[Pat Hairston]

Emily Massengill – male
Dinger’s – female
Julie Slenker – male
Teri Murdock- male

• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by Pat Hairston.
• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by Pat Hairston.

[Pat Hairston]

Quick Facts:

Breed: Doodle (Golden Retriever / Poodle)

Gender: Female, spayed

Age: 1 year old

Health: Excellent

Size: 47 pounds

Present Location: Mountain City, TN (18 miles north of Boone, NC)

Good with…

Dogs? Yes

Cats? Unknown

Kids? Yes 6+ years

History / Why Ellie needs a new home
Ellie came to the Airedale Rescue Group in February 2026 with a 2 year old Airedale as a ‘bonded pair’. After placement, the Airedale was found to be seriously ill along with significant trauma. Ellie has much affection, intelligence, and high energy along with usual puppy traits of: a lack of boundary training, need for attention, and dominant puppy behavior. After 6 weeks of placement time, the ARG brought in a professional dog trainer. As suspected by the Airedale’s dad, the trainer confirmed the two dogs were not a ‘bonded pair’. The trainer provided a professional opinion about Ellie’s behavior, future training advice, and the household dynamics considering the Airedale’s illness and recovery.

Unfortunately, Ellie’s personality and behaviors are not compatible for 1) the Airedale’s continuing treatment and recovery, and 2) the amount of time needed and available for training after providing for the Airedale’s care. If the Airedale was not ill, then Ellie could have stayed but considering what is best for both dogs, the decision was made for Ellie to have a new foster household and find a new home.

Personality

She is a very sweet girl with lots of affection and very smart. She loves new people. She is food and attention motivated. She has an incredible amount of energy. If you think Airedale’s do lots of zoomies, wait until you see her! She is very smart, curious and easily distracted — like a usual one year old puppy.

She wants lots of attention and affection. She can be like “velcro” around you.

She is crate and house trained. She is working on not pulling on the leash. She does an anxiety/submissive pee. She goes into her crate willingly and on her own to take naps. She will whine and scratch if you are later than she thinks, or if she wants out. Sometimes the whining rises to frustrated barks. It does not appear to be separation anxiety; just that she wants out.

She knows some basic commands, like “sit”, “come” “in your crate”. She picks up on what you are asking very quickly, however, she does have her own opinions about whether she feels like doing what you are asking. She has a particular look and you can see she is assessing the situation. She usually can not resist a treat though. She likes to carry her toys in her mouth though she has difficulty dropping the toy to take a treat.

She is very observant and interprets eye-contact as attention confirmation.

She is a busy-bee and checking out everything with the usual puppy attention span, including all bags in the house and all things in the yard. She does remember and though distracted, she often returns to what she was doing. She does multiple zoomies and makes zoomie loops past the neighbor yorkies as a game to get them to bark and chase her along the fence in the back yard.

She is working on not pulling on leashed walks, and on not rushing the door. She is doing well with these, she just needs some patience and consistency in training guidance.

She wants lots of attention and can be dominant in her ‘ín-between’ positioning for attention, pushing her way next to the person to create separation from the other dog. Her other tactic is to start nipping the other dog to get them to leave then she tries to get the attention from the person.

She is curious about everything, impulsive with mouthing the objects and often likes to make them into her toys. So things around the house need to be put up and out of her reach until she outgrows this stage. If she is bored, she will find things to entertain herself (and likely not things you would approve of). That behavior can rise to a destructive level so she shouldnt be unsupervised more than 5 minutes. (Yes, that time was tested so exceed it at your own discretion)

She will usually come when called but not always, so can not yet be loose in an unenclosed space.

It is believed that with obediance training and consistent reinforcement, she will grow out of all these puppy behaviors.

COHABITATION
With people: She is everyone’s friend as long as they actively give her attention, then she is on to the next person. Sometimes she does a submission pee when meeting new people. She does jump up on new people and if allowed, she will crawl into your lap with lots of licking and even up to your face with paws on your shouldes!

Because of her size and present behavior, she should not live with elderly, fragile, or mobility-challenged folks, or with small kids who might dislike her occasional jumping. There was a 9 month baby (who was used to dogs) at the house that Ellie licked but then started to lightly nip at the baby’s fingers, so living with a baby also needs further careful evaluation.

