Remembering Billy: a good dog and a great friend

This is about Billy, a volunteer and service dog for Charlotte County Public Schools for the last decade.

He was an avid swimmer, photography model, hugger, banana aficionado, hockey fan and road-tripping dog who often enjoyed a competitive game of fetch in the halls of Charlotte County schools. His favorite place when not by his handler’s side was going to Walt Disney World. His dream was to one day be a professional treat tester after he retired from service.

Billy was the service dog for Bethani Shilladay, CCPS teacher for the visually impaired, and a certified orientation and mobility specialist. Shilladay teaches students who are blind to read braille and to travel independently, whether by cane or guide dog. She was introduced to the Suncoast Puppy Raisers group from the Guide Dog Foundation by accompanying a CCPS student to an award program in Tampa.

Shilladay began raising Billy as a puppy. He would eventually alert her of diabetes, which led to Billy’s career change to a working service dog.

Billy had visited and/or served in most of the 19 CCPS schools since he joined the staff in 2012. He started at East Elementary at the same time Jeffrey May started kindergarten, and they grew up through CCPS together, often appearing side by side in the yearbook. May’s plan was to walk across the stage at graduation in 2025, and Billy would then retire.

Billy has starred in school plays, portraying Moonshine’s dog in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Port Charlotte High School, Sandy at the Children’s Theater production of “Annie Junior,” and Max, the Grinch’s dog, at East Elementary.

Billy’s demeanor had a calming effect on those around him. He would sit next to students taking high-stakes tests or comfort them in STEM labs and sensory rooms. Students with communication disorders would find their voice through petting or walking with Billy, and they would introduce him to others.

While Billy was Shilladay’s service dog, he had such a big heart that he had to share his gifts with others. He alerted staff and students of medical issues and, occasionally, to seizures before they happened — saving valuable time to get them medical attention and assistance.

Billy was invited to Family Reading Centers and classrooms to educate others about service dogs, and students would read to him. They decorated their canine friend for holidays and spirit week over the years, and even made him a tie-dyed shirt.

Billy worked for Camp VISTA (Visually Impaired Students Taking Action) for the Division of Blind Services, which serves students from Charlotte, Lee and Sarasota counties with vision impairments. Camp VISTA teaches young elementary and middle school children independent living skills and recreational activities. Port Charlotte High has hosted this camp over the last few years. Billy also assisted with the Lighthouse Education Center for the Blind, which serves Charlotte and Sarasota County teens. This organization provides training for independent living and career exploration for students post high school.

Billy was known for his hugs to anyone who needed or just wanted one. He worked with hospital homebound students, one of whom graduated and became a trainer for service dogs for other children with autism. Billy has been part of senior student projects on service dogs. He has been part of students’ costumes on character days. Billy was a participant of staff development on “Can’t See, Can’t Hear, Can’t Learn” for about seven years. Billy has also visited nursing homes.

Many of the schools he frequented had their own special Billy treat jar just for him. Billy also was a calming presence for parents and students during IEP meetings.

Over the last 10 years, Billy has left a legacy in our community by helping to train 26 dogs in total that walked the halls of CCPS since he came on staff. As classmates, Billy went from elementary to high school with so many students.

Billy passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on the evening of Jan. 3.

Rest in peace, Billy. We love you and you have earned your diploma and served our children, staff and community well. ¦

The post Remembering Billy: a good dog and a great friend first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .