there. She also is interested in Charlie. Charlie is going to prior adopters Brian and Barbara Doyle in Hilton Head on Sunday.So that leaves Duchess. Here is here info:
Sure. I will also let Mary know. She is the one going to talk with your daughter.
We have a 6 yr old female in GA that was just surrendered. She is with an older couple who can’t manage her any more. They have kept her outside in a large enclosure but she is indoors overnight and crated. She is not spayed and needs to be updated on shots which ARG will pay for once in a new home. She also needs grooming Her name is Duchess weighs about 55 lbs and is on heartworm prevention.
She is a more independent girl so don’t expect a cuddley one. She walks ok on leash but gets distracted easily and needs some work. She is not well socialized. She is being fed Diamond Naturals, and she does have a sensitive stomach.
The couple that have her took her in a breeder that was retiring due to illness. They have had her a year.
She is located in Blue Ridge GA. I have asked for a better photo.
Best to be placed in an adult home and no female dogs and no cats.
Claire’s mother filled her in on Chas and Charle. We did discuss Duchess – Claire does not feel she is the best fit for Duchess given her lack of socialization and not getting along with other females. Lily, the family Welsh, is 15 and we both felt concern for Lily’s safety should Duchess have issues. She felt she could probably learn but doesn’t feel it right to attempt and to possibly have to rehome Duchess again. She was also concerned that should Duchess have an altercation with another dog, she might not be physically strong enough to handle that.
Claire needs a well socialized dog who will get along with other dogs. She has no preference for male or female. She would prefer a younger dog perhaps a year or so up to about 6 or 7. She prefers a younger dog in the hopes of delaying loss given she is young and has a long life ahead. We discussed a puppy – being aware they aren’t common to find in rescue – and while she feels she could do it, she knows it would take additional adjustment and prepping. She does already have a crate.
APPROVED TO ADOPT
Karl & Joanne Kinscherf have approved the Fischers to adopt:
Joanne and I conducted the home evaluation at the Fischer home today. Please find attached the completed forms. Let us know if you have any questions, or need any additional information. We feel they would provide a loving environment for a rescued Airedale.
Karl and Joanne Kinscherf
HV Evaluation form is attached to Fischers’ file
