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Aire Jordan
Last year, on November 8, I lost my Airedale, Robby, at age 13 and a half. He died of natural causes. He had been going downhill, and I forced myself to start thinking about the next dog in my life, but it didn’t take much thinking at all: I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I am only interested in an Airedale. I was looking for a male, preferably standard size or slightly smaller. The dog would not be shown.
I contacted Lou Swafford, who heads up the rescue program of the Airedale Terrier Club of Metropolitan Washington and submitted an application. I told Lou that adopting a rescued Airedale was my preference, and that I would be willing to wait until the end of January 2003 for a rescue dog; after that I would go to a breeder to buy a pup.
Meanwhile, I decided to contact most of the breeders who are members of the ATCMW, just to find out what my options might be in late January, if it came to that. I sent emails to 7 breeders; I got 5 replies. There were no dogs available locally at the time.
On January 1, Lou called and told me he had a 3-year-old male that he thought would be right for me. Two days later I went to Lou’s house and met Jordan. It was love at first sight.
My hat goes off to the ATCMW in general and to Lou Swafford in particular. Lou picked up Jordan at the Petsmart in Bowie after receiving a call that someone had simply left Jordan there. Jordan spent the next week of his life at the veterinary hospital getting neutered. (There were a few complications, but he’s fine now.)
I’ve had Jordan for exactly two months. My mom always used to tell me that a person could only have one great dog in his life. With Jordan, I know that she was wrong! I have no reason to believe that Jordan’s previous owner abused him. However, he was painfully thin when I got him, leading me to believe that the previous owner neglected him. (He has gained 6 lbs. and is starting to look terrific!) Jordan has a severe case of separation anxiety, but he (and I) started obedience school last week. Jordan is a typical Airedale: very intelligent and willing to perform—when he feels that it’s fun for him! I am hoping that school will give him the self-assurance he needs to overcome his anxiety.
Again, my sincere thanks to Lou Swafford and to ATCMW. Jordan thanks you too!
Steven Sachs