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Applicant(s): Madeleine and Chris Fischer
Interview Date: August 10, 2025
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes: I spoke only to Chris as Madeliene was spending a few weeks out of town at the Fischer family farm in Minnesota, which Chris inherited and is where he grew up. They miss Sallie very much and Chris is currently creating a photo album to memorialize her.
The family travels a lot between their home on Pawley’s Island and the farm in MN. They also like to camp as a family and their dog, being part of the family, goes where they go. Ben would sleep on Chris’ feet and Sallie would get on the bed with Madeleine but hop off as soon as Chris got in.
Sallie is their second Airedale. Their first Airedale, Ben, was from a breeder in MN – they’d been looking for a 65+/- pound dog and he turned out to be about 85 pounds. He did have health issues due to his size, including a twisted stomach, which they had stapled, and he also had an allergic reaction to a medication. Despite his size, Ben was very gentle.
Sallie was bred locally. She was a bit of an ‘oddball’ and her talk was never docked so it “would beat the walls around the house.” Sallie was generally a healthy dog until last October when she became incontinent. She had a degenerative back issue, which they got under control. Earlier this year, though, she began to rapidly lose weight.
The Fischers understand the costs that it takes for keeping a dog healthy and also the necessity of an extended time period for a dog to truly feel at home and acclimated to its new surroundings.
Vet Report: The Fischers most recent Airedale, Sallie, was up to date with vaccines and kept on Simparico Trio for flea/tick/HW. Dr. Boyd highly recommends them as owners and provided me with a recap of services provided to Salle from August ’20 to the day she was, sadly, euthanized in July ’25.References:
Brian Clark:
”Good afternoon. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on behalf of this wonderful family and personal friends of mine (20+ years)…their “fur babies” as they often refer to them are and have been considered part of their family; loved and cared for affectionately by Chris, Maddie and their two children.Yes, their previous Airedale Terriers have been well cared for, loved, exercised regularly, and even take vacations with the family (in recent years). Before their children grew some (one in college and one in middle or high school), the family would ask me to stay with their pets when they traveled. They would rather have me stay in their home where their pets would feel most comfortable. Their most recent Airedale, Sallie, was “my girl” and they even allowed my Rotador, Wilson, come to play with Sallie.
I reached out to Chris or he did me when I hadn’t heard from you about a reference on them rescuing an Airedale. I hope they will have an opportunity to assist your group and love another furry child. [Note: There was a typo in the application so my two texts to Brian did not make it to him.]
Thank you,
Brian Clark
Pawleys Island, SC”Sarah Rodenbeck:
Ms. Mary,
I have known Chris and Madeleine for over 22 years. In that time they have had 2 different dogs (Ben and Sally) that lived incredibly happy lives. They also have 2 children that also loved on both Ben and Sally and treated them both like family.
Madeleine and Chris have not only watch my dogs many times but I have also entrusted them with my children. Any dog that was adopted by their family is a very lucky dog! I know that the death of their last dog Sally has left a hole in their hearts and I am very glad they want to fill it again. They love the Airedale breed and I know are looking forward to adding a full or mini of that breed into their home!
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I am happy to answer them for you!Dog Requested: They are not interested in a puppy but are looking at a dog about 1 year plus; they prefer a female but may be open to a male. Sallie was a snuggler and I think they would like another dog who is also affectionate and snuggles. They have three cats so the dog would need to be okay with cats. I told him we would look for a dog who is okay with cats but did speak with Chris about how I handled Megan when I first adopted her and we went from Megan seeing Mo as a potential snack to sleeping together in one month. Their son is 21 and in college and their daughter is 16; I also have a note that there are no kids in the neighborhood but they note that they do not want a dog with fear of children so a child-friendly dog should be sought.
ON HOLD:
The Paynes have since adopted a senior dog from their local shelter. I’ve let them know that when they are ready for the next ‘dale, to just let us know and we’ll restart the process.
Congratulations to your new pup, Melissa! My first Aire-rescue was 12-1/2 so I definitely know how good it feels to give you a senior pup a final forever home.
I’m so sorry that someone pulled a no-show twice! I’ll check to see if there’s a mention in the record of your past application as to who that was so we can make a note not to ask them again.
When you’re next ready for an Airedale, just let us know. In the meantime, I’ll note your app as being on hold.
All the best to you both and your new senior pup!
Mary
On Sun, Aug 17, 2025 at 11:43 AM paynejandm
Good morning,Thank you so much for responding.
We have since rescued an elderly dog from a local animal shelter, who was in urgent need of a home.
We would like to adopt an Airedale in the future. In fact, we submitted an application several years ago, but the individual who was set to interview us at our home no-showed twice. Which was frustrating.
