HVRSK Members and Bios


	Andy Devlin - founding member HVRSK Training Director I am proud and lucky that I am involved with everyone from HVRSK & HVPSK. I got my start with dogs as a police K-9 handler in the Marine Corp, I started out as a Grunt and a member of Super Squad in the 3rd Mar. Div. I reinlisted and then changed my MOS to Military Police and found my love for working dogs. I always had a deep passion to follow in my fathers foot-steps and become a NYC Fireman. I was appointed in 1980 to a busy ladder company on the westside of harlem. Being a NYC Fireman is truely the greatest experience of my life. I am proud and honored to have served as one of the BRAVEST. I will always remember the supreme sacrifice that 343 brother fire fighters gave on 9/11/01. In the early 80's I saw my first Rottweiler doing police work and my interest was then only for the Rottweiler. I owned Boxers in the past and the Rottweiler sold me on it's type & it's structure. I had an interest for schutzhund and started my quest to find a club in my area or a trainer. You could say that the person I found and got my start with was not a good representative for the sport. I was lucky enough to find others who taught me the sport of SCHUTZHUND. My goal now is to try and accomplish everything that is needed to become a judge for Schutzhund USA and for the USRC. I feel blessed for the things that I have experienced in my life, and even more blessed that I found the true love of my life, Darlene, to experience the future with.

	Darlene Devlin - member since 2001 President, HVPSK I have been involved with Rottweilers for over 18 years now. I have competed, since I was 8 years old and currently hold a black belt in judo. I was the #1 ranked competitor in the NorthEast for over 12 years, as well as being a National and International competitor, taveling as far as Israel, to represent my country. My competitive nature was put on hold, when I retired from judo 5 years ago. At that point, I had purchased my second Rottweiler, this time, from Andy Devlin of Germanenstolz Rottweilers - I named him Proximo Germanenstolz. When Prox was a baby, I had come up to meet the members of HVRSK. INSTANTLY, I knew this was the sport I wanted to be involved in. I dedicated all my time and efforts into 'Prox' and became the first member of HVRSK to take a dog from O-SchH III, under the direction of Andy Devlin. I have also become heavily involved in the organizations I believe in, dedicating every ounce of my free time to them. Currently, I am the President of the Hudson Valley Police and Schutzhund Klub and the Vice President of the United States Rottweiler Club. Since moving up to Pine Bush full time, I have also become the head trainer for Rescue for Life, a Lab Rescue, located in the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Prior to moving here, I was raised in the Bronx and lived in Manhattan and Queens for most of my life. I was a Graphic Designer for a Sports Marketing company for over 10 years and still freelance for personal clients. Although I miss the 'city life' - I would never give up what I have now. I am a strong believer in making a difference in the breed that I love and competing in the sport of Schutzhund - something that I have become completely addicted to. My friends in HVRSK have become my second family and I would never give them up for anything in the world!!! Last, but not least, this 'path I've chosen' has introduced me to the man I just married, July of 2006, my best friend and training partner, Andy. We are proud to announce that I just gave birth to TRIPLETS, July 20th, 2007. Sway, Blaze and Zoe. Just more Schutzhund members to add to the mix! This has been a great ride and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes me next (a pit stop to the Schutzhund Nationals would be a nice start......).

	Helen 'Mom' Jaime, Treasurer - member since 2001 Helen has been a loyal and hard working member of HVRSK for the past 5+ years. She is the owner of Lex Germanenstolz - out of Jule von der Sinderhannas and Silas Vom Weissen Schwan. Lex and Helen has 'dabbled' in Schutzhund on and off - but Lex would much rather be the mascot then jumping hurdles:-) Helen IS the true (hard working) heart and soul of this club. Helen is always there to assist in Ians 'whadda ya need' rambles and at EVERY event - she is the 'glue' that keeps us all together. Weather being trial secretary for our WINTER trials (freezing her buns off), or running the Sieger Show events, or cooking/cleaning/running earrands for everyone at our Debbie Zappia seminars (Debbie is still threatening to 'steal' Helen from us when we are not looking) - Helen has become the backbone of HVRSK. Not only is she Darlene Devlin & Sean Jaimes 'real' mother - she has adopted everyone else in the club as her own. Word of warning - 'don't mess with mom'.....

	Sean Jaime - member since 2001 Sean Jaime is one of our 'junior helpers' and has been involved with HVRSK for as long as he can remember. Sean is currently working on his choice of college, which has taken some of his time away from training - but is EXPECTED back on the schutzhund field very soon. Sean has been involved in all of HVRSKs events in the past, three Regionals, one National Sieger Show, one National Schutzhund Championships (which landed directly on his birthday and made sure everyone was reminded of that fact throughout the weekend), quite a few seminars as well as our clubs first schutzhund trial. Sean has also followed in the footsteps of both is parents, as well as his sister and has competed in a few different martial arts (but still can't drop Darlene on the mat yet), is involved in the Sea Cadets and will most definitely be joining the Navy, after College. He was also involved in track and field as well as football when in High School, Our Lady of Lordes, in Poughkeepsie. Currently, Sean is a Freshman at Fordum University. Sean is active in all of the above sports, while maintaining an A-A+ average in school.

Pic coming soon!!!!	Aniba 'Catch' Truelsen - member since 2003 Aniba joined HVRSK almost 4 years ago, after purchasing Ares Germanenstolz, a full brother (repeat breeding) of Proximo. Aniba immediately showed that he has skill and talent as well as the determination to learn helper work. Aniba, along with Ralph, went and trained with T Floyd through the whole summer, attending all of his seminars and learning his style. Aniba quickly became named 'Catch', due to his uncanny ability to glide on the Schutzhund field, catching dogs - and making it look oh-so-easy. After only 6 months of training, Aniba was our BST helper for the NE Regionals, getting rave reviews from all competitors. Since then, Aniba has become a member of the NYPD and resides in Yonkers with his family.

	Charlene Keogh - member since 2005 Vice President, HVRSK I was born in Fargo, N.D. and I lived just over the border in South Dakota most of my life on a ranch. I used to rodeo and I was High School Rodeo Queen. Now I just ride a Fat Boy. I traded my 4 legged horse in for an iron horse. LOL After high school I came out to New York as a Nanny to care for a child with Downs Syndrome. Then opened up a Day Care and had it for 6 years while I attended OCCC. In which I got a degree in the medical field and have been working in various hospitals for the past 14 years. I have two sons Tyler-17 and Dylan-15. I am the proud owner of two rottweilers, Zena Vesta Lynn and Yohan Maximus (Max) Gemanenstolz. I joined HVRSK in 2005 when we purchased Max from Germanenstolz Rottweilers. My first visit to the Klub was one of complete amazement. Watching the members working with their dogs, the training, the bite work....I was just totally blown away. I couldn't believe there was a Klub like this so close to home and I had never heard about it. I said "I want to do this." Max is an amazing dog and Darlene couldn't have matched me up with a better dog!!! Max has received his CGC, AD, BH and in the spring we will be going for his BST.

	Gina Sangricoli - member since 2004 President, HVRSK Gina has lived in orange county her whole life. She was in the Air force military police for 4 years and then went on to a local police department and has been there for 14 years. Gina joined HVRSK with her pitbull, Sage, who is deaf. Gina has come a long way, teaching Sage sign language, to help her become a loved member of our club. After a year of training with Sage, Gina thought it was time to expand her family and purchase a Liberty x Proximo son - Zero Germanenstolz. Gina and Zero are now training in the sport of Schutzhund, while Sage happily watches on - and lets Zero know when he is slacking off.

	Gerald and Beth Brenninkmeyer - member since 2005 Gerald comes to HVRSK with a background in training guide dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He has been training dogs professionally for just over eight years, but he is new to the sport of Schutzhund. Zeke is his first personal German Shepherd Dog and they are learning together. "Baby Zeke" as Beth likes to call him is picking things up quickly and is waiting for his handler to catch up. Beth and Gerald met at work and share a love for dogs. They currently live in White Plains, but are looking to move in the near future.

