PWDCNC Club Officers

  • Rebecca Morin

    I have been involved with animals my entire life. As a child we had a toy poodle then a Boxer but had to give him to friends when we moved to Taiwan in 1968. While in Taiwan we had a variety of dogs, birds, horses, snakes, lizard, guinea pigs and even a water buffalo. We rescued a fox Terrier/Spitz cross after a big typhoon and later bought a Lhasa Apso. As a child I took care of the school’s guard dogs and their puppies (German Shepherds) because I so enjoyed all interactions with animals. We returned to the US in the later part of 1970’s and brought our Lhasa and fox terrier cross with us. The family landed in Pennsylvania where I immediately found a neighbor who bred English Setters and helped him out on weekends. I bought my first dog at 19 while attending college. Chinook CD WTD was an Alaskan Malamute which got me involved in sled dog racing, weight pull and packing. In the early 80’s I started looking for a second breed and focused on Otterhounds and Portuguese Water Dogs. I met Bandido do Mar at our Malamute Specialty in the early 80’s (Doc and Dawn Woods owned Malamutes) and loved him. They offered him to me when they were getting out of water dogs however I was afraid to bring an adult PWD into a home with nine adult Malamutes, so I had to pass. I sought long and hard and with the help of Deyanne Miller I contacted Kathryn Braund (Roughrider) and Mickey (CH Roughrider Pescador De Toraq CD) came into my life in 1987. At the time I was a Commercial Whitewater guide living on the South Fork of the American river and Mickey soon became a hit with the customers at camp and on the river. A short year later Maddie (CH Roughriders Madeira De Toraq CD) joined the home and then Corrie (CH Xacara Do Mar CD) from Sonya Santos (Do Mar), was welcomed in 1990. Mickey and Maddie both ran on my team with Mickey running lead and Maddie point. I bred my first litter in 1990 and the rest is history. I have enjoyed conformation, tracking, water, agility, weight pull, back packing, rally, obedience, nose work, barn hunt, trick dog and dock diving with my dogs. Now that my children are all adults, I can travel to our National Specialties and give more time to the breed I love. I look forward to working with the Board and membership to highlight our lovely dogs and enjoy time with friends and fellow enthusiasts. I currently live with 6 PWD’s aged 1- 12 yrs, a Ridgeback, 2 kittens and 7 finches.
  • Kathy Souza

    I grew up with dogs but my first serious involvement began in college with an American Cocker Spaniel and obedience training. We worked up to the Utility level before his epilepsy became uncontrollable. Looking for a healthier breed I purchased an English Cocker Spaniel bitch imported from England and spent the next 20 years breeding, showing in conformation, obedience and training tracking and field work. I was a member of the Davis Dog Training Club in the 70s and 80s, serving on the board, as an officer, and as an obedience trainer. I took a break from competition and breeding while raising my family and operating our custom screen printing business. When my girls reached high school age I chose to return to actively working dogs and researched breeds carefully with an emphasis on health, testing and awareness having had a couple of “well-bred” Standard Poodles with inheritable issue that were denied by their breeders. About this same time I left our business and first worked for the City of Dixon, then spent over 20 years with the county transit department as an executive assistant and Clerk to the Board until my retirement at the end of 2021. In 1996, after months of research, I purchased my first PWD from Lorraine Carver and joined the PWDCNC. We did a little conformation but he turned out to be simply interested in being a family pet. My next dog I was introduced to water work and we competed there and in obedience. In 2004 I decided I was ready to consider returning to breeding and was privileged to purchase Ashbe Legado Somente Uma from Linda Kelly and Janis Watts. We were active in conformation where she achieved her championship, obedience, tracking, and water work. I kept 2 boys from her only litter. Both achieved GCH, rally, water, and Nosework titles. I currently share my home with 3 PWDs each of whom compete/train in a variety of areas, conformation, rally, obedience, tracking, Nosework, Trick Dog, Parkour and we’re looking forward to the new Fetch Dog program. I served as Recording Secretary for the PWDCNC for 15 years and continue to serve as Water Committee Chair and Scent Work Chair. I’ve returned to the board as an at-large director. I’m the current chair of the PWDCA Legislative Issues Committee. I’ve served as Scent Work Trial Secretary for both of the west coast National Specialties, Colorado and Oregon. I am a current member of the PWDCA Awards committee and a contact member for the Multiple Achievement Certificate program.
  • Janis Welsh

    I have always had pets and animals in my life. Starting with poodles and horses while I was growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Once I was married and had children my husband and I spent several years being transferred with his company to Toronto, New Jersey and then San Jose. My husband spent considerable time travelling and we needed a large dog in the house, but our son had allergies. My research led me to PWDs. That is when our world changed! I connected with Chuck Teasley and soon Poppy came into our lives. Poppy introduced me to dog sports and the great people of the Northern California PWD Club. As a breed I could not have asked for anything more, Poppy was a companion to me and the kids, a guard dog, and the ultimate performance dog. She loves to work, doing tracking, obedience, agility and water. Once we became involved in water work, the highlight of my summers was joining club members on the row boats at ShadowCliff park. In my business as apartment Property Manager, Poppy or Jack are working with me most days, they are gentle with children, regulars in Home Depot, favorites with residents and always “have my back” when I respond to disturbances. If 1 PWD is good, 2 must be better and 3 even better than that. Jack came to us 6 years ago and filled our lives as a lover boy, and recently Violet, a dynamo! Over the years I have volunteered in various dog club positions of the Santa Clara Dog Training Club (tracking and obedience), been Vice President and trial chairfor Palo Alto Hills Tracking Club, Tracking Chair for the 2016PWD National Specialty, board member and Vice President of the PWDCNC (2017 – 2020) My husband, Chris, has retired and the kids are grown and spread over Western US and Canada. As of last year, we have chosen to leave the busy Bay Area. Chris, the pack and I are splitting our time between Truckee, California and Scottsdale, Arizona.
  • Lisa MacKenzie

    I grew up with cats. I didn’t get my first dog until I was an adult. He was a PWD and I stole him! Actually, Clipper (Toraq) belonged to my friend, who ultimately became my husband. Rob had a few PWDs in his life and introduced me to Clipper when he was a baby. We bonded instantly and I would often “borrow” Clipper on the weekends so my kids and I could have a dog. Those weekends turned into weeks… and then when Clipper was three, Rob and I got married. We gained another Toraq PWD, Hobiecat, and an Alaskan Malamute named Neeka (thanks to Becky). My son and I trained our dogs as Therapy Dogs through TDI. We didn’t know about activities like water work and scent work. I wish I had known about them at the time, but we kept very active with them at the beach, lake, and pool. Even the Malamute thought she was a waterdog. They were a great pack. I now have Oliver (Toraq N’ Legado) who is a beautiful brown boy. We finished his Championship in conformation, have been to two water trials where he earned his Junior Waterdog, and we do scentwork. I also have a Boston Terrier named Maverick who we lovingly call “the goat” because he’s always in-tow with Oliver. And, I still have a 19 year old cat, Emma, who is going strong and has ruled every dog in the house.
  • Ally Lantis

    Ally Lantis is a professional Dog Trainer that owns Tailored Dog Training in Concord. She enjoys competing with her PWDs in all faucets. Her children, Elsie and Eli, also partake in dog activities and junior showmanship with several other breeds. Ally is active in the PWDCA as a committee member and the PWDCA Rescue Treasurer. When not doing “dog stuff” she can be found dreaming of dreaming of doing more “dog stuff”!

PWDCNC Club Directors

  • Deborah Price

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Judy Knorr

    Entering the second year of a two-year term.

  • Elaine Rasmussen

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Ann Gaskell

    Entering the second year of a two-year term.

  • Bill Waters

    We have always had dogs in our lives and we found ourselves missing the companionship of an active, intelligent, and engaged dog after the passing of our sixteen year old Dalmatian, Doogie, in 2005. Shortly after that, we began our search for the perfect combination of intelligence, strength, and drive all of which had to come in a non-shedding exterior. Little did we know the Perfectly Wonderful Dog also known as the PWD or Portuguese Water Dog would lead us down such an exciting path. Since then we have become actively involved in training, showing, and competing with this amazing breed. Most importantly we get to experience the daily joy of having these amazing dogs in our lives. Each year, we journey to our Regional and National Specialties to participate in conformation and also for the camaraderie of fellow PWD people. This presents a unique opportunity to learn about this breed, develop relationships, and interact with others who are committed to the health, well being, and betterment of our water dogs and of the fancy. We remain actively engaged in training, grooming, and competing. And we can always find time for hikes and adventures with our pack. Most importantly these dogs are part of our home and family. When not training, traveling and competing, our pack can be found running around the property, on a neighborhood walk, attentively at our heels, or nestled in the couch pillows. Or, at times, counter surfing the kitchen, a skill at which they demonstrate innate adeptness.

PWDCNC Club Committee Chairs

  • Rebecca Morin

    I have been involved with animals my entire life. As a child we had a toy poodle then a Boxer but had to give him to friends when we moved to Taiwan in 1968. While in Taiwan we had a variety of dogs, birds, horses, snakes, lizard, guinea pigs and even a water buffalo. We rescued a fox Terrier/Spitz cross after a big typhoon and later bought a Lhasa Apso. As a child I took care of the school’s guard dogs and their puppies (German Shepherds) because I so enjoyed all interactions with animals. We returned to the US in the later part of 1970’s and brought our Lhasa and fox terrier cross with us. The family landed in Pennsylvania where I immediately found a neighbor who bred English Setters and helped him out on weekends. I bought my first dog at 19 while attending college. Chinook CD WTD was an Alaskan Malamute which got me involved in sled dog racing, weight pull and packing. In the early 80’s I started looking for a second breed and focused on Otterhounds and Portuguese Water Dogs. I met Bandido do Mar at our Malamute Specialty in the early 80’s (Doc and Dawn Woods owned Malamutes) and loved him. They offered him to me when they were getting out of water dogs however I was afraid to bring an adult PWD into a home with nine adult Malamutes, so I had to pass. I sought long and hard and with the help of Deyanne Miller I contacted Kathryn Braund (Roughrider) and Mickey (CH Roughrider Pescador De Toraq CD) came into my life in 1987. At the time I was a Commercial Whitewater guide living on the South Fork of the American river and Mickey soon became a hit with the customers at camp and on the river. A short year later Maddie (CH Roughriders Madeira De Toraq CD) joined the home and then Corrie (CH Xacara Do Mar CD) from Sonya Santos (Do Mar), was welcomed in 1990. Mickey and Maddie both ran on my team with Mickey running lead and Maddie point. I bred my first litter in 1990 and the rest is history. I have enjoyed conformation, tracking, water, agility, weight pull, back packing, rally, obedience, nose work, barn hunt, trick dog and dock diving with my dogs. Now that my children are all adults, I can travel to our National Specialties and give more time to the breed I love. I look forward to working with the Board and membership to highlight our lovely dogs and enjoy time with friends and fellow enthusiasts. I currently live with 6 PWD’s aged 1- 12 yrs, a Ridgeback, 2 kittens and 7 finches.
  • Lisa MacKenzie

