When Becky got the call from the St. Cloud, Minnesota Humane Society, she was told that they had an 'Airedale' which they could no longer keep. It needed to be adopted or put down. Becky drove to St. Cloud, about two and one-half hours away.
This part of me's Airedale . . .	. . . while this part of me's Rottweiler! Am I a 'RottDale'? Or an 'Aireweiler'? Whatever you call me, be sure you call me over to play in your kiddie pool!
Surprise! That ain't no Airedale! Well, seeing the good temperament in the dog and thinking it would be easy to place, Becky paid them for the dog and brought her home. Her coat was a bit long and somewhat wiry. Judging from that and her coloring she might well be an ADT/?? cross. Given the VERY short tail, large size, mellowness, etc., Becky thinks Emma is probably an ADT/Rottweiler (AireWeiler???). Whatever breeds she may be, Emma is very sweet, puppyish, and a wonderful companion for her new owner Elizabeth, who is the daughter of a lady who works with Becky. Their family lost one of their dogs to old age some months ago and had been looking for another four-legged friend. Tonight Elizabeth & Emma graduated (Magna Cum Biscuit) from obedience school. Becky went up there to see the festivities. So Emma isn't really part of the family, yet it is nice to know she has a good home and a loving owner . . . Emma's not a champion of the ring, but much beloved by her Human Companion.
How much is that k*tt*e in the window? The one sunning on a bale of hay? Peanut ( If I could just streeeeeeeetch a little bit, I'd get that c*t! ) and Houdini ( Yeah, sure. Then what would you do with it? You'd be in BIG trouble! ) Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails. -- Max Eastman
On 2 November 1998, Dave writes: Here is Boomer. We think he is an Airedale/German Shepherd mix. He has the sweetest temperament, but he is definitely part terrier. Boomer was in a local shelter and he won Becky's heart. Of course, nearly any dog can do that when they give you that long, soulful look.
In the second picture you'll note the clever use of water buckets to frame the subject. It is the sort of thing rarely taught in photography classes, and rarely seen in photos.
On 18 November 1998, Dave writes: It is with deep sorrow that we tell of the passing of Teddy to The Rainbow Bridge. Teddy succumbed to cancer today, November 18, 1998. He left peacefully and did not suffer. Teddy was a Rescue Airedale who lived with us here on the farm for nearly seven years. Some of you have visited Teddy's web pages and read his story there. A few of you have been kind enough to drop Teddy a note via email. Teddy was rescued from a research facility. He had apparently been abused or mistreated early on. Perhaps he had been abandoned to the research facility by his owners. When he came to us he was terrified of men and very reluctant to trust anyone. Through the years here he was able to set all of that aside. When friends came to visit us, Teddy would walk up to see them, hoping to have his head or ears scratched. His shyness gave way to an innocent joyful trust of people. His greatest love, besides dinner, was going for a walk. He would eagerly stand near the gate as the Flexi-lead was taken down from its place on the wall. Once connected to his collar he would proudly carry part of the lead in his mouth, his tail held high, showing the world the great joy he took in such a simple thing as going for a walk. Teddy endured some of the worst of man's behavior. Instead of responding in kind, he somehow managed to leave it all behind. For a few short years he was able to live with dignity, to romp with the other dogs, to investigate all those things which stirred his curiosity, to bark fiercely in defense of his home and, at the end of the day, to curl up on a rug in the living room and sleep soundly. Tonight a very noble heart is still.
Dave wrote this poem for Teddy: On the Passing of Teddy, an Airedale Terrier Your blanket lies neatly folded never quite that way before. It was only just this morning when we last walked through the door. The kitchen it is silent as the dinner hour draws near. What we wouldn't give for those gentle footsteps to hear. The bowl filled so often with food for your delight. It rests alone untouched, it is oh so empty tonight. Your station by the door where you stood guard over all. Now it is abandoned against the stranger's call. The tail which wagged so fiercely at the sounding of your name. The ears alert have heard their last; it will never be the same The yard and gardens stand in quiet wait for your patrol. Now your realm's without a king; this home without a soul. You have touched us here so deeply, and accepted us with glee. Our sorrows now surround us; how will we make them flee? How can we forget your face, caressed a thousand times. Your offer of a handshake as if you could read our minds. It is such a day of anguish; your spirit has taken flight. And when we look into our hearts; they are oh so empty tonight. Copyright 1998, David Barrett
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, To never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me? -- Evelyn Colbath
In March 1999, Jenny the Airedale was saved from certain death and welcomed into The Barrett Pack. You can read her story at AIREDALES ON PARADE/SPOTLIGHT ON RESCUE
	On 31 May 1999, Dave writes: We did have a second-birthday party for Stevie on Saturday, May 22. Several of Stevie's friends came to visit. Boomer tries to get some of the birthday balloons.
Stevie's family picture. l to r: Brother Java, Mom Lexi, Sister Becket & Stevie (with rakish bandana). Stevie's fFather Noah lives in Duluth, Minnesota and couldn't come to the party.	Oscar the puppy decides that this posing for pictures stuff has gone on long enough. Oscar just waded right in to say hello to this group of friendly-looking Airedales. This is the only still photo I have of Oscar.
Oscar was adopted the day after the above picture was taken and is now living with his Forever Hoomans.
A group photo The more obedient party-goers were gathered for a group shot. There were others there, but the more feisty members were asked to relax in the kennels until the pictures were taken. I won't even begin to try to name them all. A few noteworthy doggies are Zoey the Otterhound, fourth from left; Boomer lying down, fifth from left; and Stevie zonked out next to Boomer after a very busy birfday party. Well, the gang all slept quite soundly after their very busy Saturday (so did we).

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