It was indeed a privilege for me, Tavi, as I’m called, to serve as Ambassadog #2 in this wonderful new Scoop Series featuring the guide dogs of BVA. I’m now tossing the frisbee over to my good friend, Kent, who will introduce himself next week and hopefully offer some interesting insights throughout the month of March into the guide dog world and blinded veterans. 

I enjoyed sharing a few things about my life with Yoneka. It has been an action-packed time filled with travel to conferences, community events, projects with charities, funerals—not to mention the many trips I made to the Durham VA Medical Center for appointments and BVA meetings and activities.

I also appreciated the opportunity to offer to our veterans and their families the toxic nature of chocolate to guide dogs. Please do keep those boxes of chocolate under lock and key and as far away as possible from my furry friends.

Last week I mentioned the visit of Jane Flower to the virtual BVA Dog Handlers Meeting held February 20. Jane is a Youth Outreach Specialist for Guide Dogs for the Blind, or GDB as we call it. Jane shared some amazing and useful information about GDB’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program for people who are interested in developing the non-tactile travel skills that are most relevant to guide dog mobility. Send an email to info@bva.org to receive the reference resource that accompanied Jane’s presentation.

I’ve heard that the competition to become an Ambassadog is now heating up, but that there are still openings for future months. If you are a BVA member and are interested in having your dog featured in this Scoop Series, please send a message to bva@bva.org with your contact information, a brief introduction of my fellow guide dog, and a photo or two. Best to everyone—enjoy Jacksonville and your 79th National Convention!