Vytauta (Pronounced Vee-Tow-Ta) or Vyta (pronounced like Rita with a "V" ... Vita) is a Lithuanian name. She was named in honor of my cousin Vytautas of Vilnius Lithuania. Vytautas is the male form of the name.

Through my genealogical research I was able to track down descendants of my Lithuanian Grandmother. My cousin Carol Chellino and Myself visited Lithuania in the Summer of 2001. Vytas and his wife Onute were waiting for us at the airport. They escorted us to our hotel and he acted as our tour guide and interpreter(he speaks better English than I do) for most of our visit there. His hospitality, good nature and friendship were above and beyond. After an evening of "Sveikas" and "Il Sevacaites" ... Lithuanian Toasts, I told him that I would name my first born child or next dog after him.

I visited him and Lithuania again in the Fall of 2004 and fortunately he took my gesture in the spirit it was intended and did not take offense at it. Once again he and Onute's overwhelmed me with their hospitality  acting as tour planner, tour guide, interpreter and driver. I wonder what kind of treatment I will receive if I name my next dog Onute?!