Clooney & Walter

  Kathy Etchemendy — Co-Founder & President

As Co-Founder and President of Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter, Kathy leads with heart, vision, and an unwavering dedication to giving canine companions every chance to thrive. A lifelong Nevadan, Kathy is a graduate of Edward C. Reed High School and the University of Nevada, where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She later received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley College while teaching in the Washoe County School District.

In 2000, Kathy realized a lifelong dream by opening Imagination Station Learning Center, a childcare center and private K–2 elementary school that she continues to own and operate today.

The life of her beloved Angel Dog, Walter, profoundly shaped Kathy’s path. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that Walter’s journey carried a powerful message: that overcoming limitations—whether physical, emotional, or situational—makes us more resilient, more compassionate, and more connected. His legacy continues to fuel the mission of the Foundation.

Kathy is an avid competitor and judge in NASDA events and a passionate advocate for the bonds built through dog sports and teamwork. Through Clooney & Walter, she’s dedicated to helping others who share her love for dogs and who face the unexpected challenges of veterinary emergencies.

She lives in Nevada with her husband of 26 years, Arnold, and their four spirited dogs—Porter, Stout, Rye, and Tess—each of whom continues to inspire her work and remind her of the joy found in the journey.

  Linda Coogan — Co-Founder & Vice President 

As Co-Founder and Vice President of Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter Canine Medical Assistance, Linda brings compassion, leadership, and a lifelong love of dogs to every corner of the organization. Her dogs have been more than companions—they’ve been teammates, teachers, and the source of enduring friendships within the dog sport community. 

Linda is the proud owner of Angel Dog Clooney, whose strength, spirit, and versatility left an unforgettable impact. Inspired by Clooney’s journey and the incredible bond they shared, Linda stepped into this mission to honor his memory and extend support to dogs and handlers facing medical hardship. 

Through her role with the Foundation, Linda continues to cultivate the “dog family” she cherishes—building community, offering hope, and ensuring every canine partner has the chance to thrive, no matter the challenges they face. 

Born and raised in Burbank, California, Linda has been immersed in the world of dogs since childhood, starting out as a passionate Junior Handler. After earning an AA in Administration of Justice, she pursued a career in public service as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher with the Verdugo Fire Communications Center in Glendale, retiring in 2006 after more than 25 years of dedicated service. 

Following retirement, Linda relocated to Minden, Nevada, where she reignited her love for the dog show and dog sport world. She is a proud member of Quail Run Labradors, home of her beloved heart dog Clooney, whose legacy helped inspire the Quail 

Run motto: 
“Where Beauty and Brains Is Our Ultimate Goal and the Dogs Can Do All The Things.”

Together with the Quail Run family, Linda competes in a wide range of disciplines, including conformation, rally, obedience, hunt tests, agility, scent work, Fast CAT, dock diving, Barn Hunt, and NASDA Working Dog Trials. 

She is a proud member of: 

• Labrador Retriever Club
  • Mount Rainier Labrador Retriever Club
  • Valley Hills Obedience Club

In addition, she serves as Trial Secretary for Revolution Dog Sports and is a Judge for the North American Sport Dog Association. 

Through her leadership at Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter, Linda continues to honor the dogs who changed her life—and helps others do the same through advocacy, care, and community.

  Sarah Anderson — Treasurer 

Sarah brings a compassionate heart and over 20 years of experience in medical billingto her role as Treasurer for Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter. Known for her tenacity and sharp sense of humor, she’s spent her career navigating the complexities of insurance on behalf of patients—fighting for positive outcomes when it matters most.

Helping people is her passion. Whether she’s sharing a laugh, offering advice, or simply being a good listener, Sarah understands that life can get “ruff” and that kindness, connection, and the occasional dog joke can go a long way. 

She shares her home—and heart—with a joyful pack of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who bring endless smiles and snuggles. Together, they compete and judge at NASDA events, where Sarah’s secret weapon is always a pocket full of treats and an enthusiastic spirit. She also finds joy in art projects, coffee, and building friendships that often begin with a shared love of dogs.

Sarah’s blend of financial expertise and joyful generosity makes her an indispensable part of the non-profit's leadership.

 Angie Shear - Secretary

Angie brings a lifetime of passion, experience, and leadership in canine performance sports to Clooney & Walter. With a background that spans conformation, obedience, rally, agility, Barn Hunt, NASDA, dock diving, scent work, and more, she’s done it all—and helped others do it, too. 

She currently serves as a:

• Barn Hunt Judge
• NASDA Events Director & Judge
• CGC Evaluator & Farm Dog Judge

Angie also breeds, shows, and competes with her beloved Airedale Terriers, continuing a tradition of excellence in both training and performance. Whether she’s coaching newcomers or guiding seasoned competitors, Angie is known for her clear instruction, deep knowledge, and ability to bring out the best in every team. 

