A good dog never dies
she always stays
she walks beside you
on crisp autumn days
when frost is on the fields
and winter's drawing near
her head is within our hand
in her old way.

-- Mary Carolyn Davies

Donations have been made to
Airedale Rescue in memory of . . .

. . . BEAU-DUDLEY, who crossed The Rainbow Bridge on December 12, 2007. The story of his ATUR journey to and life with SandE Mancini can be read HERE; his In Memoriam can be read HERE.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Julia Napier, c1999

. . . BRISTOL, who crossed The Rainbow Bridge on December 29, 2007. The story of her life with Tim & Christine Sheffer can be read HERE.

. . . TILLIE, owned by Janis & Roger McCurley

. . . HAYLEY, much beloved by Yvonne Winram & Charlie Purpora . . . In loving memory from Maureen, Jim, Courtenay, Pixie & Murphee

You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

-- David Harkins

. . . JACK, who traveled across The Rainbow Bridge on 14 July 2008. Sidney Hardie writes:

Jack Seneca Dashing Knave January 31, 1997-July 14, 2008 My heart dog is gone from this earth, but he will never be forgotten.

It is hard to believe that a furry four-footed being could have had such an impact on my life. While my family owned Airedales from before I was born, Jack was the first dog I raised all on my own from puppyhood. The search for him brought me to the internet terrier list, and made me aware for the first time that there were people who lost or discarded Airedales - the first I had ever heard of Airedale Rescue.

Jack introduced me to the phenomenon of "clicker training" and agility. The desire to share his agility photos led me to learn how to create web pages. The need to market the tickets for the Airedale Quilting Bee quilts led to the creation of Airedaleterriers.org. The fact that I was by then a volunteer for Airedale Rescue and had the ability to create a web page, led to the creation of AiredaleRescue.net.

Jack was always my right-hand man, riding shotgun on multiple trips around the state and across the nation.

All of the foster dogs who have come through HardieDale Acres seemed to realize that he was top dog without Jack ever having to tell them. His calm and confident temperament seemed to soothe the touchiest rescue.

Most of the people I now consider my closest friends came into my life because of Jack.

I'll never forget you, dear friend. You will forever live deep in my heart.

. . . TOMMIGIRL, who traveled across The Rainbow Bridge on July 31, 2008. Rita Ferrer writes:

The feisty, funny, nose-pokin' granny has made her journey over the Rainbow Bridge. Who knew the 13-1/2 yr old foster who came into our lives in January 2007 would make such a big place in our hearts? The little guys and I think the house feels waaay too empty.

Her last month was a struggle but until then she was trotting the yard, teasing the boys, resting her beautiful head on my lap, and enjoying being the center our attention. We celebrated her birthday on the weekend but her 15th birthday date will be tomorrow.

I am so glad that when TommiGirl needed a new life, our home was waiting for her. There is nothing more special and satisfying than adopting a senior 'dale. As spokesdog and sponsor of the NAR Senior Airedale Fundraiser, I'm gratified to know that she has left a bit of her heritage to all the senior 'dales who find themselves in Airedale Rescue and those who foster or adopt them.

Please light a candle for the old gal, to light her way . . .

[TommiGirl's story & pictures can be seen HERE]

. . . FORGE, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 31, 2008. Lori Taylor writes:

On March 29, 2008, at the Airedale Field Nationals hunt tests in Ohio, Forge & my husband, Ron Swisher, attained the Master Hunter Versatile (MHV) title, making Forge the only living Airedale and only the fourth Airedale in the history of the breed to earn this title. The versatile title means that Forge had passed his master-level fur, upland and retrieving (both water and land) tests. Ron had trained Forge from the day we got him at eight weeks and over the years, they became an inseparable team. Spectators of the hunt tests, including AKC directors and judges, were literally awestruck by their skillful performance and partnership. If you would like to read more about the Airedale Field Nationals this past March and Forge & Ron's performance, please go HERE.

Going to the field to do the land work for the master upland hunt test on March 29, 2008 See the photo in its original size HERE

It is with sadness and heartbreak that I now tell you that Thursday, July 31, 2008, Forge suddenly succumbed to the symptomless and aggressive cancer, splenic hemangiosarcoma. He was nine on May 2. One week ago, Forge had enthusiastically and skillfully done three long water retrieves in a lake, to the amazement of some bystanders at the gun club who witnessed the drill and Forge's impeccable performance.

On Wednesday, July 30, Forge's slightly disstended belly and a slight display of discomfort prompted Ron to take Forge to the vet. A diagnostic ultrasound was performed Wednesday evening and confirmed our vet's suspicions of the cancer.

Forge, ever strong & stoic, came home with us Wednesday night with Tramadol to help with pain management. He had a fairly good night and Thursday morning it was clear that the Forge was not going to let the cancer take him without a fight. He zoomed out the kitchen door with Reese early Thursday morning, and promptly & methodically hiked his leg and marked numerous bushes, shrubs & trees on our property.

Coming back inside, he reveled in the attention as I hand fed him his kibble on the family room carpet. After eating about a cup, he enjoyed a cool drink of fresh water. I had cooked some chicken and the Big Guy sat so tall & erect, his ears at attention and his brown eyes willing me to place each bite of chicken in his mouth. Half a chicken breast later, he was finished and went to lie down in the family room again.

At 12:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, however, the cancer started its final evil campaign and it was clear that it was time to say goodbye. He insisted on walking out to the car and walking into the vet's office. He always was a very proud Airedale.

We said our goodbyes and that afternoon were back in the house, eerily quiet & still, despite Reese's constant activity. How can we ever get used to life without our boy? He was our strong, courageous and loving boy, right to the very end.

Forge was an Airedale that I believe not only made Ron & I, but all of us, so very proud of our breed's hunting heritage. He proved its continued existence by his final flawless performance of master-level skill and ability at the Field Nationals hunt tests in March.

Please look skyward tonight for Forge's bright shooting star. I know it is still shining brightly. He was a star; he was the love of our lives, and Ron's most loyal & dedicated huntin' dawg. Ron & Forge were an awesome team. We are devastated by his absence from us here on Earth, but know he is already hard at work hunting & retrieving all the heavenly birdies & ducks in the fields & waters over the Rainbow Bridge.

(The same cancer, splenic hemangiosarcoma, also suddenly took our Flo from us on April 9, 2006 at the age of 9.75 years. Forge & Flo shared nothing in common in their pedigrees.)

In memory of Forge - Stone Ridge Wrought Iron, MHV May 2, 1999 - July 31, 2008

Forge is also mourned by his Airedale companion, Reese.

Forge can be seen on the following pages:

Howliday Cards 2000 - Page 24
Howliday Cards 2001 - Page 29
Howliday Cards 2002 - Page 7
Howliday Cards 2003 - Page 12
Howliday Cards 2004 - Page 17
Howliday Cards 2005 - Page 25
Andréa's Doggie 'Danas - October

JACKIE McGUINNESS:

I'm so very sorry to hear the sad news about Forge. I will be looking for shooting stars tonight that will light his way over The Bridge to the happy hunting grounds.

KATHI & SIMON:

So very sorry for your loss. Forge was your companion, hunting buddy and your friend. I will light a candle in his honor to light his way to the RB. This was a beautiful tribute to your boy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.