[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           NATIONAL PET WEEK

 Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I often rise on the floor of the 
Senate and put on my ``veterinarian hat'' when talking about food 
safety, animal science or even small business issues. Today, I rise to 
recognize this week as National Pet Week and say a brief word about the 
role of pets in our lives. Events taking place all over the Nation this 
week are designed to remind us of the value of pets.
  Sponsored by several leading veterinary organizations, principally 
the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), National Pet Week 
gives those of us in the animal health field an opportunity to 
celebrate the bond between pets and their owners and address the 
importance of responsible pet ownership. Pets are important members of 
over half the households in America. They can be many different things 
to many different people. A pet can be a hunting companion, someone to 
play catch with, something warm to curl up on your lap, an additional 
ranch hand, a guide, a guardian, or a child's best friend. Indeed, 
companionship is often the most important aspect in the relationship 
between pet and owner.
  In the past 25 years, we have come to accept the human-animal bond as 
an important force. We understand that the bond exists, but it is hard 
to define. The AVMA gives us this definition:

       The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic 
     relationship between people and animals that is influenced by 
     behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being of 
     both. This includes but is not limited to, emotional, 
     psychological and physical interaction of people, animals and 
     the environment.

  The fact is, the addition of a pet to someone's life can do amazing 
things. Studies have shown that the recovery time and survival rate of 
people with serious illness can be improved when a pet is part of the 
equation. The benefits of pets to the blind and disabled are also well 
known. All over the world, dogs are trained to complete a variety of 
tasks to assist the disabled in living their lives. Programs to train 
dogs and place them with disabled owners thrive in every State. The 
work that they do and the good that results should not go unnoticed. 
These organizations build new bridges using the human-animal bond 
formula and enrich lives in so many ways.
  Connections between pets and children are well known. Pets can help 
teach children responsibility, respect and compassion. They can add to 
a child's growth and development in so many ways. Most of us can 
certainly remember our first family pet with fond memories. The other 
part of National Pet Week is pet health. It is certainly true that a 
healthy pet is a happy pet. Regular veterinarian visits are indeed 
important and are part of the responsibility as an owner and as a 
family member. Nutritional care, adequate exercise and proper attention 
to general health concerns are all necessary in the ownership of a pet 
and can go a long way in increasing the quality of an animal's life.
  So I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
National Pet Week, and if you have a pet at home, give it an extra hug, 
a pat on the head or a good scratch in that favorite spot when you get 
home.

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