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Although I had a good call with the Atwoods and got good responses from their references, I’ve called the vet twice (11/21 and 11/26) with no response. I then emailed David on Wednesday, 12/4, to let him know and he replied he would call and tell them to call me. As of 12/9, I still haven’t heard from them.
The Atwoods will be traveling to Europe in March so will not be looking to adopt a dog until their return in April so there is no rush. We will put them on the back burner until I hear from the vet or David reaches out again, and I can let him know the vets have been completely non-responsive.
ON HOLD/FROZEN:
I had scheduled a follow-up phone call for Friday, 11/1, to discuss her application. However, on Thursday morning, 10/31, I received the email below:
Good morning. Yesterday I adopted an Helene rescue & so I won’t be able to add another at this point. Though I do love Airedales. Thank you for considering me. Eva
I congratulated her and her new addition and let her know that when the time is right for her to adopt another Airedale, to please reach out and we can re-start the process.
Status: DECLINED
Applicant(s): Lunsford, Tim and Linda
Interview Date: 10-22-24
Status: Decline – Heartworm preventative not given on a regular and continuous basis; only given in the 3 months of summer.
Dear Linda,
Because our dogs’ continued health and safety are of utmost importance to Airedale Rescue Group, we require our adopters to have a year-round history of heartworm prevention. Therefore, we are declining your application to adopt an Airedale from our organization.
ARG requires a track record of ongoing and continuous heartworm prevention because heartworm is a very painful death and treatment is also extremely hard on the dog. In seven to nine months, heartworms can move into the heart and if you’re only testing for heartworm annually, there is a chance of the dog dying from the parasite before it has even been identified in the dog. Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss; symptoms that can also indicate other issues causing the potential for heartworm to be dismissed. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may
develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen. Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop sudden blockages of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse. This is called caval syndrome and is marked by a sudden onset of labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.In the U.S., heartworm affects 1 in 100 dogs annually, so it is not rare. The treatment costs is well over $1,000 per dog and not all dogs survive heartworm treatment.
Assuming heartworms are identified in time, your dog will need several months of an injectable treatment called melarsomine. This drug has to be given slowly and carefully because if you kill off the worms too quickly it can be dangerous for your dog. Unlike intestinal parasites that are eliminated via bowel movements, heartworms that die slowly decay in the lungs and a dog’s activity must be severely restricted because overtaxing their lungs can be dangerous during treatment. Additionally, while humans don’t usually get heartworms, most preventive heartworm medications also protect against intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms, which are contagious to humans, so protecting your dog from heartworms also protects you from other parasites.
Please consider visiting the American Heartworm Society website (www.heartwormsociety.org) for more information about heartworms and the importance of taking regular preventative measures against infection.
Mary McEneaney
Airedale Rescue Group*****
Notes:
While there were a lot of good things I liked about the Lunsfords, and the one reference with whom I spoke had great things to say. However, per the vet report and subsequent email conversation with Linda, we are choosing to decline based on the lack of year-round HW preventative.
Vet Report: The Lunsfords have not purchased any heartworm treatment from their vet since 2021. I reached out to Linda and asked about that and she said that they had last purchased HW treatment from Chewy in 2022 and since they only give HW in the three summer months, they were still giving their remaining dog pills from that purchase. They do use the
References: NA
Dog Requested: NAApplicant(s): Anita and Greg Griffin
Interview Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes:
Greg and Anita have had Airedales since 1995; Anita’s family had an Airedale when she was a girl, beginning at age 10. They like the breed’s strong will and sense of humor. All of their dogs lived into their senior years and they would love to provide ‘a displaced Airedale with a Forever Home.” Having lost their last dog, Louise, on October 13, the house feels terribly empty.Their first ADT, Sammy, was a rescue so they understand the time needed for transitioning. The dog will be kept on a leash close by until s/he understands this will be his/her forever home. Their Airedale, Star, had eye issues as he aged; first the one, then the other and she was blind her last two years. They Griffins took him to an eye specialist in Pensacola for treatment. Star also had allergies so was fed Pedigree canned chicken mixed with table food, which helped with the allergies.
Anita was very open about both her disability and their income, and both seem to have a sense of humor, a good trait when owned by Airedales.Vet Report: Star was kept up to date with all vaccines, dentals, Trifexis for flea/tick/heartworm prevention. Star also received regular shots for his allergies.
Louise was only with them for about a year and came to them up-to-date on vaccines but she also received Trifexis and was in regularly for Cytopoint shots, allergy shots, and antibiotics.