Ideally, she requires a household where someone understands the doodle personality and intelligence. She needs to be able to exercise between one and two hours a day for her energy level. She needs boundary training and more obedience training.

With dogs: Ellie seems to do well with dogs. She likes to play running chase type games. She also does the typical puppy dominance so needs more socialization and an older dog to teach her ‘dog rules’. A friend’s dog came and stayed for several days, and there were no major conflicts.

With cats: Uncertain. She has a very strong prey drive as seen with rabitts. She has seen the neighbor cat through the fence and wasvery excited.

Medical: Up to date on all vaccines. No medical issues to date. Current on flea/tick and heartworm preventive medications. She now has a chip. No food allergies seen and presently eating Blue Buffalo Chicken and brown rice adult formula.

Summary
Overall, Ellie is a super sweet, and loving intelligent, athletic dog. She thrives on knowing there is someone special dedicated to her and playing with her. With her intelligence, she could be an excellent emotional support dog and even possibly a service dog.

[Pat Hairston]

Has 8 yr old Barley so Blue will not be a fit.

Keep her in mind for a senior that would work with Barley

[Pat Hairston]

4/20/26: getting a pup from Linda Jarvis but will be ready to adopt a rescue soon.

[Pat Hairston]

4/21/26 update from Stephanie:
Jethro was neutered in March and received his first heartworm injection yesterday.
So far, he is doing well. But this tiny boy has some amazing tolerance to the Gabapentin and Trazodone. He was a little calmer last night, but didn’t sleep through the night. That’s probably because the vet diagnosed him with a UTI yesterday. I suspect he may have had this infection for some time. I’ve never seen a dog pee as much as this guy. He’s on an antibiotic for that in addition to the post-injection protocol.

Something to note for the future. Jethro has bitten a kennel worker twice now at my vet. In both instances, it was reported to me that he wasn’t necessarily intending to bite the worker, but instead was simply excited and reacting to other dogs in their runs. The vet does not believe that Jethro is a “biter”; he is just so excitable. He is described as “greeting the world with his mouth open.” He has never bitten me, my son, any of my house visitors, or, for that matter, Jolene.

The kennel is taking precautions when he visits, specifically limiting his engagement with other dogs– taking a side entrance into the facility, skipping the lobby, and reserving a run for him that is somewhat separate from the other dogs. These precautions have been effective in managing his reactivity, and the staff report that he is super sweet and a fun dog.

I’m glad we have started the heartworm treatment, and I’ll keep everyone posted on his progress. He is a sweet boy, and I’m so angry that he has heartworm disease.

[Pat Hairston]

Adoption pending to Chris and Cassie Hayes

[Pat Hairston]

Re: Request Regarding Izzy
External
Inbox

Jessie Urbania
5:23 PM (11 minutes ago)
to me

Hi!

Thank you so much for understanding, that sounds good.

Jessie Urbania

[Pat Hairston]

Re: Request Regarding Izzy
Inbox

ARG Team
5:01 PM (32 minutes ago)
to Jessie, me

Jessie,

Surrendering is hard, having second thoughts about it is ok. If you are sure
You can give her what she needs that is no problem in changing your mind.

I have other approved homes if you just were
not comfortable with Chris and Tina.

Why not step back an give it a couple of days then decide.

Pat Hairston

[Pat Hairston]

Request Regarding Izzy
External
Inbox

Jessie Urbania
3:17 PM (2 hours ago)
to me

Good afternoon,

I wanted to reach out as soon as possible regarding Izzy. After visiting a potential home today, I had some clarity that I didn’t expect — it made me realize that Izzy is truly happiest and most comfortable in her current environment with me, alongside my other dog and in her familiar backyard.

I understand that I signed the surrender form, and I take that seriously. However, I wanted to ask if there is any possibility of reconsidering or reversing the surrender. This experience helped me recognize that keeping her is the right decision for her well-being, and I am fully committed to continuing to care for her and meeting her needs consistently.

I truly appreciate the work you do and your willingness to help Izzy. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further.

Best regards,
Jessie Urbania

[Pat Hairston]

Re: Adoption
Inbox

ARG Team
Fri, Apr 10, 6:12 AM (2 days ago)
to Whitley, me, bcc: Christina, bcc: Jo-Anne

Spaying/neutering is a requirement of NC law for a rescue to adopt a dog out. It is healthier for the dog long term and reduces the chances of certain cancers such as mammary or testicular.

Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Group
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/

On Fri, Apr 10, 2026 at 4:06 AM Whitley Wala wrote:
Is there any way to not have them spayed or neuter. I do not like unnecessary surgery.

[Pat Hairston]

Adoption
Inbox

Whitley Wala
Fri, Apr 10, 4:06 AM (2 days ago)
to info

Is there any way to not have them spayed or neuter. I do not like unnecessary surgery.

[Pat Hairston]

Re: Shia, week 3, success
2-ARG/DOGS/26-01 Shia

Christina Prange
11:04 AM (1 hour ago)
to me

let’s. $0 adoption agreement.
I like her ways of thinking – natural, understands that the corporate vet clinics are going to run every diagnosis on a dog

Christina Prange
919-605-4563

On Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 09:26:34 AM EDT, Pat Hairston wrote:

Should we waive the adoption fee?

Pat Hairston
Via iPhone

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 9:01 AM Christina Prange wrote:
This is the most heart bursting update. Shia knows! Thank you all.

Christina Prange
919-605-4563

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 09:34:43 PM EDT, Natasha wrote:

Yes.

On 4/11/26 21:13, Pat Hairston wrote:

She knows she is no longer being held at a safe distance from your hearts.

Should I prepare an adoption agreement?

Pat Hairston
Via iPhone

On Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 9:03 PM Natasha wrote:
Ladies,

THANK YOU!
A HUGE Thank You to all three of you from all three of us!

Shia has understood what’s happened today. There has been an immediate and profound change in her attitude, behavior and even looks. She has immediately relaxed, the cuteness factor is off the charts, she is on her back with all legs up in the air offering to pet her belly, and is constantly offering eye contact and affection. Those Airedales! How do they always know and understand everything??

Very happy dances here,
And Thank you again and again,
Natasha, Greg and Shia Shubins

On 4/11/26 16:48, rusty.swat wrote:
Absolutely. And that is awesome. Nata and Greg are wonderful caregivers and just what she needs,
Hugs
Rusty

Sent from my Galaxy

——– Original message ——–
From: Pat Hairston
Date: 4/11/26 8:15 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: Rusty LaFrance
Cc: Christina Prange , Natasha
Subject: Fwd: Shia, week 3, success

Hi Rusty,

Nastasha and Greg took in Shia to foster after we placed her with a prior adopter and Shia was going after the adopters other dog. She supposedly did OK with other dogs and the reason for the rehome was she was biting the other dog in the home that was female and having seizures. Well, not so.

Nastasha had done a leg of the transport and when we needed to get Shia into a foster home she stepped up. It turns out Shia has low vision likely due to being sprayed with an unknown something. She will likely be completely blind at some point.

Nastasha and Greg feel she is a fit for them but the medical costs are not something they can swing. I offered that ARG/NAR could help with that. Shia is 5 years old.

Is NAR supportive of the financial assistance when needed?
photos attached
thanks much!

Grateful,

Pat Hairston

Time is short, do what’s important!

———- Forwarded message ———
From: Natasha
Date: Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Subject: Re: Shia, week 3, success
To: Pat Hairston
Cc: Christina Prange

Ohhh this is SO WONDERFUL to hear!!!!! Thank you, Pat! This would make a huge difference!

We don’t have Zelle nor Venmo, but in the past it has always worked for us the old fashioned way: we would pay at the vet’s and email a copy of receipt to Rusty, and she would send us a check in the mail. Also, if you have a trusted old-school vet in our area (Hendersonville) to recommend, we would be grateful. In the past, in CA, we did, and he was great, and he always gave us a “rescue” discount. But not here. The only local experience we had was with the Hendersonville Vet Hospital, which is fully equipped with all kinds of diagnostics, a bright new building (that they have to recover the costs of building), and rather more inclined towards a corporate medical model with the extensive testing, and gives NO rescue discount.

Natasha

On 4/11/26 10:22, Pat Hairston wrote:
Natasha,

We can work with you on medical needs and cover vet bills. I will work with Rusty and NAR as well. I reimburse via Zelle
Or Venmo so it is quick with a paid receipt
or we can do direct pay.

