The Minuteman Samoyed Club was founded in the early 1970’s under the name of Blackstone Valley Samoyed Club. It was later renamed the Greater Worcester Samoyed Club, before finally taking its current name. It is a nonprofit organization comprised of Samoyed breeders, exhibitors, owners, and individuals interested in the Samoyed Breed. Its objectives are:
to encourage members and breeders to accept the American Kennel Club’s standard of the Samoyed breed as the only standard of excellence by which Samoyeds will be bred and judged
to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of purebred dogs
to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, rally trials, agility trials, sled races, weight pulls, and other performance events
to hold specialties and matches and support entries of dog shows under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club
to promote cooperation and good sportsmanship among its members in the training and exhibition of dogs.
MSC does not operate a formal rescue program, but if seeking assistance in placing or adopting a Samoyed, you can contact
MEMBERSHIP: Owning a Samoyed is not necessary to be eligible for membership in the Club. Minuteman is open to all people 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. Children under the age of 18 are also welcome as Junior Associates. Most of our members reside in eastern New England, where the Club functions, but membership is not restricted as to residence.
There are 2 types of membership: Regular, and Associate. Associate members do not hold office or vote. Dues are set annually by the Board. Application for membership is made after attending 2 Club meetings within a year, and must include the endorsement of 2 current members in good standing. Applications can be obtained from the Club Secretary.
CLUB COMMUNICATIONS: The club publishes a monthly Bulletin which keeps members and subscribers up to date on Club plans and upcoming events. When space allows, it also presents articles of interest to the Samoyed owner. The Club shares newsletters with other Samoyed Clubs around the country. Newsletters are sent via email (.pdf) and mailed to those members without computers. Non-members may request a complimentary copy by contacting the newsletter editor.
Members also have the opportunity to join the Minuteman Samoyed Club on Facebook, which includes information on show results, members’ brags, upcoming events, and links to other websites with Samoyed information.
CONTACTS :
Officers:
President: Diana Walther
Vice Pres: Helen Sullivan
Secretary: Patty Richards
Treasurer: Eliza Wong
Board of Directors: Denise Galante, David Harsch, Tina Leininger, Lori Perry, and Pete Zezima
Delegate to MA Federation of Dog Clubs – Helen Sullivan
MEETINGS Regular meetings have been held on Saturdays in conjunction with dog shows in the state of MA. The meetings are an informal gathering of the members to conduct Club business and plan future events. Some meetings include educational programs which encompass a variety of subjects which serve the diverse needs of all Club members. NOTE: Due to Covid 19 all meetings will be held online until further notice.
March is our annual meeting with annual elections and awards, and is held at a restaurant near to the show. In August, we hold a potluck picnic in conjunction with the meeting, which is always a fabulous event.
CLUB ACTIVITIES
SPECIALTIES AND SUPPORTED ENTRIES: Our Parent Club approved Regional Specialty is held annually in April, and we support the entry of Samoyeds at several shows in the state of Massachusetts throughout the year.
WORKING DOGS AWARDED: The working dog aspects of owning a Samoyed are encouraged by the Club. Members are recognized annually at our annual awards dinner for their outstanding achievements in sledding, weight pulling, backpacking, hiking, skiijorking, carting, herding, obedience, rally, agility, therapy, CGC, as well as the conformation ring.
BREEDER REFERRAL: The Minuteman Samoyed Club is a member of the Pure Bred Dog Breeders Referral Service and encourages its members to educate potential new owners about the breed, and on responsible dog ownership.
MINUTEMAN NO LONGER DOES RESCUE: The Minuteman Samoyed Club does not recommend or endorse any specific rescue club or organization. Those listed here rescue primarily Samoyeds, and have at least one member of the Samoyed Club of America on the governing body of the club. Contacting these groups should be done directly by telephone, e-mail, or mail. The Minuteman Samoyed Club in no way guarantees the services of the listed groups, and their criteria for fostering, placing and adopting dogs.