After the success of a plush animal as a mascot for another organization I decided Be Outdoors Arizona could also benefit from such a spokesperson!  Considering Javelina’s are not well distributed across the United States I figured it would make a great icon for the organization in Arizona.  And fortunately, a manufacturer of the plush made them cute enough to cuddle.

Now the stuffed javelina just needed a name.  Javiel was the name that immediately popped into my mind. Where did I come up with this name?  By no means was it an invention of my creativity. You see, many years ago when I lived in Ahwatukee there was a grocery store I frequented. I believe it was the Fry’s but I could be mistaken. There was a young man there who worked as a cashier. He caught my attention as he was very courteous and professional and he was nice on the eyes too! His name badge read Javiel. I was familiar with the name Javier but not Javiel and I asked him about his name and attempted to pronounce it. For whatever reason his name just stuck with me.  I think it’s a cool name. So, when naming the Javelina came along it just fit. Now I hope if he ever learns about this that he takes no offense at having a javelina named after him.  Hopefully when he learns the mission of Javiel and Be Outdoors Arizona he’ll be proud of his namesake.

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