	Lisa Kormondy - member since 2005 as well as the proud 'president' of the 'Saturday Club' Lisa Kormondy lives in Rockaway, NJ is a proud owner of two Germanenstolz off springs, Kaya and Anekos Germanenstolz. Both are her pride and joy. Lisa is currently training Anekos who received his CGC in 2007 and is now working towards his BH in Schutzhund. I absolutely love being apart of this Klub's family and learning the sport of Shutzhund. The Klub has taught me not only about the sport but how to interact with my dogs in such a way that builds a strong relationship and understanding. When we are not out training, we all enjoy being on the boat and swimming. That I am told comes from their parents, Prox & Liberty!

	Ralph 'Swoosh' McCarthy - founding member & Jolyn McCarthy Ralph McCarthy is one of the founding members of HVRSK. Ralph is still waiting for a new helper to come, buy his 'used' scratch pants and 'lose' then name 'swoosh'. The swooshing sounds of Ralph, during the escape and long bite, leaves him open for many jokes every week! Ralph has two Rottweilers, Logan and Saijah. His love for the sport and his ability to read dogs is top knotch. Ralph has been doing helper work for many years, training under the watchful eye of T Floyd. Ralph recently got married to his long time girlfriend, Jolyn, who had a daughter, Ali, and just added another woman to his life, his newborn daughter, Emma. Ralphs time off from the club is over and is now coming back, full force to join our always expanding family. He'll be right alongside Andy, yellling at members, telling them to work harder, go faster, keep moving, etc.....Members, buy good running shoes.

	Bill & Kathy Smith - member since 2006 Billy and Kathy Smith live in campbellhall ny for 16 years.Originally from queens.Married for 27 years and have three boys 23, 20, and 14. Have had Rotties for many years.Currently have two rotties zora and jada and also a shepeard kioki. Jada is our 17 month old female who is slowly being trained for the sport of shutzhund from Andy and Darlene.Although we live a busy life,we are very interested in the sport and being a member of the klub and try to dedicate as much time as we can.We cannot make as many meetings as we would like but the training that we have learned is continuously being reinforced to Jada at home .

	Laurie Schweizer - member since 2005 Laurie Schweizer resides in Rockaway,NJ. She first started "career life" and as a teacher in Special Education then went into law enforcement (not a big change). She first started in the Mounted Unit with the Morris County Park Police and has now been with The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for 8 years as a Detective. She got her first Rottie Sage in 1994 and sadly she passed away back in November. She currently has Kaya...aka "Peanut" with Lisa Kormondy doing the Schutzhund work. Laurie hopes to get another Rott from Darlene and Andy at the end of the year and start doing her own Schutzhund work. Her hobbies include scuba diving and working out.

	Jeffrey & Carol Vincent - member since 2006 Jeff and his wife Carol live in Goldens Bridge, NY and are proud owners of Nietzsche (7 year old female) and Cobi (13 mo old male). Jeff says: "I have always been fond of Rotties because of their size and temperment--I am a big, rough and tumble guy, so I wanted a big, rough and tumble dog." We adopted Nietzsche two years ago as an introduction to the breed and because we wanted a playmate for her we purchased Cobi as a pup. I will say Carol has been a good sport because managing two big dogs can be taxing. With respect Klub, Jeff comments "Klub has helped me tremendously in understanding Cobi's mindset. I enjoy watching him progress as we practice the various drills learned on Sundays, my immediate goal is to have him earn his BH and then begin Schutzhund training." In addition to working Cobi, Jeff is active in his church, holds a black belt in Isshinryu Karate, and teaches Scuba Diving