    I grew up with cats. I didn’t get my first dog until I was an adult. He was a PWD and I stole him! Actually, Clipper (Toraq) belonged to my friend, who ultimately became my husband. Rob had a few PWDs in his life and introduced me to Clipper when he was a baby. We bonded instantly and I would often “borrow” Clipper on the weekends so my kids and I could have a dog. Those weekends turned into weeks… and then when Clipper was three, Rob and I got married. We gained another Toraq PWD, Hobiecat, and an Alaskan Malamute named Neeka (thanks to Becky). My son and I trained our dogs as Therapy Dogs through TDI. We didn’t know about activities like water work and scent work. I wish I had known about them at the time, but we kept very active with them at the beach, lake, and pool. Even the Malamute thought she was a waterdog. They were a great pack. I now have Oliver (Toraq N’ Legado) who is a beautiful brown boy. We finished his Championship in conformation, have been to two water trials where he earned his Junior Waterdog, and we do scentwork. I also have a Boston Terrier named Maverick who we lovingly call “the goat” because he’s always in-tow with Oliver. And, I still have a 19 year old cat, Emma, who is going strong and has ruled every dog in the house.
  • Deborah Price

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Elaine Rasmussen

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Ann Gaskell

    Entering the second year of a two-year term.

  • Margaret Dietrich

    Co-Chair

  • Ally Lantis

    Ally Lantis is a professional Dog Trainer that owns Tailored Dog Training in Concord. She enjoys competing with her PWDs in all faucets. Her children, Elsie and Eli, also partake in dog activities and junior showmanship with several other breeds. Ally is active in the PWDCA as a committee member and the PWDCA Rescue Treasurer. When not doing “dog stuff” she can be found dreaming of dreaming of doing more “dog stuff”!
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PWDCNC Club Performance Chairs

  • Kathy Souza

    I grew up with dogs but my first serious involvement began in college with an American Cocker Spaniel and obedience training. We worked up to the Utility level before his epilepsy became uncontrollable. Looking for a healthier breed I purchased an English Cocker Spaniel bitch imported from England and spent the next 20 years breeding, showing in conformation, obedience and training tracking and field work. I was a member of the Davis Dog Training Club in the 70s and 80s, serving on the board, as an officer, and as an obedience trainer. I took a break from competition and breeding while raising my family and operating our custom screen printing business. When my girls reached high school age I chose to return to actively working dogs and researched breeds carefully with an emphasis on health, testing and awareness having had a couple of “well-bred” Standard Poodles with inheritable issue that were denied by their breeders. About this same time I left our business and first worked for the City of Dixon, then spent over 20 years with the county transit department as an executive assistant and Clerk to the Board until my retirement at the end of 2021. In 1996, after months of research, I purchased my first PWD from Lorraine Carver and joined the PWDCNC. We did a little conformation but he turned out to be simply interested in being a family pet. My next dog I was introduced to water work and we competed there and in obedience. In 2004 I decided I was ready to consider returning to breeding and was privileged to purchase Ashbe Legado Somente Uma from Linda Kelly and Janis Watts. We were active in conformation where she achieved her championship, obedience, tracking, and water work. I kept 2 boys from her only litter. Both achieved GCH, rally, water, and Nosework titles. I currently share my home with 3 PWDs each of whom compete/train in a variety of areas, conformation, rally, obedience, tracking, Nosework, Trick Dog, Parkour and we’re looking forward to the new Fetch Dog program. I served as Recording Secretary for the PWDCNC for 15 years and continue to serve as Water Committee Chair and Scent Work Chair. I’ve returned to the board as an at-large director. I’m the current chair of the PWDCA Legislative Issues Committee. I’ve served as Scent Work Trial Secretary for both of the west coast National Specialties, Colorado and Oregon. I am a current member of the PWDCA Awards committee and a contact member for the Multiple Achievement Certificate program.
  • Deborah Price

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Ann Gaskell

    Entering the second year of a two-year term.

Wavies & Curlies

  • Rebecca Morin

    I have been involved with animals my entire life. As a child we had a toy poodle then a Boxer but had to give him to friends when we moved to Taiwan in 1968. While in Taiwan we had a variety of dogs, birds, horses, snakes, lizard, guinea pigs and even a water buffalo. We rescued a fox Terrier/Spitz cross after a big typhoon and later bought a Lhasa Apso. As a child I took care of the school’s guard dogs and their puppies (German Shepherds) because I so enjoyed all interactions with animals. We returned to the US in the later part of 1970’s and brought our Lhasa and fox terrier cross with us. The family landed in Pennsylvania where I immediately found a neighbor who bred English Setters and helped him out on weekends. I bought my first dog at 19 while attending college. Chinook CD WTD was an Alaskan Malamute which got me involved in sled dog racing, weight pull and packing. In the early 80’s I started looking for a second breed and focused on Otterhounds and Portuguese Water Dogs. I met Bandido do Mar at our Malamute Specialty in the early 80’s (Doc and Dawn Woods owned Malamutes) and loved him. They offered him to me when they were getting out of water dogs however I was afraid to bring an adult PWD into a home with nine adult Malamutes, so I had to pass. I sought long and hard and with the help of Deyanne Miller I contacted Kathryn Braund (Roughrider) and Mickey (CH Roughrider Pescador De Toraq CD) came into my life in 1987. At the time I was a Commercial Whitewater guide living on the South Fork of the American river and Mickey soon became a hit with the customers at camp and on the river. A short year later Maddie (CH Roughriders Madeira De Toraq CD) joined the home and then Corrie (CH Xacara Do Mar CD) from Sonya Santos (Do Mar), was welcomed in 1990. Mickey and Maddie both ran on my team with Mickey running lead and Maddie point. I bred my first litter in 1990 and the rest is history. I have enjoyed conformation, tracking, water, agility, weight pull, back packing, rally, obedience, nose work, barn hunt, trick dog and dock diving with my dogs. Now that my children are all adults, I can travel to our National Specialties and give more time to the breed I love. I look forward to working with the Board and membership to highlight our lovely dogs and enjoy time with friends and fellow enthusiasts. I currently live with 6 PWD’s aged 1- 12 yrs, a Ridgeback, 2 kittens and 7 finches.
  • Kathy Souza

    I grew up with dogs but my first serious involvement began in college with an American Cocker Spaniel and obedience training. We worked up to the Utility level before his epilepsy became uncontrollable. Looking for a healthier breed I purchased an English Cocker Spaniel bitch imported from England and spent the next 20 years breeding, showing in conformation, obedience and training tracking and field work. I was a member of the Davis Dog Training Club in the 70s and 80s, serving on the board, as an officer, and as an obedience trainer. I took a break from competition and breeding while raising my family and operating our custom screen printing business. When my girls reached high school age I chose to return to actively working dogs and researched breeds carefully with an emphasis on health, testing and awareness having had a couple of “well-bred” Standard Poodles with inheritable issue that were denied by their breeders. About this same time I left our business and first worked for the City of Dixon, then spent over 20 years with the county transit department as an executive assistant and Clerk to the Board until my retirement at the end of 2021. In 1996, after months of research, I purchased my first PWD from Lorraine Carver and joined the PWDCNC. We did a little conformation but he turned out to be simply interested in being a family pet. My next dog I was introduced to water work and we competed there and in obedience. In 2004 I decided I was ready to consider returning to breeding and was privileged to purchase Ashbe Legado Somente Uma from Linda Kelly and Janis Watts. We were active in conformation where she achieved her championship, obedience, tracking, and water work. I kept 2 boys from her only litter. Both achieved GCH, rally, water, and Nosework titles. I currently share my home with 3 PWDs each of whom compete/train in a variety of areas, conformation, rally, obedience, tracking, Nosework, Trick Dog, Parkour and we’re looking forward to the new Fetch Dog program. I served as Recording Secretary for the PWDCNC for 15 years and continue to serve as Water Committee Chair and Scent Work Chair. I’ve returned to the board as an at-large director. I’m the current chair of the PWDCA Legislative Issues Committee. I’ve served as Scent Work Trial Secretary for both of the west coast National Specialties, Colorado and Oregon. I am a current member of the PWDCA Awards committee and a contact member for the Multiple Achievement Certificate program.
  • Frank and Margaret Dietrich

  • Elinor Cullen

  • Elaine Rasmussen

    Entering the first year of a two-year term.

  • Casey Ingram

  • Carol Irving