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4/4/26 from Natasha,
Pat,Christina,
Hello ladies,
Week #2 has been pretty good. Shia is learning that hands on her body is not such a bad thing, after all. Still wouldn’t let me touch her front feet, and generally dislikes brushing. I am not pushing it. Today I pulled out clippers, and we will be trying to get acquainted with them, a little at a time. I can see how grooming might be challenging. Olga wrote in her letter that Shia has never been to a grooming salon, Olga clipped her at home with sheep shears and Shia did tolerate it. That explains Shia’s dislike of grooming. I would absolutely NOT take her to the groomers. They might not have patience nor time to deal with her evading, wiggling, laying down, growling and possibly even snapping, and she might fall off the table injuring herself. (But maybe I am just being overly dramatic).
Shia is getting out of her “shell-chock” and her true personality is shining through. Yes, she does have a high prey drive (squirrels, deer). Meeting other dogs on the walks so far was a … not-success. Dog parks are certainly out of the question. If the encounter is particularly unpleasant (like our neighboring Beagle behind his invisible fence), she goes wild and I understand now why Olga sent a prong collar with her. I am absolutely refusing to use it. I am using a harness. Why she is that reactive, I don’t know. Was she like this from the start (lack of socializing?), or has something been done to her in the past to make her react like this? On our walk today I tried to capture her attention early, before she spotted an approaching dog, and started feeding her treats non-stop, to distract her. It worked. So, we will continue this way and see if her behavior will eventually change.
She did have an episode of what looked and sounded like reverse sneezing.
She had one panic episode. One morning a bumble bee flew outside our bedroom’s window and the sound/buzz set Shia off, she went into a panic mode, jumped onto our bed and tried to melt into the bed between Greg and I. When I touched her to tell her “Off the bed” she was shaking. She was a bit “off” for the rest of the day, reacted aggressively to both neighboring dogs, and in the evening she lounged at Greg, probably not recognizing him when she woke from a nap and probably scared herself. However, on our walk today there were plenty bumble bees flying all around her and Shia paid zero attention to those. Go figure …
Generally I can say that she is getting more relaxed, not as high strung as in the first week, and she is not following my every step and move. She likes both of us be at home with her, I guess we are both her “favorite” people.
Her mouthing, jumping on people and counter-surfing are slowly getting better, but I suspect that if those new behavior patterns weren’t consistently reinforced, she would revert back to her old ways. She is mouthing when she is playful and when she is expressing her affection. I find it is very important to keep her under her “threshold of excitement” and not to let her get too aroused. I wouldn’t trust her around children, and people with delicate skin (I saw Pat B’s hands and arms all bruised and with scratches that looked bad). I think Shia needs structure and firm, but kind and gentle guidance.
And kitchen manners training is going well! Papa already learned that he ows her a “dog tax” at the end of the meal for being a good girl and lying beautifully near the dinner table. 🙂🙂 (And no, she didn’t bite off half of Greg’s finger, it was already like that when she came to us … he he heee).
All is well.
Thank you.
Natasha, Greg and Shia Shubins
Lucy Transport on Saturday April 4 Montgomery-Atlanta-Madison-Augusta-Florence-Wilmington
InboxChristina Prange
10:30 AM (15 minutes ago)
to Mary, canopybotanicals@gmail.com, Airedale, Jill, annb57@protonmail.com, gmstuart1@gmail.comTransport Lucy
Volunteers, thank you for helping Lucy on Saturday April 4. We appreciate that you are spending your weekend with Lucy!
Lucy has spent several weeks in foster care with Mary Ann. Lucy is 8 years old and a smaller Airedale – little thing. She will travel with a collapsed crate and a few personal items.
For the transport, please bring an extra leash to double leash her- a slip leash as an extra safety. When opening car door – be ready for her. We advise that she not be walked around for potty break during this transport. A quick potty close to where you park should be sufficient.
Here are the transport details. can you please send me and email or text to reply that you received this.
Montgomery to Atlanta – Meet 10:00
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Atlanta Airport, 5010 Old National Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30349
Mary Ann 205-913-3522
Stuarts 404-729-4390 (greg)
Depart 10:15
Atlanta to Madison (1 hr 15 ) – Meet 11:30
Sleep Inn Madison, 2091 Eatonton Rd, Madison, GA 30650
Stuarts 404-729-4390 (Greg)
Jill M (706)226-1663
Depart 11:45
Madison to Augusta (1 hr 15) Meet at 1:00
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Augusta-Washington Rd, 3028 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
Ann (706) 840-5176
Jill M (706)226-1663
Depart 1:15
Augusta to Florence (2 hr) Meet 3:15
Hampton Inn & Suites Florence Center, 3000 W Radio Dr, Florence, SC 29501
Ann (706) 840-5176
Daryl (803) 221- 4715, adopter
Depart 3:30
Lucy and Darly heading home!
