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WHEREAS, we believe in the joyful, transformative power of the human-canine bond and inclusivity of all citizens; and,
WHEREAS, in the United States, more than 70 million adults and children have a disability and only 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs exist nationwide, with the need for skilled service animals continuing to grow; and,
WHEREAS, service animals can include guide and hearing dogs, PTSD and psychiatric service dogs, autism service dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and more; and,
WHEREAS, Canine Companions is one such nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships; and,
WHEREAS, Canine Companions and their service dogs empower people with disabilities to lead life with greater independence by providing best-in-class training, ongoing follow-up services and a deeply committed community of support; and,
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to educate our community about the benefits of service dogs, including program-trained and owner-trained service animals, and the laws protecting them; and,
WHEREAS, in the 250th year of our nation, the City of Pittsburgh continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all citizens, and their trained service dogs, are embraced; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of Pittsburgh does hereby declare September as “National Service Dog Month” in the City of Pittsburgh, in recognition of the extraordinary contributions service dogs perform for our neighbors with disabilities, and commends the work Canine Companion performs in connecting residents with their service dogs.