U.S. Senate candidate David Jolly gets puppy hugging time at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto

PALMETTO -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate David Jolly mixed business with pleasure on Thursday by taking a tour of Southeastern Guide Dogs, and getting a little puppy love.

Jolly, a member of the U.S. House from Pinellas County, has been busy on the campaign trail.

Jolly, who visited Southeastern with family members, said Southeastern's mission is personal to him because his sister recently lost her sight.

However, he said he is most impressed with what the organization does for veterans.

"I've seen their good work done on behalf of veterans," said Jolly. "As someone who has been in a position to sup

port Southeastern financially, I now want to see what I can do as a member of government to support Southeastern's mission."

Jolly asked a lot of questions, in particular about the veterans program Southeastern offers for those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, as three young black labs, candidates in their own right, smothered him with love.

Suzy Wilburn, director of admissions and graduate services, said Southeastern doesn't take government funding, but said that it is important government officials get a better understanding of what the agency does.

"For us, it's important that they see what goes on here so they are informed about the people they are serving, and in our case, the people they are protecting," said Wilburn, who is also a graduate of Southeastern. "I almost always start crying when I talk about what this place has done for me and I see it about 75 times a year the way this place gives people back their lives. If it had not been for Southeastern, I would not have been able to get my guide dog Carson, who has been with me for five years now."

Wilburn said she has been given the freedom to live her life in the way she has chosen to live it and that would not be possible without "Southeastern, the donors, the staff, the volunteers and, of course, the dogs."

Jolly, R-Indian Shores, is running for the Senate seat now held by Sen. Marco Rubio. Other Republicans running are Manatee County developer Carlos Beruff; U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Ponte Verde Beach; Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera of Miami; and Orlando defense contractor Todd Wilcox.

The Democratic candidates in the Aug. 30 primary are Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, and Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 11:34 PM with the headline "U.S. Senate candidate David Jolly gets puppy hugging time at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto ."