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Official Website of
ATCA Rescue & Adoption Committee
National Airedale Rescue, Inc.
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Airedale Retirement Homes Needed
Airedale Rescue volunteers provide safe and loving homes for Airedales until the right forever home is found. We do not euthanize Airedales simply because they are no longer young. But, we need more loving people to provide homes for our senior 'Dales. Each February, we hold a Senior Fundraiser to raise funds to cover the extra medical expenses sometimes required by a senior dog. Some people have the love but not the extra money and we can assist an otherwise perfect home afford to help a Senior Airedale. Adopting a senior dog can be a wonderful experience. We encourage you to think of the joy you will give to an old dog. We promise you that Senior Airedales return the love you give them ten-fold. We hope that the following stories will inspire you to share your home with a Senior Airedale. If you would consider opening your home to a senior Airedale or have questions, please click here to contact us. Ivan Late in August of 2006 Ivan strolled into our lives. He was 14 years old (he turned 15 on February 14, 2007) and had been a one-woman dog all his life. Suddenly, he had to deal with three here-again / gone-again college kids and Gracie and Garbo, two much younger female Airedales, one a rescue dog. Ivan's ears stuck straight up (strange yet alert-looking) but he was pretty deaf, except when the neighbor kids were out playing. He had serious arthritis in his rear legs but he went charging out the back door at least once a day, chasing our girls Gracie and Garbo. It was amazing how quickly Ivan embedded himself in the household routines. He never missed "his" share of the breakfast blueberries. He knew who to snuggle up to for ear scratches and when it was time for a bed time treat. If he saw his leash, he headed to the garage for a ride in the car. It was fascinating to watch the adjustments that Gracie and Garbo made for our senior citizen. They used to wrestle every morning and chase each other all through the house every afternoon. Ivan was sent sprawling twice the first week and the girls moved their horseplay outside. Gracie even gave up delivering her jumping greetings to our friends. When I would call the girls in after their final night run in the back yard, I'd flash the back door light for Ivan. If that didn't work, Gracie would run back out and whiz past him so that he'd see the movement and follow her in. It wasn't all easy. Ivan was on one medication when he arrived and we added two as time went by. He didn't always get outside in time but, bless his heart, he was always heading for the door. Ivan was so clearly grateful for his life but we were the ones blessed to have such a loveable fellow. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? At the end of this August, Ivan started losing weight and was losing the ability to stand. After all three kids had a chance to say goodbye, we put him to sleep. Gracie and Garbo were very quiet for two to three weeks. And then, one morning, they started wrestling again. It was a great year of the (old) dog. Sue and Dave 
Right now I've got three very old Recently Rescued Airedales (15, 14 and
14) and one very old Black Lab/Golden X (17) that we've had since he
was found in a field as a tiny baby before he even had his eyes open. I
thought you might want to hear about my nightly game of trying to sort
out all the Seniors.
Evie
I founded the Sunshine Airedalers Airedale rescue club in Florida in 1991,
and it wasn't long before I saw the need for a retirement home for those
rescues who were too old or too ill to be coveted for adoption. My dream
to have an Airedale Retirement Home came to fruition in 1998 when we moved
to a house that had an attached, oversized 2-car garage right off the kitchen
of that house. By converting that garage to an "aire" conditioned/temperature
controlled room that could house many dog crates and rescue dogs in comfort,
I was able to give love, comfort and care to those Sunshine Airedaler's senior
dogs that needed a place to go. Carpeting the floor gave steady footing to those
old canine hips and unsteady legs. Setting up my office and computer in that
big "doggy room", where I spent so many daily hours anyhow, meant I spent each
day with Airedales contentedly sharing my office. Direct access to the living
quarters of our home meant dogs could come and go with ease, at my discretion,
having the option of coming into our home, preferably the kitchen for meal preparing treats.
A door from the doggy room opened into the fenced yard and when weather permitted
and humans were at home to supervise, that door could be left open so the 'dales
could come in and out as they wished. They were a very contented crew! My first ATRA foster (I adopted him) was Duke, aged 9.
He always had the most mischievous smile on his face. I never
could look in a drawer, open a door, a cupboard or the refrigerator
without his head pushing and sniffing his way in first. He loved
to steal tissues and when you were blowing your nose, you could
count on him rushing from whatever room to your side, just in case.
Duke struggled to get on his feet because of arthritis but once up,
he would jog around the yard and give the squirrels whatfor. Our
only struggle was over trimming his toenails. Finally, I decided
the vet techs would be the best solution. He was a joy in my life
and just writing this short note makes me smile to remember him.
Duke was only with us for 2 years but will be remembered for always.
SENIOR DOGS: AN APPRECIATION In my experience, Senior Dogs are a real blessing! * They have survived the test of time, usually carry some battle scars (Like the rest of us who are approaching the "golden years") And appreciate the little things that contribute to a "good life." * It does take a bit of time to realize how just how many "surprises" (i.e. old tricks!) A Senior brings along in his/her baggage, But the alert owner of a new Senior'dale can set boundaries and limits early, Thus ensuring a more graceful adjustment to a new environment. That is what being "proactive" and "in charge" is all about, At least when living with children and/or Airedales. * A Senior Dog probably had some sort of obedience training in his/her previous life, And so we can work out more easily What is necessary for living contentedly with each other– * "Breakfast before the crack of dawn, my dinner at 6, please, And I promise to lie quietly nearby while you have your meals–usually, that is. And yes, I do know that the crate awaits me if I can't be polite during your time at table!" * "I don't "sit" too well because of my arthritic joints, but I usually go "down" when asked." * "You do not have to shout at me–I probably can't hear you anyway. A sense of humor, a guiding hand on my collar and firm direction is the best way to handle me Because We are really on the same side here– in the beginning I just need to figure out How much I can get away with!" * Let the younger and more energetic souls among us take on the exciting challenges of the pups– We who elect to live with Seniors are grateful That the days of agile counter-surfing, chewing everything in sight, threatening the mail person And even worse pranks are deeply buried in the past. * Senior Dogs do not have to conquer the world any longer– Leave that to the youngsters. Any attempts at reproducing exciting escapades of the past are usually less intense Than they would have been in the glory days of youthful vigor and Airedalean creativity. Senior Dogs appreciate regular meds and quiet walks around the neighborhood, Meeting friends with happy woofs, smiles, and profuse tail wags. Tossing a few tennis balls is appreciated, too! * Senior Dogs can still bark with enthusiasm when spotting a squirrel Or meeting another dog, But they will also lie contentedly (and snore) at our feet for long periods of time, Because being near us is the most satisfying place in the world to be. * Senior Dogs, like their human counterparts, Just need someone to love and care for them as they are right now– Warts and kisses alike accepted. * And when our turn comes 'round and the "last day" arrives, as it must for all of us, Being in the embrace of the one who has loved us dearly, And whose love was returned without measure, is the final gift. It gives meaning to the phrase that "parting is such sweet sorrow." * Try it: you'll find that as we grow (older) together the rewards are rich and precious memories. *** Janice Parkinson-Tucker October 18, 2007  Breezie and Wiggles Ragan I hear all the time. We don’t want an old Airedale -- they may die too soon. Well, people, get over it. Stop thinking about yourselves and think about an old body who only wants to be loved and some peace and quiet in a warm bed and warm food. There are no promises of a long life to even a younger dog. I have lost a 5 yr old that I got at 11 months from Rescue. Healthy, Active and all of a sudden very sick and died in 24 hrs. Heart was enlarged and a few other medical problems that were never enough to cause alarm, so I was told by vets. My next was Brandy a 13 yr old who wanting nothing but love and a nice warm bed, a few car rides and walks around the yard. She asked for nothing more and was loved and pampered for 11 months when her kidneys gave out. Brandy had a relaxing 11 months here.. I missed her, but was immediately told about a 9 yr old tied to a shelter gate with a note: We don’t want her anymore. So Breezie came here. Now 10 going on 11. She is a joy. She plays happy dance, loves to ride and wants nothing more than a home and love. Yes, her knee gave out and she had a.c.l. surgery..She lay on her mat of 4 folded quilts and barked for her pillow to be fluffed, fresh water please, while you are in the kitchen a treat would be nice. If she could have gotten her paws on a bell, I would have been summoned for more pillow fluffing. She is doing fine. So, after losing a Beagle of 13 years, I picked up a 10 yr old Airedale named Wiggles. It was to be a foster. That is not what was planned for Wiggles, Breezie and I. When you spend the first 3 years of your life in a wire metal grain bin, no shelter, no shots, no grooming and weighed 1/2 of what you should. Rescued by a shelter and sent to a family who then started having kids. They threw toys at her, would corner her and hit her and finally she growled at them.. So Wiggles was out of there. This old girl is amazing. She follows me all day, loves to ride, nice little walks and can sleep with her eyes open -- I am sure from watching for kids to jump on her. She has now been here 3 months and starting to play and no longer afraid to go out in the yard alone. Only barks when needing to go out or come back in. Her favorite thing is food, and second is clean quilts -- the more the better -- and she can stretch out and wiggle to make her body conform to the nest and give a big sigh and off to sleep the nite through. To look at these old girls, sleeping and happy, makes tears come to my eyes. They deserve so much now in their senior years. The joy they give everyone who comes and myself who cares for them would not be traded for a younger dog. So to all who pass these older dogs up -- you are missing too much. Give up thinking about how badly you will feel when they pass. Of course you will feel lost, But get over it. Let’s not let them feel lost while they are still alive. Give them a warm bed, love, food and kindness that maybe is the last kind thing they know. In some cases maybe the first kindness they know. November is Adopt a Senior dog month. Give a senior its last
home.
I got an 11 1/2 year old Airedale when his elderly owner had to move in with younger relatives who did not want a dog as well as the five cats she had. "TJ" was a little arthritic and certainly overweight, but otherwise healthy and a dream of a good dog. Who would adopt a dog of his age?? Then he was met by a couple who seven years ago had adopted two seven year old litter brothers (boys who until that time had never been out of their backyard pen), and though one was recently lost, the other, Hobbes, is still going strong at 14, so when this couple heard about TJ, they thought he sounded young! And so he is, living with happily with them, still three years younger than his new Airedale brother. It's all...relative. Barbara Save a Place for an Older Face More Stories About Life with Senior Airedales from ATRA
If every person who reads these stories would make room in their lives for just one senior Airedale, we would have more
than enough homes for all of them. |
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