If you’ve met Angie, you know how lucky we are. If you haven’t yet—get ready. You’re in excellent hands.

  Taylor Santos — Board Member 

Taylor brings a one-of-a-kind blend of clinical expertise, crisis response, and canine enthusiasm to the Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter board. A former Trauma ICU nurse with 16 years of experience at a major teaching hospital, Taylor knows what it means to stay calm under pressure. She also served as a volunteer firefighter—because, clearly, saving lives in one high-stress arena wasn't quite enough. 

After transitioning into Clinical Informatics, she now channels her medical background into the tech world as a self-proclaimed “geeky tech nurse.” Her analytical mind, problem-solving skills, and passion for systems improvement make her an invaluable part of the Foundation's operational vision. 

Taylor’s journey into dog sports began with a Coonhound and a Lab looking for purpose—and what she found was so much more. Through NASDA, Barn Hunt, and Dock Diving, she discovered the powerful mental health benefits that dog sports offer both handler and dog. For Taylor, joy is the glue that strengthens the bond: when both teammates love what they’re doing, magic happens.

  Carrie Stroble — Board Member 

“It's an honor to work with the Foundation, assisting handlers during the difficult days following an injury or illness to their beloved canine partner."

Carrie Stroble brings over 35 years of experience in competitive dog sports and a passion for supporting the canine-handler bond through every season of life. As a certified, award-winning S.A.F.E. Groomer, Carrie’s expertise extends from the grooming table to the performance field, where she’s long been a respected and enthusiastic competitor.

She is a strong advocate for “differently-abled” handler and dog teams, believing in accessibility, compassion, and the power of perseverance. Her guiding philosophy—“Do the things that make your heart sing and never let anyone steal your Joy.”—captures the spirit she brings to the Foundation and the broader dog sport community.

Carrie’s commitment to service and joy-centered leadership makes her an invaluable part of our mission.

  Liz Carter - Board Member

As a trainer, judge, and competitor, I am dedicated to fostering safe, enjoyable competition at every level—championing exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, and responsible dog ownership. My true passion lies in the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, cultivated through the vibrant world of canine sports.

Over the past decade, our incredible teams have embraced positive reinforcement and relationship-based training to thrive across a wide range of sports, including agility, barn hunt, dock diving, obedience, rally, flyball, earthdog, trailing and locating, nosework, lure coursing, and beyond. Whether it’s sharing a Pupaccino at Starbucks or reaching the national stage in Barn Hunt, my goal is always the same: to see every team find joy in their journey and pride in their progress.

I am a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a multi-sport judge committed to elevating the standards and spirit of the dog sports community. 

  Niki Ghofranian — Board Member

With more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, Niki Ghofranian is the owner and operator of a successful insurance agency in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is known for helping clients find the right coverage with care and integrity. Her dedication to supporting others is the common thread that runs through both her professional and personal life.

Niki’s journey into the world of dog sports began thanks to her beloved dog Jasper, who introduced her to the joys of Barn Hunt—a passion that quickly grew to include NASDA. Captivated by the unique teamwork between handler and dog, she became a NASDA Judge and a founding member of a Pleasanton-based dog sports club committed to celebrating dogs and handlers of all ages and abilities.

Whether she's guiding clients through complex insurance decisions or cheering on a dog team solving a scent puzzle, Niki brings insight, encouragement, and genuine joy to everything she does.

  Jessica Cisneros — Board Member

Jessica Cisneros brings over 15 years of nonprofit leadership to her role on the board of Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter. As the current Executive Director of a nonprofit supporting youth and adult survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, Jessica is deeply committed to advocacy, healing, and systemic change.

Her professional background includes extensive experience in federal grant management, strategic planning, and board development, making her a trusted advisor and organizational strategist. Jessica’s calm leadership and mission-driven focus help guide the direction and sustainability of the Foundation.

When she’s not working to uplift others, Jessica treasures time spent with her husband, sons, and their three beloved dogs. Her grounding presence and passion for purpose make her a valued part of our team and the broader dog-loving community.

  Martha Metzler-Ghofranian — Board Member

Martha lends her expertise in social media, marketing, and fundraising to advance the mission of Our Angel Dogs – Clooney & Walter. Her deep affection for Angel Dog Walter—and for all dogs who face medical challenges with courage and joy—fuels her passionate support of the Foundation's work.

A native New Yorker now thriving in California, Martha holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration and is the proud owner of a dog training business in Pleasanton, CA. She also runs a dog sports club that regularly hosts Barn Hunt and NASDA trials, bringing together teams from across the region.

As a NASDA Judge, Martha travels to clubs near and far to witness the remarkable spirit of canine athletes. She actively competes in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, and NASDA with her own dogs, but perhaps her favorite moments are the ones spent at the beach—chasing waves and creating memories in the sand.

Martha’s blend of professional savvy and personal devotion makes her a treasured voice on our board and in the broader dog sport community.