Thank you to my buddy Donald for introducing me, at least by name, last week. My name is Otavio, but my handler, Yoneka, a BVA member, called me Tavi. I referred to her as Mom and we became a Guide Dog Team in April of 2023 when I was 19 months old.
Mom and I met at the Seeing Eye Guide Dog School and started a brief but memorable journey together. I never left her side while we attended many events that included:
- The Oscar Mike Compound
- The Red Dress Run in New Orleans
- American Legion Conferences
- Veterans Experience Action Center and Homeless Veterans Outreach Events
- Funerals and Nursing Home Visits
- Veterans Day Events
- Wreaths Across America
- Feeding the Homeless at the Raleigh Rescue Mission
- Durham VA Medical Center
- White Cane Day Events and Carolina Regional Group Chapter Meetings
As you just read from those items, you were surely able to see that it is certainly not all work and no play in a guide dog’s life. We do have some fun at times.
I also enjoyed numerous family gatherings and playtime with Mom. Unfortunately, in December of 2023, I was hit with some health challenges and had to retire early from service as a guide dog. I have now returned to The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School. However, my future still looks bright, and I envision plenty of tug-of-war competitions, bones, balls, hugs, and kisses when I join my new adoptive family. My mom, Yoneka, and I will always have an unbreakable bond and a place in each other’s hearts. A dog’s love is forever!
If you are a BVA member and are interested in having your dog similarly featured in the Ambassadog Scoop Series, please send a message via email to bva@bva.org with your contact information, a photo or two of my fellow guide dog, and a brief introduction similar to the one Donald used for me last week. I can’t wait for your dog to join the Ambassadog family!
