Airedale Spring Fling

In the Berkshires, where our dogs are as important as our celebrities, an annual event traditionally marks the beginning of the summer season for the 'King of Terriers' and his devoted following. Teddy Bears can have their picnics…Airedale Terriers have their Airedale Spring Fling.

Airedale Terriers, like most terriers, have been bred to hunt. They love to have a job and, as a result, are very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and persistent. Moreover, they are also playful and often hilarious. This last characteristic caught the attention of Barbara and Denis Curtiss, founders of the New England Airedale Rescue. (N.E.A.R.) Denis is a renowned metal sculptor. His large animal sculptures famously dot the grounds at their home, Planet Airedale, near Kent Falls State Park.

The Curtiss’ have found homes for 480 Airedale Terriers over the course of the last eighteen years. N.E.A.R. enjoys a well-respected reputation in the world of animal rescue. The Curtiss home is also the locus of the annual celebration of Airedale terriers and their devotees, known as The Airedale Spring Fling.

The weather for this year’s Spring Fling was beautiful and featured 'Airedales Bobbing for Hot Dogs' while the 'Airedale Jeopardy Challenge' kept the humans occupied and out of trouble. The 'Egg on Spoon' race brought focus to the day as participants, balancing eggs, walked their dogs around a challenging course of surprise twists and turns. Two blind dogs proved the crowd favorites and almost won the race. 45 Airedale terriers, their families in tow, partied in regal style. Airedales posed for portraits, hiked to Kent Falls, cavorted in the barn and collectively announced to the world that, “It’s Good to be King.”

Airedales enjoyed tremendous popularity in America in the 1920’s. They were considered war heroes; and known for their dependability in service to the Red Cross during World War I. These stately black and tan terriers bravely carried messages to soldiers behind enemy lines, and were used to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding owned Airedales. President Harding's Airedale, Laddie Boy, may well have been the first celebrity White House pet. The dog reportedly attended cabinet meetings on a regular basis.

Barbara Curtiss noted, “Some Airedales get what to do, while others just provide comic relief. The main point of the day is to introduce Airedales who have been adopted. Their new owners proudly show off the newest members of their families.”

The Airedale Spring Fling is held rain or shine. In wet weather a large barn is open to keep all creatures mostly dry. To learn if an Airedale Terrier just might be the right dog for you, visit New England Airedale Rescue and plan to join next year’s fun. www.newenglandairedalerescue.org