We Used To Have Airedales

Mary writes: The Delaware Kennel Clubs held its annual "Dog Show" at the Delaware State Fair. This is not a real "dog show:" it is a deisplay of as many different breeds as we can get together to be available for the public to meet them and ask questions. We also do demos of obedience, agility, a CGC test, dancing dogs, trick dogs -- just a day of dog fun that the public can enjoy.

Well, we were in between special attractions and the spectators were going from dog to dog, petting them and asking about the breeds. I had our oldest Airedale, Cola (age 10), with us to accept scratches and pets from the people.

A couple in their mid-twenties was going by and suddenly the man stopped, looking at Cola like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"An Airedae!!!" he exclaimed. "That IS an Airedale I'm seeing."
"Yes, this is Cola and she is an Airedale."
"Can I pet her?" the man asked.
"Of course. That is why she is here."

He proceeded to sit down on the asphalt ground and called Cola to him. Then, he knew what to do: He started scratching her behind the years, under the chin, on her tummy, and Cola just sat soaking it all up.

"I grew up with an airedale. toby had to be the best dog ever. He was by far my best friend." He continued his story, all the time giving Cola a good amount of scratches and petting. "Right after my dog died, I joined the Air Force. I've been stationed in California for two years. I never saw an Airedale for all that time. Now I've been transferred to Dover AFB and right here, two weeks later, I've found an Airedale. Do you think Cola will let me hug her?"

"You can try and see." I replied.

He called Cola as close as he could get her and held her right up next to his face and whispered sweet nothing in her ear. I think he was telling her about his dog becaise I heard him mention Toby. Boy, did he hug her!

And in return, Cola licked away the tears that were running down his face.

A couple of minutes went by and with a final long hug, he thanked Cola and Joe and myself and said: "This made my day. I don't need to see the rest of the fair. I can go home happy. I saw an Aireale."