All Astronauts

Ever since Dr. Brenda Bonnett proposed the development of a canine health and welfare information network in 2011, she has been the driving force behind the IPFD and DogWellNet.com. As IPFD’s first Chief Executive Officer, Brenda was responsible for the development and operation of the IPFD including its technical infrastructure, partnership building, programs and projects, and more. She stepped down from the CEO role on 31 October, 2021 and continued to share her expertise with the international dog community as IPFD’s Veterinary Science Officer until July 2022. The wealth of information that Brenda and IPFD the team created during her tenure remain on DogWellNet.com as an enduring resource to support the health and welfare of dogs. Formerly tenured faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College, Brenda is a veterinarian and Consulting Epidemiologist. Her research and projects in Europe and North America have included the development of national and international programs with kennel clubs; extensive work with / publications on animal insurance data; human-animal interactions, numerous pet welfare initiatives spanning the National Council on Pet Overpopulation (1993) and for the American Humane Association: Cat Welfare Forum (Sept. 2013) and Keeping Pets (Dogs and Cats) in Homes: A Three-Phase Retention Study. As Lead Scientist at Morris Animal Foundation (2010) she assisted in development of the (now titled) Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Brenda played a major role in organizing and presenting the first four IPFD International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) and subsequent virtual IDHW sessions on canine genetics. She has also been a frequent speaker on topics of animal health, welfare, and human-animal interactions at scientific meetings, as well as to many stakeholders in the dog world (i.e., breed and kennel clubs, judges, and veterinarians). Most recently, Brenda made virtual presentations at the April 2022 Embark Canine Health Summit and the July 2022 Symposium on Healthy Dog Breeding (presented in collaboration with the Canadian Kennel Club and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association). We are hopeful Brenda will have many opportunities to continue supporting the health and welfare of animals with her extensive knowledge and experience. We invite our members to leave their best wishes for Brenda in the comments area below (login required) or through her IPFD email account, which will remain active in the near term.

Dave is a seasoned communicator with more than 25 years of diverse experience in communications, public relations, and marketing. Since 2014, his multi-faceted role at IPFDogs has included the development of content for DogWellNet.com, production of the DogWellNet Digest e-newsletter and annual reports, coordination of many aspects of webinars and International Dog Health Workshops, and management of IPFD's social media accounts. In his spare time, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife (Jen), his puppy (Mika), his horse (Theia), and his extended "barn family".

Aimée is responsible for maintaining and developing IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs database, as well as resources for genetic and health education and support. This includes updating the genetic phenes (test) information, Breed Relevance Rating, and communication with our Collaborating Experts. In addition, Aimée fields queries from our DogWellNet.com members and breeders on issues related to genetics and genetic counselling. Formerly Head of Health and Research at the (Royal) Kennel Club, Aimée provided bespoke advice to Kennel Club clients, and developed evidence-based canine health resources and engagement programs for the public and professional. Aimée's experience includes development of health teams and collaboration building, active engagement and involvement with committees such as the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (Canine Health Schemes); direct collaboration with international universities, and the former Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, and engagement with projects such as Vet Compass (RVC). She is an experience presenter, with engagements ranging from BSAVA Congress to virtual genetic education meetings, as well as numerous publications and media engagements. Aimée was also involved in the initial development of the journal “Canine Genetics and Epidemiology,” and remains active as an editorial board member. When not working on the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs, Aimée spends her time walking her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, McDuff and Poppy.

Katariina joined IPFDogs as a Business and Project Coordinator in August 2021. From November 2021 until September 2022, she served as Acting CEO. Katariina is a researcher who previously worked as a breeding expert for the Finnish Kennel Club. She studied animal breeding and genetics at the University of Helsinki. The subject of her dissertation was ‘Breeding Against Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs’. She specialises in population genetics (genetic diversity and small populations), canine hereditary disorders, and breeding value estimations. From 2019 to 2023, she was a visiting researcher at the Finnish Natural Resources Institute, where she wrote two reports on dog breeding commissioned by the Finnish Food Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This work resulted in her receiving the Act of Animal Welfare award from SEY Animal Welfare Finland. Katariina received the award alongside her colleague Riitta Kempe, who worked as the project administrator. Katariina thrives when combining scientific research with practical advisory work, translating scientific findings into real-world applications. In her HealthyBreeding online courses, she teaches breeders and vets all about genetics. Katariina lives in the Finnish countryside with her family and three horses, two cats and a Hovawart.

Ulf is former CEO of Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK), a position in which he served since 1984. Before that he was employed at EY (firm of accounts) after studying economics at the Stockholm University. Ulf has been the SKK representative in a number of governmental investigations regarding animal issues e.g. animal protection, disease control and import of pets. Representing the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in various international working groups e.g.: the development of an ISO-standard for chips for pets, FCI Task Force 2010 producing an operational plan for a modernization of FCIs activities. Currently: Member of the board of the animal insurance company, Agria Pet Insurance Member of several election committees for non-profit organizations

Born in Piedimonte Matese, Dino Muto is a consultant for community agricultural policy and for the health requirements of hygiene and operation of livestock farming - primary production, and he has held the position of Director of the C.A.A. Servizi Europei S.r.l. since 2002. In 1991, he began his journey in dog breeding as an exhibitor, then as a breeder of the Dalmatian breed under the kennel name "Saude di Boezia". Among the founders of the "Club Amici Dalmata", Dino currently holds the position of President. Dino was a member of the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI) Exhibition Committee from 2002 to 2010 and has served as ENCI representative within the FCI Exhibition Committee. Dino collaborated in the organization of the European Exhibition in Genoa (1998) and the World Exhibition in Milan (2000). In 2015, he coordinated the World Dog Show in Milan. Dino has been a member of the ENCI Board of Directors and Executive Committee since 2003. He became ENCI Vice President in 2010 and has served as President since 2014.

Thomas Uneholt has been a dedicated breeder of Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for more than 35 years, a passion he shares with his wife, Tina. Throughout his long involvement in the dog world, he has held numerous positions within various breed clubs, contributing to organizational development, breed strategy, and collaborative initiatives. For the past decade, Thomas has served as a member of the Central Board of the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK), where he plays an active role in shaping national canine policy. His commitment to healthy, sustainable dog breeding is a defining feature of his work. As Chair of the SKK Breeding Committee, he leads efforts to promote evidence‑based breeding practices and long‑term population health. His interest in international cooperation is reflected in his extensive engagement within the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). He serves as a member and Secretary of the FCI Scientific Commission and is also a member of the FCI Breeding Commission, contributing to global discussions on canine health, genetics, and responsible breeding. With decades of experience, a strong scientific foundation, and a collaborative mindset, Thomas continues to work toward a future where dog welfare, genetic diversity, and international partnership stand at the center of the canine world.

Alexandre is a vet practitioner in his clinic in France. A prolific writer, he frequently authors articles on pet health and collaborates on training resources for vets, breeders, and dog trainers, and he is the author or co-author of a several books and numerous scientific articles. Alexandre often works with the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) and with breeders on health issues, and he has considerable experience talking to owners and the public about dog health and well-being. He and his wife breed Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers. Education: DMV, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse CEAV (Advanced Veterinary Studies Certificate), Internal Medicine DU, Veterinary Psychiatry Currently: Président, Société Centrale Canine (SCC) Member of CNEAC, CUNSE, and the SCC Scientific Commission Président, Association Canine Territoriale du Bourbonnais Président, Club Canin de Sauvetage Aquatique

Veterinarian, graduated in 2000 at the Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen. Worked for Royal Canin since being a student, then in the department for training and development as well as in the private label department at Fressnapf / MaxiZoo for seven years. Since 2013 and ongoing employed at Bewital petfood. Memberships: Rassezuchtverein für Hovawart-Hunde e.V. since 1991, Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband since 2002, De Greyhound Club (NL) since 2018. Co-Breeder of "Koseilata’s"-Whippets from 2003 – 2018. Doing temperament tests for breeding licenses in many different breeds for the VDH and the DWZRV since 2012. Former Head of the Breeding Board of the German Sighthound Association (DWZRV) Currently: R & D, training and development, Bewital petfood, Germany Liaison for IPFD at the German Kennel Club (VDH)

Marty grew up pet-deprived in a family with allergies. Upon graduating from Veterinary School at Iowa State University in 1981, she soon made up for lost time. She moved to Wisconsin and married a dairy veterinarian, Dr. Dan Griffiths. There she started the Brownsville/Lomira Small Animal Clinic in 1982. They are expanding the practice into a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Greer works extensively with clients who breed and compete with their dogs. In 2002, she opened the International Canine Semen Bank-Wisconsin, allowing breeders to preserve their dog’s semen for use at another time or a remote location. She and Dr. Griffiths also own CheckIn Veterinary, CheckOut Veterinary (a patented Drive-Through small animal clinic) in Sun Prairie WI, and Marshall Pet Care. Dr. Greer also serves as the Director for Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, a company dedicated to helping dog breeders achieve their best outcomes. They have 2 adult children, Katy and Karl and 2 grandsons. She raises and shows Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Danish Swedish Farmdogs. On their hobby farm, they have raised dairy heifers and lambs for 4-H, and have llamas and draft horses. In addition, they raised and trained 7 Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) dogs who have served their handlers, allowing them access to their communities. Dr. Greer has contributed to pharmaceutical and nutritional research as an investigator for Abbott Laboratory, Deprenyl Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, and Hill's Pet food Corporation. She was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to a position on the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board of the Department of Regulation and Licensing. In 2005, she returned to school part-time, receiving a law degree at Marquette University. She is the Board Chair for National Animal Interest Alliance. She is on the board for the American Veterinary Medical Law Association and is a former board member of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics. She and Dr. Griffiths are serious foodies, love to travel, and are investors in the brewery Fifth Ward, in Oshkosh Wisconsin.

Dave Eikelberg lives in Knoxville, Tennessee in the USA and has been married 38 years to his wife Kennetha. They have one son (an attorney in Boston, Massachusetts), and Dave and Kennetha are expecting their first grandchild in January of 2020. Dave grew up on an apple orchard in Indiana and learned the value of hard work. He later joined the United States Navy as a propulsion engineer and served in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets earning commendations and an honorable discharge. From the Navy, Dave went directly into industry refueling commercial nuclear power plants and eventually went on to work at the Department of Energy as a nuclear safety analyst, where he currently works. Throughout those years Dave earned a Master’s degree in Information Technology and completed all his coursework for a PhD in Business specializing in Project Management. He also became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute. Throughout all those years, Dave and Kennetha enjoyed raising and breeding dogs of many types including Maltese, Boxer, Bull Dog, Afghan Hounds, and currently, they breed Black Russian Terriers. Their four Black Russian Terriers, Zeus, Enya, Hunter, and Saphira keep them busy and passionate about responsible breeding, health testing advocacy, and the future health of canines throughout the world. His work with the Black Russian Terrier Club is an example of his dedication to canines of all types as he is developing a health research program in cooperation with various U.S. institutional research organizations to benefit the BRT. Dave looks forward to bringing his business, financial, and practical dog breeding and rearing experience to the IPFD and helping to further the position of the IPFD as the global leader in canine advocacy.

Education: Ph.D., University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine 1998 Adjunct Professor in Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki 1999 - ; Principal Investigator, Institute of Biomedicine, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology 2003 – ; Senior University Lecturer, Institute of Biomedicine 2008 – Research Activities: 50 original scientific articles; Other publications: 15 (chapters in books, reviews); Supervisor of numerous Ph.Ds and master’s thesis Public Relationships: Specialist in Radio Broadcasting and TV news and special programs (Finnish Broadcasting Company News, Finnish Broadcasting Company Prisma-program; Swedish Radio Vega etc.), interviews to Newspapers; Numerous articles in magazines Currently: Member of the Board of The Finnish Kennel Club 2008 Finnish Kennel Club: Chair of the Breeding and Scientific Commission Finnish Kennel Club: Chair of the DNA-group Nordic Kennel Union: Chair of the Scientific Committee and DNA-group Fédération Cynologique Internationale; Scientific Commission, member Fédération Cynologique Internationale; Breeding Commission, member and secretary Finnish Kennel Club: conformation judge (FCI group 3; Terriers) The Skye Terrier Club of America, Health Committee Chairperson Skye Terriers since 1974, breeder (prefix of Skyeline).

Education and Profession Studies in Psychology and Biology; Professor for Psychology and Criminology: Analysis of extremely violent actions, especially cases of murder in the context of investigations, when the offender is unidentified, in the context of interrogation and questioning of accused, suspects and witnesses, in the context of court cases, in the context of prevention Memberships: Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub since 1980, Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband since 2000, Deutscher Doggen Club 1888 since 2005 Breeding and Racing Society 2008 - 2011 Working Judge (IPO, FH, BH) since 1990; Specialist Breed Judge since 2008 Honouring : Großes Hundeführer-Sportabzeichen mit Kranz of the German Kennel Club (VDH) 1989 Kennel Rottweiler "vom Sternbogen" together with Elvira and Reinhold Mühle and Manfred Mayer; Tahuara's Greyhounds and Sloughis , Owner: Heide Friedrich (Teamwork) Currently: President of the German Kennel Club (VDH) since 2009 Professor for Psychology and Criminology

Jannine Edgar holds an MBA and is a Chartered Accountant with extensive international experience across Europe, the USA and Africa. Over more than 25 years, she has successfully led business‑critical improvement programmes in commercial, not‑for‑profit and professional body environments. She joined the Royal Kennel Club in August 2023 as Chief Financial Officer, progressing rapidly to Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive before being appointed Chief Executive in February 2025. During her tenure, she has been recognised for her strategic foresight, resilience and ability to lead complex organisational transformation. Jannine is passionate about the idea that “every dog matters” and that the Royal Kennel Club must champion canine health, happiness and inclusion for all dogs, not only pedigree breeds. A committed dog owner, Jannine shares her life with two much‑loved companions: Tulip, a crossbreed she rescued while living in South Africa, and Mitch, her lively young Jack Russell Terrier. Her personal experience of rescue, responsible ownership and the joy of everyday dog life strongly informs her leadership approach. Since joining the Royal Kennel Club, Jannine has attended countless dog shows and canine events across the UK and internationally, engaging directly with exhibitors, breeders, judges, volunteers and dog owners. She has represented the organisation in collaborations with counterpart kennel clubs and canine bodies around the world, strengthening global partnerships and championing shared priorities for dog health, welfare and responsible ownership. Under her leadership, the Royal Kennel Club has entered a new era of ambition and outreach. She has articulated a clear vision to build financial sustainability, expand the organisation’s impact and influence, and create a culture that is fun, inspiring and rooted in a deep commitment to dogs and the people who care for them. Jannine brings to the IPFD Board a blend of strategic leadership, international experience and a personal passion for dogs, grounded in both her professional role and her life as a dedicated dog owner.

Bill Lambert is a recognised authority on the Bull Terrier Breed, a successful breeder and judge of the breed, and a judge of Miniature Bull Terriers. He is a former Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at the Royal Kennel Club, where had overall responsibility for Canine Health and Welfare initiatives and Kennel Club Breed Rescue for almost 20 years. He was also Chief Royal Kennel Club spokesperson, where he represented the RKC both in the media and on internal and external committees and groups, including in Parliament. He has a special interest in the place of dogs in society and has lobbied for changes to the Dangerous Dogs act since its inception in 1991. He is an IEMA approved Lead Auditor and formulated the process for assessing breeders’ premises on behalf of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme – the first scheme of its kind in the world. His previous career involved providing customer service where he has a long history in raising and applying accreditation standards as well as being involved in the specialised IT and print industries, where he ran a successful printing business for a number of years as well as being employed in the advertising industry, where he was formerly responsible for the digital delivery of the world’s largest newspaper advertising campaign.

Bio to come!

Veterinarian 1975, DVM, DR. h.c. (Honorary Doctorate Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) 2013. Clinician/lecturer at the faculty of veterinary medicine, SLU, 1976 – 1996. Worked at Agria Animal Insurance from 1996 to 2017, where he has had various roles including Veterinary Manager, Marketing Manager, Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, in the UK. Currently: Board member, Hundstallet (Swedish dog shelter and humane organization) On the boards of the Agria/SKK Research Fund Former Chair, Swedish Kennel Club, board member of the Swedish/Norwegian horse research foundation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and Trofast AB (an IT company providing service to 50% of Swedish veterinary practices).

Marc joined IPFD as its new CEO on October 3, 2022. He has broad experience as a not-for-profit leader and has worked extensively with fundraising and corporate sponsorship with various organizations. Marc is a board member of the Canadian Kennel Club. He owns and breeds Siberian Huskies, and co-owns Toy Manchesters, and Samoyeds and shows them in conformation shows worldwide. Marc is also an experienced writer on dog-related topics.

The Canadian Kennel Club is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 175 breeds. As a non-profit organization, the CKC is dedicated to encouraging, guiding, and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canadian society.

ANTAGENE develops, produces and markets DNA tests for parentage certification and disease prevention in dogs and cats. The company is based near Lyon (France) and has a staff of 18 people. ANTAGENE offers more than 100 DNA tests in some 50 countries around the world. ANTAGENE solutions have been used by more than 80,000 breeders and veterinarians the world over. ANTAGENE was an initiating sponsor of IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs Initiative.

The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) was initiated in August 2014 by leading national kennel clubs and other stakeholders in dog health to address common goals and needs; to enhance the sharing of information and resources to support purebred dogs and all dogs; and to build a sustainable, international organization through leadership and sharing. In 2015, the first full year of operation, IPFD experienced: • Solidification and expansion of Partnerships. • Communication and outreach at international conferences. • The launch and expansion of our internet platform, DogWellNet.com. • Engagement of an increasing number of breed clubs, judges, veterinarians, researchers, and others. • Enactment of our key goals and model, i.e., IPFD staff consultants are developing content and functionality of our web platform while encouraging participation and contributions from our Partners, their members and associates, and others.

The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) was initiated in August 2014 by leading national kennel clubs and other stakeholders in dog health to address common goals and needs; to enhance the sharing of information and resources to support purebred dogs and all dogs; and to build a sustainable, international organization through leadership and sharing. In 2016, our second full year of operation, we worked to solidify and expand our partnerships, to continue to address our key functions, to launch new initiatives, and to expand our presence within the dog community. IPFD is all about participation and partnership. We are happy to report that all Partners who were due for renewal signed on for three more years of support. We maintained and engaged new collaborating sponsors. We continue to look for more input from the dog community and have initiated proactive outreach for further kennel club, corporate, and other partners and sponsors.

The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) was initiated in August 2014 by leading national kennel clubs and other stakeholders in dog health to address common goals and needs; to enhance the sharing of information and resources to support purebred dogs and all dogs; and to build a sustainable, international organization through leadership and sharing. In 2017, our third full year of operation, our efforts focused on two major initiatives – co-hosting the 3rd International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW) with the French Kennel Club (SCC) in Paris in April and developing the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs initiative. We also worked to solidify and expand our partnerships, to continue to address our key functions, and to expand our presence within the dog community. The IPFD is all about participation and partnership. We are happy to report that all Partners who were due for renewal, signed on for three more years of support. We maintained and engaged new collaborating sponsors. We continue to look for more input from the dog community and have initiated proactive outreach for further kennel club, corporate, and other partners and sponsors.

The IPFD and our internet platform, DogWellNet.com, came into being following a long history of efforts to address dog health and well-being by many stakeholders – among them our Partners – who continue to demonstrate leadership. These Partners see the benefit of the resources produced by the IPFD for their own members and stakeholders, but beyond that, they have continued to support the goal that these resources be free and open the global dog community. As long as we have such broad-minded stewards of dog wellness, this will continue. The IPFD is always looking for more committed Partners to make this a sustainable reality. In 2018, our fourth full year of operation, we focused our efforts on key initiatives, including launching the Quality Testing Database for the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) in May 2018. The HGTD project has received enthusiastic endorsement from many genetic test providers, kennel clubs, the research community, animal industry, and the veterinary community. Our efforts to support robust genetic testing, and appropriate application of such tests, will be expanded to consider the whole spectrum of health concerns within breeds. This will be supported in 2019 with development of our Health Strategies Database for Dogs (HSDD) – a perfect complement to the HGTD.

In our fifth full year of operation, we made significant strides in several key initiatives, and 2020 promises to be a pivotal year for IPFD. From the CEO As a start-up non-profit five years ago, we represented a good idea with an admirable mission. Many of our supporters were enthusiastic about the concept, but perhaps unclear about the details of what could be accomplished. IPFD has developed based on a strategy of ‘if we build it, they will come’. The progress has been gratifying, and the achievements remarkable. The acknowledgement of the need for multi-stakeholder, international collaboration and action is widespread and consistent. In addition, the impartial, balanced, big-picture, and inclusive approach of IPFD has led to the recognition of how important it is to have such a voice speaking on the complex challenges of dog health and welfare. However, the realities of the dog world and the demands of local, regional, and national responsibilities of our volunteers and collaborators means that there is increased demand on IPFD, not only to be the integrating hub for resources, but also for us to provide more person-power to make this happen. As we move into a phase of enhancing stability and sustainability, we have a lot to celebrate and great potential on which to capitalize.