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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING SEPTEMBER NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH
WHEREAS, service animals are dogs of any breed and size trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability; and
WHEREAS, service dogs play a vital role in the lives of people with sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, and mental disabilities, assisting them in performing day-to-day tasks; and
WHEREAS, some service dogs are specially trained for people with diabetes, epilepsy, or PTSD; and
WHEREAS, during the last decade the use of services dogs has rapidly expanded; and
WHEREAS, 27% of adults in the United States, over 61 million individuals, live with a disability; and
WHEREAS, there are only about 500,000 service dogs in the United States leading to waitlist of up to 1 - 5 years; and
WHEREAS, studies show that individuals with a service dog exhibit better psychosocial health that can bolster social, emotional, and work/school functioning; and
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to educate the community about the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them; and
WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to celebrate service dogs and be respectful of the rights afforded to the adults, children, and veterans who lead more independent lives because of their assistance; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is committed to being an inclusive community in which all citizens, and their service dogs, are embraced; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby celebrate the extraordinary helping paws of service dogs in Cook County and throughout the country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby proclaims September as, “National Service Dog Month” in Cook County, Illinois.
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