Madeline's Story
Click here
to read the background on the rescue of 19 Airedales from a puppymill.
Madeline was one of five taken in by Jocelyn Slatin, a Wheaton Terrier
breeder in Prescott. Jocelyn was wonderful! She worked with each of
the dogs every day to socialize them, got them spayed or neutered,
microchipped and,
as they could stand it, groomed them with the help of friends.
Jocelyn's initial evaluation: Madeline is a little shy about coming inside, playful and young (2-3 years old), clean habits, good weight.
Madeline was placed on 7/13/03
7/13/03
Madeline and Tocchet did well on the ride home. They cuddled up next to each other, in their seat belt
harnesses. I took picts, but don't know how they'll turn out. It was so cute to see her 50+ pound puppy
body next to his 15 pound body! We even caught them kissing a few times!
Once we got home, everything was strange and new to her. Tocchet (the Jack Russell) was eager to show her
around, although she was hesitant! She was very surprised to see a T.V., so she watched it for a minute.
Little noises seem to startle her, but we reassure her that she's O.K. Her tail wagged a lot after a while
and she showered us with kisses! She was so tired, she slept all night in her new "den" (doggy crate) and
most of the morning.
Today, Sunday, she is coming around more. She is such a little sweetheart! She follows us around, loves
biscuits (tries to "sit" for them already), and will explore the house more. She does NOT want to go outside
in the heat, though. She really appreciates being a house dog. One time, she danced on her toes, smiled,
and then threw her front paws down at her new brother--he got so excited, he just ran across the house to get
a toy! She didn't know why he ran, so she just watched him! She continues to come out of her crate more and
more and our chins are covered more and more often with grateful kisses! She loves her new "Daddy," and is
definately a "Daddy's girl," as she follows him, wagging her tail so hard, her whole butt wiggles!
She is already the Princess of the house! She watches her brother play ball and with "Mommy" and "Daddy"
and you can tell she wants to do it too. It will take time, patience, and lots of love, but we know she'll
come all the way out of her shell. She can't resist the way we dote over her and are so excited to have her!
She seems to be happy and more trusting little by little. She's just what we were looking for!
We are so grateful to all of you who took her (and the others) in and cared for them! If it wasn't for you,
none of these wonderful dogs would have been able to add happiness and companionship to so many families!
Melissa
8/12/03
Madeline has been doing much better lately. She and Tocchet have become the best of friends. Tocchet is still
a little possesive of all his toys, but this doesn't seem to bother Madeline.
Madeline is no longer afraid of many things. She is no longer shy about going outside. When I come home from
work, the first thing I do is let the dogs out. They both go running outside and chase each other around the
house. Madeline has even taken to digging huge holes in the backyard. She is a very proficient digger.
We have also taken Madeline on several car rides, which she loves. She has been introduced to many different
people, and loves each new person she meets. She is still a little tentative around males.
Thank you so much for our wonderful dog.
Meilssa
10/12/03
Madeline has really blossomed into a happy, silly, and wonderful girl! She went to her "cousin" dog's birthday
party last night, and she ran and ran - tail pointing straight up! We really don't think she noticed that she
was the only dog out of 5 over 15-25 pounds! She also was the only dog who would keep her party hat on (until
the Boston terriers pulled it off!). She walked around with a bright purple hat on top of her head that said
"Maddie." She especially enjoys the party favors (dog treats and little stuffed animals). She thinks the
stuffed animals are babies (she even takes Tocchet's baby when he walks off, and puts it on my pillow!)
Madeline is still quite nervous of fans, though. She will be walking around the room, jump, duck, and then
watch it over her shoulder. It is becoming somewhat less, but the poor thing just doesn't understand!
Her favorite spot is on the corner of one of our couches! She loves to sleep on the floor next to my
(Mommy's) side of the bed, with her head sticking underneath the bedskirt! She gets so excited in the
mornings, and pounces onto the bed to wake Daddy with kisses! They wrestle! She loves it!
She loves people and other animals so much! She is especially careful around things littler than her.
What a pleasure to have in our family!
We don't have picts, unfortunately, but.....before Christmas, we will all get our hair cuts and have a
family picture taken in front of our (new) house (we got it in Feb.--our first non-rental since we married
2 years ago) and we will have my dad scan it in for you all to see her!
I can't wait to see what a real Airedale grooming will look like on her -- she's such a cutie pie!
She even looks like she wears mascara! We shaved her ourselves a month ago, but alas, it was our first
try--and possibly last. The poor thing took it well, but it didn't look right!
We just adore her! If we had lots of land, I would have an Airedale farm (we still love our little JR,
of course, but too many of them could mean a take-over, the clever little monster!) Could you imagine a
yard full of JRs? Have you seen any? Tocchet is like a grasshopper-- 5 feet into the air over and over
and over! Without even thinking about it!
It's so funny to see them together! If one of them goes outside, he or she HAS to have the other one
come with! They are so attatched to each other! Most of the time, they just stand there and look at
each other (wonder if they are communicating silently about their parents--uh oh!) 15 pounds and 50+
of pure silliness when together. She shakes her head like a horse and pokes him with her big nose, and
it nearly knocks him over! Sometimes, he'll run as fast as he can around the house for her, and she'll
look like she's smiling!
Melissa
February, 2005
Due to an unexpected change of family circumstances, Madeline was returned to Airedale Rescue.
Maddy is doing great in her new home. She has an 8-year-old Airedale brother and they both
love playing in their big yard. She also has a 12-year-old boy that she adores.
The family camps and hikes a lot and have already taken Maddy out on a camping trip with them.
They said she loved the lake and immediately went diving for sticks.
More about Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue
