Our 2025 Nominations:
Morgan Avila
Morgan has been deeply involved in the Leonberger community for years, and her love for the breed shines through in everything she does. Whether in the show ring or in performance events, Morgan gives her all. She warmly welcomes newcomers to the breed and leads with a generous, wholehearted spirit.
One of her many contributions is the tireless work she has done for the Triple Crown raffle over the years—an effort she undertakes with dedication and excellence.
Morgan’s generosity knows no bounds. I’ll never forget the time a mutual friend wasn’t properly dressed to show her dog. Without hesitation, Morgan took her to a vendor and bought her an outfit. Who else does that? Only Morgan.
I had the pleasure of knowing Cheryl for many years, and I truly believe she would be proud to see Morgan honored with this very special award.
Pamela Isaacson
Where do I even begin with Pamela? It’s truly surprising she hasn’t received this recognition before now. Her dedication, kindness, and calm presence—especially in the midst of chaos—are unmatched. Pamela has a gift for stepping in to help exactly when she’s needed, often before anyone even asks.
I met Pamela in 2021, and she quickly became one of my first and dearest friends in the breed. Her passion runs deep—she puts her heart and soul into everything she does for the Leonberger community. One of her most remarkable contributions is her leadership of the Meet the Breeds event in New York City. For nearly a decade, she has managed and funded much of the booth herself, devoting significant time and energy despite an already demanding schedule. Her efforts there have made a lasting impact on breed education and preservation. It’s been an honor to share that booth with her for the past three years.
Pamela excels at welcoming newcomers and creating a space where people feel comfortable, included, and inspired. She’s the kind of person who lights up a room—no one can help but smile when they’re around her. Whether you need a laugh, a shoulder, or a hug, she’s always there.
When I had my first litter, Pamela welcomed all of us—puppies included—into her home for dinner when they were just eight weeks old. She cooked for me, we shared a meal, and we played with the pups while they napped. That’s just who she is: generous, thoughtful, and joyfully supportive.
Pamela’s knowledge of the breed is expansive, and she’s always willing to share it. If she doesn’t know the answer, she knows who does. At the recent National Specialty, she didn’t just exhibit—she also served on the awards presentation team, ensuring the event ran smoothly and professionally.
I could go on and on. Simply put, Pamela is a steady, kind-hearted leader whose presence is comforting and whose actions consistently uplift both our community and the Leonberger breed as a whole.
I’m beyond grateful to know her and proud to call her family. She is a beautiful human—inside and out—and someone every newcomer should be lucky enough to meet. Pamela leads with kindness, and that makes all the difference.
Lucie Perron
I am deeply honored to nominate Lucie Perron for the Cheryl Cannon Memorial Award. Lucie’s decades-long devotion to the dog world, and to the Leonberger breed in particular, make her a standout example of the values this award was created to celebrate: compassion, humility, kindness, leadership, and encouragement of others in the sport of dogs.
Lucie has spent over 30 years working with dogs, beginning as a dedicated Malamute breeder and musher, participating in the demanding Iditarod across Alaska. These formative experiences forged a deep respect for working dogs and a tireless ethic of care that has stayed with her throughout her career.
Her connection with Leonbergers began during the filming of Eight Below in the French Alps. Struck by the breed’s grace, strength, and calm, Lucie began a new chapter—one that would shape the Leonberger community across Canada and the United States. She imported her first Leonberger from Germany, and over time brought in dogs from other prestigious lines in Russia, Ireland, and beyond, building a foundation of genetic diversity, health, and sound temperament. Her breeding program has earned international recognition for its quality and integrity.
Lucie is not just a breeder—she is a teacher, mentor, and quiet leader whose influence is deeply felt throughout the Leonberger community. She consistently supports fellow exhibitors and newcomers alike, offering guidance with grace and genuine warmth. She leads not from a spotlight but from a place of humility and service.
In the words of a close peer, “Very few breeders have done more to improve the Leonberger breed in America than Lucie has accomplished from all of her great effort in Quebec. Look in winning pedigrees in the U.S. and you will find her sweat.”
Lucie’s kindness is seen in her lifelong commitment to her dogs, and her compassion is evident in every decision she makes—from breeding choices to supporting aging dogs in her care. She is deeply respected for her thoughtful mentorship, always lifting others up and ensuring the breed’s future is in good hands.
Lucie Perron truly embodies the legacy of Cheryl Cannon. She is a pillar of the community who uplifts others, stewards the breed with honor, and continues to give generously of her time, experience, and heart. I wholeheartedly endorse her for this award.
Thank you for your consideration.