07-R008

2007 -- H 5006

Enacted 01/03/07

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 9, 2007 TO BE "PROFESSIONAL PET ASSISTED THERAPY AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Gemma, Dennigan, Ginaitt, Trillo, and Serpa

Date Introduced: January 03, 2007

     WHEREAS, Professional Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) programs have enhanced the lives

of thousands of Rhode Islanders. Credentialed PAT guardians and their credentialed family

therapy pets are making positive changes for many Rhode Islanders at hospitals, schools, nursing

homes and other facilities; and

     WHEREAS, Nationally, Rhode Island is fast becoming the seat of professional pet

assisted therapy programs; and

     WHEREAS, Locally, the D.J. Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Certificate Program has

been running successfully at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for eleven years;

and

     WHEREAS, The Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy

has been advocating for the role of animals in all our lives since 1995, and has provided a major

positive influence through credentialing PAT teams, initiating legislation, and countless other

initiatives and activities; and

     WHEREAS, Professional pet assisted therapy leads to a healthier and more productive

life by assisting with programs that deal with drug prevention, violence prevention, enhanced

self-esteem, and by aiding with the accomplishment of treatment goals; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims January 9, 2007 to be "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 duly certified copies of this resolution to the D.J. Professional Pet Assisted Therapy

Program at the Community College of Rhode Island, and the Windwalker Humane Coalition.

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LC00266

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