The BVA 79th National Convention is fast approaching and I wanted to share some useful information for my fellow Ambassadogs. As you may have heard, the convention is being held at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida, and my tail is wagging with excitement.
Convention brings opportunities for us guide dogs to help our veterans navigate throughout the various meetings, events, and exhibit hall, but in addition, there is a very special place reserved just for us! Back by “pupular” demand, the Bow Wow Lounge sponsored by our friends at Waymo will serve as a respite area for all canine heroes. The lounge will be open from July 7-9. BVA’s partnership with the American Council of the Blind offers a unique opportunity for us dogs to meet a whole new pack.
Please be sure to share with your handlers that ScoopMasters will be maintaining our dog relief areas and will also provide an opportunity to preorder dog food to be delivered straight to our hotel rooms! Rumor has it that they will be bringing toys too! If your handlers are interested in conveniently pre-ordering dog food, they can call Tim Stone at (661) 714-0749 or order online here. Food must be ordered by June 20, 2024, to ensure delivery.
The convention is expected to bring a large crowd so please make sure you are attentive to your handlers and follow all their commands. When you visit the Bow Wow Lounge to find out what all the “bark” is about, be sure to shake paws with new canine friends who are also enjoying the lounge.
Although I’ve truly enjoyed sharing my thoughts with our BVA Happenings readers this month, I’ve been around long enough to know that all good things eventually must come to an end! Therefore, I happily pass the frisbee on to Nora, guide dog for veteran Sheldon McKinney, to enlighten you during the month of May.
If you are a BVA member and interested in having your dog featured in the Ambassadog Scoop Series, please send a message via email with your contact information, picture, and a brief introduction of your dog to bva@bva.org. I can’t wait for you to join the pack!
