SSMF Newsletter New Year

Southern States Mastiff Fanciers
Winter 2007
2007 New Year’s Letter To the SSMF Membership, Maria Devier SSMF President
Dear SSMF Members,
Happy 2007 to our SSMF members!
This organization was formed in 1994 so that together we could make a difference for the Mastiff breed & also to help
support Mastiff rescue. This passion for Mastiffs that unifies our organization is the same passion I have for this breedand why I consider it a great honor to be asked to serve SSMF as the President for 2008! I promise to try to be worthy of the trust you are placing in me, and to do all I can in support of the mission of the SSMF club & I am at your disposal.
2007 SSMF board members and officers:
President: Maria Devier, Vice President: Margaret Murphy, Membership: Karen Karably, Treasurer: Sara Robertson,
Newsletter/Calendar: Jill Zimmer, Secretary: Dolly Moore, Board Member: Kelly Meyer, Board Member: Kim Brackin,
Board Member: Anne Santora, Alt Board Member: Anne Heyob, Alt Board Member: Kay Routten, Webmaster: Dolly Moore
I’d like to personally thank each of the board members and officers listed above for their willingness to serve SSMF this
year –and particularly want to recognize Sara Robertson, our new treasurer, for putting in MANY hours already learning our accounting system!
Since I’ve been asked to tell a little about myself for those who may only know of me as ‘Warlord’s Mastiffs’ here goes:
I’ve had a lot of good training for this job. Pretty much everything myself and my late husband Tom Devier have done
in the past 17 years, has been to support the Mastiff breed in one way or another; including serving as auctioneer for
Mastiff fundraisers, and as a board member for SSMF for many years. Tom believed strongly in Mastiff Rescue in particular. Because his enthusiasm was contagious he inspired a lot of people with his ‘can-do’ attitude.
In 1990 I gave Tom the surprise of his life…our first Mastiff,. What a journey it was for us finishing our first Mastiff to
his championship- CH. Meriwether MOJO Man! We started out not knowing
the first thing about Mastiffs or dog shows. Back then we didn’t have an
Letter from Maria
Cover - 2
SSMF website to go to for instant information either. With the faithful supPg 3
port and tireless encouragement of Tom and some special long-time Mastiff Welcome Virginia
breeder mentors, today Mastiffs are my life.
Treasurers Report
Pg 4
The past three years have seen some good steps for the future of SSMF
•
In 2005 we became a non-profit organization
•
In 2007 with the creation of our new website, we went ‘global’ and
are now able to provide resources and education instantly for those
searching for it on the internet
This past season we sponsored our first-ever SSMF calendar photo
contest…thanks to Jill Zimmer and Karen Karably. Over 200 photos
were submitted and the quality of our calendar is beautiful and professional looking!
You can also visit the lovely photo gallery of submissions yearround on our website- another strong incentive for the photo submissions which made wise use of our existing resources
•
•
Rainbow Bridge
Hera - A Rescue Story
Perry, GA
New Member Welcome
Priceville, AL
Pg 5
Pg 6
Pg 7 & 8
Pg 9
Pg 10 & 11
Special Events
Pg 12
Club officers/contacts
Pg 12
Page 2
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Continued from Cover
Opening the calendar to photos from the public made a huge difference. Through the visibility of the contest, SSMF
gained new members and our website received thousands of visits. The Mastiff community as a whole now
has a very good idea just who SSMF is, and what we are about- and shows a real willingness to support
our mission!
GOALS: One short term goal I personally have is to improve communication in general between the officers and
board members and the SSMF membership because all of us together are SSMF. Since I have started writing
letter, we have already gotten a good start in this direction.
•
We have just set up a new SSMF ONLINE COMMUNITY website
http://members.boardhost.com/SSMFFORUM/ that is vastly improved over our current ‘free’ discussion board.
The new discussion site is very ‘user-friendly’. I envision it as a gathering place for all of our members to get to
know each other better and for you to share your ideas about what you would like to see SSMF doing, as a
club, in the coming year. Please stop by today and visit the site– and introduce yourself!
•
When I am going to dog shows around our region I would like to invite any and all SSMF members to a gathering so that we can visit with each other. I will post on the new Online Community about this and we’ll set
those gatherings up as we go along!
•
We still have some calendars left to sell—they are going to be HALF PRICE starting February first! That’s a
REAL bargain folks so please take advantage of it our website!
Finally, I’d like to throw open the door to all SSMF members who might have constructive ideas for the board to
consider– and especially to anyone who would like to sponsor an event or fundraiser for SSMF throughout the
year. Again, SSMF is all of us, together trying to make a difference for our breed!
Cordially,
‘MEET AND GREET’
Greenville show -- Saturday, February 17th, at 6 PM at the
Phoenix Inn, adjacent to the show site.
Maria Devier
COME OUT AND MEET MARIA AND OTHER MEMBERS
Together we can make 2007 a great year for SSMF.
Maria Judging at our
SSMF Fun Match in
Perry, Ga
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Welcome to Virginia!!!!
Virginia was voted into the SSMF fold this past
September at the Annual SSMF general meeting.
“Churchill” Owned and Loved by Jeff and Cindy Smith
Page 3
Page 4
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Treasurers Report
4TH QTR 2006 - QTD
10/1/2006 through 12/27/2006
Treasurers Report
For Membership Only
Folly and Archie
This information can be
obtained in the password
protected area of SSMF
website. If you are a member and do not have a
password contact our
webmaster
[email protected]
Thanks!
Jill
Are loved and owned by our outgoing
Treasurer Karen Karably. Fortunately
we are retaining Karen as our membership secretary. Thanks Karen!
SSMF
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 5
Rainbow Bridge
Ch. Harwood’s Isaac of Atoms
Isaac brought joy and laughter into our hearts and
home with his delightful personality and his love of
every living thing.
I will forever miss him but am grateful for having
him. The gratitude will someday conquer the grief.
His presence enriched our lives and those of
everyone who knew him.
Alma and Tom Bowman
MISSING YOU
I miss you since you've gone away
The house is such a sullen place
Each hour of every lonely day
I look around for your sweet face
I miss the way you turned your head
Looking with those soulful eyes
Though no words to me were ever said
Thoughts were revealed by mutual sighs
I miss the sound of your big feet
Padding lightly across the floor
Eager to be the first to greet
Or warn of someone at our door
I miss your patience and your love
That sprang from heart that knew no hate
I thank the Good Lord up above
Ch. Von Himmel’s Samantha Sue
That brought you to my home by fate
We are so grateful for everyday we had together . We miss you darling Sammy Sue.
I'll miss you still, year after year
Dale and Jill Zimmer
Until I walk that misty trail
When once again with joy I hear
Your bark and see your wagging tail.
Page 6
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Hera
A rescue Story - Melinda McKay
Hera came to live with us 2 years ago. We
have a male mastiff named Zeus and we wanted a
companion for him. A friend of mine is an SSMF
member and rescue volunteer. She told me she was
going to evaluate a dog and asked did I want to come
along. I was not prepared for what we would find.
To say that Hera lacked socialization is an understatement. She had spent much of her short life in
a kennel and did not have any manners. She came
out of the kennel spinning like a whirling dervish and
proceeded to jump onto my friend, spin in mid air and then throw herself on the ground - all
within seconds, just to jump up and do it all again. She was without malice, just completely
misguided in her attempts for attention.
We agreed to foster her and see if she and Zeus hit it off and if we could bring her along
in her manners. To begin with she climbed on top furniture, jumped up on counters and generally misbehaved. She was very wary of strangers and would jump and bark at them. But she
and Zeus were to be friends; in fact Zeus spent the first night sleeping next to her crate in the
living room. We knew we had to give her a chance.
Hera was a quick learner and with a lot of encouragement, guidance and positive reinforcement she began to blossom. Housebreaking was the first order of business and she caught
on quickly. She now loves to go for rides, walks like a lady on a leash, loves to meet new people,
cool off in the family pool (only on the steps
though), and play play play. She also LOVES Baths!
She still has issues with people on the other side of
a fence but is OK once they are welcomed by us.
Hera even traveled across the country from
North Carolina to Idaho to visit family and was
good as gold. She and Zeus are inseparable although she bosses him around terribly. I will admit
we were hesitant to adopt a dog from rescue but
this experience has been a joy and Hera is greatly
loved.
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 7
Minutes from SSMF General Meeting
Perry, GA - Sept 2006
General Meeting Minutes
In the absence of President Chris Stewart, the meeting was called to order by Vice President Kellly Meyer at 5:15
p.m. on Saturday, September 2nd, 2006. 38 were in attendance.
Minutes from the last meeting were not read as they were published in the Newsletter.
No Treasurer report was given. Report published in the Newsletter.