Thank you – your help is very appreciated, and we could not do this without you.
Christina Prange
919-605-4563I had talked to Daryl before we received his application. review of the application was delayed due to it being uploaded on Dropbox.
Applicant(s): Daryl Napier
Interview Date: 3/27/2026 phone interview
Status: HV
Notes: Daryl has owned Otis for almost his whole like. Otis is now 11. Daryl’s mom loved Otis so much she adopted an Airedale, Archie. Daryl owes his own business and is home most of the time. Otis goes to the office with Daryl and he would plan the same for Lucy.
I talked with him about Lucy and her tendency to resource guard. He understood the need to feed separately and the need to allow her to adjust in her own pace. I shared the application with foster Mom, Mary Ann Ragan. Here is Mary Ann’s note: “He sounds good! Otis sounds like my Duke-love ya bunches but from afar! The only thing that concerns me is her anxiety. I do appreciate his honesty. She needs the crate to keep her from pacing around. She now actually gets in her crate on her own with us. We just leave the doe open. When she starts to pace, I tell her to kennel and she goes right in there and lays down. She’s really chilled out but it took two months. I don’t think PetSmart is capable of doing the deep Doggie psych eval Lucy needs so if he takes her, I’d prefer that he at least talk to a dog trainer that understands Doggie psyche The crate is not punishing her – allowing her to pace without boundaries wont help her. Maybe somebody who does the eval can discuss this with him? I’m curious as to why he doesn’t like crates. “
Vet Report: The vet confirmed that Otis is up to date with vaccines, heartworm preventative and flea control.
References: Both references had high praise for Daryl and Otis.
Dog Requested: Lucy. Need to talk with Daryl about using a crate at least initially for Lucy’s comfort.Shia, week 1, success
InboxNatasha
11:58 AM (16 minutes ago)
to me, ChristinaPat,
Christina,
Hello, ladies:
And so it is one week today that Shia has joined us. I think she is settling in and adapting really well. Her digestion and elimination are good. She started grooming herself a little (good sign). Ears are smelly and she likes me to rub them, they are probably itchy. I clipped the hair outside the ears to improve air flow, will try to look inside to see if there is wax or irritation. Grooming might be a challenge (or not, you never know), as she is not much used to having hands on her: she reacts by mouthing, but we are slowly working on getting used to touch. She IS very mouthy, and if not careful and allow her to escalate into a rough play she might hurt. Not like in: bite per ce, but you can get caught in her teeth I should say. I think this is because she was taken from the nest at the age of 7 weeks or even earlier, judging by her vet records. Hence, luck of bite inhibition and mouthing behavior (my guess). She jumps on people, sticks her head into a dishwasher and she would countersurf right in front of you – all were probably allowed in her previous life, but we are working on extinguishing there behaviors by withdrawing attention and VOG (voice of God). She is a quick learner and no harsh methods are ever needed. She just needs to understand what’s expected from her. And then bits of kibble for training here and there are very helpful. Her body condition is perfect, she is not at all skinny. So far I see no need to check her thyroid, unless we see the signs that might warrant that. She is curious, enthusiastic and is always looking (for trouble – no, scratch that 😂) to explore things like every proper young Airedale would.
We take one long and two shorter walks in the woods throughout the day (always on the leash, of course). She barks at strangers (she did the same to myself and Greg when we first met her with Olga). We haven’t met any dogs yet. She doesn’t react to big trucks or working equipment. She gets a bit uncertain when it’s windy, and also at dusk. She starts to loose confidence outside when it’s getting darker (due to her poor eyesight?). At night when we go out to pee before bed I have to shine a flashlight infront of her showing where to go.
Inside she learned to stay at night in her bed in our bedroom, no kennel needed. But the first couple of nights she was trying to find her way in the dark by sniffing and poking her nose into things, she was confused. Maybe that’s why Olga said she needed to be crated at night. Ripping the bedding is probably part of the problem: poor eyesight and insecurity. But also boredom. When she gets excited or tries to initiate a play she will start biting at a bedding, and grabbing anything soft in sight.
Right now she is following me everywhere, getting up at my every movement, but this behavior is also getting better, she is able to relax a bit more. We are not planning on ever leaving her alone at home, and she goes everywhere with us.
Yesterday we received Shia’s eye drops from Pat B. They are a standard Poly-Neo-Dex suspension. She also promised to mail us the vet’s receipt from that visit. I will provide it for your records as soon as it arrives.
All in all, Shia is a delight, a little Miss Mercury Quick Silver. We are happy. Life has returned back to Casa Shubins.
Thank you!
Natasha, Greg and Shia Shubin
3/26/26 talked with John and Lisa, good people, experienced. Will leash walk Annie to get her used to property and e-fence.