Pat Hairston
Via iPhone

On Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 10:14 AM Natasha wrote:
Pat,

Thank you for ear cleaner suggestion! I looked it up, good ingredients. No need to worry about purchasing it for us, we have just ordered it (delivery on Monday). Food, supplements, grooming, even most prescriptions for our Rescues, we are always paying for by ourselves. It is the actual vet expenses, tests and procedures that we probably are not going to be able to afford, with Greg being retired and myself – a housekeeper. We are pretty much of a holistic and natural approach, and usually are trying to stay away from the vets, chemicals, fragrances and poisons. But if there is a medical problem, vet bills can be overwhelming. When I say that Shia is a good fit with us, I really mean it. We have a lot to offer, and even with the possibility that she might go blind we are still willing to be her family if we will get Rescue’s support on medical expenses.

Thank you again,
Natasha, Greg and Shia

On 4/11/26 08:59, Pat Hairston wrote:
Natasha,

Another good update. Shia is settling in and beginning to know what is expected of her. Great progress. Thank you for your patience with her. I especially like that she is a “good fit with us”.

For an ear cleaner, I have found the EcoEars to work well. Better than the product most vets recommend. I can order it for you if you want. I would just need your address.
https://a.co/d/07Xxv5Rk

Again, thanks so much for getting to know this girl and giving her a chance. We appreciate you!

Pat Hairston
Via iPhone

[Pat Hairston]

On Fri, Apr 10, 2026 at 10:02 PM Natasha wrote:
Pat,

Christina,

Hello ladies,

Well, week 3, “the” milestone! It was a good one.

Shia continued being a good girl. We continued to work on no jumping, no mouthing, no countersurfing (with a few relapses here and there, but that is understandable), relaxing and getting used to being brushed. Shia has allowed me to comb her (in small increments, of course) just about everywhere, except her front legs. That is a touchy subject for her. Even still, we are getting used to “Lift” (the paw, that is) and me touching her paws and nails for a short few seconds. We will just continue this until she gets comfortable with it. The good news is that I’ve noticed that her nails got slightly worn down, about 1/8″, from all the walks and hikes. That gives me hope that if we maintain this active lifestyle her nails will eventually get worn down to a healthy length on their own. As of now I can’t see clipping or dremmeling her nails at all, even though a good up to 1/4″ of it can be safely snipped off right away. She still has both her dew claws, sweet girl.

We had a warm sunny day today, went for a car ride, a shady walk and a meal at a Mexican restaurant (on the patio, of course). Shia did great on all of those and now she is worn out. She is absolutely NOT a gardening “material”: she feels insecure when we are moving around too much, running garden chores, even though she is on a long leash right next to us where we are working. So, I took her back inside the house and she was pretty happy about that. Other than that her confidence is building up, especially in places and circumstances that she is familiar with. I still have to watch her not to stick her head into “pokey” things outside and in the woods.

She settled in even more this week. She is a good fit with us. We still didn’t have a chance to see how she does with the fireworks, thunderstorms and firing guns. That season is coming right up and sometimes it sounds like a war zone here.

She started shaking her head a little bit and rub at her ears a couple of days ago. So I looked inside. The ears do not look red or angry, but there was some wax build-up. I wiped the bulk of it with the soft tissue that I could safely swirl inside (and it wasn’t bad at all!), but if you know of a gentle non-medicated earwash that I could use to flush the ear (the right one seems to bother her) or clean it with, please let me know, I am all ears, so to say 🙂.

All is well at Shubins.

Thank you, ladies!

Natasha, Greg and Shia

[Pat Hairston]

Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Rudy
Inbox

Tiffany Smith
9:08 AM (2 hours ago)
to ARG

Thank you. Enjoy your Sunday

Tiffany Smith
Director of Partner Growth
E: Tsmith@vetpartners.com
C: 470-695-1592

vetpartners.com

From: ARG Team
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2026 9:07:19 AM
To: Tiffany Smith
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Rudy

Hi Tiffany-

Your application was received and I asked Mary, one of our volunteers to reach out to you.

Thank you!!

Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Group
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/

On Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 8:43 AM Tiffany Smith wrote:
Good morning!
Thank you for your reply. I hitting submit and my information is still populated. Did you all receive it ?

Tiffany Smith
Director of Partner Growth
E: Tsmith@vetpartners.com
C: 470-695-1592

vetpartners.com

[Pat Hairston]

Linda Jarvis to do HV

[Author]

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