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Regina Cullen has given the Tutuskas final approval as adopters. She is snail-mailing the HV Evaluation form to me and once I receive it, I will scan and upload.
Applicant(s): Tracy & Patrick O’Dowd
Interview Date: March 13, 2025
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes:
It took a bit of time to schedule a call with Tracy because she and Patrick were on a cruise but I had a good conversation with Tracy when we did connect.The O’Dowds’ interest in Airedales stems from Patrick, whose family had many as he was growing up. They rescued Nash, at 1 YO, from his original breeder two years ago. At the time, Nash had not been socialized, trained, or even walked. Patrick is the primary trainer in their family and Nash now had good manners and gets daily walks. They really like that Airedales are such great family dogs. Prior to Nash, as a family, the O’Dowds had two other Airedales, both of which passed from natural causes (Conquer at 10 and Murphy at 14). They also had a Rottweiller, which passed at 9 of natural causes.
Both O’Dowds work from home so Nash has access to the yard pretty much all day, as needed.
Vet Report: Spoke with Kate who told me Nash is kept up to date on all vaccines and is given monthly Heartguard treatment, as well as Frontline Flea/Tick. When I asked if Nash looked healthy and happy, Kate told me that he looks good and is “an excellent specimen of the breed.”
References:
Val Pistone: They are a wonderful family. We have lived across the street from them for about 16 years. Their dogs are absolutely part of the family. Every day they are out and about, part of every celebration.We do trust our dogs, and cat to their care when we travel or are away for the day. They treat them like family as well.
I can not imagine a better family for any dog. They truly are a wonderful family. I could not give them a higher recommendation.
Lisa Gehrin: Not received a reply yet; will add to notes when I get it.
Dog Requested:
The O’Dowds don’t have a preference for either male or female but they do require a dog that gets along with other dogs because they not only have their current 3YO Airedale, Nash, but they have visiting dogs as well. They also need a dog that is good with children since there are many kids in their neighborhoodI reached out to Angel, apologizing for her application slipping through the cracks and asked about setting up a time to chat to move forward. Unfortunately, her circumstances have changed and at this time she feels it would not be right to adopt a dog for which she could not devote the needed time.
Email conversation below:
Angel, I’m sorry to hear that you are dealing with challenges and changes in your life. Just let us know when you’re ready and we will definitely get the ball rolling.
Take care,
Mary
On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 11:34 PM Angel Hamm
Hi Mary.
I am honored to receive your email. As much as I would love to adopt, sadly I’m not able to at this time. There have been some significant changes that have happened in my life during the past couple of months. And bc of that I can’t give the 110% that a precious Airedale deserves. I hope and pray I can reapply when the time comes that I can be at my best. I’m so sorry.
Thank you,
AngelOn Thu, Mar 13, 2025, 1:16 PM Annecy Airedale
Good afternoon, Angel,Apologies for the extreme tardiness of this email.
Are you still interested in adopting an Airedale? If so, I’d like to schedule a 20-30 minute call with you to follow up on the application.
I’m open most of this Saturday, 3/15, and am generally free most weekday afternoons, if that’s a time frame that would work for you. Saturday, 3/22, is out but Sunday after 1:00 I’m wide open.
Looking forward to hearing from you, and hopefully chatting.
Mary
Volunteer, Airedale Rescue Group
404.895.1132Gregg had reached out to Pat Hairston about the puppies we took in so I reached out to him (see below) to check in. I have received no answer so will presume they are not actually interested at this time..
Annecy Airedale
Fri, Jan 31, 12:08 PM
to GreggGregg, I received word from Pat Hairson with ARG that you are interested in the Airedale found in Greer, SC if the owner is not found. If so, do you have availability to chat today or this weekend? I’m open the rest of today, all day tomorrow and Sunday afternoon,
Mary
Email sent to both Tracy and Patrick on February 14 to schedule a call to discuss their application. I did not hear back so at 5:02 on February 24, I emailed them again. I will give them a few days to reply before noting them as a decline to pursue.
