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Tris Artwork copyright 2005 by Annie Reid

A HISTORY OF SAMOYED RESCUE ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL: 

For many years individuals and regional groups have made it their one goal in life to help those less fortunate Samoyeds who are in need of proper care, a proper family environment and the basic love that sammies deserve. Some of these groups or individuals have been diligent in their efforts for over 30 years. They steadfastly went about helping one deserving Samoyed at a time and were always there for the next one.

As The need to help these deserving Samoyeds became more "intense" and it was recognized that there was a need for a national response to this issue, many rescue groups indicated to the Samoyed Club of America that there was need to help address these issues. This was 1996.

In a very positive, yet guarded response, the SCA wanted to make sure that Samoyed Rescues were doing their best to help these Samoyed in the most ethical and responsible manner.

Then SCA president Tony Munn and the SCA officers and Board responded by setting up the SCA's National Rescue Committe (NRC) which included-Coordinator, STEVE MADSEN Jay Mcwhorter, Melissa Howell, Heather Schmidt, Janet White, Barbara Arnaud, and Tony Taddolini. This Committee was asked by the SCA to formulate a set of guidelines that responsible rescues can subscribe to and to help provide a framework for those wishing to start a rescue program. A network of National Samoyed Rescues was underway.

Steve Madsen did a phenomenal job of looking at other breed rescue programs and compiling information from them. Unfortunately, local demands forced him to resign as head of this committee, and Jay McWhorter stepped up to the plate. This SCA Rescue committee formulated guidelines that were unanimously approved by the SCA officers and board. IN 1998 Later in 1996 a new challenge existed for NRC -Jay McWhorter steped aside as coordinator and Amelia Price again needed to appoint a NRC coordinator. Candidates were narrowed down to three applicants for consideration-Heather Schmidt, Janet White and Melissa Howell. After much consideration and input from the sca board Amelia appointed Janet White to be the new coordinator for the NRC .

This SCA Rescue committee formulated guidelines that were unanimously approved by the SCA officers and board.

Later in 1996 a new challenge existed for NRC -Jay McWhorter steped aside as coordinator and Amelia Price again needed to appoint a NRC coordinator. Candidates were narrowed down to three applicants for consideration-Heather Schmidt, Janet White and Melissa Howell. After much consideration and input from the sca board Amelia appointed Janet White to be the new coordinator for the NRC .

In 1997, The first questionnaire went out to the Samoyed rescue groups or individuals, gleaned from those who, through the internet, websites and intent had shown interest in helping the Samoyeds in need. This questionnaire included basic contact information and a request from the NRC to share their methods and procedures of rescue. Some Samoyed rescuers responded.

In 2001, A second questionnaire was sent out to the list of known Samoyed Rescuers in an attempt by the NRC to gather information on how groups did Rescue so the NRC on behalf of the SCA could say these are the Rescues who are willing to have their information passed along to those animal care givers who work with rescues. Some responded completely, some did not.

The idea of National Samoyed Rescue as a separate entity yet supported by the SCA membership (much the same way as the Health Foundation is) was formulated in 2003 with the reformulation of the SCA Rescue Committee with Janet White as coordinator, Jim Becklund, Sandy Phiefer, Beverly Andalora, Celinda Cheskawich, Beth Tallentire as committee members.

As a logical extention of the process of national networking, showcasing, and support for Rescues the SCA Rescue Committee applied for and received our 501 (c)-(3) Federal designation in june of 2004. The next step in the evolution of rescue on the national level was for National Samoyed Rescue to be a separate entity yet affiliated and supported by and giving support to the SCA and regional Samoyed rescues.

We are currently in the process of validating; through our "application of recognition" each and every regional Samoyed rescue who has indicated to us that they are willing to be showcased nationally to the animal care community as the "Best of the Best."