Welcoming a New AireGirl

It had been more than four years since the presence of an Airedale graced our home. 

We welcomed this new AireGirl on June 30.  She is a retired mama, a little more than five years old.  And she is oh, so sweet.

She is well-mannered both inside and out, watchful to see my next move, interested in our activities but not necessarily in joining in.  She walks well on lead and respectfully allows humans to go into and out of doors before her.  Best of all, she comes when called.  If outside, she races to me when I call and, if inside, she comes quickly.  She has some learning to do, too, though.  She won't sit or lie down on command, doesn't know wait or stay, and when greeting people she enthusiastically jumps up on her toes.  And there are plenty of other commands, along with hand signals, she can learn.  She seems a little hesitant or insecure sometimes.  Often, her ears are pulled to the side and her tail is down, indications that she is nervous or uncertain.  (And who wouldn't be uncertain when in a new and unfamiliar home with strangers?!) 

It was fun to see her outside yesterday, ears alert, tail high, racing to the fence to tell the neighbor he shouldn't be mowing so close to her fence, then racing back to me when I called her.   

She loves being near me, especially, though she likes other family members, too, and enjoys being petted or getting any kind of attention.  She's not much interested in treats or toys--a real people dog.

We had visitors yesterday.  She came in from outside, greeted them, and asked for pets.  (She did not jump up, I think because they were here when she came in.  Had she been inside when they came, she would probably have jumped to welcome them.)  She tried to sniff.  (Bad manners!)  Then she laid on the floor and eventually stretched out on her side for a snooze.  I'm glad she felt safe.

Observations about AireGirl since she's been here.

• She does not like to walk in grass after a rain and does not like being out in the rain.  (Me, either.)
• She doesn't like fireworks but instead of cowering or trying to hide as our previous Airedales have done, she comes to me for assurance in the form of pets.
• Outside, cats are critters of interest, to be chased if possible.  Inside, cats are animals to be respected because they hiss.  Two cats visit us periodically. 
• Much like Hannah, AireGirl does not like to be photographed, at least not these past few days.  I hope that changes. 
• The water in the water bowl is dirty if she's taken a drink and she will not drink from it again until it's been rinsed and has clean water. 
  

She will have a new name but we haven't decided yet what it will be.  What name will fit her personality (which we're still discovering)?  It needs two syllables with the accent on the first.  We should decide soon so she can learn it.

I hope you're having fun with your Airedales!
--Nancy.