Officers
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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.”
Tina Jones 2nd VP
David Cherry, Treasurer
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!
Kea'ra Vaughn Peters, Recording Secretary
Janice Schindler-Horvat, Director
- I’ve had Rhodesian Ridgebacks since 1987 when I obtained my first dog, Keno. Since then I’ve been owned by 12 RR’s over the years. We participate and title in conformation, obedience, rally, lure coursing, scentwork, and racing. Through these activities I’ve made life-long friends and enjoyed the companionship of the best dogs in the world!
- RRCUS member
- Serve on RRCUS Performance Committee
- Chaired 2010 National Specialty lure coursing event
- Chaired 2024 National Specialty scent work trial
- Chaired 2021 and 2023 National Specialty rally trials
- Chair/trial secretary for BARRC’s lure coursing events
- Served as past BARRC BOD and 2nd VP