	Bruce & Lori Lawyler - member since 2006 We have lived in Willington, Ct for nine years in our historic 18th/19th century house. The house has taken many years of work to restore and we have learned that it's always a work in progress. We have bought and traded antiques for the last fifteen years, so owning a historic home has been fun to fill with our finds. We have owned and operated Servitium, a janitorial and window cleaning service for close to 25 years, as well as own and manage rental property; we recently finished our first rehab that is on the market. We have raised two wonderful children whom are now men at ages, 27 and 20. Our son Dustin, travels all over the world for the software company he works for, our other son Devon, will be attending the University Of Connecticut as a second semester freshmen in the fall. Enzo, kennel name, Zeno Germanenstolz son of Prox and Liberty is our third rotti in the past 16 years. We found Andy and Darlene after searching for a breeder with a reputation for high standards and quality well tempered rottis. In December 2005 we drove from Ct. to meet Andy and Darlene and check out their puppies. We fell in love with Enzo, who Darlene called blue, when he wrapped his paws around our wrist and cuddled his little body close to us. We were so happy that Enzo’s temperament met our families needs. We made the trip back to Pine Bush on December 24 and wow, what a Christmas gift this was for our family. We had never been introduced to Schutzhund and came to Debbie Zappias three day training seminar after Darlene phoned us to tell us what an opportunity it would be for us if we could make the three day training. After that, Andy and Darlene knew we were interested with the sport and invited us to join the club and train Enzo. Wow, what were we thinking? We had just about finished following our son Devon, a competitive gymnast, around the country for the past 17 years. We have free time on our hands, yes; lets drive two and a half hours every Saturday evening to stay at the elegant, super 8 motel, wake up bright and early Sunday morning to be on the field at 8:00am and then go train for the rest of day with the club. How could we turn down such an invitation? We had no other choice!!! All kidding aside, we feel we have been welcomed into a great club. We can't say enough wonderful things about Andy and Darlene and this fantastic group of dogs and people.

	Dylan Keogh - member since 2005 I joined HVRSK with my Mom and Bob in 2005. I thought it was cool to see the dogs train the way they do. I decided I would like to help out and maybe be a helper. I took my first bite from Proximo and I was hooked. In Feb. of 2006 I went and got certified to become a helper. I am a Certified USA Jr. Helper. After talking the class to get certified I decided I would like to get a GSD. They are light and much easier for me to work. Last Christmas my mom surprised me and got me a GSD, O-Saphira Von Der Graf. Saphira has her CGC and I am working on getting her Breed Survey and AD in the spring. I am looking forward to getting back into training and helper work. I had taken a break and now I am ready to trial my dog and help others train. My other hobbies include: paintball, riding my dirt bike and also my bicycle doing extreme sports.

	Jason & Samantha Berman - member since 2006 I have lived in NYS my entire life and upon graduating from high school I went to college in Quinnipiac University located in CT and then transferred to Ramapo College in NJ, where I graduated with a BA in Law and Society. Upon graduation I quickly got engaged to Samantha and then immediately hired by the NYPD and went through the police academy. Upon graduating I worked in the Bronx until January 06' when I then transferred to a department within Orange County where I have been working ever since. I truly love the work I do and would not want anything different. After my wife and I moved into our first home my dream came true and we immediately purchased a rottweiler named Amber. This is our second “child” with the first one being a pug named Rocky. To be honest I knew nothing about the breed as far as training, however I had a huge interest. I then began training with Mark “Big Daddy” Barish in NJ, where I began basic training. Mark has taught Amber some much needed corrections and more importantly has educated me on how to better bond with the dog for a more proactive approach to training. I then heard about the HVRSK where I am now a new member. Although my schedule often conflicts with training, I will make every effort to come when I can. I know very little about the sport of schutzhund, but I am eager to learn. I would like to thank Darlene and Andy for their advice, training, assistance in getting me started with the sport of schutzhund, and for welcoming me to this klub, where I hope to meet all of the other members in the near future. Off to the field.....

