WHEREAS, Professional Pet Assisted Therapy programs have enhanced the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island is fast becoming the national hub of professional pet assisted therapy, due primarily to the Windwalker Humane Coalition's work in legislation, health department guidelines, credentialing standards, and conferences; and

WHEREAS, It is widely accepted among professionals and the public alike that professional pet assisted therapy can definitely lead to a friendlier, healthier and more peaceful world; and

WHEREAS, A number of local authors have contributed to the recently released state-of-the-art text book on this profession; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims November 17, 2002 as "Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Windwalker Humane Coalition.