CONTACT US/ABOUT US

 

Contact Us 

P.O. Box 42170
Houston, TX  77242
gulfcoastcsr@hotmail.com

 

BOARD MEMBERS 

 Stephanie Collins
President & Treasurer
A Texas native who grew up in Corpus Christi and has lived in the Houston area since 1994, Stephanie Collins is a paralegal, stock plan administrator and bookkeeper by day, and an animal lover/rescue volunteer in her 'spare time'. 

A prior 'mutt advocate' who adopted several from local shelters and has volunteered with a couple of rescue groups over the years, she had her first personal experience with a cocker spaniel at a ranch vacation in Colorado in September 2008.  Shortly thereafter, Stephanie brought her first rescued cocker spaniel into her home ~ out of a hot garage where he'd been kept isolated for 2-3 years prior ~ and despite the many issues he had at the beginning (including fear-based aggression), immediately enrolled him in a group training and watched him blossom into a dog ready for his Canine Good Citizen Test and Therapy Dog Certification. Unfortunately, after this 11 month period, she came home one day to find Hunter paralyzed, and due to an issue with at least 6-7 discs in his vertebrae, surgery was not an option.  It was the loss of this dog who lit a fire under Stephanie to do more for this wonderful breed. Since then, she has welcomed two other rescued cocker spaniels into her home ~ Cooper and McDuff ~ and now is compelled to help all the others who are finding themselves homeless due to a variety of unfortunate circumstances.

 

Stephanie and "Cooper" AKA "Kissy Monster"

Stephanie and McDuff

Melinda Stanley
Vice President, Secretary
Always a dog-lover, Mindi got her first cocker spaniel in 1983. Her first rescue dog, however, was a schnauzer-mix that was abandoned by her neighbors when they moved and left poor Bandit in the back yard. Since that rescue, who lived a long and happy life, Mindi has adopted 4 additional cockers and 1 other schnauzer mix. Her first adoption from GCCSR was actually “Coco,” Donnell Grantham’s first foster! He is now Max, seen on the left in this picture. Mindi and her husband both say he is the sweetest dog they have ever had. Their second GCCSR dog, Oscar, is winking at you because he just knew he would cause Mindi and her husband to become foster failures! He is truly the most entertaining family member – he makes his human parents and human brothers laugh all the time, and he has livened up Lily, his senior schnauzer mix sister. Oscar and Max are also BFFs. Mindi has been involved with GCCSR since 2010, working in various capacities, doing what she can to help save cocker lives.  

 

 

Lynette Ehmke
Vice President, Event Coordinator

Because of her passion for animals, Lynette could never turn her back on one in need. She has rescued numerous dogs and cats when they found their way to her doorstep and into her heart.  Her love for cocker spaniels began years ago with her beloved Samantha.  She became involved in GCCSR in early 2012, after following Coffee, and attending his meet and greet. Although she was dealing with her own sweet little rescue dog, Smidget, who was struggling with heart failure, she vowed to help the rescue group one day.  Less than 2 months after Smidget crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Lynette stepped up to foster Cody, a beautiful 13 year old cocker (pictured here with Lynette).  With medical issues of his own, he received much love, care, and attention, from everyone, and he eventually became Lynette’s forever foster, as well as the ambassador for GCCSR.  Although Cody has passed on, Lynette’s participation with the group remains strong. Being our adoption event coordinator, Lynette organizes our monthly events and has taken over some of our larger events including the Houston Dog Show, Pet Fest, and Paws in the Park.  She also volunteers to help wherever she is needed.  Her dedication makes her a welcome addition to our board.