Both dogs were well fed and groomed.References:
Dani Hall: I’ve been grooming for Anita and Greg for many years. I’ve loved on Sammy [previous Airedale to Star and Louise], Star and Louise. They are amazing dog owners. They keep [up-to-date with] vaccines and health check ups as well as grooming. I would trust them with any dog. They also have a nice yard with grass.Marc Williams: I would without hesitation recommend the Griffin home as the new home for an adoptee. I have known the family for quite a few yeas having attended the same church. They have an ample fenced back yard and what I consider a safe home. As a matter of fact, we were comfortable enough to rehome one of our own with them. [This is their current dog, Waffle, who technically belongs to their daughter, Carla, although all are in the same home.] They are a two-dog family and have lost two Airedales relatively close together. So one was replaced with one of our mixed breed rescue pups. I trust you will give them favorable consideration. If I can assist further, feel free to contact me.
Dog Requested:
Anita told me that they were very interested in Dorothy. However given her behavioral issues with children and other dogs, I felt this was not advisable. Anita felt that they were experienced enough to deal with any issues that might arise with Dorothy, so rather than push this issue at the moment, I said I would speak with Pat, who would have a better idea of Dorothy’s issues, to get her thoughts.
Mary: “I did speak with Pat Hairston, who is most familiar with our incoming/available dogs. Dorothy is very under-socialized and does not do well with other dogs. She is also very uncomfortable with younger children so Pat feels it best to place Dorothy in a home where she will be the sole dog, and with no younger children present, whether visiting or in residence. It takes just a split second for something to happen and by not placing Dorothy in a situation where there is any potential for physical or emotional trauma to herself or to her new family, we can ensure that she is indeed placed in her forever home.Additionally, this ensures the youngest family members of our adopting families are also kept safe. It is always best to err on the side of caution when there is any question of a dog having behavioral issues.”
Anita’s reply: “our goal is to give a displaced Airedale a Forever Home. We look forward to a volunteer calling and scheduling a walk through.”10-15-2024:
Called the vet again and spoke with someone. She was super helpful and clearly knew the Lutz/Kuehl Airedales saying she hoped it would all work out for them.Both Lacy and Freddie are fully vaxxed, including flu and Bordatella. Heart guard gif HW and regular flea/tick. Lacy has allergies so also gets Cytopoint so the see her regularly.
Applicant(s): Paula Lutz and Dick Kuehl
Interview Date: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes:
The Lutz/Kuehl home is in a gated community on a cul-de-sac on a golf course with a very wooded area nearby. Their lot is about ½ acre and is surrounded by an invisible fence. On one side of their lot there is a concrete wall separating them from one neighbor; on the other is a rock wall. Their two dogs did escape a few times in their previous house but the dogs stayed close. I asked if it was possible for the dogs to climb the rock wall but it’s a real wall, she told me, not just a rock pile that can be easily climbed.There is a 55 acre dog park located nearby where they go about 5 times/week. There are a lot of different areas and there is even agility equipment in one area. There are not many aggressive dogs – the owners are mostly responsible and people know the dogs/people who have potential to be aggressive and avoid them. (I went to this dog park in ~2018 when I went to the “Stinkeye” Welsh Terrier rescue fundraiser. It is huge and very nice. Many of the dogs were Welshies but of those who were not, there were no problems with either dogs or people.)
The dogs are chipped; neither of their dogs have gotten out and lost since they’ve moved to this house. However, if one or both dogs do get out and lost, they will get on the neighborhood NextDoor site and post, and drive the area in their golf cart. There is also a local group they can turn to to help lure the dog(s) in. Since they do have an invisible fence vs. actual fence, I asked about storms. Lacy actually likes storms and fireworks; Freddy hides on the bed with Paula.
The dogs were given a topical flea/tick and Heartguard for HW.
**Paula mentioned that they would be happy to help as volunteers driving/transporting dogs. I asked if they would be interested in also assisting with phone interviews/home visits and she told me they would.**
Vet Report:
No reply yet from the vet’s office after 24 hours. If I don’t hear from them today, will follow up tomorrow and update the MB.References:
Joanna McDearmin: “Excellent dog owners – responsible, loving and caring. Freddy and Lacy are very much part of the family; they can be seen in a neighborhood dog park daily and appear to be healthy and happy. I would entrust my pet with their care.”
Brenda Sharpe: “You couldn’t ask for better pet parents than Dick and Paula. Not only have I known them for many years, I have been in their homes and interacted with Fred and Lacy on numerous occasions. We see them often at our local dog park and love watching them play. Fred and Lacy are great dogs. They have played with our dog, my daughter’s dog and our grandkids and are so sweet. I would totally trust Dick and Paula with any of our dogs!”
