05-R 269

2005 -- H 6489

Enacted 05/12/05

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

PROCLAIMING MAY 17, 2005 AS "WINDWALKER HUMANE COALITION FOR

PROFESSIONAL PET ASSISTED THERAPY DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Gemma, and Dennigan

Date Introduced: May 12, 2005

     WHEREAS, Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy is

celebrating 10 years of advocacy work to build the profession of pet assisted therapy and to

improve the lives of animals and people; and

     WHEREAS, Windwalker's vision is that a better world for people and animals will result

from the full integration of professional pet assisted therapy into health care, education,

rehabilitation and social services; and

     WHEREAS, Windwalker has provided a network for professional and student pet

assisted therapy teams who have touched the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders in agencies

and schools; and

     WHEREAS, Windwalker collaborated with the Rhode Island Department of Health to

develop guidelines for the profession of pet assisted therapy and has been instrumental in the

success of historic legislation; and

     WHEREAS, Windwalker has educated the public about the benefits of professional pet

assisted therapy at countless conferences and events, with our therapy pets as our ambassadors;

and

     WHEREAS, Windwalker with its emphasis on upholding and monitoring professional

standards has become the national focal point of professional pet assisted therapy; now, therefore

be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby declares May 17, 2005 as "Windwalker Humane Coalition for

Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Day" in 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 for

Professional Pet Assisted Therapy.

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LC03258

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