Old Business
Kelly reminded everyone of the calendar contest deadlines. As of September 1st photos admissions were open to
non-members for the contest Deadline for accepting photos is October 1st, 2006.
Kelly asked members to be sure to send brags, rainbow bridge announcements, birth announcements, or articles
that might be of interest to the Newsletter Editor for publication.
Susan Prickett passed out order forms for the greeting cards that are being sold to raise funds for rescue. We encourage everyone to go to the website and order some of these unique cards. www.sosmastiffrescue.org
New Business
Kelly asked for volunteers for the Nominating Committee. Maria Devier will chair. A slate will be put together, sent
to the membership for a vote and any member at that time can nominate a person other than those put forth by the
Nominating Committee.
Kelly also asked for a volunteer to be Fun Match Chairman at the next supported entry. Terri Perkins of Enterprise,
Alabama volunteered.
Alma Bowman asked everyone to be thinking about doing a supported entry in their state. Currently we have supported entries in AL, and GA with the prospect of one in TN in 2007. These supported entries allow mastiff lovers to
get together and have a good time, discuss mastiffs, etc.
Susan Prickett made the motion to include VA in the Southern States Mastiff Fanciers club. Louise Cross seconded.
Motion carried.
Following the meeting, Pizza, drinks
and dessert were served. A raffle was
held to raise money for rescue. Raffle
items included a Large stuff animal resembling a mastiff, a sandicast mastiff,
and a bone shaped stuffed toy.
The raffle was conducted by Maria Devier who excels at getting people to part
with their money.
Louise Cross went away with the stuff
mastiff, Jason Cook was really lucky as
he had both winning tickets for the
Sandicast and the Bone Shaped stuffed
toy. The raffle raised $281.00. Maria
donated a lovely piece for a silent auction. This piece brought $145.00 and
Louise Cross was the lucky bidder.
Total raised for rescue:
$426.00.
Cindy Furr, SSMR Treasurer gave a
financial report for rescue.
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 8
Perry, GA - General Meeting and Fun Match Continued
The Fun Match was a success with everyone having a great time. There were 23 entries, 17 mastiffs and 6 Misc.
breeds. Maria Devier did an excellent job of judging. A total of $115.00 was collected for SSMF.
Results:
Best Puppy: (3-6 Mos.) Pegasus Osa Bodocious Callisto, owned by Terri Perkins.
Best Junior (13-15 mos) Beowulfs Kodiak Balow Moon, owned by Bet Banerlee
Best Adult
Sherwood Randhlands Friar Tuck, owned by Melody Gibson and Tracy Eberhardt.
Club Members who had wins at the Cluster at Perry:
Thursday, August 31st
Best of Opposite Sex
Lazy D's Dixieland Tupelo Honey
owned by Jan and Jimmy Stringer
Friday, September lst
Best of Breed
Lazy D's Dixieland Tupelo Honey
owned by Jan and Jimm Stringer
Saturday, September 2nd
Winners Dog and Best of Winners
Merrits Worthy of Praise, owned by
Steve and Tammi Merritt.
Sunday, September 3rd
Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite
Warlord's Dream Catcher owned by Maria Devier
Thanks to Tracy Eberhardt
for all the great photos from Perry!!!
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 9
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Jason & Jodi Cook
Kara Seiffert
1700 Opal Trail
16533 60th Street
Mt Olive AL 35117
Loxahatchee, Florida 33470
Vero Beach FL 32960
Wesley Ralph Barrow, Tammy Shiley, Della
Barrow, Amanda Garza
145 Foreman Rd
Jackson, South Carolina 29831
Alan & Merilee Muir
Elizabeth, Bruce & Shawna Frusch
1314 SE 11th Street
Skyfield Farm
Cape Coral, Florida 33990
Brian Grimo & Liberti McGough
2461 18th Ave
15576 Fruitville Rd
Sarasota FL 34240
Charles & Marilyn Fenner
3030 NW 100th St
Ocala FL 34475
Chris Parker
Mountain Top Mastiffs
8885 County Hwy 27
Springville, AL 35146
Jason & Jodi Cook
1700 Opal Trail
Mt Olive AL 3517
Alan, Andrea, Ely & Evan Corbett
2719 Squeak Lake Trail
Juleigh DePriest
Myrtle Beach SC 29588
219 Farmington Court
Lexington, South Carolina 29072
Gary & Lani Mosley
1905 17th Ave.
