Hi, I’m Julie King and live in the northwest Chicago suburbs with my husband and three sons, along with our beloved Airedale, Kaeleigh.
I was introduced to Airedales when I was eight years old and met my aunt and uncle’s big dog, Max, who became a favorite companion when I would visit them in southern California. He let me ride him like a horse and pull on his tail – all without retaliation. Later, I befriended their new Dale, Grinder, more mischievous but equally tolerant. I was immediately drawn to this goofy breed, with its signature snouts and expressive ears, which had a natural appeal to me unlike any other dogs.
Because my parents weren’t super dog lovers, I never had my own Airedale until my husband surprised me in 1997 with a 12-week-old puppy, Molly. (We weren’t familiar with rescue back then!) We cherished Molly for 12-1/2 years, during which my three sons were born and she patiently endured the chaos and noise of three rambunctious toddlers.
A few years after Molly died, my friends introduced me to Airedale rescue and we found SOAR. We were quickly blessed with Kaeleigh, who hailed from Oklahoma, and I eagerly drove five hours each way to meet her. Definitely more idiosyncratic than Molly, she brings us the same joy and laughter, and we love her immensely.
I look forward to the day when I retire and can enjoy more than one Airedale at home. For now, I’m happy to donate my time to help these precious pooches find forever homes where they are experts at enhancing human lives.