May we be placed on hold for future consideration?
We loved our airedale and have experience with the breed.
Respectfully,
Melissa
NOTE: This is the second time the Paynes have applied to adopt. The first time was in 2020. See notes above. Looks like their most recent Airedale likely came through private/direct adoption.
Debbie Sheehan reached out to Karen Freebern to schedule the home visit but since last speaking, Karen and her husband fostered, then fell in love with and adopted one of the dogs from the shelter where she volunteers:
From: Debbie Sheehan
Date: Sun, Aug 17, 2025, 3:43 PM
Subject: Re: Airedale Rescue Home Visit
To: Karen FreebernWe are actually travelling home today about 2 hours to go. We had a wonderful trip with our Son and his family.
I truly understand. We had one that we lost 4 years ago. Malachi had and will always have a special place in our hearts.
We wish you all and Jack the best. Would love to see a picture.
Debbie Sheehan
On Sun, Aug 17, 2025, 2:47 PM Karen Freebern
Dear Debbie,
I am thinking you are, or about to come home from your trip. I hope you had a great time. While you were gone I returned to the shelter where I volunteer. I fostered a dog that had swallowed a toy and fortunately was able to pass the toy (or would have been euthanized). I brought him home only to discover that he was a true gem.
He is a 2yr old brindle boxer mix, nothing I would ever dream of fostering or adopting. With that said, here he is and every day he warms our hearts. We don’t know his past as he was a stray. He was at the kennel for 2 months, not a barker, walks great on a leash, very polite, must of had some training, house broken,Really a wonderful young adult. We have decided we must keep him, he is that GREAT. My husband had his heart set on another Airdale but agrees that “Jack” is a great find and friend. We were really looking forward to meeting you both and your airdate. Thank you for all the interest and support you provided us.
Best wishes and Blessings,
Karen FreebernAPPROVED!
Per Diane & John Nix:
My husband and I had the pleasure of doing a home visit with The Huber’s at 6990 Burnt Knob Road Murfreesboro, TN, 37129 on Sunday 8-3-25. I was able to meet with Chip (Frank) and Cash their 14 year old son. Unfortunately, Jessica was called away to a family emergency in Alabama.
The home is large and well kept. The den area has hardwood floors and plenty of room for play. This is where the dogs spend most of their time. Couches and chairs are covered with blankets and covers and the dogs are welcome on them. The 2 Airedales are very friendly, well behaved and loving. They follow the verbal commands of both Chip and Cash. It is apparent that these dogs are loved and the dogs love them. Out back is a covered Patio that leads to a large fenced-in grass area with plenty of room for dogs to run and play. Landscaping is well kept and dog friendly.
Airedales are near and dear to Chip’s heart and he seems genuinely committed to helping any way he can. He understands all the challenges and possible health issues that fostering a dog can bring and is willing to do what it takes. He’s had older dogs and is familiar with the extra care they need such as shots and medicines. He does have a crate for transport or for quarantine if needed. Chip also has a flexible work schedule and is able to work from home as needed. The Huber’s seem to have a great support network around them with great neighbors that come on a regular basis to let the dogs out, if no one will be home for any extended length of time. They also enjoy taking the dogs to Cash’s Football and baseball games.
Cash is very comfortable around the dogs and caring. He’s 14 and very personable and polite. There was a heavy downpour while we were there and one of the dogs started pacing the floor, anticipating thunder and Cash jumped up to make sure the bathroom door was open, as this was the dogs safe space during thunder or fireworks.
I asked them if Jessica was totally on board with fostering and rescue and they both wholeheartedly agreed that she was.
I nor my husband have any reservations about recommending this family for Fostering or adoption. I think they will be a great asset to the Airedale Rescue Group.
Thank you for this opportunity to help.
Diane and John Nix
Debbie Sheehan and Karen Freebern have been trying to schedule a home visit. Hoping for 8/7/25 since Debbie and her husband will be going on vacation on 8/9. Karen will keep me posted.
PLACE ON HOLD; POSSIBLY TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE??
I received the below email from Kelly Stuart after reaching out to schedule a time to follow up on their application to adopt. She is just not ready for another Airedale – whether adopting or just fostering – so I let them know to just reach out when they are both ready and we will move forward with their application process.