Jennifer S. McKemie
Columbus GA 31901
6964 Margie Lane
Lithia Springs GA 30122
Eric & Lori Hoskins
Kennel Name: "Armor Trails"
91 Scarlet Oak Cl
Bunnlevel, North Carolina 28323
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 10
Priceville, AL - November 2006
On Saturday, November 11th, SSMF held a supported entry at Priceville, AL in conjunction with the Huntsville Kennel Club.
Saturday entries were: Puppy Sweepstakes, 15. Veteran Sweepstakes 1
Regular Classes, 31 and 1 Veteran Bitch.
Sunday entries were: Puppy Sweepstakes, 13, Veteran Sweepstakes 1.
Reguar Classes, 29.
SSMF club member winners were:
Saturday, November 11th - Puppy Sweepstakes
Lacelle's Soter of Forked Oaks - Best Puppy in Sweeps and Grand Sweepstakes
Winner owned by Betty Langley.
Veteran Sweepstakes
CH.Merritts Grace and Beauty - Grand Sweepstakes Winner owned by Steve and Tammi Merritt.
Regular Classes:
Pegasus Oso Bodacious Silvertip - Winners Dog owned by Teri Perkins
Pegasus Oso Bodacious Callisto - Winners Bitch, Best of Winners, Best Puppy and Puppy Group 4.
Best of Breed, CH Lazy D's Dixieland Tupelo Honey owned by Jimmy and Jan
Stringer
Best Veteran in Regular Class - CH. Merritts Grace and Beauty owned by Steve
and Tammi Merritt
Sunday, November 12th
Puppy Sweepstakes
Monastics Grand Artist of Meadow Farms -Best Senior Puppy and Best Of Opposite Sex in Sweeps
owned by Dorothy and Brock Moore
Pegasus Osa Bodaciour Callesto - Best Puppy in Sweeps and Grand Sweepstakes Winner
owned by Teri Perkins
Veteran Sweeps
Merritts Grace and Beauty - Grand Veteran Sweepstakes Winner owned by Steve
and Tammi Merritt.
Regular Classes
Pegasus Oso Boadcious Silvertip - Winners Dog
Pagasus Oso Boadcious Callesto - Winners Bitch and Best of Winners owned by
Teri Perkins.
CH. Lazy D's Dixieland Tupelo Honey - Best of Opposite Sex owned by Jimmy and Jan Stringer.
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 11
Priceville, AL - cont.
On Friday night SSMR hosted a Pizza dinner. There were only a few members attending, but a good time was
had by all.
Dolly Moore, with the assistance of Susan Wheeler, put together 26 "grab bags" to be sold to raise money for rescue. All the contents of these bags were donated by Dolly and Susan except for a few "special items".
Cookies (mastiff head) from the Blue Dog Bakery
donated by Eileen Durante of [email protected].
A very large dog bed donated by www.puplife.com
An Embroidered Mastiff Shirt, personalized with Kennel name donated by www.thethreadmagician.com
A Canine Back Packpack donated by www.Colossal Canines.com
4 Glass Collectibles donated by Kristen Dixon.
We urge you to visit the websites of these donors to show appreciation for their
generous contributions.
Even though the attendance was small, all 26 grab bags sold and a total of $520.00
was raised for rescue.
Greeting Card sales accounted for another $111.00
We owe a special "Thank You" to Dolly Moore who single handled solicited donations for the
online auction, ran the auction and as a one-lady operation raised $2300 plus for rescue.
Also, a special thanks to Nicki Camerra and Darryl and Erika Wright for their high dollar donations. Grab bag sales, greeting cards and the online auction, approximately $3,000 was raised
for rescue.
Photo by Tracy Eberhardt - taken at Perry, GA Fun Match
Southern State Mastiff Fanciers
Page 12
Calendars
HALF OFF - NOW ONLY $9.50
Consider a calendar for your vet or dog loving friends! Proceeds
help support rescue efforts. See where your dollars go by visiting
www.sosmastiffrescue.org
To purchase go to www.ssmfmastiff.org
The following persons were elected without opposition to the positions listed below for a two year term
beginning January 1, 2007
President
Maria Devier
Vice-President
Margaret Murphy
Secretary
Dolly Moore
Treasurer
Sara Robertson
Board Member
Kelly Meyer
Board Member
Kim Brackin
Board Member
Anne Santora
Alternate Board Member
Anne Heyob
Alternate Board Member
Kay Routten
Membership
Karen Karably
Southern State Mastiff
Fanciers
For submissions, questions, and
comments please contact Jill Zimmer
[email protected]