NCWR BOARD MEMBERS
MICHAEL R. AYERS - PRESIDENT
I first became involved with Weimaraners about twenty 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
six; five generations) ever since. I became president of NCWR about in
2004 when the local Weim community decided we needed a more
formal organization. I 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.
I first became involved with Weimaraners about twenty 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
six; five generations) ever since. I became president of NCWR about in
2004 when the local Weim community decided we needed a more
formal organization. I 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.
DIANNE VENZON - PR CZARINA
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”. As Public Relations
Chair, I enjoy taking the NCWR “Weim & Pony Show” (PR booth) on
the road to dog events all over northern California, educating the
public about rescue in general and Weimaraners specifically. I live
in Stockton with husband, Terry, and share sofa and bed space with
Weimaraners “Wags” and “Willow”, 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”. As Public Relations
Chair, I enjoy taking the NCWR “Weim & Pony Show” (PR booth) on
the road to dog events all over northern California, educating the
public about rescue in general and Weimaraners specifically. I live
in Stockton with husband, Terry, and share sofa and bed space with
Weimaraners “Wags” and “Willow”, and Rhodesian Ridgeback
“Snickers”, all rescued.
JOANNE MENAPACE - 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.
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.
SHIFFRA STEELE - FUND-RAISER CHAIR PERSON & PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
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 5 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 5 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 MEMEBER
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 - VP & 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!
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!
JAY WYMAN - TREASURER
I met my first Weimaraner in 1995 when a friend brought home a puppy. I helped to
raise the puppy for a year . When it left my house I knew I had to get my own, which
I did with the help of Nor Cal Weimaraner Rescue. Maisy is now 11 years old. In
addition, my wife Mary and I added a Weimaraner puppy to our “pack” two years
ago. We participate in conformation, obedience and hunt tests with the young dog.
We live in Sausalito where we are able to take the dogs for their daily run at the
beach and I work for a small stock brokerage firm. Over 13 years I have admired the
independence of the breed, as well as their unrelenting demands, sense of humor,
versatility and beauty. Several years ago, I became involved with NCWR rescue,
volunteering at booth events. I was impressed with both the efficiency and integrity
of the organization and wanted to get more involved. I am honored to be part of this
endeavor, and my goal is to stimulate potential Weimaraner owners to adopt our
Weimaraners in need, and to become involved with us in helping them.
I met my first Weimaraner in 1995 when a friend brought home a puppy. I helped to
raise the puppy for a year . When it left my house I knew I had to get my own, which
I did with the help of Nor Cal Weimaraner Rescue. Maisy is now 11 years old. In
addition, my wife Mary and I added a Weimaraner puppy to our “pack” two years
ago. We participate in conformation, obedience and hunt tests with the young dog.
We live in Sausalito where we are able to take the dogs for their daily run at the
beach and I work for a small stock brokerage firm. Over 13 years I have admired the
independence of the breed, as well as their unrelenting demands, sense of humor,
versatility and beauty. Several years ago, I became involved with NCWR rescue,
volunteering at booth events. I was impressed with both the efficiency and integrity
of the organization and wanted to get more involved. I am honored to be part of this
endeavor, and my goal is to stimulate potential Weimaraner owners to adopt our
Weimaraners in need, and to become involved with us in helping them.
LYN WILLIAMS - BOARD MEMBER
My first experience with a Weimaraner was as a little girl. My dad brought home this
beautiful dog named Angel. I have always remembered what a great dog she was, but never
imagined I would have one in my adult life. Than my husband Roy decided to give me
Isabella for Christmas in 2004. She came to me as a puppy and I was instantly in love, she
was an amazing girl that was taken from us too soon, but what she left me with, was my love
for this breed. Since Isabella, we have adopted three wonderful weims through NCWR. First
there was Riley, who now lives with our daughter, but visits us often. Then along came
Macy Gray, she was the first dog I transported and fostered for NCWR, it was love at first
sight, and I knew she belonged with me, and there was no way I could not keep her. And
finally Stone, once again we were fostering and for my husband Roy it was love at first sight,
needless to say he also stayed. We recently decided to add another puppy to our family, she is
a Great Dane named Gianna. All three bring so much joy and love to our life, we can not
imagine our lives without them. Because of my love for weims, I decided to spend my time
trying to help as many Weimaraners as possible. It is a privilege and pleasure to work with
amazing, dedicated volunteers who have the same desire and love for these dogs.
My first experience with a Weimaraner was as a little girl. My dad brought home this
beautiful dog named Angel. I have always remembered what a great dog she was, but never
imagined I would have one in my adult life. Than my husband Roy decided to give me
Isabella for Christmas in 2004. She came to me as a puppy and I was instantly in love, she
was an amazing girl that was taken from us too soon, but what she left me with, was my love
for this breed. Since Isabella, we have adopted three wonderful weims through NCWR. First
there was Riley, who now lives with our daughter, but visits us often. Then along came
Macy Gray, she was the first dog I transported and fostered for NCWR, it was love at first
sight, and I knew she belonged with me, and there was no way I could not keep her. And
finally Stone, once again we were fostering and for my husband Roy it was love at first sight,
needless to say he also stayed. We recently decided to add another puppy to our family, she is
a Great Dane named Gianna. All three bring so much joy and love to our life, we can not
imagine our lives without them. Because of my love for weims, I decided to spend my time
trying to help as many Weimaraners as possible. It is a privilege and pleasure to work with
amazing, dedicated volunteers who have the same desire and love for these dogs.
Photo by Tonya Perme
Tonya Perme Photography
Photo by Tonya Perme
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