In Portuguese, the name Querida means one who is loved, which is why this is the perfect name for Cindy’s kennel and
her Portuguese water dogs.

Cindy’s interest in Portuguese water dogs began in 1989, when she was involved in a local 4-H dog club and met Barbara,
Neocles Estrela Foutshouse. One of Barbara’s puppies, Indy, CH Brincalao Indigo Blue CD, became her first PWD. As a
teenager and junior handler, she handled Indy to her AKC championship and companion dog titles. Querida’s first litter of
Portuguese water dogs was born in 1994, were Bria, BOSS CH Querida’s Brigao was born. Bria became Querida’s first
home bred AKC champion as she was also owner-handled. Bria when on to achieve some amazing accomplishments in
the show ring including a Specialty Best of Opposite Sex win at the Greenwich Kennel Club PWD specialty show and an
Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

Cindy became an active member of the PWDCA in 1996 and a member of her local PWD Club, before leaving for college
to study Animal Science. She graduated summa cum laude as a member of the honors program and then went on to
veterinary school.

Following veterinary school, she completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the world renowned
Animal Medical Center in NY, and then joined a 24 hour small animal emergency and general practice. Due to her
experiences as a dog enthusiast and breeder, Cindy developed a specialty interest in pediatrics, genetic counseling, and
canine reproduction. She pursued specialty training with a veterinary residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine becoming a board certified veterinary reproductive specialist and a member of the American College
of Theriogenology in 2010.

Cindy continues to practice as a canine and feline veterinary reproductive specialist and publishes on various topics of
veterinary reproduction, pediatrics, and genetic counseling. She continues to lecture both nationally and internationally to
veterinary colleagues and breeders on these topics.               

During this time, Cindy has remained active with her Portuguese water dogs competing in conformation, obedience, and
water trial events as she feels strongly that it is important to continue to breed dogs where form follows function. She has
served on the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc. Board of Directors and has served as the Corresponding
Secretary for the club. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc and
as their Grant Director. She is currently the chair of the PWDCA Junior Affiliate Committee and PWDCA Canine Health
Information Center (CHIC) Coordinator. She is also an active member of the Hockamock Kennel Club All Breed Dog
Club.

Cindy utilizes her professional experience and expertise in the area of veterinary medical genetics and reproduction to
continue to build upon the tremendous efforts of PWD breeders to preserve the health and well-being of the breed and the
Portuguese water dogs at Querida.
About Querida Portuguese water dogs:
Querida Portuguese Water Dogs
The Querida Crew