by
Club President
Judi Boston Payne

In February of 2003 on the way home from Westminster, Enid Lagree and I were planning a 10th birthday party celebration for Ch. Kamil de Pichera. Enid and I imported Kamil from Spain in 1994. Kamil earned his championship in 1996 and went on to sire a number of champions. More important he was the perfect ambassador for the breed, even during the most trying times. In the summer of 2002 he won the hearts of the entire veterinary staff while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

While making up Kamil’s guest list, we discovered to our amazement, that we had over 250 names of Giant Schnauzer owners on our regional mailing list. That number—250—was all the motivation, incentive and Giant push we needed to start forming a regional club.

Over 20 Giant Schnauzer fanciers attended Kamil’s party March 8th, 2003 and with a captive audience, eating Jane Chism’s Italian Cream Cake, it seemed the perfect time to launch a regional club and hold a first meeting.

Everyone agreed that there was a need for a regional club for Giant Fanciers. Most Giant owners do not show their dogs, but they all like very much to socialize with other Giant Schnauzer owners. They also want to learn more about grooming, training, and living successfully with their dogs. More than anything else, all Giant Schnauzer owners want to have fun with their dogs. These are things a regional club can do more easily than the national club.

With the number of misplaced Giants in our five-state area growing rapidly, the education of potential Giant Schnauzer puppy buyers is another important goal for the club.

The club’s first slate of officer’s was chosen at the meeting:

Judi Boston Payne....................................President

Joe West............................................Vice President

Bill Ameser..............................................Treasurer

Anne West.................................................Secretary

Board Members

Matt Smith

Enid Lagree

Carey Bradley

Enid Lagree was chosen to edit the club’s quarterly newsletter The Giant Hotline. The first issue of The Hotline was mailed out at the end of March 2003. The minutes for the club’s first meeting appeared in that issue.

The Club’s Website was also up and running, thanks to Carey Bradley, by April 2003 – www.giantschnauzerclub.org.

During the second quarter of 2003, South Central States Giant Schnauzer Club held its second meeting June 28th, 2003 at the home of Bill Ameser and Scott Turnbull in Dallas, TX. Once again Jane Chism rewarded the members who attended with her fabulous Italian Cream Cake.

During the third quarter of 2003 the club changed its name to South Central Giant Schnauzer Club, and added two new board members: Leta Whittington of Mississippi and Kevin Jennings of Louisiana.

By September 2003 the club’s official decals were available and each member received one gratis as a means of advertising our new club. The membership grew and new members joined.

Official club tee and sweat shirts were offered for the first time in the December 2003 issue of The Hotline.

Club members gathered in Cranfills Gap, TX November 8th 2003 for a Fall Gathering and Giant Cookout. The weather didn’t cooperate but a great time was had by all and there was a record turnout with over 30 humans and 20 Giants.

By the end of 2003 the club’s membership had grown to 89 and the club established non-profit status and banking privileges.

The club’s third official meeting was held at the 2004 Giant Spring Fling at the Gap April 17th. The Blue Bonnets were in full bloom and the weather was lovely. Spring was in the air and puppies of all ages were rolling and tumbling, providing plenty of entertainment. Once again Jane Chism, better known as the Cake Lady, arrived bearing gifts. The fall of 2004 SCGSC successfully hosted its first Regional Specialty in Monroe, Louisianna.