Liz Watson is the vet.
want Annie
Re: ARG Dog Adoption Application Form taraRGerber@gmail.com
InboxARG Team
10:41 AM (1 hour ago)
to taraRGerber, meHello Tara,
Thanks for submitting application to adopt. We will have a volunteer reach out to you.
I do want to tell you that Lucy would not be a fit for your family. She has a very high prey drive and would not do well with a cat.
Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Groupfrom Natasha:
Shia Roxie.
Write-up as of March 21, 2026:DOB: December 9 (8? 10?), 2020
Breeder: Travis Scott SR.
Sire Patrick Star – RN31314802 (05-19)
Dame Ashley VI – RN31240202 (05-19)
Puppy AKC registration #RN35795308
01-26-21 (7Weeks):
– DA2PP Puppy vaccine #1 (Distemper, Adenovirus2, Parvovirus,
Parainfluenza)
– mild bacterial and yeast infection, treated with Zymox
– tested negative on fecal exam, but treated with Drontal Plus
nevertheless
02-13-21 (9Weeks):
– DA2PP Puppy vaccine #2 (Distemper, Adenovirus2, Parvovirus,
Parainfluenza)
– Bordetella oral
– treated with Pyrantel
– ear infection less, Zymox ongoing
03-06-21 (12Weeks):
Healthy animal
– DA2PP Puppy vaccine #3 (Distemper, Adenovirus2, Parvovirus,
Parainfluenza) + L
– Rabies (Merial IMRAB 1 serial 11110A).
Certificate: Yes. Tag: Yes. # 05581
04-03-21 (16Weeks):
– DA2PP #3 + Leptospirosis annual (again??)
– treated with Pyrantel
07-22-21 (age 7Months): Ovariohysterectomy
03-17-23 (age 2Years 3Months):
– Weight 56.6 lb
– Body Condition Score 3/5
– Eyes: Normal (!!)– Rabies (Bi Imrab 1Tf serial 22122a).
Certificate: Yes. Tag: Yes. Dept. of Health TN 070476
– DHPP with Lepto annual
Sometimes in 2024:
– Rabies vaccination.
Certificate: No. Tag: Yes. Tag # V2342295 PetVet
01-10-26 (age 5Years 1Month):
– Rabies (Elanco, killed).
Certificate: Yes. Tag: Yes. #26-1620
– DAPL booster
– Bordetella
Microchip:
PetLink.net
#981020041056419 Sterility Exp. 2026-013/22/26 Foster Notes:
Lucy is currently staying with Ozzie (4) who is the ARG Alum formerly known as “Stevie” (was dumped on the side of a highway in South Alabama last spring).Background Information from Owner to Foster: Lucy is an Airedale whose former owner received her as a puppy. She was surrendered because the owner took a new job requiring frequent travel, which resulted in Lucy spending a lot of time isolated in a basement. She lived with a female Scottie (same age as Lucy), and although the Scottie was often the instigator of their conflicts, the family’s wife decided to keep the Scottie and surrender Lucy. Lucy attended a training camp as a youngster but a refresher would be helpful.
Personality and Arrival Unlike some Airedales, Lucy is not aloof. She is very sweet and friendly and traveled exceptionally well on a four-hour car ride to her foster home. Upon arrival, she hopped right out of the car on her leash and happily greeted her foster family. She comes well when called, though she can sometimes be mischievous and act like an “instigator”.Home Behavior and Routine To help manage her anxiety and set boundaries, Lucy was kept on a leash 24/7 for her first three weeks in foster care. She was initially restricted to the den, kitchen, laundry room, and bedroom, and was gradually introduced to the rest of the house. When introduced to new yards or environments, she needs to be leashed to prevent her from becoming overstimulated and anxious.
Lucy is no longer on anxiety medication, but she requires a consistent routine and structured schedule to help her work through her abandonment issues. For example, she can become anxious if her foster paces around the house doing chores. She goes into her crate easily when told to “kennel” and sleeps well at night in the same room as her foster family and foster brother. While she cries if crated when her humans are home, she is well-behaved when left loose in the house alone. She is now mostly off-leash indoors.
Socialization with Other Dogs Ozzie (who lived on “the streets” for a bit” is highly protective of his food, Lucy has successfully learned to respect his boundaries. They initially ate separately but now eat together under supervision. The two play very well together, share toys, and he loves for her to chase him – she gets in him trouble!
Lucy does need some continued training with dog reactivity. While at the farm, she was fine with a visiting off-leash male dog on her first day, but went after him while leashed on the second day (her being leashed while he wasn’t was part of the issue). This behavior is fixable and is expected to improve as her overall anxiety continues to mellow.
Age: 8 (recent birthday)
Weight: 50-55lbs
Food: Adult Science Diet (Ozzie’s food) – 3 cups (total)/day -(feeds AM/PM)
Spayed: yes
Vaccines: up-to-date
Training: “camp” as a puppy
Sleeps at Night: in Wire Crate – in same room as humans
Bathing/Grooming: Good
Meds: trazodone (weaned off)
Car: will hop in the car to wait on you!
Home alone: she is fine loose in the house – that’s better than leaving her in the kennel – she will cry
Sofas/chairs: they’re hers – she prefers a pillow too!
People food: she knows all about it – needs training to stay out of the kitchen
Escape Artist: most definitely – she needs an “Airedale Appropate Fence” setup
Prey Driven – more than most dogs – she will dart after a lizard and check-up at the sound of leaves rustling
Temperment – she lounges more than other Airedales her age – if she paces it’s from anxiety – independent spirit
Leash – ok but needs work – wants to lead and will dart after things
Children – was wonderful with a precocious 1.5 year old – she was very gentle with the child (as is Ozzie)
Male dog – should be ok, depending on his temperament
Female dogs – ????
Group of dogs (doggie daycare) – ?????
Would she be ok left outside alone – no – she 100% (for now) wants to be with her humans – she’s also never been an “only dog” – if she becomes an only dog, it’s best she’s not placed with someone who is gone all day at work
Snuggler/cuddler – 100%Lucy
InboxMary Ann Ragan
6:16 PM (10 minutes ago)
to Cathy, meHi Cathy,
Hope your travel week went as expected. It was lovely to meet y’all last weekend!
I really appreciate your’s and John’s transparency and desire to be responsible Airedale owners – asking questions while taking into account what’s ideal for all involved is meaningful. I did some thinking this week – perhaps you all did the same. While Lucy is pretty chill for the breed, I think for her to match with y’all would be too much of a lifestyle change for all 3 of you.
She’s always going to want to get on the furniture – she’s 8 and while trainable, Pat and I think she’s going to do that for the rest of her life. Dogs love to be in the spot where their owners sat – our scent comforts them and lying in our “spot” makes them feel secure. Given her previous life, feeling secure will be an ongoing issue. Hopefully, she’s got a good 4-5 years left and I think attempting to train her out of something like this will be tough on all of you as she enjoys lounging next to her owner or with her head on a throw pillow. I envision her living on your couch by the window (the one she hopped up on like she owned it) – barking and trying to chase every lizard or squirrel that scurries. I totally respect “no furniture” as I’m very tidy – everyday I sweep up hair and debris/grit brought in from outside and I detest having covers over the couches, but I like having my dog next to me.
Additionally given her prey-drive she could very well breach your fence (iron gate even more so). We touched on it last weekend but I think her prey drive will get her in trouble at your house – even if you’re in the yard with her. The other day a squirrel darted in front of us and of course she wanted to chase. I corrected her and we didn’t move until she was very calm turning her attention to me. 10-15 minutes later we pass by this spot again – she immediately wanted to go into woods right at the spot we saw it. Airedales can be hyperfocused – it’s why they’re wonderful working dogs, but once they get locked in on something they don’t quit. I’m afraid she’ll try to get over or dig under your fence and once she does, she won’t forget it. In fact a little while ago I was outside working in the yard outside the picket fence around the pool – Ozzie and Lucy were inside the fence. I bent over to pull some weeds, stood up a couple of minute later and she was outside the fence on top of some shrubs! I was 25’ away from her in her line of sight and she still did it! She’s a breacher for sure and needs an unbreachable (from the top and below) fence.
I love how you’re responsible dog owners – asking the right questions and remaining practical. Stay on the list as there frequently seems to be Airedales for adoption. You mentioned your beach house in NC – maybe it’s just me, but i feel like there’s more Dale’s up there than in Alabama, so maybe chat or visit with other adoptee’s in the ARG system. I love comparing stories with others – I learn something every time.
Forgive me for pulling the plug on Lucy and I appreciate your interest in Airedales!
Kindly,
Mary Ann3/19/26 Mary Ann and I discussed how she feels that Cathy and John are not the right fit for Lucy considering her anxiousness, love for furniture and potential for breaching a fence/gate due to high prey drive.
Re: ARG Release Form
External
Inboxelisa white
10:22 AM (2 hours ago)
to meSounds good
On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 10:21 AM ARG Team
Lisa-I can call you on Tuesday since the weather is bad today.
Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Group
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 2:45 PM ARG Team
Elisa,Can you bring her to the vet and get vaccines and a heartworm test if Airedale Rescue pays for it? This would be good to have done before we move her to a new home.
Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Group
http://www.airedalerescuegroup.com
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/airedalerescuegroup/On Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 2:33 PM ARG Team
Elisa,Thank you for reaching out to ARG for assistance. I am so very sorry for your loss.
One of our team will reach out to you.
Pat Hairston
Airedale Rescue Group
