Jolee Aire Baron of Appyaire
March 9, 1995 - January 21, 1998

If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go where they went.

The Friends of Airedales Memorial Fund was founded in January, 1998, as Shelley & Howard DeMerchant shared the heartbreaking ramifications of Baron's illness with the Airedale Terrier List. The Fund resulted from the sudden and untimely death of this young Airedale, who symbolizes the depth of the bond we have with our beloved friends. Their paw prints are etched permanently on our hearts.

Baron's legacy is to transform despair into joy. Through donations in memory of lost friends, Airedale Rescue can continue its devoted cause of saving the lives and ensuring the well-being of Airedales in distress. Baron represents the spirit we share. For the love of Airedales, the Friends of Airedales Memorial Fund perpetuates Baron's legacy so that others may know happiness.

100% of all donations received
go directly to Airedale Rescue

PAYPAL donations can be made HERE.
Username is adenning@wi.rr.com
Remember to state the friend's name and where to send the acknowledgement

OR

Make checks payable to AIREDALE RESCUE and mail,
along with the friend's name and where to send the acknowledgement, to
FRIENDS OF AIREDALES MEMORIAL FUND
606 AUTUMNWOOD FOREST DR
LAKE ST LOUIS MO 63367

Please also include the name of the dog to be listed on the
AIREDALES IN MEMORIAM Page
or the OTHERS SO PRECIOUS TO US IN MEMORIAM Page
Be sure to visit the TRULY DEDICATED FRIENDS OF AIREDALES Page
Be sure to visit the WAGS & WOOFS FOR FRIENDS OF AIREDALES Page

For more information, please  e-mail Andréa Denninger.

I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives, and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?

-- Sir Walter Scott, 1822

The Airedale . . . an unrivaled mixture of brains and clownish wit, the very ingredients one looks for in a spouse.

-- Chip Brown

The Airedale can do anything any other dog can do and then whip the other dog.

-- Teddy Roosevelt

An Airedale, erect beside the chauffeur of a Rolls-Royce,
Often gives you the impression she's there from choice.

-- E.B. White

WHEN I GOT MY NEW DOG

I asked for strength that I might rear her perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.
I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a special needs dog that I might know nurturing.
I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubborness that I might feel humble.
I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh.
I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything that I needed.
I got an Airedale.

-- Carol DiPrima & Kibo

The inhabitants of the United States are, I think, the most practical people on the earth's surface, and there is no dog like the Airedale to them. If there is a secret in it, the reason that she appeals to them with such irresistible force is probably that she is a dog that one can go out and do something with.

-- Holland Buckley, The Airedale Terrier,1920

PRAYER FOR A PUP

Great God of Dogs,

Seated on thy regal throne in the high heavens, where ruddy Sirius flames; with all thy angel pack about thee, running to do thy bidding - St. Bernards and all the other canine saints, collies, setters, mastiffs, and Great Danes, dogs who gained heaven through much loving and profound devotion, a noble brood, heroes of flame and flood.

Great God of Dogs,

Look down and hear my humble prayer. Outside thy portals this gray morn a little stranger waits, an Airedale Terrier, nine months old, big-footed, awkward-limbed, rough-coated, with stubby tail held upright, wagging rapidly, ears cocked, and brown eyes full of innocent inquiry and pained surprise at his strange plight, pleading humbly for admittance. That's Dusty Rhodes. He died in undeserved pain. His little spirit passed beyond our ken. No more our door is open to his plaintive whine.

Great God of Dogs,

I pray thee grant him mercy. If in his record thou dost read much mischief and some disobedience, forget not his unsullied heart, his sweet and gentle disposition: no trace of viciousness did darken his young life, no evil mood, nor any least resentment. He teased our cat, but it was only play; he would have loved him like a brother if he could. And if on such and such a day he misbehaved and heeded not the bidding of his mistress, on the same day he licked the chastising hand, and all was soon forgiven and forgot.

There be no deeds of valor to record; but he was young. He came of noble lineage; and his little heart was true. Be merciful, I pray, and let him in. His little collar hangs upon a nail, and e'en the little whip, the sight of which chastises us to-day. He has no home. We cannot bear that he should wander there in outer darkness, unpatted and unloved. Is there no place in all wide heaven for him? Is there no loving hand to take his proffered paw? I pray thee, let him in.

And if there be an angel child or two whose time may well be spared, some cherub who can understand a dog, who loves to play, I pray thee to entrust him to his keeping. He will repay the care. Across the Elysian fields he'll romp and run; and if some angel stops and smiles and speaks his name, as neighbors did on earth, then there will sound the bark of pure delight that we shall hear no more; and heaven will hear a joyful noise that day.

Great God of Dogs,

Outside thy pearly gates this little stranger stands and begs the simplest boon. He only asks for someone he may love.

Great God of Dogs, wilt thou not take him in?

-- Walter A. Dyer
Gulliver the Great and Other Dog Stories,1916

The loss of a dog is undeniably difficult. Thankfully, there are good books on the subject and local bereavement groups. Three U.S. veterinary schools maintain hotlines for those seeking counseling:

 University of Florida - (904) 392-4700 ext. 4080

 Michigan State University - (517) 336-2696

 University of California - (916) 752-4200

-- from 365 Days of Dogs Calendar

These pages contain many, many links to other pet-grief pages

 PET CEMETERY

 PETS-GRIEF SUPPORT PAGE

 RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE PAGE

 LIGHTNING STRIKE PET-LOSS SUPPORT PAGE

 AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PET LOSS PAGE

Thanks to Jamie Hare for the Animated Airedale Graphics

Thanks to Karen Clouston for the Airedale Graphics

dogs have joined Misha (@RB), April (@RB), Cari & Rico on the couch since 16 AUGUST 1996. We hope you all were comfy!!

 INTRODUCING MISHA (@RB), APRIL (@RB), CARI, & RICO

Remember to bring along your virtual pooper-scooper!

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Updated 22 JUNE 2007