I inherited my love of Airedales (and animals in general) from my parents. They had Airedales before I was born, and I grew up with an Airedale named Samson. I now have an Airedale of my own named Aggie, whom I adopted through SOAR.
I began volunteering with SOAR shortly after its formation in 2009. The group was not only very active in my area, but they actually called me to help! I guess good news – or news about good workers – travels fast.
Besides being a SOAR adopter, I’ve participated in various fundraising events over the years, such as gift wrapping at bookstores and helping to wo-man the SOAR booth at dog shows. Although I’ve only done one transport, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Talk about fun!
Currently, I send out the yearly tax donation letters for the group as well as mail collars, leashes, and tags to those SOAR volunteers taking in new Airedales. And I’ve been known to do the occasional home visit.
Being a sixth grade math teacher, I don’t have as much time as I’d like to volunteer during the school year, but come summer, I jump back in, attending as many events as I can and helping out wherever I’m needed most.
If there’s one message I’d like to send to Airedale owners and dog lovers in general, it’s this: anything you can do to help is important, and helping these dogs is so rewarding! Even speaking to people about Airedales and about rescue is a wonderful way of being involved on an informal basis.
I myself am thankful for SOAR and for the Airedales we rescue. And I’m thankful for all of the people out there who genuinely care!
