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WHEREAS, Ivan, a five year old Golden Retriever, is a graduate of New Hope Assistance Dogs with a background as a companion for the disabled; and,
WHEREAS, since 2010, Ivan has worked full-time as a therapy dog at Family Hospice & Palliative Care (FHPC) providing service to patients in the inpatient unit, The Center for Compassionate Care, located in Mt. Lebanon, where he is required to wear an official FHPC
ID badge and vest similar to regular staff; and,
WHEREAS, Ivan's typical workday consists of making rounds with physicians and nurses, two walks a day by staff members, and most importantly improving the quality of life for those approaching end of life by offering peace, joy, and pleasant memories to the patients and family members and friends of the inpatient unit; and,
WHEREAS, current President and CEO Mr. Rafael Sciullo, the main caretaker of Ivan, believed that a therapy dog would help with the caring and gentle care needed to fulfill the mission of FHPC; and,
WHEREAS, FHPC serves approximately 3800 patients a year residing within the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and Western PA, hundreds of whom reside in District 2 and who have utilized the inpatient unit when in need and have been touched by Ivan's presence and calming demeanor; and,
WHEREAS, Ivan will be resigning at the end of January, 2013 to begin his new adventure with his current caretaker Mr. Sciullo, who will be the new President and CEO of Suncoast Hospice in Florida effective February 1, 2013; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Ivan for the compassionate and priceless work he does with terminally ill patients and Mr. Rafael Sciullo for connecting Ivan to the Family Hospice & Palliative Care; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, January 22, 2013, to be "Ivan Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.