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Jackie, Wendell, ARG volunteers and adopters
I got my first Airedale in 1999, an 8-week old puppy, and fell in love. I had never given rescue a thought, until one day in late June 2001, I got a call about an Airedale-mix at the Memphis Animal Shelter, a high-kill shelter. After contacting Airedale Rescue Group and learning that they would help me with this young pup, I brought him home and nursed him through an apparent case of “kennel cough.” After 6 weeks of fostering and a little obedience training with this smart, mixed ‘dale, we found a home for him with a family whose Airedale-mix had recently died. I’ll never forget how happy the family was to meet this little guy and how quickly he took to them, especially their young son. I was hooked. It was gratifying to experience such a happy ending. And that’s what we all are after, isn’t it? Happy endings. Rescue is not easy and not for the squeamish. And sometimes, the happy endings are too long in getting here. But to see a once-neglected, or worse – abused – Airedale warm to a new friend, take food from an outstretched hand, sleep curled up on a rug instead of in the dirt, or gaily wag its tail, is not just rewarding, it is life-affirming. You begin to believe that you can make a difference in a small way in someone’s  $0 $0
Barbara
Why do I volunteer? I still claim it was accidental, but the aire-stars must have been in alignment that day many years ago. I had more time than money and was looking for a way to spend my currency. Two days later I had my first two fosters. I have lost track of how many more came along the rescue road to what came to be known as the Athens Rehab Ranch. Some goodbyes were more difficult than others, but what makes my heart sing is the "happy tails" we hear and see when the right match is made. Yes, I'm one of the ones who asks all those probing personal questions. Despite having relocated to extreme northern New York, my rescue heart is still in the south. Thanks to the internet and phone, I am still able to assist. The rewards of volunteering for me are a toss-up between the incredible people I have met and cherish as friends, and knowing we have made all the difference in the lives of a needy airedale and a loving and caring new family.
Claire
Claire is the calm voice on the telephone asking each applicant to describe their 'perfect family member.' An long time Airedale mom, Claire brings her knowledge about these quirky characters to every interaction - health, behavior and personality of these magnificat terriers. Ask Claire anything at all and you are sure to hear a thoughtful and experienced answer. $0 $0Claire is one of our application volunteers who works to make the best match for these second chance doggies. She brings many years of experience to these interactions. $0 $0Christina $0 $0I decided to volunteer with Airedale Rescue Group (ARG) after having my rescued Airedale, Rosie for one year. Rosie had been surrendered twice in her life and I was her final forever home. I wanted to give back to an organization that helped me find my wonderful friend. Volunteering withARG allows me to help Airedales find new loving families. My volunteer role is intake, the first voice that surrendering families and busy shelters hear. Dogs come from families in stress from divorce to unexpected moves; to shelters with new puppies to very sick adult dogs. My reward is the first message I get from a new forever home upon receiving their dog. It can be a long journey.
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