Highlighting the Importance of Service Animals in Our Lives… Miami-Dade County Animal Services, in partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is proud to announce a special event to raise awareness for the vital role of service animals in our lives. On April 30th, International Guide Dog Day, the organizations will come together for a press conference to unveil “SUPER EVA,” a stunning tribute to Eva, the retired guide dog of Miami Lighthouse’s President and CEO, Virginia A. Jacko. A symbol of the critical role service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss, “SUPER EVA” will be displayed at Miami-Dade Animal Services as a reminder that even service animals can be adopted once they retire. The painting, created by program participants in Miami Lighthouse’s Senior Group Activities Program, highlights the profound impact service animals have on the lives of individuals who are visually impaired. The Senior Group Activities Program at Miami Lighthouse has been serving seniors with vision loss since 2010, providing essential services that address the unique challenges faced by seniors living with vision loss. The program has received vital funding from Miami-Dade County Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and aims to serve 150 seniors, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives. Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services are collaborating to raise awareness about service animals and their importance in our daily lives. The event will also serve as a powerful reminder that many retired service animals, like Eva, deserve a second chance at adoption, allowing them to thrive in loving homes. The press conference will be attended by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO of Miami Lighthouse, and Miami Lighthouse artists who will be available for interviews. The event will take place on April 30th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center located at 3599 NW 79 Avenue, Doral, FL 33122. A special tribute to Eva, the retired guide dog, will be unveiled during the press conference. “SUPER EVA” is a 36” x 36” mixed media artwork that captures the spirit of Eva, who dedicated many years of loyal service to Virginia Jacko. The painting depicts Eva as a proud superhero, standing boldly in shades of black and grey, adorned with a bedazzled multi-colored guide harness. Her smiling face features black beaded ears, a pink beaded mouth, and blue foam glasses, while a purple glitter cape trails behind her in the breeze. Eva’s portrait is set against a backdrop of soft purple and pink hues, with a mirror tile walkway beneath her paws. A triangle superhero symbol emblazoned with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind logo is featured on her forehead. This artwork celebrates Eva’s legacy as a loyal guide dog and honors the contributions she made to Virginia Jacko’s life. Eva was raised and trained at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services are proud to highlight the importance of service animals in our lives. By showcasing “SUPER EVA” at the shelter, they aim to raise awareness about the critical role service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss and the opportunity for retired service animals to be adopted and thrive in loving homes. The event is a testament to the strong partnership between Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that service animals have on our lives. By working together, the organizations aim to promote awareness and education about the vital role of service animals in our daily lives. The partnership between Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services is a shining example of how organizations can come together to make a difference in the lives of individuals with vision loss and their families. By highlighting the importance of service animals and showcasing the work of Miami Lighthouse, the organizations are promoting awareness and education about the critical role that service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss. As the event highlights the importance of service animals in our lives, it also serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals with vision loss have on our communities. Service animals are an integral part of their daily lives, and their presence helps to create a more inclusive and accessible society. In conclusion, the partnership between Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of raising awareness about the vital role of service animals in our lives. By working together, the organizations aim to promote awareness and education about the critical role that service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss and their families. The event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the impact of service animals and the work of Miami Lighthouse, and it will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of raising awareness about the vital role of service animals in our daily lives. By attending the event, you will have the opportunity to meet Miami Lighthouse artists and learn more about the Senior Group Activities Program at Miami Lighthouse. The event will also provide a platform for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other key stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the importance of service animals in our lives. By attending the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from the experts and learn more about the critical role that service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss. By working together, Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services aim to promote awareness and education about the critical role that service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss and their families.

Why Service Animals are Crucial to Our Lives

Service animals play a vital role in the lives of individuals with vision loss, assisting them with daily tasks, providing emotional support, and helping to create a more inclusive and accessible society. By highlighting the importance of service animals, Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services aim to promote awareness and education about the critical role that service animals play in the lives of individuals with vision loss.

• Assist with daily tasks, such as opening doors, picking up items, and navigating through spaces.
• Provide emotional support and companionship to individuals with vision loss.
• Help to create a more inclusive and accessible society by assisting individuals with daily tasks.

The Impact of Service Animals on Individuals with Vision Loss

Service animals have a profound impact on the lives of individuals with vision loss. They provide a sense of independence, confidence, and empowerment, allowing individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

• Provide a sense of independence and confidence.
• Allow individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
• Enable individuals with vision loss to navigate through spaces and engage in daily activities.

What Can We Do to Support Service Animals?

There are several ways to support service animals and their handlers:

• Volunteer with organizations that support service animals, such as Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services.
• Donate to organizations that support service animals, such as Miami Lighthouse.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of service animals and their handlers.

The Benefits of Adopting a Retired Service Animal

Adopting a retired service animal can have numerous benefits for both the animal and the individual. Not only can it provide a loving home for a deserving animal, but it can also provide companionship and emotional support to the individual.

• Provide a loving home for a deserving animal.
• Offer companionship and emotional support to the individual.
• Enable the individual to benefit from the socialization and training that the animal received during its service career.

The Event: A Celebration of Service Animals

The event will be a celebration of service animals and their impact on our lives. It will feature a press conference, where Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, Virginia A.

The event will also feature the unveiling of “SUPER EVA,” a stunning 36” x 36” mixed media artwork that captures the spirit of Eva, the retired guide dog of Miami Lighthouse’s President and CEO, Virginia A.

“We are genuinely honored to showcase this beautiful artwork at our shelter,” said Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services. “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.”

Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services are proud to highlight the importance of service animals in our lives. This event is a testament to the strong partnership between Miami Lighthouse and Miami-Dade County Animal Services, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that service animals have on our lives.
As the event highlights the importance of service animals in our lives, it also serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals with vision loss have on our communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something special.