06/18/2026
FRIEND OF THE SALUKI AWARDS
CRITERIA
Instituted in 2002, this award was presented to the member(s) who, over a period of time, has given selflessly, in many venues, not always for their own gain or benefit, and who has helped whenever and wherever needed. In January 2007, the Board voted to make this award eligible to the International saluki fancy and authorized creation of a committee to solicit nominations, review nominations and make a recommendation to the Board. This award is made prior to the Best of Breed Judging at the National Specialty.
Individuals nominated must meet one or more of the following criteria over a sustained period of time:
• demonstrated dedication to the Saluki
• active in local or regional breed or all breed clubs
• contributed to a better understanding of health issues
• contributed to an awareness of the legislative process and threats to Saluki breeders and owners
WINNER
The winner this year is Cheri Fehrman. She was an outstanding candidate for the 2026 Friend of the Saluki Award for founding a non-profit organization that has for 26 years been devoted solely to judgment-free, rescue and permanent re-homing of Salukis
across the United States. Their mottoes are Compassion, Integrity and Respect and The Welfare of the Dog Always Comes First.
History
Responding to a series of Saluki rescue situations across the country, in 2000, Cherie Fehrman conceived, formed, and incorporated the Saluki Tree of Life Alliance (STOLA) — our National Saluki Rescue Organization, a 501 (c) (3) registered charity. Cherie Fehrman created the organizational scheme of Support Council, Financial Coordinator, Rescue Team, and four Regional Coordinators, as well as volunteers.
STOLA's Mission
To rescue and education for the Saluki breed with the welfare of the dog as their primary consideration. STOLA saves Salukis from kill-shelters, abusive situations, when individuals can no longer properly care for them, or when help is needed in natural disasters. They heal their physical and emotional wounds and place them in loving, adoptive homes, and work with breeders to re-home adult Salukis who've been returned. STOLA provides "rescue prevention" education and mentorship programs to reduce the number of Salukis needing rescue. They also help to relocate Salukis temporarily or permanently in case of natural disasters and find innovative ways to serve the people and dogs of the Saluki community.
Initiatives
Rescue: Works to save Salukis from kill-shelters, abusive situations, or when individuals can no longer properly care for them due to catastrophic life changes (divorce, death, hospitalization, unemployment, and so forth).
Adoption: Takes great care in finding appropriate loving homes for Salukis by doing extensive interviews and site visits prior to placement.
Education: STOLA provides books and educational materials about the history, welfare, and training of Salukis to help reduce the number of rescues.
Mentorship: Provides one-on-one mentorship for new Saluki owners or prospective owners, and for people adopting Salukis to ensure compatibility.
Education: Published two outreach books specifically for Saluki maintenance and training – Saluki Secrets: How to Live
Successfully with a Saluki and Only Angels - How to Raise and Train the Perfect Saluki.
Disaster Relief: In case of natural disasters STOLA can help to find temporary or permanent homes for Salukis in need.
Accomplishments
• Since 2000, saved hundreds of Salukis through their Rescue and Adoption Programs.
• Established liaisons with hundreds of other rescue groups to ensure that STOLA will be contacted if a Saluki is in need.
• Communicates via their monthly online newsletter, to keep the public apprised of activities.
• Fund raising to support their rescue work through online auctions, raffles at the National and regional club specialities, and periodically selling donated merchandise on ETSY. Also initiated an active fundraising program to include vehicle donations, grant proposals and various vendor alliances .
• Instituted a free microchip registry to ensure speedy return of found Salukis to their owners
This impressive record of accomplishments that benefit Salukis in need all sprang from Cherie Fehrman’s unique vision and desire to make a difference. I believe Cherie meets and exceeds the first criteria of the FOTS award – “Demonstrated dedication to the Saluki.”
