Join Team Bravo
*as of 12/7/2020
About Bravo
Hey there! My name is Bravo. I was born on August 4, 2018. When I was eight weeks old I took a long road trip from Arizona to California. Upon my arrival I entered my new home, Soledad’s most finest, CTF Men’s Prison. I love it here, I love all the people, I love all my dog friends - all 6 of them to be exact, and I love all the learning I get to do here. So far I find snuggling, wrestling with Country, he is closest to my age, and learning new things to be amongst my favorite activities. My most advanced skills I know so far are opening doors and caring items for my people. My handlers think I am the smartest dog in this place, but shhh don’t let my friends know. Although I am enjoying life right now, I am anxiously awaiting my future promotion to Service Dog.
From Bravo's Handlers
"Having Bravo means that I am willing to give my very best, so that he, a very young impressionable puppy, can become his very best. Bravo means to me, that together, our love and trust will help everyone along the road be more excited about life just as I am today. He's helping me be more consistent and willing to seek guidance and be kinder in life by being more thoughtful in my responsibilities and being accountable in my daily choices. He's helping me be a better person." - Antonio
"Bravo is more than just a dog. He's my kid, my friend and my life-line to the outside. He's a source of love and connection to the outside. He's a source of love and kinship that helps me feel connected to society. Bravo allows me to work on my selflessness, compassion and patience...which I know I could not get any other way while being locked up. He, NLK9s, and this program have been a huge blessing in my life. Bravo has helped open back up my heart, think outside myself, feel normal, and develop a nurturing bond that's brought joy and purpose back to my life. I have no doubt in my mind that Bravo has helped accelerate my rehabilitation and my ability to grow overall. I still can't believe I have a dog in prison! Crazy!" - Eric
"For me, NLK9s has saved me from me and taught me how to grieve not alone, grieving is a part of life that I avoided at all cost, mainly my soul. I walled it off, so I didn't feel ANYTHING. This program saved me from me and maybe saved my life." -Dave H.
See Bravo's Progress Below
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December 2020 Update
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November 2020 2020
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October 2020 Update
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September 2020 Update
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August 2020 Update
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July 2020 Update
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I've been to the San Francisco stadium, the movie theater, an airshow, the beach, a brewery, Costco, church, the library, the mall, Bed, Bath and Beyond, a piano recital, PetSmart, and hiking since I've been enrolled her at CTF North's world renowned school for service dogs. I can't wait for my next outing! I've been spending a few months with two of my most favorite fun loving guys, Tony and Dave. They tell me that as CTF's first black lab, it's going to be RUFF, but now there are a couple of us black labs, Apollo, Lobo over at South. This month and last, I've been working very hard on my patience, making my many uncles laugh and snuggling up to them when it's cold. I'm still working on the light switch. I don't know what it is. It's small and weird (lol). I turn a year and a half on February 4th. I got to go with my guy for an overnight visit and it was awesome. I was sworn to paw "paw dog" secrecy on what we ate! I'm looking forward to getting a puppy raiser, so I can fine-tune my service dog behavior out in public, so when I graduate I can say I'm the first black lab in CTF to graduate. Also, with a nickname like "black ninja" I'm paw some!
January 2020 Update
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I went to my first piano recital this month. I got all the attention. After they would finish playing, they would clap and say Bravo! Bravo! This month, I got a new puppy raiser. She is so nice and I always look forward to our weekends at home with my new family. I've been learning what it means to go get help- I give a big hug and lots of kisses. I'm getting really good at running in baseball, bases like first, second, third, and home plate. I know each one. I've got a new addition to our family. He don't have a name yet, so I'm calling him Mini Me. Mini Me is a black lab like me! What's up little bro? I can't wait to open some presents at Christmas. I'm going boogie boarding an go to a 49er game against the Chiefs.
November 2019 Update
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Woof, it's Bravo again! I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium this past month! How cool is that? We saw some BIG sharks and had a lot of fun. Bonding with my puppy parent family is the best. Right now, I'm learning "get help." It's hard work, but I'm so close. My family at CTF is growing! There are a lot of new brother and sister puppies. Maybe next month I will get to go fishing and catch some fish. That or jump in the ocean for a swim. Whatever adventure, I'm ready for it!
September 2019 Update
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This is Bravo! This month I spent a lot of time with my puppy parent, going places, like the beach. I have been living the good life of being of service and bringing smiles. I love my puppy parent family! I learned how to take off socks consistently. Helping out in anyway I can is the best. I had my 1-year old birthday party too! Growing up is one step closer to becoming a service dog in the future. Next month I look forward to going to the dog park again and meeting some new friends. Also, I can't wait to go back to the beach, jump in paws first, and maybe get on a boogie board. How fun would that be?
August 2019 Update
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Hey there! I’m so excited to share what I’ve been up to. I went to Avila Beach with my puppy parent family. It was a tail-wagging good time! They said I was so well-behaved. Meeting new people, enjoying their company, and playing are my favorite activities. Getting down to business, I’ve been working hard to learn new things. I learned to put objects away and a little about impulse control. I’m a champ at “back up” and “more or less.” There’s more planned next month, so stay tuned!
July 2019 Update
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Hey everybody, it’s Bravo! Get ready for a June update! Everybody says I’m doing a great job at being patient when waiting for my handler. I got to practice my skills when I visited the library! I’m also learning to open and close doors so that one day I can help my veteran or first responder. Next month I can’t wait to go for a swim at the beach with my puppy parent family! My dream is to try surfing. We’ll see about that.
June 2019 Update
