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NCWR BOARD MEMBERS
MICHAEL R. AYERS - PRESIDENT
I first became involved with Weimaraners about fifteen years ago when I met
my wife Shiffra who had two, Remy & Madison. I’ve always loved animals but
soon discovered & embraced the unique attributes of this breed. We have been
showing in conformation, breeding occasional litters and generally loving our
canine family (currently numbering eight; four generations) ever since. I
became president of NCWR about two years ago when the local Weim
community decided we needed a more formal organization and drove the effort
for our 501c(3) non-profit corporate status which we achieved in December of
2004. We currently have a great group of dedicated board members, seemingly
tireless rescue coordinators and hundreds of generous volunteers and supporters
who enable us to help find loving forever homes for more than one hundred
unwanted Weimaraners every year. To earn money for dog food and vet care, I
do business development for McAfee's HACKER SAFE division.
I first became involved with Weimaraners about fifteen years ago when I met
my wife Shiffra who had two, Remy & Madison. I’ve always loved animals but
soon discovered & embraced the unique attributes of this breed. We have been
showing in conformation, breeding occasional litters and generally loving our
canine family (currently numbering eight; four generations) ever since. I
became president of NCWR about two years ago when the local Weim
community decided we needed a more formal organization and drove the effort
for our 501c(3) non-profit corporate status which we achieved in December of
2004. We currently have a great group of dedicated board members, seemingly
tireless rescue coordinators and hundreds of generous volunteers and supporters
who enable us to help find loving forever homes for more than one hundred
unwanted Weimaraners every year. To earn money for dog food and vet care, I
do business development for McAfee's HACKER SAFE division.
DEBBIE MURATORI-GROSS
I got my first weim 20 years ago from Kathy Dunn of Weimaraner Rescue. Apollo
was so bad off when I went to see him, Kathy had to bring him to me 2 weeks after I
first saw him. He was the GREATEST dog and I knew from that point on a Weim
would ALWAYS be part of our family. Next I was looking for a puppy, and I crossed
paths with Arlene Marshrey. I was asked the question, that I ask now of my new
puppy people, what do you plan to do with this Weim?? Just a pet, what else is
there... I had shown horses for years, so why not... Should I say the rest is
history.. We now have 7 weims, yes SEVEN, and we do everything from
conformation, agility, hunt tests, field trials, obedience, rally, free style dance, pet
therapy, and going to start tracking. We have a rescue dog also, Cosmo, and his job
is to keep all our grey kids in check. I’ve worked for 25 years in the Solano County
Sheriff's Dept. My background with animals includes 30 years showing horses, 16
years showing dogs and hold an Animal Tech license from the State of California.
I got my first weim 20 years ago from Kathy Dunn of Weimaraner Rescue. Apollo
was so bad off when I went to see him, Kathy had to bring him to me 2 weeks after I
first saw him. He was the GREATEST dog and I knew from that point on a Weim
would ALWAYS be part of our family. Next I was looking for a puppy, and I crossed
paths with Arlene Marshrey. I was asked the question, that I ask now of my new
puppy people, what do you plan to do with this Weim?? Just a pet, what else is
there... I had shown horses for years, so why not... Should I say the rest is
history.. We now have 7 weims, yes SEVEN, and we do everything from
conformation, agility, hunt tests, field trials, obedience, rally, free style dance, pet
therapy, and going to start tracking. We have a rescue dog also, Cosmo, and his job
is to keep all our grey kids in check. I’ve worked for 25 years in the Solano County
Sheriff's Dept. My background with animals includes 30 years showing horses, 16
years showing dogs and hold an Animal Tech license from the State of California.
WILLIAM (BILL) MERKEL - TREASURER
My interest in Weimaraners dates back some ten or twelve years. It's all the result of my meeting a beautiful Weim
named Betsy. While working at the house where she lived; Betsy taught me how warm and intelligent (and almost
human) this breed can be. Previously I had 2 Irish Setters that I lost to cancer; both when they were just 10 years old.
Because of Betsy though the die was cast.....a Weimaraner was to be in our future. It took us 2 years to find an
available puppy from a reputable breeder. When we did finally make that connection we ended up with two wonderful
Silverado puppies; Cricket and Mariah.
About the time Cricket and Mariah were 7 years old we decided to give back to the Weimaraner Community and
become a foster family. Our first foster was one year old Molly. Our “failure” as a foster home is in the record books.
Molly was such a hyper mess and because of the potential for her to go to a new home hundreds of miles away the very
next day we decided to stop the cycle for Molly and make her a part of our family. That decision came within minutes
of her arrival. Today Cricket is almost 10 and Molly is 3+. I continue my involvement with the Rescue as a volunteer
and Treasurer.
My background with dogs and training include 3 years on the East Bay Regional Park "Companion Dog Patrol" where I
was section chairman. Part of my “duties” with the CDP was to administer AKC Companion Dog Certifications for the
park district at various parks within the district. I am self employed doing contract engineering for PG&E as well as
operating a swimming pool service and repair business. All three of our dogs travel with me daily as I make my calls.
My interest in Weimaraners dates back some ten or twelve years. It's all the result of my meeting a beautiful Weim
named Betsy. While working at the house where she lived; Betsy taught me how warm and intelligent (and almost
human) this breed can be. Previously I had 2 Irish Setters that I lost to cancer; both when they were just 10 years old.
Because of Betsy though the die was cast.....a Weimaraner was to be in our future. It took us 2 years to find an
available puppy from a reputable breeder. When we did finally make that connection we ended up with two wonderful
Silverado puppies; Cricket and Mariah.
About the time Cricket and Mariah were 7 years old we decided to give back to the Weimaraner Community and
become a foster family. Our first foster was one year old Molly. Our “failure” as a foster home is in the record books.
Molly was such a hyper mess and because of the potential for her to go to a new home hundreds of miles away the very
next day we decided to stop the cycle for Molly and make her a part of our family. That decision came within minutes
of her arrival. Today Cricket is almost 10 and Molly is 3+. I continue my involvement with the Rescue as a volunteer
and Treasurer.
My background with dogs and training include 3 years on the East Bay Regional Park "Companion Dog Patrol" where I
was section chairman. Part of my “duties” with the CDP was to administer AKC Companion Dog Certifications for the
park district at various parks within the district. I am self employed doing contract engineering for PG&E as well as
operating a swimming pool service and repair business. All three of our dogs travel with me daily as I make my calls.
DIANNE VENZON - VICE PRESIDENT & PR CZAR
I started volunteering with NCWR in 2004 as a Foster
Mom, but was a miserable failure, adopting my first three
foster Weimaraners and earning the nickname “Weim-a-
holic”. I finally figured out how to “let them go”, and have
successfully fostered and nurtured many Weims on their
way to their “forever homes”. I joined NCWR’s Board of
Directors in the fall of 2005, and am passionate about
raising NCWR’s visibility within the general public. I live
in Stockton with husband, Terry, Weimaraners “Wags”
and “Willow”, German Shorthair Pointer “Cookie” and
Rhodesian Ridgeback “Snickers”, all rescued.
I started volunteering with NCWR in 2004 as a Foster
Mom, but was a miserable failure, adopting my first three
foster Weimaraners and earning the nickname “Weim-a-
holic”. I finally figured out how to “let them go”, and have
successfully fostered and nurtured many Weims on their
way to their “forever homes”. I joined NCWR’s Board of
Directors in the fall of 2005, and am passionate about
raising NCWR’s visibility within the general public. I live
in Stockton with husband, Terry, Weimaraners “Wags”
and “Willow”, German Shorthair Pointer “Cookie” and
Rhodesian Ridgeback “Snickers”, all rescued.
JOANNE MENAPACE - BOARD MEMBER &
SECRETARY/ADMINISTRATOR
I first met a Weim in 1999 when we adopted Sage from the San Francisco SPCA.
At the time, I didn't know anything about the breed - but that changed quickly as
we took every training class known to dog and man. Sage's energy and
enthusiasm inspired me to take a few months away from my career in high-tech,
and volunteer for a program training service dogs for people with disabilities. We
all benefited from my new training skills and we might have the only Weim in
town who can turn on lights and put his dirty towels in the washer. In April
2006 we adopted Sterling from Weimaraner rescue. As you can see in the photo,
the two enjoy sunning themselves on our deck after our morning run.
SECRETARY/ADMINISTRATOR
I first met a Weim in 1999 when we adopted Sage from the San Francisco SPCA.
At the time, I didn't know anything about the breed - but that changed quickly as
we took every training class known to dog and man. Sage's energy and
enthusiasm inspired me to take a few months away from my career in high-tech,
and volunteer for a program training service dogs for people with disabilities. We
all benefited from my new training skills and we might have the only Weim in
town who can turn on lights and put his dirty towels in the washer. In April
2006 we adopted Sterling from Weimaraner rescue. As you can see in the photo,
the two enjoy sunning themselves on our deck after our morning run.
KATHY DUNN - BOARD MEMBER
Fittingly, my first Weimaraner was a rescue, which had been abandoned a the vet clinic where I worked. 'Jason' was a
great dog and got my family 'hooked' on Weimaraners. A few years later, that led to getting show dog sand joining the
local Weimaraner club. With the encouragement
and guidance of other club members, I soon started taking handling classes to learn t oshow my dogs. Since both were
hunting dogs in between shows; we were urgedto participate in field trials and ratings tests. As show careers wound
down, we started the long road to obedience competition. We ended up as CHJafwin's Turning Point CD, NSD, V and
Whidbey's Jill CD, NSD, NRD. But most importantly, it led to getting involved with rescue and fostering dogs.
Weimaraner rescue in Northern California in the late 70's started out with 2 people placing just a few dogs a year.
Over the years as the need has increased, there has been a tremendous response, and we now have a large network of
dedicated helpers. 25+ years ago, I was recruited as a foster home and I've now fostered over 150 Weimaraners and
Weimaraner mixes; from pregnant bitches to very elderly dogs.
My pack now consists of the elder statesman 'Telly', a Weimaraner mix that I started fostering when the litter was 2
days old; Multiple BISS, Int/Am CH Top Hat's Down on the Corner (AKA'Tristan' the bed hog; my kind of retired show
dog); and my most recent failure at fostering, the sweet little girl 'Star'. In my spare time, I run a feed & tack shop in
Oakland, selling riding apparel, horse equipment & animal feed.
Fittingly, my first Weimaraner was a rescue, which had been abandoned a the vet clinic where I worked. 'Jason' was a
great dog and got my family 'hooked' on Weimaraners. A few years later, that led to getting show dog sand joining the
local Weimaraner club. With the encouragement
and guidance of other club members, I soon started taking handling classes to learn t oshow my dogs. Since both were
hunting dogs in between shows; we were urgedto participate in field trials and ratings tests. As show careers wound
down, we started the long road to obedience competition. We ended up as CHJafwin's Turning Point CD, NSD, V and
Whidbey's Jill CD, NSD, NRD. But most importantly, it led to getting involved with rescue and fostering dogs.
Weimaraner rescue in Northern California in the late 70's started out with 2 people placing just a few dogs a year.
Over the years as the need has increased, there has been a tremendous response, and we now have a large network of
dedicated helpers. 25+ years ago, I was recruited as a foster home and I've now fostered over 150 Weimaraners and
Weimaraner mixes; from pregnant bitches to very elderly dogs.
My pack now consists of the elder statesman 'Telly', a Weimaraner mix that I started fostering when the litter was 2
days old; Multiple BISS, Int/Am CH Top Hat's Down on the Corner (AKA'Tristan' the bed hog; my kind of retired show
dog); and my most recent failure at fostering, the sweet little girl 'Star'. In my spare time, I run a feed & tack shop in
Oakland, selling riding apparel, horse equipment & animal feed.
PAM GOODLEY - BOARD MEMBER
I share my life with a beautiful female Weimaraner, adopted at
just under two years of age, as well as a handsome male
Labrador Retriever and senior cat. I love running, and share
many training runs with my Weim. Other activities I enjoy
include cycling and kayaking. To pay for dog food and treats, I
work as a subcontract administrator for an aerospace firm.
I share my life with a beautiful female Weimaraner, adopted at
just under two years of age, as well as a handsome male
Labrador Retriever and senior cat. I love running, and share
many training runs with my Weim. Other activities I enjoy
include cycling and kayaking. To pay for dog food and treats, I
work as a subcontract administrator for an aerospace firm.
BARBARA HODGE - BOARD MEMBER & PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Over the past 30 years I have picked up strays of various sizes and breeds and ended
up keeping them. I rescued my first Weim from the local pound in 1990. He was so
grateful, loving and loyal. When we put him to sleep at 8 from cancer I went down
the next day a bought a 7 week old Weim from a breeder. Spunky is now 10 and a
special family member. In 2002 we retired from the restaurant business to care for
my elderly mother. After her passing this year I had a void in my life and a need to
do something useful. For 15years I was a horse trainer/competitor and had to match
riders with horses. In August of 2006, I learned about NCWR and their need for an
adoption coordinator. It just seemed to fit. It is so rewarding to find the right home
for our needy Weims. I am dedicated to helping this rescue program and proud to be
part of the "Weim Team". I am also an artist and do horse and dog portraits with a
percentage of proceeds donated to NCWR.
Over the past 30 years I have picked up strays of various sizes and breeds and ended
up keeping them. I rescued my first Weim from the local pound in 1990. He was so
grateful, loving and loyal. When we put him to sleep at 8 from cancer I went down
the next day a bought a 7 week old Weim from a breeder. Spunky is now 10 and a
special family member. In 2002 we retired from the restaurant business to care for
my elderly mother. After her passing this year I had a void in my life and a need to
do something useful. For 15years I was a horse trainer/competitor and had to match
riders with horses. In August of 2006, I learned about NCWR and their need for an
adoption coordinator. It just seemed to fit. It is so rewarding to find the right home
for our needy Weims. I am dedicated to helping this rescue program and proud to be
part of the "Weim Team". I am also an artist and do horse and dog portraits with a
percentage of proceeds donated to NCWR.
SHIFFRA STEELE - BOARD MEMBER & FUND RAISER CO-CHAIR
My first Weimaraner love in high school, Shadow, was a super-sized hunting reject given to me by my
summer employer who was annoyed by Shadow's penchant for playing with the rabbits he was supposed to
be hunting. Ours was a short-lived romance, as my tiny European parents were deathly afraid of him, so I
found Shadow a new home with a single woman who indulged in Shadow's love for sleeping under the
covers.
My next dog was my beloved, although cranky, Cocker Spaniel, Biggles. He was my constant companion &
my fellow traveler on our cross- country move to California. Once I was settled, I was determined to find a
Weimaraner but instead found Tikvah who was a gorgeous, loveable Vizsla. We had 6 great years together
until he succumbed at 6 years old to the cancer we had been battling for 2 years. Biggles, my Best Friend,
died soon after that at 12. It took me 4 years to open my heart again.
A friend met Debbie Hopkins at the Golden Gate show & she had a 3 week old litter that changed my life
forever. If Shadow was my first love, Remy was my Once-In-A-Lifetime Dog. Remy came with a show
contract & even though I really didn't know what that meant, it didn't matter. I had to have that puppy!
The puppy that I was required to show won the Sporting Group at his first Puppy Match, his first point at
his first AKC show, a major at his second show & his championship at 13 months. Remy, CH Top Hat's
Dorian Gray BROM was Top Ten Weimaraner for 3 years, but that was really a small part of our life
together.
Although we have a stable, happy, energetic pack now, we have not been without tragedy or sorrow. Remy
died at 9 1/2 from complications due to a back injury, Dawn, CH Smokey City EZ Silverado Dawn BROM at
almost 13 from Lymphoma & the horrible loss of our Destinee, CH Silverado Cosmopolitan, at 5 years old
from mushroom poisoning.
Michael & I, Silverado Weimaraners, now live on 5 acres in Lake County, with our family of eight. There
are 4 generations, all part of the legacy that was Remy. We think it's pretty much "Weimaraner Paradise".
Our kids entertain & amaze us & we couldn't imagine a different way of life.
My first Weimaraner love in high school, Shadow, was a super-sized hunting reject given to me by my
summer employer who was annoyed by Shadow's penchant for playing with the rabbits he was supposed to
be hunting. Ours was a short-lived romance, as my tiny European parents were deathly afraid of him, so I
found Shadow a new home with a single woman who indulged in Shadow's love for sleeping under the
covers.
My next dog was my beloved, although cranky, Cocker Spaniel, Biggles. He was my constant companion &
my fellow traveler on our cross- country move to California. Once I was settled, I was determined to find a
Weimaraner but instead found Tikvah who was a gorgeous, loveable Vizsla. We had 6 great years together
until he succumbed at 6 years old to the cancer we had been battling for 2 years. Biggles, my Best Friend,
died soon after that at 12. It took me 4 years to open my heart again.
A friend met Debbie Hopkins at the Golden Gate show & she had a 3 week old litter that changed my life
forever. If Shadow was my first love, Remy was my Once-In-A-Lifetime Dog. Remy came with a show
contract & even though I really didn't know what that meant, it didn't matter. I had to have that puppy!
The puppy that I was required to show won the Sporting Group at his first Puppy Match, his first point at
his first AKC show, a major at his second show & his championship at 13 months. Remy, CH Top Hat's
Dorian Gray BROM was Top Ten Weimaraner for 3 years, but that was really a small part of our life
together.
Although we have a stable, happy, energetic pack now, we have not been without tragedy or sorrow. Remy
died at 9 1/2 from complications due to a back injury, Dawn, CH Smokey City EZ Silverado Dawn BROM at
almost 13 from Lymphoma & the horrible loss of our Destinee, CH Silverado Cosmopolitan, at 5 years old
from mushroom poisoning.
Michael & I, Silverado Weimaraners, now live on 5 acres in Lake County, with our family of eight. There
are 4 generations, all part of the legacy that was Remy. We think it's pretty much "Weimaraner Paradise".
Our kids entertain & amaze us & we couldn't imagine a different way of life.
MELANIE DIAMOND - BOARD MEMBER
I grew up with two great danes (one was half weim) and a basset hound along with a plethora
of other animals that followed me home over the years. I started when I was eight. Things
haven't changed much in that regard.....I had my next weim for almost 15 years and just
lost him last year. Theo was my fur child and best friend....110 lbs. of love.A few weeks after
he passed , Debbie Hopkins dropped a pup in my lap to "take care of " for the weekend. I
named him Dolce and he'll be two in July.A few weeks later I rescued Charlie ( a pup that
had never been touched)and Sage (a blue)that had been hit by a car.
We're all living happily ever after along with a variety of bunnies, tortoises and horses. I
have a practice doing craniosacral therapy in the bay area with people and animals and do
plenty of healing work with the weims coming through to get them feeling safe again and
ready for their new homes. I'm honored to be a part of this organization.
When I was ten I found seven abandoned dogs and brought them all home
(presumably to add to the three I already had). My parents wouldn't let me keep them
so we rehomed them all. Recently, I added WILLY to my motley crew.....a 110 lb. One and
halfyear old weim that looks like a dane that fell in a vat of weimaraner ice creme and sticks
to me like velcro. I'm selling my furniture to make room for him.
.....and they lived happily ever after:)
I grew up with two great danes (one was half weim) and a basset hound along with a plethora
of other animals that followed me home over the years. I started when I was eight. Things
haven't changed much in that regard.....I had my next weim for almost 15 years and just
lost him last year. Theo was my fur child and best friend....110 lbs. of love.A few weeks after
he passed , Debbie Hopkins dropped a pup in my lap to "take care of " for the weekend. I
named him Dolce and he'll be two in July.A few weeks later I rescued Charlie ( a pup that
had never been touched)and Sage (a blue)that had been hit by a car.
We're all living happily ever after along with a variety of bunnies, tortoises and horses. I
have a practice doing craniosacral therapy in the bay area with people and animals and do
plenty of healing work with the weims coming through to get them feeling safe again and
ready for their new homes. I'm honored to be a part of this organization.
When I was ten I found seven abandoned dogs and brought them all home
(presumably to add to the three I already had). My parents wouldn't let me keep them
so we rehomed them all. Recently, I added WILLY to my motley crew.....a 110 lb. One and
halfyear old weim that looks like a dane that fell in a vat of weimaraner ice creme and sticks
to me like velcro. I'm selling my furniture to make room for him.
.....and they lived happily ever after:)
DANA GIESE - BOARD MEMBER & PRIVATE INTAKE
COORDINATOR
My husband and I have enjoyed living with Weimaraners for 20 years and
cannot imagine life without the sound of feet trotting down the hall,
snuggle time on the couch, and our play time. We have three, Kokopelli
(10), Lulu (3) and Yogi (1). They give endless comfort, love and laughter,
so I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the Weimaraner by
working with Weimaraner Rescue! In our spare time, we vacation in
Washington and take the dogs to the beach for runs and bird chasing, and
enjoy hiking, boating and hanging out with our dogs. Bill and I work for a
utility in information systems, and it is no where near as interesting as
working with Weimaraners, their owners and rescue!
COORDINATOR
My husband and I have enjoyed living with Weimaraners for 20 years and
cannot imagine life without the sound of feet trotting down the hall,
snuggle time on the couch, and our play time. We have three, Kokopelli
(10), Lulu (3) and Yogi (1). They give endless comfort, love and laughter,
so I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the Weimaraner by
working with Weimaraner Rescue! In our spare time, we vacation in
Washington and take the dogs to the beach for runs and bird chasing, and
enjoy hiking, boating and hanging out with our dogs. Bill and I work for a
utility in information systems, and it is no where near as interesting as
working with Weimaraners, their owners and rescue!
