Vibrant new artwork at animal shelter reminds us that retired guide dogs can be adopted
A 36'x36' mixed media artwork called 'SUPER EVA' is now on display as a reminder that even service animals can be adopted once they retire.
The real subject of the art is the retired guide dog of Miami Lighthouse's President and CEO, Virginia A. Jacko. Eva was adopted when she got older and is now enjoying life with a beloved family.
Her vibrant portrait was unveiled on International Guide Dog Day at Miami-Dade County Animal Services. SUPER EVA has black beaded ears, a pink beaded mouth and blue foam glasses. She wears a bedazzled multi-colored guide harness and a purple glitter cape.
On her forehead is a triangle superhero symbol, emblazoned with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind logo.
'SUPER EVA was made by program participants in our Senior Group Activities Program honoring the impact that guide dogs have in the lives of people with visual impairments,' Jacko said.
'On International Guide Dog Day, we celebrated the life-changing bond between guide dogs and the people they serve. Through the collaboration between Miami-Dade Animal Services and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, we aim to deepen public understanding and appreciation for these incredible service animals and the freedom they help make possible,' she said.
'SUPER EVA is a symbol of both Miami-Dade County Animal Services and Miami Lighthouse's mission to raise awareness of the critical role of service animals and provide essential support to individuals with vision loss,' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who attended the ceremony.
Annette Jose, director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, said the shelter is honored to showcase the beautiful artwork.
'It not only underscores the profound impact service animals have on the lives of individuals who are visually impaired but also serves as a powerful reminder that many retired service animals, like Eva, deserve a second chance at adoption, allowing them to thrive in loving homes,' Jose said.
Eva was raised and trained at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. You can visit Miami-Dade County Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center at 3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral.
FREE ECO COURSE FOR STUDENTS
'Bending the Curve' is the 2025 Tropical Audubon Society summer course open to high school students who love the natural world.
Learning is structured with a virtual Zoom component for remote flexibility, and with in-person events to enhance networking. field trips are planned to Everglades National Park and A.D. (Doug) Barns Park to bring studies to life.
The program is designed to inspire students to activate their 'Tropical Audubon Ambassador' education and foster 'conservation through community.' They can also earn up to 30 community service hours.
The series is June 30-July 26. Aspiring High School Ambassadors will receive advocacy training from environmental experts and gain a deeper understanding of our region's indigenous wildlife and cornerstone ecosystems — The Everglades, Biscayne Bay, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. Apply by 5 p.m. June 20, at bit.ly/4jmYwvm or www.tropicalaudubon.org
POINCIANA FESTIVAL JUNE 7-15
Celebrate the seasonal flowering trees now in bloom at the 88th Annual Royal Poinciana Festival. This annual event, sponsored by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, begins June 7 with a free walking tour of South Miami Avenue and Simpson Park and ends June 15 with a trolley tour in the Coral Gables area.
More events include another free walk, a 'cocktail party with a paintbrush,' and a yoga class at The Kampong on Biscayne Bay. The Kampong in Coconut Grove protects Miami's oldest royal poinciana, chosen by the Fairchild family, and other majestic poincianas, including some rare yellow flowering cultivars.
The opening reception, 6-9 p.m. June 8 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, features a special display of paintings of the Florida Highwaymen by Mark Lerner and piano music by Brian Murphy.
Dinner and presentations will follow, including the 2025 Royal Poinciana Fiesta Queen and Court scholarship recipients and the Larry Schokman Book Award recipient. Poinciana cake and the famous Royal Poinciana Punch will then be served.
On June 12, you can celebrate flowering trees and help plant eight poinciana trees and one Cassia bakeriana in the Town of Cutler Bay. More about all events at royalp.org
FOUNDATION AWARDS STUDENTS
The Coral Gables Community Foundation has awarded a record-breaking $3.25 million in college scholarships to 202 students. The donor-directed funds celebrate the academic excellence of students across Miami-Dade County.
'This historic year for the Scholarship Program is a reminder of what's possible when passionate donors come together to uplift the next generation,' said Michael Walsh, chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation's board. 'Every dollar awarded reflects someone's belief in the power of education, and in these students' potential to lead, give back and change the world.'
The impact was especially strong this year thanks to a transformational $2.88 million gift from the Stamps family. The Stamps awarded $20,000 scholarships to the top two academic performers at each of Miami-Dade's 64 public high schools and eight Catholic high schools. Each award is paid in four annual installments.
'We believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and we're proud to support — in partnership with the Coral Gables Community Foundation — these exceptional students as they take the next step toward achieving their dreams,' said Mary Snow, executive director of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.
There were more than 800 applications submitted by students in several states, a testament to the program's growing reputation and reach. More at www.GablesFoundation.org
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
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