Leadership

Brian Tennison

President

​Brian Tennison has been involved with the Pacific Pug Rescue since 2012. He has served as the Intake Coordinator, Foster Coordinator, Vice President and is currently the President.

After spending more than 16 years working with a large international corporation, he dreamed of a day when he could be with his dogs all day long. That day finally arrived when he opened Buster & Lilly's Doggie Daycare in 2010! Brian is a graduate of the Animal Behavior College and a Certified Dog Trainer. He is passionate about the rescue of pugs and loves spending time with his four pugs: Tank, Lizzie, B.J. & Bijou.

Vice President/Intake Coordinator

Alana is our intake and adoption coordinator and long time foster. Her interest lies in end of life care and senior dogs of any breed, but she has a special place in her heart for senior pugs. A transplant to the Pacific Northwest, she can't imagine a better place to live. When not working or volunteering, she enjoys gardening, cooking and travel. She shares her home with two cats, 2 senior pugs and a 9yr old pug mix, as well as a revolving door of foster pugs.

Alana Hughes

Thi Pham

Chairperson

Thi has loved dogs of all shapes and sizes her entire life, with a special place in her heart for senior pugs and their sassy royal cousins, the pekingese. Sparked by adopting her first senior special needs pug in 2014, she's been involved in supporting pug rescues ever since. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2021, Thi began volunteering with Pacific Pug Rescue where she helps with events, fosters, provides transport for the adorable pups in the rescue, and lends a hand wherever needed. She advocates for rescuing a dog whenever you can —especially those that are older or with special needs because of how rewarding it is and how special they are. A self-professed “geezer guardian” at heart, she also loves live concerts, art, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Board Member

Sarah connected with PPR in 2014 when she and her daughter adopted their first pug. They have fostered over 60 pugs for the rescue. She advocates for animal welfare and loves the process of rehabilitating a neglected dog and joining them with a loving family. Sarah especially enjoys caring for the senior age dogs that come in with special needs.

Sarah and her family have lived and worked in the Portland area since 1993 and enjoy all the natural beauty and hiking opportunities in the northwest. 

Sarah Bridger

Board Member/Treasurer

Kristin is a born and raised Oregonian. She's loved all dogs since she was very young but she fell in love with pugs at her first job at a doggie daycare. In 2011, she adopted her first pug from PPR and another in 2017, then Kristin began fostering in 2020. Kristin has fostered 30+ pugs/dogs and has no plans on slowing down.

In addition to fostering, Kristin has been very active with our social media accounts, especially TikTok (like a true millennial). With a degree in accounting and a job in finance, she decided to step up and take on the role of treasurer in 2024.

Kristin Conforti-Larson 

Julie Yarnall

Board Member/Secretary

Julie Yarnall has been a devoted volunteer with Pacific Pug Rescue since 2019, opening her home as a foster to countless pugs in need of care and a fresh start. Her love for the breed runs deep, having rescued and cherished five pugs of her own since 2005. Julie's dedication to the rescue community stems from a lifelong passion for giving back and making a difference in the lives of animals and people alike.

Beyond her work with Pacific Pug Rescue, Julie is a successful real estate professional and the founder of a women’s networking group focused on empowering women in real estate and fostering generational wealth. Her work in these areas reflects her commitment to helping others achieve their goals and build brighter futures.

Julie is also deeply involved in her local community as an active member of the Rotary Club of Tualatin, where she leads and participates in various service projects. Notably, she supports the club’s signature initiative: first-generation scholarships, a program that has awarded over $300,000 to high school students who are the first in their family to attend college. Whether it's finding forever homes for pugs, supporting her neighbors, or mentoring women in her field, Julie exemplifies a heart for service and a dedication to fostering positive change.