Norton
We adopted our big boy "Norton" on July 12, 2011, in Salem, OR. It was "love at first sight" when Connie introduced us to this magnificent Airedale. Norton had a passion for life and went about it "full throttle"! He left us on August 20th, 2013 following a courageous one-year battle with t-cell Lymphoma. We miss him desperately. He will live on forever in our hearts

Autumn
The thing that I miss the most about the loss of our puppy Autumn is the laughter. She was such a clown that we always had something to laugh about. Even when she was sick, she still had the ability to bring laughter to the house. My wife and I called her the nupper or nups for short. Autumn was my walking buddy. She and I walked over 1000 miles in her short life. She loved her walks with me. I could not walk for two months after her loss in early February of 2013, it was just too said. She was born 9/9/2009 and we had to put her down when the cancer cut off her bowels. When we took her to the vet for the final visit, she was given a pain killer before she was put down. When she came back in the room, my wife and I were sitting on the floor and she came over and gave us both a big kiss then laid down for her final moments. This was one of the saddest days in my life. I have had dogs my whole life and Autumn was the best dog/friend I have ever had. She is missed so much.

Monty
June 10, 2002 - July 5, 2013 Monty came into my life at a time when I was grieving over the loss of my airedoodle, Henry. When I first met Monty he was walking with his Foster Mom, Megen Opshal down the street. He definitely had a swagger about him. The swagger was not only from his bigger than life personality, but his hip dysplasia. He was a boy who was in constant pain but never showed it until the end. When we got back to Megen’s house, Monty drank a big bowl of water and then proceeded to give me lots of wet kisses. Somehow he knew that I was there for him. I sat down on the sofa and Megen and I talked. Monty joined me on the sofa and promptly put his head on my pal. I was in love. And I felt my heart heal. Megen and I talked about Henry and how I felt that somehow I wasn’t honoring his memory by getting another dog so soon. She helped me realize that I was honoring his memory by opening my heart and home to another dog the was in need of a home. Who would adopt a senior with such serious health issues? I knew Monty was a special case. I knew he was the one. And I knew I was the one. I made a decision a couple of years ago, with the help of Dr Cumming, that when it got to the point where he could not get up off the floor on his own, that would be it. That time came yesterday. Monty still had his dignity and pride. He wasn’t delegated to a crate, pee pads and in a constant drug induced stupor. He lived as an Airedale. And he died as an Airedale. I wasn’t going to take that from him for my own selfish reasons. Dr Cumming told me that his ashes will be scattered in an apple orchard on the peninsula. I like that idea. Right now I need to grieve. Perhaps someday another Airedale. But for now, Monty still fills my heart

Megan
2002 - 2013 Sadly, our beloved Megan succumbed to Uterin cancer in late March 2013. She bravely endured her illness, continuing to play like a pup and show her never ending love for her family. Her favorite Vet. Dr. Bob Franklin was amazed at her continued zest for life as she lived happily, well past her prognosis. Our home has felt empty without her endearing typical Airedale quirks and follies! Megan joined our family after our first beloved rescued Airedale, Annie (Brita) passed away, and after a short love affair with 14 year old Airedale, Rosie Sr. who's lifetime owner had passed away. Our Megan was a Nancy Smith girl from the Seattle area. We adopted her when her 1st. human Papa passed away, and was in need of a new forever home. Before Meg could join our family she had to recover from a very serious back surgery from her squirrel chasing adventures. Megan and we, have alway's been grateful for the many supporter's and friends she made on her personal website during her surgery and recovery. Don and I are so happy to share with all who knew her, that her entire life from age 3 1/2 to 11years, was lived completely pain free with 100% restoration. Thank You again to Megan's wonderful Seattle Doctor's. she continued her passion for squirrel chasing until the end of her life. Megan was an Airedale lover's dream come true and we will love her forever.

Quincy
2009 - April 2013 I am writing to you with an aching heart. Our dear, brave, fierce Quincy passed away this week. As you know, he was diagnosed last August with kidney cancer. Since that time it has continued to spread. Quincy was such a force in our lives. He always had an opinion and was quick to voice it. If I didn't move quickly enough to grab the leash in the morning, fill the food bowl, or head for the car, he would speak his mind. When we went walking (as we did almost every day we had together) he was my mighty protector with a light nose to my leg to be sure all was well and a bark for all those passing to be sure they knew who they were messing with. He followed me everywhere and was my constant companion. His most gentle side came through with the grandchildren. He would greet them with big kisses, then stay close at hand, allowing them to climb over (and under) him while trying to steal their food. Our only regret is that we didn't know him as a puppy but are thankful for the time we had with him--although it was way too short. I just pray that we served him well and he knew how much we love him. My BooBoo Bear.