May Jacobson

Dr. May S. Jacobson, PhD, of Sudbury, Massachusetts, was a pioneering scientist, educator, and beloved figure in the Doberman Pinscher community. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence in both biomedical research and purebred dog breeding. The daughter of first-generation immigrants from Poland, May grew up on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for nature and community.

Dr. Jacobson earned her undergraduate degree from Simmons College in 1958, her master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from MIT, and her PhD in Biochemistry from Brandeis University. She began her distinguished career at Boston Children's Hospital in the Hematology department before establishing herself as a Research Associate in Orthopedics at both Boston Children's and Harvard Medical School, where she contributed groundbreaking research for over 50 years. A prolific scientist, she authored numerous influential papers on platelet-rich plasma, regenerative medicine, and related therapies, advancing the understanding and clinical application of blood-derived treatments.

Dr. Jacobson married Arnold Jacobson, whom she met at MIT. Together, they shared a lifelong passion for Doberman Pinschers. Arnold passed away in October 2019 after 59 years of marriage.

For more than five decades, Dr. Jacobson was a passionate Doberman Pinscher fancier. Under the renowned "Chalmar" kennel name, she bred or owned the sire of over 30 American Champions, including multiple all-breed Best in Show winners. She was also a dedicated Schutzhund competitor, and bred the second Doberman in history to earn both an American Championship and a Schutzhund 3 title, the only one ever to be owner-handled.

A highly respected AKC judge licensed for the Working Group, Dr. Jacobson judged Dobermans across the globe, including in Germany, Scandinavia, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America. She was elected four times by the membership of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America to judge the National Specialty — a singular honor reflecting the depth of trust and admiration she earned within the breed community. Her club service included serving on the Board of Directors of the DPCA, President of the Pilgrim Doberman Pinscher Club, President of an all-breed club, and founding board member of the United Doberman Club. She was also a recipient of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Jacobson's devotion to science and her beloved Dobermans was matched only by her mentorship and generosity within both communities. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, friends, and all who benefited from her wisdom and kindness.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Phillip Smith, her children Ellen and Dr. Larry Jacobson, and grandchildren Rhaya, Charlie, Andrew, and Benjamin.