Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond
September 10, 2024
Councilmember Doria Robinson
District 3
City of Richmond
Recognizing September as National Service Dog Month
WHEREAS, the bond between humans and dogs has been cherished for centuries, with 69 million households across the United States sharing their lives with at least one dog, providing companionship, joy, and unconditional love; and WHEREAS, for the 64 million Americans living with disabilities, service dogs offer far more than companionship—they provide essential assistance, independence, and security, performing tasks that are vital to the daily lives of their handlers; and WHEREAS, service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks such as guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those with hearing impairments, assisting individuals with mobility challenges, and providing support for individuals with other physical and mental health conditions; and
WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month, observed every September, serves as a critical time to raise awareness of the indispensable role that service dogs play in our communities and to acknowledge the dedication of the organizations, which work tirelessly to train and place service dogs with individuals in need; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is committed to fostering a community that is inclusive and supportive of all its residents, including those living with disabilities, and recognizes the importance of service dogs in enhancing the quality of life for their handlers; and WHEREAS, by proclaiming September as National Service Dog Month, the City of Richmond seeks to champion the rights of service dogs, promote understanding of their vital role, and encourage our community to engage in activities that highlight the work and impact of these extraordinary animals;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, on behalf of the Richmond City Council, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as National Service Dog Month in the City of Richmond, and urge all residents to join in recognizing the valuable contributions of service dogs and to support the ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the life-changing assistance that these dogs provide.