Body
WHEREAS, since its inception, in 1929, The Seeing Eye's mission has remained the same: to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of people who are blind by providing them with and instructing them in the use of Seeing Eye dogs; and
WHEREAS, the goals of the Seeing Eye program are: to increase the independence and dignity of people who are blind, at all times treating applicants, students and graduates with respect; to provide the best dog guides possible by ensuring they are well bred and cared for, appropriately socialized and expertly trained; to educate the public about the use of dog guides and the capabilities of people who are blind, and to provide recommendations regarding public policy issues; to provide ongoing assistance to graduates and their dogs in order to extend the life of each partnership; to practice fiduciary responsibility, ensuring that they can fulfill the future needs of Seeing Eye dog users; and
WHEREAS, a key to the success of this program are the volunteer 'foster families' who nurture and care for these puppies from about 7 weeks of age until they are ready for their formal training at about 16 to 18 months of age; and
WHEREAS, working with local 4H Clubs, mostly in New Jersey, New York and Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, these volunteer families give the dogs abundant affection, teach them basic obedience and expose them to a variety of social situations; and
WHEREAS, an exception to these geographic boundaries was made which allowed Joan Ardisson, Assistant to Post-Gazette Publisher and Editor John Robinson Block, to foster Xante, who she brings to work with her most days at the Post-Gazette; and
WHEREAS, Xante has made many friends, his 'wag-a-muffins' and received a great deal of urban socialization during his time with Ms. Ardisson, including, his daily ride on the Westmoreland Transit bus, the 'T' downtown, the halls of the Post-Gazette and the elevators of many downtown office buildings; and
WHEREAS, Xante will soon be heading off to Seeing Eye Inc., in Morristown, New Jersey for his formal training and where he will be paired with a blind individual and they will train together on the heavily trafficked streets of downtown Morristown, the quiet residential areas, country roads, shopping malls, train stations, bus routes, hotels and even the nearby streets of New York City.
Title
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh wishes Xante well as he heads off to his life's work of aiding a blind individual in his/her pursuit of a life of independence.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does, hereby, declare Tuesday, February 8, 2011 to be Xante Day in the City of Pittsburgh.