[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S13866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SENATE RESOLUTION 173--TO PROCLAIM NATIONAL DOG WEEK

  Mr. D'AMATO submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 173

       Whereas, dogs play an integral role in our lives, 
     communities and nation, in good and bad times; and their 
     present and future well-being in society requires education 
     about responsible dog ownership;
       Whereas, many assistance dogs provide valuable service as 
     seeing eye dogs; hearing dogs; disabled assistance dogs; 
     drug, bomb and arson detection dogs; and for tracking and 
     locating missing persons and fugitives;
       Whereas, as the public good is advanced when we foster the 
     ideas of canine good citizens by promoting the positive 
     interaction between dogs and society;
       Whereas, raising a canine good citizen, is first and 
     foremost, an obligation of the owner;
       Whereas, dog owners must make conscientious efforts to 
     develop the essential traits and characteristics that 
     comprise responsible dog ownership;
       Whereas, the decision to become a dog owner is an emotional 
     and monetary long-term commitment which carries a tremendous 
     responsibility;
       Whereas, dog owners bear a special responsibility to their 
     canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment 
     at all times;
       Whereas, this proper care and treatment includes an 
     adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, clean and 
     comfortable living conditions, regular veterinary care, kind 
     and responsive human companionship and training in 
     appropriate behavior;
       Whereas, dog ownership requires honesty about an owner's 
     readiness and ability to be responsible for their canine 
     companion;
       Whereas, this requires personal questioning about one's 
     time commitments, desire for a dog and family situations;
       Whereas, the next component of choosing a canine companion 
     involves educating oneself about obtaining a dog or puppy 
     from a responsible source;
       Whereas, a responsible source will provide a prospective 
     dog owner with appropriate information about the breed of 
     dog, training, feeding and care;
       Whereas, the Senate encourages people to be responsible dog 
     owners and encourages people to recognize the positive 
     ramifications on society of promoting Canine Good Citizens.
       Whereas, the Senate encourages people to recognize the 
     contributions that our canine companions make to all of us 
     throughout the year;
       Now therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate proclaims the week of September 
     24-30, as National Dog Week.

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I submit a resolution 
commemorating September 24 through September 30, 1995, as National Dog 
Week. Dogs have always been a source of comfort and companionship to 
men, women and children of all ages. They play an important role in the 
lives of many and provide valuable services such as seeing eye dogs, 
drug detection dogs and dogs that locate missing persons. Dog ownership 
requires a serious commitment by the owner, but the rewards are great. 
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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