HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 24

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE DOGS AND THERAPY DOGS AND THE PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO TRAIN AND SUPPORT THEM.

WHEREAS, service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks and to work with people with disabilities such as vision impairment, physical limitations, and cognitive challenges; and

WHEREAS, therapy dogs are trained to work in clinical, school, and home settings where they provide therapeutic comfort and affection to people in stressful environments, children learning to read, socially isolated older adults, people with cognitive or physical challenges, and people with terminal illnesses; and

WHEREAS, therapy dogs provide mental health benefits to people by reducing stress and anxiety, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, increasing mental stimulation, brightening emotional outlook, and improving self-confidence; and

WHEREAS, therapy dogs provide physical health benefits to people by decreasing blood pressure, regulating breathing, releasing beneficial hormones, reducing pain, and encouraging participation in activities; and

WHEREAS, organizations like PAWS for People and the Delmarva Region of National Capital Therapy Dogs train dogs and volunteers to provide therapy support in hospitals, classrooms, specialized care facilities, workplaces, and home settings in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, PAWS for People partners with the State of Delaware and DEMA to provide volunteers and therapy dogs to support people affected by natural disasters like fires and floods.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the House recognizes the public health and societal benefits of service and therapy dogs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware supports and thanks service and therapy dogs, volunteers, and organizations like PAWS for People and the Delmarva Region of National Capital Therapy Dogs for the valuable public service that they provide to the State.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitably prepared copies be presented to PAWS for People and the Delmarva Region of National Capital Therapy Dogs.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution recognizes the public health and societal benefits of service dogs and therapy dogs and the people and organizations who train and support them.