A Day in the Life of Chavo

Who is Chavo? Chavo is Congresswoman Sánchez' dog. Chavo the Dog comes to work on the Hill every day, helping staffers in the office with many things like greeting visitors, relieving stress and eating any spare food . . . even vegetables. Congresswoman Sánchez has a dog in California and after missing him while working in Washington D.C., she decided to add Chavo to the family. Chavo came to the office from a rescue beagle shelter in Pennsylvania.

9:00 a.m. - Good Morning

There’s an old saying: “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”

9:15 a.m. – Breakfast!

Chavo the Dog says: “People say two things you don’t want to see made are sausage and legislation, but I love sausage and the Congresswoman loves legislation.”

10:00 a.m. – Nap time

After working late and rising early, many a tired staffer has remarked that they would like to be Chavo. While Chavo naps (and sometimes snores!), staffers begin their days by helping Congresswoman Sánchez prepare for hearings, responding to constituent concerns, or working on writing bills that will help people in the Congresswoman’s district.

11:00 a.m. - Meet visitors

Chavo says: “Sometimes people who come to the office are nervous about meeting the Congresswoman. Everyone is more relaxed after I meet them. I get treats because I’m good at greeting visitors.” Fact: Many constituents come to the office to meet with the Congresswoman. Some come to receive guided tours of the Capitol. If your family is coming to Washington, D.C., contact our office at (202) 225-6676. The Congresswoman’s staff can arrange tours for you. You can also fill in an online tour request here.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch!

While staffers eat, Chavo usually stops by to see what people are having for lunch. Staffers write memos for the Congresswoman and attend briefings about different issues that affect the Congresswoman’s constituents in California’s 39th Congressional District.

1:00 p.m. – Linda is back

Congresswoman Sánchez is in and out of the office all day. She goes to the Capitol to vote on legislation affecting all Americans. The Congresswoman also attends committee hearings during the day in hearing rooms. She is a member of the Judiciary and Veterans' Affairs committees, as well as the Ranking Member of the Ethics Committee.

2:00 p.m. – Time for a walk

Chavo the Dog says: “I love it when Linda or her staff takes me out for a walk. Maybe one day you will be an intern or staff member for the Congresswoman. We could go on walks together.” Fact: Congresswoman Sánchez loves giving young people the chance to intern in her office. If you would like to be considered for an internship in the Washington, D.C. office or the office in Cerritos, check out this section of the website.

3:00 p.m. – Staff meeting

Chavo the Dog says: “I always take a pen and paper to our weekly staff meetings.” Fact: Congresswoman Sánchez gathers her staff every Monday to talk about issues facing seniors, veterans, students and all the people in her Congressional District. Then, they plan how they are going to work during the upcoming week to improve healthcare, education, and the environment. Every week, Members of Congress take important votes on these issues, and the Congresswoman wants to make sure she always votes to help her constituents.

4:00 p.m. – Nap time

Chavo the Dog says: “Did I mention that sometimes, in the middle of a sentence, I . . . zzzzzzzzzz.”

6:00 p.m. – Dinner!

Sometimes votes go late into the day, but Chavo makes sure he gets dinner on time. While Chavo eats, staffers in Washington, D.C. work on finishing their work for the day. Congresswoman Sánchez’ staff in California provides many important services for constituents. When people have problems with the Social Security, Medicare, Immigration Agencies, or need help getting student loans, the Congresswoman’s office can help.

8:00 p.m. – Leave work

Chavo the Dog says: “The Congresswoman works late a lot. Sometimes we don’t leave work until after midnight because she’s working on important laws to help people. Once we get home I’m going to sleep. I have another busy day tomorrow.”