LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO VKC
As a dedicated staff of dog professionals, we have more than 40 years of experience in dog care. We have tender hearts, veterinary experience, triumphed in the show ring, rehabilitated rescued dogs, dog behavior/training experience, completed therapy dog service, given praise for good deeds done, and scratched hundreds of ears. Our staff will spend quality time with your dog everyday. Additionally we follow dog legislation to say current on issues concerning animals at: Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and Concerned Dog Owners of California.
MIKE WEISS & BRIAN NESS
Mike and Brian have combined both Mike’s background and love of hospitality and Brian’s passion for caring for animals to create the vision of Vintage Kennel Club.
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison. During and after college, he worked at a University conference and guest center before ending up at Charles Schwab in San Francisco.
Brian always had a passion for animals, growing up on a farm in Northern Minnesota. Brian learned about animal behavior and care from practical experience at home and from 4-H. After graduating from Moorhead State University, Brian had a career in outside sales with Teleflora before buying the property that is now Vintage Kennel Club.
Brian and Mike have been raising and showing Wheaten Terriers since 1995. They also show Irish Wolfhounds and showed Kerry Blue Terriers in the past. Korbel, our Kerry Blue Terrier, was the #1 dog in New Zealand All Breeds and the Supreme Show Dog of the Year in 2006.
The Vintage Kennel Club family includes Irish Wolfhounds, Draft Horses, Friesians, a Pony, Miniature Donkeys, a Dromedary Camel, Goats, Chickens, Ducks and 2 Great Pyrenees, livestock guardian dogs.
Brian is on the Board of Directors for Petslifeline.org, a local animal shelter, and is the Sonoma Valley 4-H dog care leader. He works with the 4-H kids to educate them on socialization, training and proper dog care.
We are very proud of what we do and love caring for the dogs. We did not realize how much we would come to love the people that came with the dogs. It is sometimes hard to tell if we are working or playing.
LAURIE COWHIG
Laurie was born and raised in the Bay Area. After a 15 year stint in Hawaii, she returned to Petaluma. One of her first forays into working with animals, was volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. Her favorite breed is the Pug. She currently owns four: Buford T. Justice, Peggy, Pearl, and her youngest Bambi, who is in agility training. Laurie also is a Foster Parent for Pugs. She is dedicated to making sure your dogs have a very enjoyable stay at Vintage Kennel Club.
Sheila has lived in Sonoma all her life. She graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 2008 and will be attending the University of San Francisco in the fall to pursue a career in nursing. Sheila loves being outside, running and playing basketball. She has a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Lily and a Bassett Hound named Winston.
MARIA DE BERNARDI
Maria grew up in Penngrove on a Dairy and chicken ranch. She has been around animals all her life. In her spare time Maria loves backpacking, camping, and spending time with her six year old Dalmatian “Emma”.
Melissa grew up in Sacramento, but has been a resident of the Bay area for the last 14 years. She has had a passion for animals all her life and currently owns a Doberman Pincher, Sakai. When she is not at the beckon call of her pooch she enjoys Capoeira, Muay Thai kick boxing, Bikram yoga and soccer. She hopes to continue her medical education and pursue a career as a paramedic.