Dog Requested:
Paula had expressed an interest in Dorothy. Per Pat Hairston: She [Dorothy] would not do well in an environment with 2 other dogs and 2 visiting dogs. She has gotten overwhelmed in a prior situation with multiple dogs and her lack of appropriate behaviors.They are definitely okay with adopting an older dog, or younger, and have no preference for male or female. The dog must be okay with other dogs and because there are young grandchildren from between 2 – 12 YO, the dog must also be comfortable around all aged children.
Applicant: Kathy and Walt Dinger
Interview Date: September 9, 2024
Status: Move to Home Visit
Notes: The Dingers have ten acres. Currently they only have a partial fence but they are looking to get an invisible fence for the entire perimeter. Part of the property is open with grass – where the house is – and across a creek on their property, they have a wooded area. They are pretty far out in the country and the road, she told me, is not that busy. In their previous home, Riley was generally kept on leash out in the yard, was not left out by himself, and they also worked with him to know the limits of their property.
Kathy is a retired teacher; she likes to hike and wants a dog to hike with her. They like to camp, fish, and go boating. They would often take Riley for car rides and to the dog park where he had lots of friends, including many small dogs. The Dingers had two previous dogs prior to Riley; one was an Airedale (scrambling writing notes – I think this is correct, although it’s possible it wasn’t an Airedale) and the other they think was an Aire-mix.
**Walt has a truck and Kathy mentioned he likes to take the dog for drives. I meant to ask where in the truck Riley would sit – I wanted to make sure it’s inside the cabin, not in the truck bed – but got sidetracked and forgot to clarify this.**
They are working on turning a cabin on their property into an AirBnB:
**I think it will be important for the HV volunteer to speak with them about guests and how the Dingers will ensure their dog is kept safe. Although the Dingers say it will be mostly family and friends staying there, there will possibly also be strangers.**
Riley started limping at 8 YO; it was a lump on his hind leg and his health went downhill after that. Prior to that Riley had gotten into dental floss in the trash of two 22 YO missionary girls staying with the Dingers. He survived that after the Dingers took him to emergency care, even transferring him to get the best care and surgery. The missionary girls were instructed to always keep their doors closed.
Vet Report: The Dingers don’t yet have a vet in Ellijay so I asked for their prior vet in Florida. Riley was neutered, kept up to date on all vaccines and given Simparico Trio for Flea/Tick/HW. Riley had health issues prior to passing and the vet’s office told me the Dingers spent quite a bit providing him with the recommended care.
References:
Alina Polak: “Riley was very well cared for and very much loved. I do have a chiweenie and would feel comfortable going to Kathy’s home with my Princess when visiting if she had an Airedale.”Jill Demeter: “They adored Riley and were devoted to his well being. Riley was very happy and very attached to both Walt and Kathy. It was difficult near the end of Riley’s life but they made him comfortable and he knew he was loved. They got him the medical attention that was needed. I would absolutely trust the Dingers to care for my pets with zero hesitation.”
Dog Requested: The Dingers have two daughters (one in Ellijay area and one in NC) and multiple grandchildren – one is 11 and one is 8, the others are younger and there is one on the way so Charlie is not an option for them. (She told me the older boy have been taught to be very respectful of dogs and to always ask if they can pet a strange dog.) This also pretty much knocks out Amos since he is best with children older than 10. Maisie is best with another dog in the home so the Dingers may not be a good option for her. Dorothy is a possibility, but we would want to make sure they are willing to put the time into working with her on training and her anxiety.
Size doesn’t matter to them – Riley was 100 lbs – or sex. Riley was stubborn so they have experience working with stubborn dogs. They are willing to train.
Are not in a hurry – they want to get the right dog for their family, not just get a dog fast.
I reached out twice to Kim about scheduling a call to follow up on her request to adopt but have not heard back.
She was interested in Arlo in VA, who had since been adopted.
Will update if I do hear back.
Status: Changed minds re: adopting an Airedale.
I reached out to Kristy to schedule a phone call to follow up on her application and brief discussion with Pat, re: a younger dog and received back the following email noting they are looking for a smaller dog at this point:
Hi Mary,
Thank you for reaching out. Eric and I have decided an airedale is too big for us at this stage. We will be in touch if we change our minds.
Thanks again,
Kristy5/19 – Sent initial email to schedule time to talk on phone
5/28 – Had not received a reply so emailed again to schedule something.
5/29 – She replied telling me she was going out of town.
5/30 – I let her know I was as well and I would reach out when I returned.6/11 – I emailed her, apologizing for the delay in getting back to her, and letting her know I’d been sick. I gave her a couple of potential time blocks to talk, letting her know if those didn’t work for her, to let me know some times she was free.
