I was first introduced to Airedales in the mid-‘70’s, when I lived in Arizona, and shared my home with two ‘Dales. In 1979, an Airedale pup (Benny) flew from Phoenix to New York, and lived with me and my then-boyfriend (now husband) in New Jersey until he crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 1993.  

My all time favorite Benny story is the “Great French Fry Caper.” A bowl of hot French Fries was on my kitchen table while chicken was still cooking. We glanced in the kitchen, and saw Benny with paws on table and face in bowl, chowing down.  Benny looked up, his ears went back, and he got that “uh oh” look on his face. We never said a word—and went into another room to laugh hysterically! Benny punished himself that night by staying under the coffee table, and wouldn’t even come out for a cookie. 

Since then, we have shared our home with a Lakeland Terrier and a Welsh Terrier, and we were active with Welsh Terrier rescue for several years. We do not have an Airedale, as our current Welsh (a 10-year old who has been with us for 4 years) is intimidated by larger dogs. But ‘Dales will always have a special place in our hearts! 

I’ve been a quilter since 1995, and opened a part time long arm quilting business in 2006. While I still have a day job, and am building a loyal clientele, helping  Airedale Rescue with this fund raising project brings me back to my terrier roots. 

My work on this quilt is in memory of Wrinkles, a very sweet Airedale I met in AZ. He had been horribly mistreated by his first owners and was afraid of all men, and most women. I was one of the very few people who Wrinkles allowed to play with him or scratch his head, and I will never forget him.