Board of Directors
President
I purchased my first PWD in 1984 just as the breed was accepted into the AKC, so I was able to show my dog at AKC breed (point) shows from the beginning. Breeding under the Cutwater Portuguese Water Dog name since 1986, I have bred over 150 Champion dogs and over 80 performance titled dogs. Many of the dogs are dual titled (conformation and performance). I have been a member of Nutmeg PWD Club since 1984, have served as a club officer in many positions for many years, currently as president, and truly enjoy being part of a very active club. I’ve taught some of Nutmeg’s water training classes for many years. I’ve also been a long time member of the PWDCA, serving as a committee head multiple times over the years. I’ve also been a very active member and officer of a local, all breed club, Ox Ridge, for 30 years. Over the years, I’ve competed in many dog sports with my Portuguese Water Dogs: breed showing as an owner-handler, obedience, agility, rally, water work, and trick titling. I currently live in Chester, CT with my two Portuguese Water Dogs and we are starting new adventures with boating after many years of being without.
Jane Harding
jane@cutwaterpwd.com
Vice President
I started successfully breeding and showing Collies many years ago. In 1994 I got my first PWD just for fun as a boat dog. That first PWD, followed by several others over the years, came directly from Bev Jorgensen at Sun Joy PWDs. My dogs are exhibited under my Penny Lane kennel prefix. Part of the enjoyment of breeding my own dogs has been sharing them with my family. My nieces grew up with my Collies and PWD that they exhibited in junior handling and the breed ring. These kids are now raising they own future junior handlers or are PWD breeders on their own. I’ve been a member of Nutmeg PWD Club since 1996 and I live in CT. I’m also active in the Hartford-Springfield Collie Club which annually offers herding trials, Fast CAT trials, herding instinct tests, farm dog certification tests, an independent Collie specialty point show, and fund raising to support the club activities.
Ginny Cuneo
pennylane@comcast.net
Secretary
I grew up with dogs, but my love affair with the Portuguese Water Dog began in 2016 when I received my first PWD. After signing up for Nutmeg PWD Club's water training program, we have had great success in training and titling in water work. I then wanted to explore what other canine sports PWDs can participate in, and I was interested in getting more involved, year-round, with Nutmeg (beyond just water trials). So I joined the Nutmeg board as Club Secretary and I am often found volunteering for Nutmeg events. I live in CT with my PWD, Winston.
Hannah Barber
hbarber823@gmail.com
Treasurer
I grew up with PWDs and took my first dog into the show ring in 2002. I own and operate Lightfoot Dog Grooming out of my home-office in Higganum, CT. I groom PWDs from all over the eastern seaboard and have an active client list of over 300 Portuguese Water Dogs. My office supervisors include my two young children, my 9 month old daughter and my 4 year old son. In warm weather you can find me paddle boarding and practicing water work with my 5 resident canines (Dally, Flurry, Dragonfly, Rooster and Chicory). But snowy conditions are their true favorite and in the winter, you can find me with my pack running behind their dogsled. I’ve been proud to breed under the kennel name, Lightfoot, for the last 10 years.
Alexandra Vinopal
a.lightfoot@hotmail.com
Director
Dogs have been an integral part of my adult life. My husband, Stu, and I began our involvement with Portuguese Water Dogs in 1995, first breeding them in 2000 under the prefix Freestyle. Freestyle has produced over 50 Champions as well as multiple MACH, CWDX, GROM and POM dogs. This includes two generations of Westminster Best of breed (BOB) winners and two National Specialty BOB winners. My dogs currently compete in Conformation, Water, Obedience and Rally. Due to a leg injury, I miss being able to compete in Agility, a sport I found after purchasing my first PWD - who needed a job. I am a Director of Nutmeg PWD Club and have served as its President and Vice President. I also serve on Nutmeg’s Water and Judges Selection Committees and instruct for its Water program. I live in CT with my three PWDs.
Jane Freeman
freestylepwd@gmail.com
Director
I have been a member of Nutmeg PWD Club since 1998 and on the board of Directors for seven years before I took a break. At that time I was in charge of working with the webmaster updating Nutmeg's website and Facebook page. I have returned to the Board of Directors and am now in charge of membership and the Facebook page. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two dogs. I have been involved with Portuguese Water Dogs since 1997. I have titled my dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, scent work, water work and trick dog.
Patty Hobin
suntankid.hobin@gmail.com
Director
My husband and I were actively looking to get a dog in 1997 and we needed a non-shedding breed. I was introduced to the PWD through my sister who was dog sitting one. This dog was nothing less than delightful and smart - hence began my research into the breed. When we purchased our first PWD in 1997 as a pet, I was unaware of all the sports available to dogs. After his passing, I attended the PWD National Specialty in RI at which time I was introduced to the various sports these dogs participate in. My second PWD, earned titles in water, Rally, Obedience and a MACH in agility. I continue to compete with my current female. Participating in activities has enabled me to actively participate in the Nutmeg PWD club since 2010. I currently live in New York with one PWD
Director
I purchased my first Portuguese Water Dog in 1985 and have owned several Portuguese since that time. I have shown in Conformation, competed in Agility, Obedience, and dabbled in Water work. I have been breeding under the kennel name of Bedlam. I’ve been a member of the Nutmeg Portuguese Water Dog club for many years and enjoy all the activities that the club have to offer. I live in NY with my PWDs.
Terri Pecora
pecora48@verizon.net
Director
When I started my search for a companion dog for my 10-year-old heart dog, I went “dog shopping” at the Westminster KC breed show. That is where I discovered Portuguese Water Dogs. That is also where I was told that PWDs are a lot like lawyers. They take 5 minutes to learn the law and a lifetime figuring out ways around it. Seven PWDs and many years later I am still learning about how creative this breed can be getting around the “law”. This creativity is one of the reasons I love this breed. I have learned so much about dog training and PWDs dogs especially the ones who preferred not to swim. Currently I reside in NJ with one PWD.