Floyd And Gunny: A Bridge Between Where Floyd Is Now And The Home He Is Fighting To Return To

Editor's Note: Rianna has been a part of our De-Bug community for years now as she has been advocating for her husband's freedom from California State Prison to return home with family. Recently, Rianna adopted a dog, Gunny. But not just any dog, a dog that Floyd helped train while inside Valley State Prison. This is Rianna's story of how Gunny became a part of their family and what Gunny symbolizes for Rianna and Floyd's journey to reunite their family.

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Floyd and Gunny in Valley State Prison

On March 7, 2026, our family was blessed with a wonderful new addition — Gunny, a Labrador/Pit Bull mix we adopted through the Valley State Prison Freedom Canine Program. From the moment he arrived, he has brought so much joy into our home. Although he was a little nervous on his first day, by the next morning he was smiling, running around, and settling in beautifully. He gets along especially well with our Pit Bull, Rosie, and the two have quickly become inseparable.

Gunny is incredibly smart, energetic, and well trained. He loves playing catch with his tennis balls and tug‑of‑war with his rope toys. Over the past two months, he has adapted wonderfully and has truly become part of our family.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the bond my husband, Floyd, built with Gunny before we brought him home. Even though Floyd wasn’t Gunny’s assigned trainer, he spent time playing with him, practicing commands, and forming a connection. Today, when Floyd calls home, he can give Gunny commands over the phone — and Gunny follows them. Their bond brightens Floyd’s days, and our whole family loves seeing how happy they both get during their calls and video chats.

The Valley State Prison Freedom Canine Program did an outstanding job preparing Gunny for life with us. They provided a detailed handbook with his likes, dislikes, and all of his commands, which made the transition even smoother. His trainers, Jose Green and Teklezgi Gebrezgiabher, did a wonderful job and still ask about Gunny often. Floyd even sent them a photo of Gunny enjoying his new home. Many people at the prison who knew Gunny miss him, and it’s clear he made a lasting impact there as well.

Throughout this time, our family has also been deeply committed to advocating for Floyd’s freedom, a journey we have walked with the unwavering support of Silicon Valley De‑Bug. Their guidance, strength, and community advocacy have helped us navigate the long fight for justice and keep hope alive. In many ways, Gunny has become a living symbol of that hope — a bridge between where Floyd is now and the home he is fighting to return to. The bond they share reminds us every day of the life waiting for Floyd, and it strengthens our belief that one day soon, he will be here with us, reunited not only with his family but with the dog who already loves him so deeply.

We feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have Gunny in our lives. He has brought love, laughter, and healing into our home, and we are deeply grateful to the Freedom Canine Program for making this possible. We are also profoundly thankful to Silicon Valley De‑Bug, whose advocacy, support, and community have walked alongside us through every step of Floyd’s journey. Their presence has strengthened our family, and we carry that gratitude with us every day.