81R34208 CBE-D
By: Chavez H.R. No. 2372
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Roberto Juarez, Jr., Jeremy Griffin, and Paul J.
Spillane of El Paso have successfully served as foster dog owners
and trainers as part of a pilot program between the Humane Society
of El Paso and El Paso Mental Health and Mental Retardation; and
WHEREAS, The men were each paired with a dog that had been at
the Humane Society for three or more months; guided by a
professional dog trainer, they learned how to handle and instruct
their newfound furry friends, which included an older dog, a puppy,
and a dog with severe separation anxiety; and
WHEREAS, Each day, the novice trainers worked to teach their
pupils basic obedience commands, as well as to break the dogs of bad
habits and generally prepare them for adoption; at the end of a
three-month period, in May 2009, all three dogs passed their canine
good citizenship tests; and
WHEREAS, After this effective first run, the program is
expected to continue, with more teams of Humane Society pets and
MHMR clients beginning their training soon; in addition, El Paso
MHMR plans to increase the volunteerism of its clients at the
shelter; and
WHEREAS, Pets are known for being especially beneficial for
those struggling with physical or mental health issues, and in the
case of animals that may have been abandoned, neglected, or abused,
the presence of a kind human being is equally positive; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Roberto Juarez, Jr., Jeremy
Griffin, and Paul J. Spillane on their outstanding work as foster
dog owners and trainers and extend to them sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Juarez, Mr. Griffin, and Mr. Spillane as an
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.