2012 -- S 2018

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LC00227

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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

PROCLAIMING THE SECOND TUESDAY IN JANUARY TO BE "PROFESSIONAL PET

ASSISTED THERAPY AWARENESS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Tassoni, and DeVall

     Date Introduced: January 10, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

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

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

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homes, and other facilities; and

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

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assisted therapy programs; and

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

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

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and

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     WHEREAS, The Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy

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

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

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initiatives and activities; and

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

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lives for Rhode Islanders, by supporting programs that deal with drug prevention, violence

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prevention, and enhanced self-esteem and by aiding the achievement of treatment goals; now,

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therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims the second Tuesday in January to be "Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Day"

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in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the D.J. Professional Pet Assisted Therapy

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

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LC00227

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