SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 267
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the staff and volunteers of the Austin Dog Alliance for
their commitment to improving lives in Central Texas; and
WHEREAS, Since 2006, the Austin Dog Alliance has been
promoting the health and wellness of Central Texas families and
individuals through therapeutic programs that incorporate the
powerful connection between dogs and humans; and
WHEREAS, Studies show that physical contact with pets has
many benefits for humans, including lowered blood pressure,
improved survival rates for heart attack victims, and the release
of pain-relieving endorphins in the body; the Austin Dog Alliance
facilitates a range of specialized programs that utilize these
benefits to meet the varying needs of clients; and
WHEREAS, Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, connects
trained animals and handlers with patients to help them meet
specific physical, cognitive, and emotional goals; Bow Wow
Reading Dogs help at-risk students learn to read by serving as
nonjudgmental listeners while the students read aloud; the
Hounds for Heroes initiative provides veterans with specially
trained service dogs who perform specific tasks to help their
human partners lead more normal lives; Special Dogs for Special
Needs are selected from local shelters and trained as emotional
support dogs or service dogs for people with disabilities; the
S+CORE program provides vocational training in dog handling and
care to young adults with disabilities and helps these students
with job placement; and
WHEREAS, Through its many programs of service, the Austin
Dog Alliance has made a difference in the lives of countless
Texans, and the volunteers and staff of the organization are
indeed deserving of recognition for their exemplary work on
behalf of their fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend all those associated with the Austin
Dog Alliance for their outstanding contributions to the
community and extend to them best wishes for continued success;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the alliance as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Schwertner
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 22, 2017.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate