Officers
Berklee Akutagawa, President
I got my first Ridgeback in 2013 and I've added two more since then! It's true - you can't have just one! My husband Brandon and I have been BARRC members since 2015. I work in forensics and I enjoy showing dogs, running, hiking, glamping, making dog collars and bags; and way too many other types of crafting.
Rebecca McMilton, 1st VP
I’m a second generation AKC breeder/owner/handler. I grew up attending AKC conformation shows, and began showing my childhood breed, Basenjis, at six years old. I was introduced to Ridgebacks while working for professional handlers in Northern California as a teen. I showed my first Ridgeback in Junior Showmanship in 2005, thanks to Nancy Faville and Charles Storke.
My love for Ridgebacks began with my juniors dog, “Duet.” Duet had one litter in 2009. I was fortunate to acquire a puppy, my first love, Sake Bomb. He was my soul mate, his companionship and loyalty filled every void in my soul. Life without him still feels incomplete. Sushi, Lausanne, Penny, and Cupcake, came shortly after Sake Bomb.
Bunny, CH. Pupukearidge Surf Bunny, joined our family in the Spring of 2021. Thank you, Tom & Barb Peach (Pupukearidge), and Pam Lambie for our sweet, funny, intelligent and loyal girl. Bunny is my daughters’ best friend, and my constant shadow. We’re looking forward to Bunny having puppies, to continue the Pupukearidge breeding program. I remember falling asleep in the whelping box as a child, cuddling puppies all night long. I can’t wait to see my own daughter have that experience, too.
I live with my husband, Rory, and daughter, Mallory, in Tracy, CA. Mallory loves showing in Pee Wee’s at AKC events, and she’s eager to start showing in Junior Showmanship. If she has a passion for showing breeding, she will be a third generation breeder/owner/handler. I exclusively show Ridgebacks professionally. I maintain a small client base that allows me more time to spoil and bond with my clients’ dogs. Each dog that’s stays with me, ends up sleeping in my bed, or in Mallory’s. I can sum up my philosophy regarding my professional handling business by quoting Pat Trotter: “Not every pet is a show dog, but every show dog is a pet.”
My love for Ridgebacks began with my juniors dog, “Duet.” Duet had one litter in 2009. I was fortunate to acquire a puppy, my first love, Sake Bomb. He was my soul mate, his companionship and loyalty filled every void in my soul. Life without him still feels incomplete. Sushi, Lausanne, Penny, and Cupcake, came shortly after Sake Bomb.
Bunny, CH. Pupukearidge Surf Bunny, joined our family in the Spring of 2021. Thank you, Tom & Barb Peach (Pupukearidge), and Pam Lambie for our sweet, funny, intelligent and loyal girl. Bunny is my daughters’ best friend, and my constant shadow. We’re looking forward to Bunny having puppies, to continue the Pupukearidge breeding program. I remember falling asleep in the whelping box as a child, cuddling puppies all night long. I can’t wait to see my own daughter have that experience, too.
I live with my husband, Rory, and daughter, Mallory, in Tracy, CA. Mallory loves showing in Pee Wee’s at AKC events, and she’s eager to start showing in Junior Showmanship. If she has a passion for showing breeding, she will be a third generation breeder/owner/handler. I exclusively show Ridgebacks professionally. I maintain a small client base that allows me more time to spoil and bond with my clients’ dogs. Each dog that’s stays with me, ends up sleeping in my bed, or in Mallory’s. I can sum up my philosophy regarding my professional handling business by quoting Pat Trotter: “Not every pet is a show dog, but every show dog is a pet.”
Divya Rathore 2nd VP
Chelsea Lyons, Treasurer
I may be new to Rhodesian Ridgebacks and BARRC, but I have been raising, breeding and showing dogs, goats and horses for over 30 years. I am a full-time bookkeeper and mom of 2 newly grown kiddos that now have time to pursue my own endeavors. I purchased my first RR in 2021 and have not looked back since. I was so welcomed by the club and its members that it was an easy choice to volunteer on the board.
Rosemary Simpson, Corresponding Secretary
I am married to my wonderful husband Tom, and have 2 sons. My youngest son David, lives in Oregon. My other son Michael, and his wife Thrista gave me my first grandaughter 3 years ago!
David Cherry, Recording Secretary
Janice Schindler-Horvat, Director
Sheli Cordova-Alford, Director
“Koda” CH Kuwinda’s Brother Bear, was my first Rhodesian Ridgeback, that I got in 2005 from a breeder in Washington, Joe Piott. Before he committed to selling us a puppy he had the breeder of the sire do a home check to make sure we were worthy. So, Clayton Heathcock who lived 2 houses away came over and luckily gave his approval. I showed and finished Koda and found the process to be really fun. I grew up showing horses, so showing dogs was a natural transition.
I have been a Mortgage Broker since 1989. My husband Scott and I are empty nesters. In 2021 our oldest daughter graduated from college and got a job working for Oracle in Santa Monica and our youngest daughter graduated from high school and goes to UCSB, so this seemed like a good time to have our first litter. We kept one of the puppies, so our count is currently at 3… Uncle Leo, Mama Galli and Baby Brando all share our home with us on 4 acres in Martinez.
I have been a Mortgage Broker since 1989. My husband Scott and I are empty nesters. In 2021 our oldest daughter graduated from college and got a job working for Oracle in Santa Monica and our youngest daughter graduated from high school and goes to UCSB, so this seemed like a good time to have our first litter. We kept one of the puppies, so our count is currently at 3… Uncle Leo, Mama Galli and Baby Brando all share our home with us on 4 acres in Martinez.