Massachusetts VMA honors educator, project founders

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Two veterinarians and a founder of a service dog organization were honored in October 2014 by the Massachusetts VMA.

Dr. Blaze
Dr. Cheryl A. Blaze
Dr. Donner
Dr. Christopher S. Donner
Carlene White
Carlene White


Dr. Cheryl A. Blaze, an assistant professor of anesthesia at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, received the Massachusetts VMA’s Distinguished Service Award. Information from the MVMA describes her as a mentor, tutor, educator, and researcher. Her patients include small animals, wildlife, and zoo animals.

Dr. Blaze is a member of the Massachusetts VMA board of directors, has led initiatives to improve patient care in Tufts’ veterinary teaching hospital, and chaired the Tufts Animal Welfare Committee.

Dr. Christopher S. Donner, founder of The Sampson Fund for Veterinary Care, and Carlene White, founder of The Service Dog Project, received the Massachusetts VMA’s Merit Award.

Dr. Donner has devoted his life to the human-animal bond and, in retirement, remains active in the field of animal welfare.

The Sampson Fund helps people in financial need give their animals veterinary care by raising money and working with local veterinarians. The fund provides emergency care at 12 hospitals.

White’s organization, The Service Dog Project, has provided more than 70 Great Danes as service dogs to people with neurologic disorders, war veterans, and others in need.