Distinguished Volunteers of 2025

Honoring Leader Dog’s Distinguished Volunteers

Leader Dogs for the Blind is supported by over 1,500 volunteers, all of whom dedicate their time and hearts to support our mission, bring people who are blind or low vision closer to independence. We couldn’t succeed in our mission without every single one of our volunteers.

As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to honor three volunteers who have proven dedication and commitment to our organization by being inspiring, encouraging and dependable.

Inspiring: Dr. Pierre DePorre

It is with deep appreciation that we nominate Dr. DePorre for his outstanding volunteer service at Leader Dogs for the Blind. For seven years, his expertise, compassion and generosity have profoundly impacted our clinic, dogs and clients. Always engaged and collaborative, Dr. DePorre enhances care, mentors future vets and lives our mission. His dedication inspires others and strengthens our entire Leader Dog community.

Encouraging: Cathy Sellers

Cathy is an enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer who has raised eight Future Leader Dogs and is now nurturing her ninth. As an early puppy educator, she provides essential care and guidance to puppies on campus. Her warmth, optimism and support uplift fellow raisers, while her passion for Leader Dog’s mission makes her an inspiring ambassador and the perfect nominee for this distinguished award.

Dependable: Mike Toger

Mike’s unwavering dedication and passion for Leader Dogs for the Blind shine through over 800 volunteer hours served over the last eight years. Mike is a mission-driven member of the Leader Dog community, serving as a community engagement and blindfold guide volunteer, and is impacting the lives of the clients we serve. We are grateful for his service and proudly nominate him for this well-deserved recognition as an exceptional Leader Dog volunteer.