As I write this, the mornings are getting chillier and the clouds have “that look” which says winter is approaching.  This is the time of year when you begin thinking of the holidays and the special    emotions that holidays bring.  I really enjoy this time of year, with all the special activities that go with the season, but mostly I like the warm feelings that emerge and the time spent with family and friends.  It gives me warm fuzzies to think of all the wonderful  people who have been so important to SOAR during our first full year of rescue.  It makes my heart sing to think of all the Airedales who passed through our hands and on to loving new lives.  It makes me smile to know that help from the extended Airedale community is just a phone call or an e-mail away.  

Think of a time in your life when you truly accomplished a goal, something good, something challenging...the harder the better.  Did you do it alone?  It’s likely you had at least one person who helped you, supported you, and believed in you, and even more likely that the more people you had helping you, the quicker and more successfully you reached your goal.  When we work together, nothing is impossible!

Together, we accomplished quite a lot in 2010.  Thanks to the devotion of our volunteers we were able to take 38 Airedales under our wings. From a litter of puppies to 10-year old Abby, 38 Airedales are doing the “happy dance” for the holidays.  From Suzie to Katie, 38 Airedales are assured of a warm place to sleep this winter...and they have no shortage of wetbeardkisses to show their appreciation for each and every volunteer who touched their lives in such a positive way.

Together, we held a very successful Aire Affaire in the Spring.  This event not only assured our ability to take care of our rescue Airedales in 2010, but it was the beginning of a very special fund.  The Diana Muldaur Fund was born to assist rescue Airedales in need of surgery or treatment over and above the care they normally receive when they enter rescue.  An Airedale named Kellie of North Carolina was one of several Airedales to receive a donation from the Diana Muldaur Fund.  Kellie needed to have surgery to repair a heart defect and we were tickled that SOAR’s Diana Muldaur Fund was able to play a part.

Together, we were able to transport 7 puppies from Oklahoma to Indiana, Ohio and Michigan and into the waiting arms of new families.  Many volunteers dedicated their weekend to see that this precious cargo made it safely to their destinations.

I heard it said that it takes a village to rescue an Airedale...and from what I have seen, this is certainly true.  My hope for 2011 is to inspire you to become a part of that village.  Whether you can contribute some computer time or would like to be a part of the SOAR Board of Directors, we look forward to hearing from you.  If you have fundraising talents, know how to write grants, or just like to write, we look forward to hearing from you.  Maybe you can help transport, foster, do home visits or would like to make a donation, we look forward to hearing from you also.  Make a commitment to make a difference in 2011.  Together we can make it happen!

Lynn O'Shaughnessy