Final references:
Eddie & Valerie Burgard: We think Kimberly and Ben will be fantastic dog owners! Ben was the first person who stayed with our dog Paul Bunyan the first time we went out of town after getting him. He did such an awesome job and we knew we could trust that Paul Bunyan was in great hands.
The two of them are incredible responsible, dedicated, and disciplined. They will create a safe and loving home for their pup and we know they will do whatever they can to help that pup thrive in their home and life!
Please let us know if you have any more questions as you evaluate their readiness to welcome a sweet puppy into their family!
Kaitlin McKeown: Kimberly and Ben are exceptional people — I would wholeheartedly entrust them with the care of my dog or any animal. They are extraordinarily kind, attentive, and loving, the kind of people who would go leaps and bounds to help anyone who needed assistance. I count them both as dear friends, but Kimberly is also a colleague. From the day that I began working with the team, I can attest that Kimberly fills any room to the brim with pure sunshine. I’m certain that the qualities that make her such a great teammate would allow her to be an amazing dog owner — she leads with empathy, is impeccably organized, is a thoughtful and gracious listener, and infuses any interaction with genuine warmth. Kimberly and Ben are the kind of folks anyone would be lucky to know.
My dog loves any opportunity she gets to spend time with them! I have no doubt they would pour their hearts into ensuring the absolute best possible life for a dog in their home. Please let me know if there’s any further information I can provide.
Additional Reference:
Chelsey Prewitt: Hi Mary, thanks for reaching out. And so sorry about the delayed response— for some reason, your email doesn’t show up in my inbox (I had to search to find it!). Maybe just a weird issue on my end.
But yes, I’ve known Ben and Kimberly for 8 years and am so excited for them to enter their “dog” chapter. They’re incredibly reliable people with a routine schedule, stable home, and they’ve already told me they plan on prioritizing lots of dog training and socialization. If you’ve had a chance to meet/chat with them, they always show up exactly as they are: kind, united, and with a plan! They stayed with me a few months ago and loved spending time with my dog (‘d have no problem leaving him with them)– and I know they’ve been itching for their own! I can confirm they both have grown up with family dogs, and though this will be the first pet of their own……they’re so ready.
I’ve only learned about Airedales through conversations with Kimberly the last few weeks! What adorable and fun little things they are. Thanks for the rescue work you do— I hope you find great homes for everybody this year.
Let me know if I can help in any other way. I’ll also leave my phone number if you need it.
Applicant(s): Kimberly & Ben Tutuska
Interview Date: January 27, 2025
Status: Move to HVNotes: Kimberly filled out the Tutuska’s application and I was was very impressed with how thorough it is. They have put a lot of thought into getting a dog and how the dog will fit into their lifestyle and how they will care for the dog. Although neither have had an Airedale before, Kimberly’s brother works at a vet’s office in Chapel Hill and he recommended an Airedale. Welsh, or Irish Terrier. After exploring the three breeds, they felt an Airedale would have the best temperament to match their lifestyle and personalities. They are both dog-experienced, each having grown up with dogs and they have already started a savings account to cover the dog’s expenses and currently are putting in $350/month, and will possibly increase that; they feel $4,500/annually to cover expenses and have a bit extra cushion for a safety net.
The Tutuskas are aware of local dog laws/requirements. Kimberly works from home mostly, only going into the office for a few hours 2-3 days/week.
They are very aware that it takes time for a dog to settle into his/her new home and consider that it could take even up to a year.
Kimberly mentioned the possibility of having the HV volunteer bring their dog so they could see the Airedale personality in person, possibly even meeting at a local dog park. I let her know that while meeting them at a neighborhood park might be possible, however, having a home visit is a priority to the volunteer can see the environment the dog would be in. The Tutuska’s yard is already fenced so it wouldn’t be a problem to bring the dog and spend time with it in their own backyard. If the HV volunteer agrees, and their dog has the right temperament, possibly they could have a friend or family member bring a dog along for a playdate.Kimberly followed up our conversation with the below email recapping our conversation:
Hi Mary! It was such a pleasure to speak with you earlier this week and learn about the wonderful Airedales in your life. It made us all the more excited to add one to our family!I wanted to follow up on a few points we discussed by phone that aren’t in our application:
1/ Timing — Yes, we have trips on the calendar through September, but some of them are cancel-able if the perfect dog were to become adoptable! Overall, please reach out to us if you have a dog checking all our boxes anytime this year, because we totally might be able to make something work.
2/ Age — While we are very set on adding a puppy to our family, if the “perfect” dog — besides being exactly under six months — came to ARG, please feel free to reach out to us too if we might be a good match. I’m thinking more into the 9-month range to still be a puppy, though we would ideally like to keep the age within 6 months.
Follow up question: I know you mentioned having a few puppies surrendered to ARG recently, I think you said around 7 months? Of course we can’t predict anything, but I wonder what you can tell me about the reasonability of adopting a puppy under/around 6 months from ARG this year.
3/ Home visit — We would be glad to have an Airedale come into our home for the home visit (knowing our home isn’t Airedale proofed just yet). In addition, we would especially love to connect with the local volunteer assigned to our home to be able to meet their Airedale outside of our house! We could go to their house or meet up at a dog park, etc. Whatever makes the volunteer and dog most comfortable.
Thank you so much, Mary! Talk soon.
Kimberly
Vet Report: The Tutuskas don’t currently have a vet, however, Kimberly’s brother works at her family’s vet in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is too far away for them to use as a regular vet but they have already explored possibilities for a vet office and are looking at Animal Hospital of Peak Plaza and Peak City Veterinary Hospital.
References: Will enter replies from remaining references when I hear from them. I’ve moved ahead with their application because of the thought and planning the Tutuskas have put into this decision to adopt an Airedale and because the one reference, Kaitlin McKeown, provided a a very positive review.
Eddie & Valerie Burgard: Still awaiting reply from one of the Burgards. Kimberly has followed up requesting a reply to my email.
Kaitlin McKeown: Kimberly and Ben are exceptional people — I would wholeheartedly entrust them with the care of my dog or any animal. They are extraordinarily kind, attentive, and loving, the kind of people who would go leaps and bounds to help anyone who needed assistance. I count them both as dear friends, but Kimberly is also a colleague. From the day that I began working with the team, I can attest that Kimberly fills any room to the brim with pure sunshine. I’m certain that the qualities that make her such a great teammate would allow her to be an amazing dog owner — she leads with empathy, is impeccably organized, is a thoughtful and gracious listener, and infuses any interaction with genuine warmth. Kimberly and Ben are the kind of folks anyone would be lucky to know.
My dog loves any opportunity she gets to spend time with them! I have no doubt they would pour their hearts into ensuring the absolute best possible life for a dog in their home. Please let me know if there’s any further information I can provide.
Chelsey Prewitt: Still awaiting reply from Chelsey. Kimberly has followed up requesting a reply to my email.
Dog Requested:
The Tutuska’s are looking to adopt a puppy, ideally less than 6 months but they would go a bit older if the dog ticked off all the other boxes. I did let her know that puppies do not come into rescue all that often. They are looking for a female, 50-60 pounds, “and adorably curly” (so no redline traits). The dog needs to be social and able to get along with other dogs. They would really like a cuddle bug.
Ideally, they would like to adopt the dog in October after a trip they are making in September but if the right dog comes along, they would be okay bringing the dog into their home prior to that. They have some other trips they would be happy to cancel for the right dog and for their September trip, they are able to make accommodations for her care, whether with family or at her brother’s vet/boarding facility.
The Tutuska’s have applied to some other Airedale rescue group; I suspect any other Airedale groups would forward their app to us.Applicant: Laura Welch
Interview Date: 1/18/2025
Status: Move to Home VisitNotes: Laura was very excited to speak with me. She and her partner are big Airedale lovers and from her application, it’s clear she understands their general personalities. She also understands the need to work with a dog and his/her needs – crate or no, feeding/walking, etc. They are looking for a companion for 7 YO Willow. As an early-Senior, I asked about Willows energy level; Laura told me she is still very active and a younger active dog would not be an issue. They do not have cats and currently, their 4 children, all boys) are college age and a bit more so no grandchildren/babies/toddlers at this time.
Willow went through her first heat before spaying as recommended by her breeder, Gerardo Reyes in NC. Willows father is Pulaski, a Westminster Best in Breed Winner in 2018.Laura grew up with an Airedale (“Earl”) from when she was a baby to 10 YO. There were many rescues after that and understands that it can take even 6 months for a rescue to acclimate to a new home. All of her dogs lived good long lives.
Vet Report: Willow is mostly kept up to date with all vaccines (bordatella is just a few days late) and Nextguard is used for HW and Interceptor. She was just in for her year end exam.
In addition to their regular vet, the UGA Vet School is just two miles down the road and one of her best friends is a surgeon there.References:
Iliana Burns: I’m so glad to hear that Laura and Tommy [Crow – Laura’s partner] are looking to add another Airedale to their family! I groom their girl Willow and she is amazing, very well trained and behaved. One of my favorite dogs to groom! I groom from my home and it’s very apparent she is part of their family home as she makes herself right at home when she comes to my house too lol. She is well socialized and gets along with my dogs as well. She’s confident and happy, always wagging her tail and seems well mannered when I run into them in public. She never has any health issues or bad skin, gets groomed regularly, and seems to get regular dentals too (nice teeth are always something I notice since unfortunately that’s one aspect of care many otherwise great owners slack on). Laura and Tommy themselves are incredibly nice, great people to work with, and are definitely people I would trust with my own dogs. As a professional groomer with over a decade of experience, I’d genuinely say they’re in my top 5% of favorites. Overall a great family!
Ethelyn Simpson: I am delighted to highly recommend Laura and Tommy as adoptive parents for an Airedale. I have known Laura for over 20 years years and Tommy for maybe 6 or 7 years. They are kind, intelligent, and caring people, and they adore Willow, who is a very happy dog! She gets lots of love and attention from Laura, Tommy, and Laura’s grown sons. Willow is friends with my golden retriever Maddie, and they romp in my yard on Willow’s frequent walks through our neighborhood. Willow is truly a member of their family, and I’m sure a new Airedale will fit right in. Thank you for reaching out, and thank you for being involved in rescue work. If you need additional information, please let me know. Ethelyn Simpson
Lisa Allen: Laura and Tommy take great care of Willow. They trained her very well, starting as a puppy, when she was very rambunctious. Willow is very happy and gets lots of attention, and the neighbors love her. She is a sweetie.
Dog Requested: We discussed Nash, Ace, and Spark. After following up with Pat, I let her know that Nash had been adopted and Ace and Spark would not be good options as the e-fence would not work well for them.
Willow is not an alpha dog and is quite fine with other dogs being the boss but it is important that whatever dog they adopt needs to be okay with other dogs.CLOSE:
I reached out to Andrew Fine to schedule a time to chat about his application. He let me know that they had adopted a Wire-Fox Terrier so would not be moving foward with ARG.
CLOSE:
I reached out to Lindsey to let her know that I was having a hard time finding someone for a HV who was near her and that I had reached out to ARG for the VA rescue contact since she is so close to the border.
She let me know that she had been meaning to contact me and let me know that her father had gotten them an Airedale puppy for Christmas so would not be adopting an Airedale.
I had a good call with Lindsey and felt she would be a good Aire-parent so am including my notes from our call below, just in case she applies again in the future.
Applicant: Lindsey Jagucki
Interview Date: Sunday, 12/7/24
Status: Move to Home Visit
Notes:
Lindsey’s home backs up to a very large wooded area. Although they only have ½ acre fenced, she has 10 acres with most of that being wooded. There is a lot of new construction in her area and her road is off another road that is off of a divided highway with 55 mph so the fencing needs to be secure. There is also a lot of water/reservoirs in the area, including a creek that runs through the back of their wooded area.Lindsey’s family had good family friends when she was growing up that had an Airedale, which is how she became familiar with Airedales. She always admired the breed and feels an Airedale would be a good fit for them family. The family is ready to bring another dog into the household after not having one for a while, and rescuing is a top priority for them. They prefer a bigger sized dog – their previous dogs were a golden doodle and lab mix. They have a big fenced yard (confirmed by their reference Bill Fugh) with direct access to/from a screened in porch that has a doggie door.
With the dogs having direct access to the yard at pretty much anytime, whether the family is home or not
I asked about training. She prefers a dog that is house-trained. As for crate training, she both has and hasn’t used a crate so is comfortable with whatever the dog needs. Both the boys (14 and 17) love to work with and train their dogs, as does Lindsey.In her application, Lindsey mentions the dog would be alone for about 8 hours on a daily basis but it sounds like that would be just for one day a week. Her elder son is in high school and only has 1 class per week, for which he needs to be there M, W, F mornings. The rest of the time he is online working from home. She also works just 5 minutes from home so could go home for lunch when needed. Lindsey has her own business OBX Popcorn that sells a variety of flavors/sizes of snack popcorn so she is not limited by someone else. She mentioned leaving the dog on the porch that has access to the back yard for when they are gone for longer days so I asked about wildlife in the area. They do have quite a bit of wildlife, she said, so I suggested that when no one is home, the dog be kept inside since wildlife can get into a fenced yard. I also suggested they purchase an air horn they could use when home should the dog be in the yard and another animal gets in, such as a coyote. She thought that was a good idea.
There are currently no other animals in the house but they would not be averse to getting another dog down the road.
Vet Report: Dogs were kept up to date on vaccines; Simparica Trio for HW/flea/tick
References:Bill Fugh: Lindsey and her two boys are definitely dog lovers and one of her boys even sat for my dog over at their house. They have a big backyard and I know from the past that when Brutus passed and then Abby passed, they were heartbroken. Easy way to say this, I trust them with any pet.
Cami Garrett: Lindsey ad the boys are absolutely a wonderful caring and loving family. They don’t have dogs, they have furry family members, and are never treated as anything less. I haven’t ever had or seen a bad interaction, so I would say the family treats and cares for them with absolute respect and adoration. Well trained, fed, played with. I have cats, but I would absolutely trust any of them to care for my animals, and I would quickly ask the boys or Lindsey to help a relative or friend that lives close by to help care for their animals in a time of need. They’re a wonderful family and any dog would be as lucky to have them love it as they would be to be given the opportunity.
Dog Requested: Lindsey has no preference for a male or female. She needs a dog that is okay with children; a about once a year her brother visits and he has multiple children under 5. She also prefers a dog that is housebroken and also does not have separation anxiety. She prefers not having a puppy and ideally not an older dog, although she notes they are open. I would suggest a 1+ to 7-8, maybe even 9 year old. They want the right fit and area willing to wait for the right dog. She is willing to work with the dog.
ON HOLD:
On Wednesday, 12/4, I emailed the Wilson’s together at both their e-addresses but received no reply so followed up again on 12/7. Gregg replied to let me know that they have decided to wait to adopt until they retire in early 2026. I let them know that when they are ready to just reach out again and we can re-start the adoption process.
I emailed Max Nalepa 11/26 and 12/4 to schedule a time to follow-up on his application but never received a response.
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.