	Dmitriy Garbasan & Olga Reyder - member since 2006 OLGA AND I JOINED HVRSK RECENTLY.WE WERE BORN IN USSR. NOW WE RESIDE IN BROOKLYN. OLGA FOR 26 YEARS AND I'M FOR 13. WE ARE TOGETHER FOR 10 YEARS. ALSO WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER NICOLE WHO LOVES OUR DOGS. OLGA PURCHASED HER FIRST ROTTWEILER IN DECEMBER 12,1987(SHE REMEMBERS DATE). I WAS INTRODUCED TO THIS BREED BY OLGA IN 1996. WHEN I MET OLGA SHE HAD HER SECOND ROTTWEILER- FEMALE DANA. DANA WAS LEFT BEHIND BY PREVIOUS OWNER WHEN THEY MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE. DANA PASSED AWAY IN 2000, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BONE CANCER AT THE AGE OF 7. 2/7/2000 WE BOUGHT MALE PUPPY ROTTWEILER- PRINCE. WHEN PRINCE WAS A PUPPY ON JUNE 8,2000 I FOUND ON A STREET GROWN VERY SICK ROTTWEILER. WE GAVE HIM A PERFECT NAME- LUCKY. AT THAT TIME , HE WAS FROM 2 TO 4 YEARS OLD. LUCKY GAVE PRINCE MILD FORM OF SKIN DISEASE , SO WE HAD TO TREAT THEM BOTH. AT ALMOST 7 YEARS OLD PRINCE PASSED AWAY FROM CANCER. LUCKY IS STILL WITH US AND BRINGS US JOY EVERY DAY EVEN THOUGH HE IS ALMOST BLIND. IN JULY OF 2006 WE BROUGHT FROM UKRAINE A MALE PUPPY ROTTWEILER. WE NAMED HIM- LORD. AT THE SAME TIME WE FOUND HVRSK AND JOINED THE CLUB. ANDY, DARLENE AND THE REST OF CLUB MEMBERS ARE VERY NICE AND HELPFUL PEOPLE. OLGA AND I BOTH VERY HAPPY TO BE A PART OF THIS DOG LOVING FAMILY - HVRSK!

	Alex Reid - member since 2006 Alex has always had a way with dogs. Alex seems to understand them and they trust him. Some nights you can find him curled up sharing a blanket on the floor with his dog Mac, both sound asleep. Alex has done a lot of research on Rottweilers and Schutzhund training. Since Alex has gotten his new puppy, Abby, he has shown so much patience. Abby has him wrapped around her finger (or paw)! Alex can't wait to start training and showing Abby. They both have a lot of persistence and they will both work hard for each other. Andy, Mark and Dylan are helping Alex become a handler. After his first bite, Alex knew this was the sport for him. Heís looking forward to learning and experiencing more. The members of the klub are wonderful and treat him like family. Besides his love of dogs, Alex likes to ride his dirtbike, skateboard and paintball.

	Bill Jones - member since 2006 Born in New York, but raised in Puerto Rico during my adolescent years where my parents had 8 poodles. What a madhouse! After graduating from college, I returned back to New York. I've always loved dogs. I jumped from poodles to a Belgian Sheepdog which was my first dog I trained personally. That is how I got interested in obedience training after going to a dog trial. It was the blind leading the blind, but we managed to get a UD title which then was the highest degree in AKC obedience training. When I had to put him to sleep, I did not get another dog till 14 years later. He was a great dog. Now, I have this Malie which has filled lot of the void and just as sweet as my Belgian Sheepdog. People sometimes ask how you name your dogs. I tell them they are named after Jesuit saints. After seeing it, Schutzhund seems like a lot of fun, and I believe I found the perfect place, people, dog to learn and participate. Besides doing activities with my dog, I also enjoy paying tennis. I can't wait till 2 1/2 years when I retire, so I will have more time doing the things I love. I love Schtzhund training and my goal is get a Schutzhund III and an AKC UD someday.

	Bill Howell - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Maya Howell - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Bob Conner - member since 2005 I was born and raised in NYS. I have been in the NYSDOC as a correction officer for 18 years. I have two sons Robbie - 20 and Brandon-18. I joined HVRSK in 2005 when we purchased "Max" from Germanenstolz Kennels. Charlene trains Max and I purchased Cira this past September. Now I wont have to cook all the time....LOL We also have a female at home Zena who received her CGC after we joined HVRSK. Charlene and I also own a Construction Co. in which we specialize in concrete and masonry.

	Char Fortune - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Bruce Chapman - member since 2008 Bruce is an inventor and unarmed use-of-force expert. He is an advanced martial artist (tang soo do), world class skydiver (recently retired) and tactical firearm enthusiast. He has recently redirected his attention to auto racing. He will be dividing my sporting time between racing my '04 subaru sti and schutzhund. Hilary and Bruce are the proud owners of a GSD named 'Endo', which comes from Vom Banach K9, in Washington State. His father is Aron Vom Poppitz and mother is Irma Vom Korbelbach. They are both very excited to become part of this club and expect to learn as much as they can digest from everyone. They are committed to working as hard as they need to to succeed in Schutzhund...

	Hilary Adler - member since 2008 Hilary is an attorney and Bruce Chapmans business partner. She has been a successful inline skater/competitor at a regional and national level but has redirected herself to yoga over the last 7 years. She is an advanced practitioner and a gifted athlete in her own right.

	Robin Peterson - member since 2004 My love for Rottweilers began 20 years ago when I purchased my first male (Steele) while living in Brooklyn. He lived to be 12 yrs old. When he passed away my career on Wall Street as a Registered Securities Representative required me to do 15 hour days. Not a good time to get a puppy. During that time a wonderful man Douglas Peterson came into my daughter Amanda's and mys life. I then decided to leave my career behind me and be closer to home. Home being New Windsor, NY. Hence the desire for another Rotti which never subsided over a 4 yr. period took over. I was estatic when I met Andy & Darlen (HVRSK). A Rottie Club - Awesome. I found my next love Von Silvertahl's "Deuces Wild" and I immediately joined the Club. Which has been a great experience for both Deuce and myself.

	Joe Ciraldo - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Rob Rodriguez - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Rob Smolanoff - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Sue Smolanoff - member since 2007 Bio coming soon...

	Jan Reid - member since 2006 Bio coming soon...

	Yadiro Henriquez aka 'Yadi' - member since 2008 Brief bio: Well done is better than well said. That is why this introduction requires few words to describe my "dog-handling" experience. At a young age I enjoyed working with large, high energy, eager to learn breeds. This interest lead me to dog sports. More specifically, Schutzhund. My breed of choice is Riesenschnauzer (Giant Schnauzer). The sight of that black "Giant" at work is very impressive. While not as popular in the United States as some other breeds, the rest of the world knows and respects the Riesenschnauzer as a first-rate working dogs. Let it be said that there are other good working breeds: A good dog is a good dog. Regardless the breed, the sex or the color. Since HVRSK is a multi-breed schutzhund klub, It’s a unique place to learn how handle our loving pets and/or compete at the highest levels. Thanks you all for reading, and I look forward to getting to know each of you. Accomplishments: • Training / Trial helper • Currently training Gatsby von Easentaigh (RS) to SchH 3 from puppy. • Gatsby: 2007 IPO 2 Champion at the WRSF National Breed Club competition (Schnauzer Fest). • B.S. Degree in Visual/Graphic Arts from the School of the Visual Arts

	Tammy Cook - member since 2008 Bio coming soon...

	Andrea Leggio - member since 2007 I met Andy and Darlene when their triplets were born in the summer. I am a NICU nurse and have worked at Vassar hospital for almost 18 years. I have three dogs and my Catahoula pup ( Buck) was giving me some trouble so when I found out that Andy and Darlene were trainers I started to ask a lot of questions. I had heard of Schutzhund but did not know much about it. When they told me about tracking I knew this is something I would be interested in because Catahoulas are supposed to be good trackers and I knew Buck needed a job. I am still very new at this but grow more interested every day. I love meeting all the members of the club and their dogs and seeing the different breeds that are involved. My goal is to have obedient dogs based on a trusting relationship. I want to be able to be clear in the message I give to my dogs when training and with the help of the club I'm sure I can achieve this. I have a very patient husband (Rick) who supports the time I spend with my dogs and two sons Aaron 18 and Cory who is 13. Before becoming a nurse a worked for a small animal veterinarian in Ossining NY and prior to that I worked with horses. I still ride once week...its my therapy.I have lived very happily in Wappingers Falls NY for 18 years since buying our "starter house".