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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners believes in the joyful, transformative power of the human-canine bond and the importance of inclusivity for all residents; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, approximately 70 million adults live with a disability, yet there are only about 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs nationwide, highlighting a growing need for support; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, Canine Companions pioneered the concept of service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, creating a new form of essential support and independence; and
WHEREAS, Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization, enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships, all free of charge; and
WHEREAS, Canine Companions and their service dogs empower individuals with disabilities to live with greater independence through best-in-class training, follow-up services, and a deeply committed community of support; and
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month is an opportunity to educate our community about the benefits of service dogs and the laws that protect their handlers; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board continue to work towards becoming an inclusive community in which all citizens, and their trained service dogs, are embraced.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby celebrate, and support the life-changing work of service dogs and their handlers 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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