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HAPPY ENDING FOR JEDDA! (aka Hope)
By Cindy Trumble
"The Aborigine legend of Jedda, which means little wild goose, is that her spirit lives on and I really think Astro sent Jedda to me considering that he was only in Doggie Heaven 3 hours when Sally called to offer her to me,” writes Stanley Rura of Miami. This 4-month old charmer was given up by her previous owner because she was unable to care for her.  Look at that tail wagging!
Pat Griffin of Tequesta, one of our rescue coordinators, fostered Jedda for a short time. Stanley, a member of our group for six years, had called Sally to notify her of Astro’s passing. Sally called him back a couple hours later to say there was a 12-week old puppy needing a home and was he interested? Stanley took a day to think about it and began preparing his home for the terrorizing only a young Airedale puppy can do! According to Stanley there hasn’t been a dull moment since!
Jedda has one of those personalities you simply can’t resist and exercises her charms to get out of many mischiefs. “She’s only 4 months old now but sits, stays, speaks, gives paw and is totally housetrained,” boasts Stanley. He tells us she spends quiet time in her crate, but when released, the little wild goose in her comes out! Stanley writes “A big thank you to Sally and Airedale Rescue for all the fine work you do and also for the opportunity to adopt Jedda and help fill the void from the loss of Astro.”
WESTMINSTER-THERE'S ONLY ONE!
By Liz Joseph
The Sunshine Airedales had three entries at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the three owners were all present. Karen Gunter, Liz Joseph and Myrna Whatmough were bursting with pride to be part of this great experience!
The 129th Westminster Dog Show in New York City February14th and 15th was sold out. Besides the show, this event includes rounds of parties and happenings. The Who’s Who of the dog show world attend and make a point of being seen. Having been invited to many of these parties, it was difficult to know where to start. First there was the Have-A-Heart IV held at the beautiful Landmark Plaza Hotel, which was hosted by Judge Miss Dorothy Nickels. Then it was on to the Hotel Pennsylvania where the Canine Chronicle held their bash. Food was abundant and drinks were flowing. Sunday, during the day, AKC held an open house for all and it was well worth the trip. On Monday night we had a repeat of last year’s late night celebration of Take The Lead At Westminster immediately followed the completion of the group judging. It was held at The Club Car and Grill right in the Garden itself and was a sell-out.
It was a great time to experience New York’s finest dining and, with the guidance of Diana Dozier (who co-owns Zoe with me), who knows New York like the back of her hand from acting days in the theater. Diana made the evening dinner choices as Myrna and I had no clue where to go. First up was the famous Sardies, where drawings of actors and otherwise famous people adorn all the walls. The next night it was Milos, where there is not even a sign out front to identify the dining facility. Finally the last night was at Keen’s Chop House, one of the oldest restaurants in the city and a historical landmark. The timing was right to see the artist Christo’s 23-mile exhibit in Central Park known as "The Gates." Myrna and I wandered around, along with a couple hundred thousand other people taking in the beautiful weather and the exhibit.
Karen and her sister Janice took in the city sights and dining as well. Dining at Lucky Chan’s took them for what they called a "walk on the wild side." Then on to Patsy’s, which lays claim to being Frank Sinatra’s favorite restaurant. Sunday it was the diamond district and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Rather than walking the Gates they chose a rickshaw ride. Finally Monday arrived, time for the opening ceremonies with the National Anthem. As usual, there were many tears. This year we had box seats for both days, thanks to Diana. Karen’s group was invited to sit in Just Terriers Sky Box. The terriers were shown in Ring 3, which was probably the smallest ring. This worked OK for the small dogs but when it came time for the Airedales to enter, it was very tight. Judge Karen Wilson chose not to separate the dogs and bitches, which would have allowed more room for movement. Florida was represented by three entries, all bitches, Ch. Gulf-Aire’s Miracle Child (Jazz), owned by Myrna and Jeremy Whatmough, Ch. TNC’s Tropical Wave Summer (Summer) owned by Karen Gunter and Ch. Safari’s As You Like It (Zoe) owned by me and Diana Dozier. This was Zoe’s second time at Westminster. Last year she received an Award of Merit under Judge Betsy Dale.
The judge moved the dogs around the ring a few times and sparred some of them. Her choice for Best of Breed was Ch. Oldiron Margaret River, owned by Maripi Woolridge and shown by her Australian breeder Ann Sorragan, who came all the way from Australia just for this show. This bitch also took the breed at Montgomery last year with Maripi showing her. Opposite Sex went to Ch. Timberwyck Tight End owned by Susan Kuhn and shown by Wood Wornall. Our three Florida entries all showed beautifully but the judge chose to give the two Awards of Merit to dogs, Ch.Fuego Fantastico and Ch. Tartan Scottshire Electra Glide.
When it came time for the terrier group to be judged by Cindy Vogels, it looked as if the Airedale was going to take a group placement but the judge chose the Norfolk Ch Cracknor Cause Celebre (Coco), who just returned from a brief leave to take out time for puppies as Group 1. Group 2 went to the Bull Terrier Colored, Group 3 the Scottish Terrier and Group 4 to the Lakeland. Tuesday left time for exploring more of the city as the groups and Best In Show weren’t until 8 p.m. After the remaining groups were judged it was time for the Best In Show. Every dog in that ring could have gone home a winner but there could be only one and that one was the German Short Haired Pointer Ch.Kan-Point’s VJK Autumn Roses (Carlee) Although this breed is not as exuberant as a terrier, Carlee won the judge’s nod and the crowd’s applause. Exiting the Garden was not for the faint of heart but just hearing everyone talking dog was great. It will be another year before we do it all over again and it’s something to look forward to.
THE DANGERS OF CHOCOLATE
by June Dudley
I found out only yesterday just how dangerous chocolate is to our dogs. When I arrived home around 5:30 p.m, I walked into the kitchen and found the pantry door open and food service storage bins pulled out and the largest bin where I keep the very dark bitter chocolate, open. This bin was at the very back of the pantry behind all of the other bins. All of these bins have tight fitting lids.
I did not know at that time if the dogs got into it – thought they probably did, and then to identify the culprit. Dinner time told the story. While I was preparing their dinner, Samantha vomited vast amounts of chocolate everywhere. Eventually she stopped and seemed to settle down. Since she vomited so much – which was a good sign, I assumed all would be well.
This morning – Samantha did not follow me around as she usually does. She lay there lethargic. Would not take her pills or yogurt, nor drink some chicken broth. Her breathing was labored and things did not look good. I called the emergency vet and they said if she does not eat to take her to the vet. Not only did she not eat, she was stumbling and running into things.
Off to emergency we went. Samantha is there for the weekend and with prayers and zen, she will come out of this. (Happy note: Samatha is OK!)
The danger in chocolate is theobromine. It is a problem because it is metabolized so slowly. It takes about six days for it to leave the dog's body. So if your dog eats a little chocolate on Monday, and then the dog (unbeknownst to you) gets some more chocolate from one of the kids on Tuesday, an unauthorized foray into the chocolate on Wednesday can cause serious problems.
Signs of trouble are: increased nervousness or excitement, trembling, panting unconnected to high activity or heat, heart racing, seizures, coma. Some dogs (usually older ones) can have a heart attack triggered by the rapid heartbeat which forces their hearts to work harder.
So remember, NO CHOCOLATE FOR DOGS!
Member Spotlight
***Sandy Shaffer***  Six months into his life, Airedale Dubious was living up to his name – and his owner had had enough. Dubie romped, yapped and gnawed on shoes, behavior so outrageous his owner took the wild-eyed puppy to Cape Coral Veterinary Clinic to be euthanized. Instead, the vet called Phyllis Madaus in Sanford, who immediately tracked down club members Elizabeth Morrill and Sandy Shaffer in Fort Myers. The Shaffers jumped in the car and rescued the puppy last March. It took less than a week for Sandy to spot a power dog perfect for agility. She promptly changed his name to Jake and put him to work, teaching him agility, fly ball and dock jumping, a competitive sport for dogs willing to plunge into the water from a standing dock or poolside. A natural athlete, Jake now stands 25 inches at the withers and weighs 56 pounds. He’s an intelligent dog with a will to work, a dog Gary Shaffer describes as “full throttle.” Accomplished, nationally recognized fly ball experts, Sandy and Gary have become pivotal in the Florida Airedale Rescue movement, transporting, vetting and fostering Rescues Pogo, Jewel, Winston and puppy Harry this fall alone. They share a rambling home and pool on three woodsy acres in South Fort Myers with an abused poodle, an agility black lab, two resident Airedales of their own, and newcomer Jake.
Each dog fostered in the Shaffer home requires unique accommodations and patience. To confine the no-limits Pogo (now Baxter), for example, the Shaffers installed a temporary run in their back yard until they could install a chain link fence. They purchased four crates and have the house compartmentalized with baby gates. Puppy Harry wasn’t house broken and required constant supervision. Another of their rescues couldn’t be trusted around cats.
Sandy finds rescue work curiously rewarding and interesting. Delivering Airedale rescue Winston, Sandy turned off the Interstate at Palmetto and the dog stood straight up from a deep sleep and looked around as if expecting to see something familiar. When Sandy pulled into the driveway of Winston’s new home, the dog spotted his new owner immediately. The experience, Sandy says, “gave me goose bumps…like it was meant to be. The dog jumped out of the car, went to Chris and never looked back.” While the Shaffers attempted a tearful goodbye, Winston seemed to say, “I’m home, thank you very much.”
Sandy was dispatched by State Airedale Rescue Coordinator June Dudley to pick up an 11-week-old puppy in Lehigh Acres. The pet-store puppy, which cost its frustrated owner $900, came into the Rescue program after only two weeks with its new family. The puppy, called Harry, has the run of the Shaffer’s large pool enclosure under the indulgent supervision of their eight dogs. Recently neutered and trimmed, Harry became eligible for adoption in December.
Fostering Airedales never entered the minds of the Shaffers, Sandy says, until they were encouraged to try. “We love it. We’ve rearranged our path in life to do this, just because we love being with the dogs and seeing them transformed by our love.”
An Airedale's Place is in the White House
........by Diana Capurro
How fitting in this -- an election year to celebrate one of the more renowned Airedales in American history. President Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) owned the most notable canine to ever inhabit the White House. His AiredaleTerrier, Laddie Boy, literally rose to celebrity status while Harding was President. While Harding's administration was rocked by scandal and his reputation severely tarnished in the short time he served as our country's 29th President, he was caregiver to one of the country's most beloved pets. By all accounts, Laddie Boy was an Airedale of impeccable reputation. The press made more of Laddie Boy and his antics than the President himself. On July 17, 1921, the Washington Star printed an "interview" with Laddie Boy, whereby he graciously gave his opinion on everything from Woodrow Wilson's sheep and prohibition, to the Harding cabinet. He also advocated an eight-hour work day for guard dogs.
Laddie Boy had his own valet and hand-carved chair to sit in during cabinet meetings. On more than one occasion, the consensus was Laddie Boy's contributions to those meetings were more valuable than the ideas put forth by members of Harding's administration. Laddie would retrieve golf balls on the White House lawn and sit on the front steps to greet official delegations.
When President Harding became ill on a trip to Alaska, it was said Laddie Boy howled for three days before Harding passed away, sensing that something was wrong with his owner.
So popular was this remarkable 'Dale that the Newsboys Association raised 19,134 pennies from newsboys all over the country to be melted down and made into a statue of Laddie Boy by sculptor, Bashka Paeff. In true Airedale fashion, Laddie Boy sat for the sculptor no less than 15 times. Today, the statue is housed on public display at the Smithsonian.
Laddie Boy was not the only Airedale to rule the White House. In all, a total of three Presidents have shared the White House with their Airedales. President Harding's predecessor, Woodrow Wilson, had two Airedales, Davie and Sandy. The third President to bring an Airedale to the White House was President Harding's successor, Calvin Coolidge. His Airedale's name was Laddie Buck and he was the half-brother of the illustrious Laddie Boy.
Woodrow Wilson was once quoted as saying, "If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."
Let's write-in an Airedale for President!!!!
Chester, now Radar
This 50-pound puppy came into rescue because his owner had no fenced yard. House-trained, obedience-trained and schooled in agility, Chester is good with kids and other dogs. He was adopted by Karen and Mark Bougert of Riverview, Florida
Thank you Judith Powers for picking up Chester from the owner at the Cracker Barrel in Brooksville and then meeting his adoptive parents at the next cracker barrel in Wesley Chapel.. Judith said she felt part therapist. It is hard because no matter the reasons for people giving up their dog, they are usually a bit teary-eyed. I spoke with the Bourget's this evening. They are so thrilled and enchanted. They already adore him. The cat is not so sure.
See Radar and read some more about him at http://www.sunshineairedalers.org/gallery.htm/.
Airedale Rescue CeCe, now named Serena
........an update by Sally Schnellmann
Airedale Rescue CeCe went to her new home recently and her new name is Serena. Some rescues grab your heart quicker than others, and Serena successfully and easily claimed Joe and me during those two weeks she spent here at Airedale Acres.
Based on what we felt was important for this girl, we decided that there were certain definite requirements that must be met by the new family that adopted Serena:
1. The family had to be totally loving and ready, willing and capable of continuing the socialization and training that had begun here.
2. Serena had to have a large, safely fenced yard in which to play, with plenty of time to run and play in that yard.
3. There must be another Airedale for her to play with and learn from, so her socialization with animals could continue.
We had thought we might have Serena in foster care for quite awhile, until we found a family that qualified. No problem, we loved this little girl and she was welcome to stay.
Little did we know that at that same time, Serena's family-to-be was already looking for a special Airedale girl to join their family! Donna Jones called, and plans were made to have a meeting. Prayers are answered, because here was a family that could provide Serena with the new life she deserved. Serena went home with her new family and daily reports have told us she adjusted quickly and has bonded completed with her new Airedale buddy, Luke, as well as her new "Mom & Dad."
Serena has recently left her Florida home, traveling with her new family, Donna, Walkingfox, and Airedale Luke in their large and spacious motor home enroute to her new home in Connecticut where she will again be able to run and play in her fenced yard. She will return to Florida with her family in September. I'm sure you will get to meet Serena and her new family at an Airedale meeting next season.
A Side Benefit
........by Pat Bellis
There is a potential benefit for anyone who helps with Airedale Rescue--simply put, finding a new Airedale Connection for yourself and your dale. Recently, I was asked to do a home check here in Gainesville with Marjorie Fox and Arthur, who had lost their 13-year-old Queenie and were investigating bringing another Airedale into their home from our rescue organization. I spoke to them about perhaps fostering a dog to help us out and to give them time to decide if another Airedale was right for them at this particular time.
June Dudley paired them with Priscila, who is three years old. At the end of the week, June had to ask them if they wanted to adopt Priscila or let her go to another family who was interested. Their answer was, "we really want to keep her," so they adopted.
I received a call from Marjorie and an invitation to come with J-man to meet Priscila. Due to previous commitments, it took me almost four weeks before we got to meet Priscila.
At last, Jack-son (J-man) and I went to meet a new friend. Priscila was very happy to go on a brisk walk around the neighborhood. After a 20-minute walk, Priscila invited J-man into her fenced yard that borders along the San Felasco Preserve. After a few play bows, the two dales started to run gaily around the yard in circles. Jack-son did the appropriate play bows and even deferred to the female of the species. She even let him share her water bowl.
After playing for a while Priscila invited Jackson to enjoy a respite on the pool deck where J-man demonstrated his relax command. It was then after a rest, time to play one last time. The dales were so much fun to watch and fun to be with. So the next time you help in transporting a dale, or do a home check, remember you may well be making a connection of a new friend for you and for your dale.
Member Spotlight
***Susan Finney***
I recently joined the Florida Airedale Rescue effort and Sally suggested I introduce myself and tell you a little about Ev and me.
We moved to Boca Raton in the Fall of 1980 and got our first Airedale in December 1987. We have been members of the Sunshine Airedaler's Club of Florida since the second or third meeting, which was held in Gloria Bober's family room about 1988 or there abouts. There were all of 8 or 10 people present and I remember Gloria was alternating bites from her sandwich with her Airedales. I knew I was in the right place.
I had the pleasure of serving on the Airedale Rescue committee with Ann Cassidy, Mary Ann Staudenmaier, Paula Bailey and a few others when Ann first conceived the idea of a local rescue group. We published an Airedale cookbook as one of the first money making efforts for rescue.
Ev and I were the proud caregivers for 15 years to our greatest friend, Brandy. She taught us what Airedales are all about. We fell in love with her (and the breed) and enjoyed every minute of our time with her. She crossed that Rainbow Bridge in September 2002. That was the same year I retired from 35 years of teaching first grade. My husband had retired from Siemen's Corp the previous November.
We are now living outside Sebring, FL on Lake Josephine and are enjoying the peace and quiet of living out of town. We are still busy putting the finishing touches to our new home. Hopefully, we will have our yard fenced within the next year so we can be even more active in Airedale Rescue.
Right now we are very willing to make home visits, pick up rescues, do vet visits, shampoo and grooming. (I'm not great, but I can do an emergency job if needed), and keep them a few days and/or transport wherever needed. We are enjoying the freedom and flexibility afforded by being retired.
Our daughter Jill and her husband live in Boca so we still get back frequently. They are expecting their first child (and our only grandchild) in June, so I would welcome any excuse to make a trip "home" should any rescue needs come up. I look forward to working with all of you.
MEDICAL ALERT!
........by Kristin Moore
I am a nurse at the Veterinary Emergency Hospital. I wanted to let you know about a problem we have been seeing. There is a newer drug out called Duramax. It is usually prescribed for pain such as limping or arthritis, similar to Rimadyl or Ascripton. We have now seen about 10 cases of dogs on this drug who have developed abdominal ulcer perforations and internal bleeding. If caught early enough, we have used surgical intervention to save some of these dogs. However, we have also lost many otherwise healthy and young patients.
Jack the Airedale and
The Dogs of World War I
........by Diana Capurro
The British began World War I (a/k/a the Great War) with just one war dog. Not long after, dog breeder and civilian Edwin Hautenville Richardson convinced the British military establishment of the value in using dogs in military battles. During the Russian-Japanese War of 1904, Richardson trained and supplied ambulance dogs to the Russian Army and felt his countrymen certainly had a need for such services as World War I began. The British government agreed.
With his new rank of Colonel, the British War Department gave Richardson the task of starting the British War Dog School. Most dogs in the program came from local shelters and then as demand grew, an official order went out to all police forces to send any strays to the War Dog School. The English spirit of sacrifice was so great, that some folks actually sent in their pet dogs to assist in the war effort. One such lady wrote, "I have given my husband and my sons and now that he too is required, I give my dog."
 The Airedale Terrier was among the most common and popular breeds trained by the British for guard and messenger duty during the Great War. Lt. Colonel Richardson started training sentry and patrol dogs in the autumn of 1914, and found the Airedale Terrier to be well suited for such tasks. In 1916, he trained two Airedales, Wolf and Prince, for use as message carriers. Both served with great success for the 56th Brigade RFA, 11th Division. Eventually, the Airedale Terrier was named the official breed of the British Army.
Another Airedale, named Jack, reportedly saved a battalion from destruction by carrying a message through a half-mile of swamp. The artillery barrage that surrounded him broke his jaw and shattered his left foreleg. In true Airedale fashion he persevered, and delivered his message to headquarters. Shortly thereafter, he fell dead. His battalion owed their lives to him, and Jack was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for "Gallantry in the Field."
World War I was the first major conflict that saw a large scale use of dogs in such capacities as sentries, messengers, ammunition, pigeon and food carriers, scouts, sled dogs, guard dogs, ambulance dogs, ratters, cigarette dogs and Red Cross casualty dogs. Other breeds used during the Great War included Border Collies, English Sheepdogs, Retrievers, Bloodhounds and "Summer Dogs." Summer Dogs was an English term for mixed breed dogs because they are, "some of this and some of that."
Two of the more unusual dogs used during the Great War, were the aforementioned ratters and the YMCA cigarette dogs. Ratters were traditionally small Terriers, whose natural instincts helped to keep the rat infested muddy trenches clear. The cigarette dogs were smaller dogs as well, and were sponsored by the YMCA. They had the task of delivering cartons of cigarettes to the troops stationed on the front lines.
According to Lt. Colonel Richardson, qualities necessary in a British War dog were, "acute hearing and scent, sagacity, fidelity and a strong sense of duty."
Sounds like an Airedale Terrier to me!
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