Gena on Highlander’s Paddy, and Rita (@ RB).

Gena Welch Booher's 35-year love of Airedales began with Andi, a puppy brought home for her sister. Andi captured the gleeful, crafty, mischievous, keenly intelligent spirit so prized by those who love this breed and won Gena's heart. She has never looked back.

Gena teaches fifth grade in Ocala, Florida and lives on a very small farm, affectionately known as "Walk-On Aire 'Dales'". Today, she shares her life with 2 Airedales, 2 Tennessee Walking Horses, and her husband Chuck.

Gena is the founder and listowner of Airedale-L, the community which began the Quilt Project several years ago. She is a great supporter of Rescue, and has given her heart and time by fostering Airedales from time to time. Her companion, Sophie, is a Rescue; as is Liberty Masterpiece. At one time Gena adopted a senior Airedale, Photon (the old Phart) and allowed him to live out the rest of his life in luxury and comfort.

In May of 2007, Gena lost The Lovely Rita to a fast and devastating neurological disease at the age of 11.5 years. Rita was the inspiration for the creation of Airedale-L (because Reet made it quite clear that a support group was needed for Airedale Terrierists!) and has been the featured in several quilt blocks in years past. A few months prior to that, she lost Ellie McFearsome at age 8.5 after a courageous battle with osteosarcoma.... needless to say, it was a very tough time for the whole family.

Today, Gena's house remains a Very Fun Place due to the antics of Bellona (the goddess of chaos and destruction) and Sophie (the rescue, who came with her name -- she had no choice) along with Highlander's Paddy and Liberty Masterpiece, the horses. Sophie has slid into the spot left vacant by Rita, becoming Gena's constant companion and heart-softener. Bellona provides the comic relief!

Gena has made blocks for quilt projects in the past, start to finish, and is more than happy to do drawings for anyone who asks. The Quilt Project continues to bring people together from many diverse online communities, producing a beautiful tribute each year, with all proceeds going to help Airedales in need of new homes.

If you'd like to see photos of the Airedale family, www.airedales.org/cokercreek for a glimpse of their last vacation with four Airedale.
For photos of the current 'crew', see www.walkonaire.net/walkonairedales
                                                                                                                                              Gena and Sophie.