THE JOINT MINIATURE SCHNAUZER EYE FUND

The Joint Miniature Schnauzer Eye Fund is supported by "The Miniature Schnauzer Club", "The Northern Schnauzer Club" and "The Schnauzer Club of Great Britain".

In 2001 several members attended an open day organised by the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket to learn of their work and how they could aid research into the eye conditions that affect the Miniature Schnauzer. Following many questions and telephone calls it was decided that two members from each club would form a sub-committee with the aim of raising funds for research into the eye conditions and hopefully culminating in a DNA test.

The fund also approached the BVA eye panellist for their assistance in locating dogs and puppies who were affected. Together, the relevant paperwork was produced and the veterinary surgeons agreed to pass this onto the owners of affected Miniature Schnauzers in order to obtain the correct blood samples to be sent to the Animal Health Trust.

Currently DNA samples are collected by swabs making the process very simple and it is completely confidential with only the owner, the Eye panellist and the Animal Health Trust knowing the details.

Fund raising began in the summer of 2002 and is still continuing. Projects so far include a calendar, raffles, the sale of hand made items, auctions, donations from club members, companion dog shows, Christmas Greetings, a monthly prize draw, several ‘Limited Edition' items and many more.

If you would like more information on the current position you can find the JMSEF current report here.