No Reply
6/24 – Reached out to her again to see if she was still interested, she quickly replied that she was, so I responded by again providing some possible times to speak and, again, if those didn’t work for her, to let me know some times that did work for her.
6/26 – Still no reply.
Based on her lack of interest moving forward with the actual phone interview, I don’t think she is really serious about adopting. I say, we put her ON HOLD and if she chooses to finally reply and set something up, then we can move her forward, but the ball is in her court; we don’t need to spend more time on this.
I reached out to Shannon again to see if the timing was better for moving forward with an adoption/fostering. Although she told me they ‘would love to,” she said that she has “a tentative job offer in Fayetteville. It’s a great opportunity to get back in the federal government.”
I wished her good luck and told her to just let us know when the timing is right and we can move forward.
ON HOLD:
I reached out to Susan via email to schedule a time to speak on the phone. She replied that they had decided to “hold off for the time being. We just think that three ‘dales may be too much and i’ve set the balance of our other two. The female in Vermont was of interest because she was trained on the invisible fence as all my dogs have been, but as interested as I am, I think for our other dogs at this point, we will have to give her a miss. down the road.. keep us on your list…”
Since we don’t know their timing, I suggest we keep them on the list and let her reach out to us when they are ready. Once they do, we can re-initiate phone interview and HV.
ON HOLD:
First thing Thursday morning, 4/18, I texted Shannon to see about scheduling a time to chat on the phone with both her and her husband, Bobby. I did not hear back so on Monday afternoon I sent a follow-up text asking if they are still interested in adopting.
Shannon did reply and let me know she’s been crazy busy. She is apparently a nursing assistant (thanks, LinkedIn!) and is also getting certified to work at UNC urgentcare.
I asked if it would be best to hold off speaking for a few weeks and she said, yes, early June would be better. I replied to her to give me a call when she is ready as being retired, my schedule is more flexible than hers and if something else lands on her plate, I won’t be catching her at another inconvenient time.
Mark has adopted a dog and can be removed from the applicant list:
I have adopted a dog. Lab/Newfie x Benese. Please deactivate my application.
Thx,
mApplicant: Mark Mazer
Interview Date: March 22, 2024
Status: Approved for HVMark is in Hertford, NC so I reached out to Frank & Connie Jaklic via text asking if they could/would do the HV. I have not heard back yet.
Notes: Mark is a long time Giant Schnauzer owner; he’s had 6, one of whom was a rescue. He’s also had a lab, Australian Terrier, and Doberman. All seemed to live relatively long lives, the shortest being one of his Giant Schnauzers who passed at 7 (immunocompromised, unknown origin) and his lab from a brain tumor. Mark met his first Airedale in 1972 when he lived in Kent, CT; a trainer he worked with recommended the breed and he likes that they have the similar temperament and personality as the Giant Schnauzers: smart, protective, good judge of character, and strong.
Mark has 31 acres, most of which is farmland. He has a fully fenced area of approximately 40’ x 60’; the one drawback is that it is not grass but gravel. Mark walks a lot with his dogs and he doesn’t let his dogs roam free. Even walking on his property, they are on a long lead as there is a lot of hunting in the area, as well as ‘yard’ dogs. On a typical day, the dogs are at his feet, sleeping in his bed or in their crate, in addition to walking, Mark plays ball with them. He is ‘pretty much a homebody’ so is not gone from home for very long. When he does travel he will say with his daughter or at a kennel.
Mark does his own grooming and his daughter also grooms; she has a Giant Schnauzer and a hound. He does chip his dogs.Mark is 72 and still visits his mother in Florida so it seems he has longevity genes. That said, he has made provisions in his will for his dog(s), including a good chunk of money to support their needs. The plan is for his daughter to take his dog and care for him/her.
He is looking for a companion ‘velcro’ dog – he doesn’t do agility or hunt with them but he does do clicker training. He does not use any kind of e-collar or prong collar.**He did mention he had to meet the dog first before committing. He wants to be sure he can do things such as brush the dog’s teeth, and is generally amenable.
Vet Report: Waiting to hear back. Email sent. Will update as soon as I get needed information.
References:
Jeannie Garrett: “He keeps his pets in shape and loves them like a child. He keeps them brushed and bathed as they should be and is just a great guy altogether. He would be a great companion for any pet.”
Barrie Hancock: “Yes, Mark is/was an amazing dog owner!! Definitely well cared for; happy, fit, etc. A rescue would be very happy with him!”Dog Requested: N/A
Note: He does have applications in to Lab Rescue and Giant Schnauzer Rescue. He is hoping for a dog within a month.
