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April 27, 2020 – Sheila Herrmann is a passionate Samoyed owner. As president of the Samoyed Club of America Education and Research Foundation Inc. (SCARF), she also is in the unique position to advance the health of these beautiful dogs.

“A Samoyed can outthink and outsmart you, and they can be a challenging dog so attention and time spent working with them are critical to their growth and development,” said Herrmann. “But there is no other breed quite like them. They are free thinkers and independent, but also loving and friendly.”

To help improve the health of the dogs, SCARF was formed in 1997 and has been working to not only fund studies and educate Samoyed owners, but also create a database of Samoyed DNA for research.

“We started the database in 2005, have been collecting cheek swabs, along with environmental and health information until the time of the dogs death. We currently have the data and DNA for almost 600 dogs in our bank,” said Herrmann.

SCARF made its first gift to Morris Animal Foundation in 2010 and currently is supporting three studies:

“One of our board members is a professor at Washington State University who is involved in cancer research – both human and canine – and she likes what Morris Animal Foundation is doing,” said Herrmann. “Some studies have really important potential for our breed, particularly to address some of the more pressing health issues, and we want to help as much as we can.”

Thank you to the Samoyed Club of America Education and Research Foundation Inc. for all you do to advance the health and well-being of dogs everywhere!