“Hi Mary,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I wanted to let you know that at this time we (specifically me) are not able to foster or adopt an Airedale. I know in the future I will be ready to allow another dog to take space in my heart but not yet. Today marks 6 months since we lost Gunny, and although it has been a few months, it is still going to take some time for me to be ready to give my all to another 4-legged friend. We will continue to follow the Facebook page for updates on rescues.Thank you,
Kelly Stuart”
7/17/25 – Diane Nix has agreed to do HV. Email sent to Diane with Huber app, phone interview notes, and HV evaluation form. Immediately followed with email to Diane and Frank and Jess with contact info so they can schedule a HV that is convenient for all. I’ve asked for the Hubers 14 YO son, Cash, to be present, as well as both Frank and Jess.
Applicant(s): Frank & Jess Huber
Interview Date: 7/6/2025
Status: Move to HVNotes: The Hubers currently have two ADTs, Luna and Sadie, and Frank has had others in the past. Frank’s first ADT had been a stray that ended up on his family farm. They have had other dogs, most from the shelter, with one, a lab-mix, “Moose,” living to almost 20. They love how quirky the Airedale breed is.
The family grows lots of their veggies, which they also feed to the dogs. They also give them pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans, etc. They had a Bichon that lived to 17 before it passed. When Moose passed, they waited a year for when they were ready to bring another dog into the family. They reached out to an Airedale breeder in Guntersville, AL; Luna had been picked and a deposit paid but the person/family never picked her up so they were able to bring her home. Luna was very quiet and shy, and the ceiling fan scared her, so they decided to get another ADT. Sadie was given up by her original owner as she was ‘too much’ for them.
The dogs love the truck and go with them to Cash’s ball games, and love going to the beach with them; I confirmed they ride inside the cab. The Hubers consider the dogs part of the family and won’t leave them behind.
On a typical day, Sadie gets up first and she and Frank go outside into the smaller of the two runs they have. When Luna gets up later, they go back out into the larger yard area. The dogs have free reign of the house
The Hubers are interested in fostering, possibly adopting, and per Frank, they “just want to help.” They can help with transport, evenings during the week; weekends are harder for them because their son Cash plays baseball and often has games on the weekend but Frank did add that if there was a real need, Jessica could take Cash to his game and he could help with transport or other tasks. Frank told me that if it means finding a new home for an Airedale, they will be happy to drive. They do have crates that could be used for transport.
Their 19 YO daughter, Harley, has plans to be a vet and is currently in a pre-vet program at UT. When younger she showed farm animals.
The Hubers have a neighbor across the street, Rochelle, who has two poodles and who they can count on to help out if they find themselves running late. The dogs have been trained to ring a bell if they need to go out.Vet Report: Luna and Sadie are both up to date on vaccines and receive Simparica Trio for flea/tick/HW. They also treat their lawn for fleas/ticks with granules they spread.
References:
Sean Floyd: Hey Mary!!! Frank and Jess love Luna and Sadie just like their own children lol! They are amazing people and very great dog owners. I would definitely recommend them as a foster or owner.
Their love and temperament are perfect for animals and they have the property to match. I couldn’t think of two other people that are more suitable and qualified than them. I hope this helps you in your decision.
SeanLarry and Jamie Winett: “We have been friends of Jess and Chip Huber the last 25 years and would recommend them as foster dogs parents. They bring their Airedales to our house, the dogs are well cared for and people friendly.” The Winetts also provided a photo of their two very sweet looking labs, one blonde, the other black.
Dog Requested: NA. The Hubers aren’t necessarily looking to adopt; they just want to do what they can to help this breed they love. They could foster, help with transport, etc., although if the situation is right, they might be interested in adopting.
Applicant(s): David Beckett
Interview Date: July 6, 2025
Status: HV to be handled via video due to need to have Chief moved into foster ASAP.Notes: David’s lot is large, about 4 acres, and, from Google Earth, looks quite wooded. It is not fenced; when I asked him about that, he told me that is landlord has offered to have it fenced in but David feels that could create a false sense of safety for a dog since coyotes can easily jump up to a 6’ fence but dogs won’t. (Confirming what he said in his app.) As a result, David would not let his previous dog, Kodi, outside unless he was on a long leash, with David on the other end. David took Kodi to The Barkery, part of City Walk Birmingham. There is a $95 annual fee, $20 for a day pass, with vaccinations required, and other safety measures. The city maintains it as part of a long stretch of city property. It is located under a network of highways so there is lots of shade and they have both small and large dog areas.
David’s great aunt and uncle were well known Airedale breeders starting in the 40’s or so, and were well known to Linda McVey of SOAR. Apparently, it was his great-aunt Irene who moved the breed into the more squared off “brick” head shape that we see in Airedales today. She bred ADTs up until her early-mid 80’s. Many of his previous dogs were retired show dogs and/or retired breeding mothers. Linda McVey was responsible for David receiving his last Airedale, Kodi, who was 7 months when he came to David. Kodi required special food and when Covid hit, David moved to Western North Carolina, requiring him to drive two hours to get Kodi’s special food.
David was Kodi’s second owner. Kodi has never been on a lead and had been returned to his backyard breeder. David noted the breeder’s kennels were awful. When he lived in Sarasota, Fl, David would walk Kodi at 4 a.m. to avoid the heat of the summer weather.
David is, in general, very personable and clearly loves ADTs. We talked for quite a bit, sharing different Airedale stories. Interestingly, he went to school at UPenn (so he’s definitely smart) and also is familiar with Bryn Mawr, where I came from. When I mentioned Annecy, he immediately asked if her name had anything to do with the lake – she was named for the medieval town on Lac d’Annecy.
Vet Report: The vet’s office confirmed that David’s previous Airedale, Kodi, received his annual vaccines, as well as flea/tick/HW preventative (Simparica Trio). David had Kodi on a wellness plan/insurance through the vet.
References:
Brad Rounsaville: “100% You guys are lucky to have David wanting to adopt. He’s owned Airedales for a long time. Kodi was well-loved and cared for. Passed away from organ failure several months ago. Amazing dog.”Let me know if you need anything else.”
Linda McVey: “I recommend him 100%. He’s very adt experienced .. his grandparents were ADT Showbreeders”
Bo Martin – Landlord: I spoke with Bo on the phone and she raved about David as a dog owner and also confirmed that he can have a dog on the premises.
Dog Requested:
David is very flexible with sex/age. I spoke with him about Chief, the young boy who has recently come into foster care with us. Because we are looking to place Chief ASAP, I spoke with Pat and Christina about forgoing the in-person HV and having David send up video showing both inside and outside his home, and noting anything that might be an issue, and how he handles that (e.g., the lack of fencing). I spoke with David about Chief and he’s very excited about the possibility. He is okay with the foster to adopt situation until Chief has had all his vaxx, is neutered, etc.I will upload the home video as soon as I receive it. He’s very excited about this and is chomping at the bit so I told him to go ahead and send the video we need and that Pat would likely send the foster-to-adopt agreement directly.
ON HOLD:
I was scheduled to speak with both Aimee and Jason on Sunday afternoon but received an email from Aimee Sunday morning. They have also been looking at another rescue and are considering adopting two dogs from there so would like to put their application on hold. I told them I would and that should they decide to move forward, to just let me know.Freeberns are holding off until after their July trip. Per Karen Sheehan, who will be doing HV:
I have made contact with Karen by email. They want to wait until after their trip in July
maybe sometime in August. I will let you know when she contacts me to let you know when the meeting will take place. I did tell her we are on vacation in August from the 10th through the 17thApplicant(s): Karen and Jim Freebern
Interview Date: June 14, 2025
Status: Move to Home Visit – recommendation to HV volunteer to consider the Freebern’s health and physical abilities in regards to their ages and ability to care for an Airedale, which is best done in person.Notes:
It was very clear that both Karen and Jim absolutely adored their dogs, including their most recently deceased (and second) ADT, Chance (85 Lbs).The Freeberns were in their mid-70s when they first brought Chance home as a puppy. Chance’s death at 8.5 YO was very unexpected. He was fine when they went for a walk but upon their return he just lay down, clearly feeling poorly. It turned out it was a cancerous tumor on his spleen that was also compromising his heart. They also lost their first ADT to cancer of the jaw at just 14 months. The dogs came from the same breeder, PJ Kennels in Ohio, which breeds both ADTs and Giant Schnauzers.
Karen cooks their dog’s food providing chicken, sweet potatoes and other healthy meats and veggies.
Because the Freebern’s neighborhood is tight-knit and homes are very close to each other, should the Freeberns need assistance with lifting their dog, there would be other younger adults as well as older, teen-aged children. This is a huge benefit given their age. They do realize they are too old physically and emotionally for a puppy and they do understand the value of providing an older dog with a home but they are so heartbroken about losing Chance, they just can’t bear to lose another dog the few short years they might should they adopt a senior dog. They have had many other dogs over the course of their many years (always one at a time), all of which lived good lives between 9 and 12 years.
They are strong believers in training and regularly went to training classes with Chance and their other dogs.
I did ask about their plans for the dog should something happen to both of them and they told me that their daughter in Rochester NY would provide the dog with a loving home. Although currently without a dog, she has had dogs in the past. They also have a son and Karen’s sister lives in their same neighborhood; she has a dog as well, currently an Aussie.
The Freeberns don’t like to leave their dogs and haven’t taken a vacation in 8 years. They walk regularly – confirmed by their references. Looking at Google Earth, there are lots of paved paths for walking in their area and they live in a golf course neighborhood. In addition to walking a lot, the Freeberns also exercise at home. Karen especially did not sound as if she is in her 80s. Karen regularly volunteers at the local shelter walking a variety of different dogs.
The Freeberns are going to a wedding in July so feel it would be best to wait to take a dog until after returning so they don’t leave a newly rehomed dog in a new, strange home without time to assimilate. However, they know that should the right dog come up, we discussed options such as waiting to take possiession of the dog until their returnVet Report: Dr. Lauren Gallagher:
“Karen let me know you would be reaching out. We were so sad for them and their loss of Chance. Chance was well know and loved by all of his neighbors. He was up to date on his DHPP and rabies vaccines. They discontinued his Bordetella just last year because he wasn’t ever boarded or around other dogs. He got ProHeart 12 for heartworm prevention and was on Bravecto year round. They are lovely owners and clients and were very happy for them to be considering adopting a new baby! They’ve also had many Airedales and we have full confidence they would do whatever it took to have a well trained dog and that they could handle one.”References:
Sylvia Knapp:
Hi Mary: simply put you’ll find no one better as pet parents than Karen and Jim Freebern.
We’ve been neighbors for the past couple of years and just fell in love with their Airedale, chance. Chance was incredibly well behaved, friendly, and happy. He was well trained, and our entire neighborhood loved that dog.Obviously it was because of how he was raised. He was always part of their family. He had his own pet seat in their living room so when they were simply relaxing or watching TV he was always part of the activity.
Karen and Jim made sure he had plenty of exercise either playing in the backyard or taking long walks. They’ve had quite a bit of experience raising their Airedale, and he had learned to obey and behave along with being just happy and contented.We all live in an incredibly pet friendly neighborhood with plenty of walking trails and play dates.
My husband and I highly recommend Karen and Jim as pet parents.
We’re happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Gary & Sylvia KnappDonna Fish:
Hello Mary,
It is so nice to hear from you, I’ve been expecting your call/message.Karen and Jim Freebern are the most wonderful friends and neighbors one could ask for. They tragically was their loving and wonderful Airedale, Chance, several months ago. This was a tremendous loss to them both as well as their friends and neighbors who were all heartbroken over his untimely passing.
My husband Peter and I are so happy that a Karen and Jim have finally reach the point where they can once again consider a new puppy.
Here are our answers to your questions……..
Karen and Jim took their dog Chance on a long walk at least 4 times a day, meeting other dogs along the way and sharing ”doggy stories”.
They both were loving owners, it was like Chance was one of their children who was well trained and loved as if another one of their children.
Even though Chance was a rather large dog, and while sometimes having a mind of his I wan and pulling at times to chase a squirrel, Karen and Jim always had him under control with trained words and commands. Even if he was off the leash, he responded immediately to their commands.
As much as my husband would love a puppy/dog, we do not but if we had one and needed to leave him with some, Karen and Jim would be the first we asked.
They were both heartbroken over the loss of Chance and will make excellent parents of a new puppy, even and a strong willed Airedale!
Thank you for the opportunity for us to be a personal reference for Karen and Jim Freeburn.
Donna Fish
Dog Requested:
Karen and Jim prefer a male no younger than 2 YO as they do not want to deal with the puppy phase. They prefer a dog no older than 4-5 YO.
There are many children and lots of other dogs in their neighborhood, which is pretty close knit; the houses are also quite close together so the dog would need to get along with both children and other dogs. When dogs are not in their own homes/neighbors’ fenced yards, they are leashed. They often have friends over with their dogs.
The Freebern’s have always had large dogs; they like the large dog personality. They do have an e-fence so need to have a dog who is not a known runner. Karen particularly has a young sounding voice and they both exercise a fair bit; that, combined with the vet being a mobile vet, and close relationships with immediate neighbors, can help should they ever be in an emergency situation where the dog will need to be lifted.Adoption on hold per below. I’ve let Lauren and Charlie know should they decided to adopt or even foster in the future to just let us know and we’d continue on with the process.
Annecy and Mary Anne,
Thank you both for getting back to us. Unfortunately, your email reached us a day late. On Wednesday, we adopted a pup from the local humane society, much sooner than we had anticipated. A Facebook post announcing that the local humane society was full and overflowing was a call to action, and that’s when we found a leggy, wire-haired fellow in need. Writing this email is bittersweet as it closes the door to this opportunity for now but we are still very much interested in an Airedale at a later time. We are grateful to know there is an organization and volunteers like you who pour into this overwhelming need.Sincerely,
Lauren and Charlie Pendry
