[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      IN HONOR OF LAUREN O'CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Lauren O'Connor who 
is driving across America to raise awareness and $100,000 for Great 
Danes and animal rescues. Each year, millions of animals, mostly cats 
and dogs, are euthanized due to over-population and the lack of people 
willing to adopt them, at the same time that many animals are bred for 
the sole purpose of being bought and sold at pet stores.
   Lauren, originally from Texas, went to college in West Virginia. She 
graduated with a degree in Public Relations. It was there that she met 
her Great Dane, Harley. Now 6, Harley is her traveling companion on 
this cross country journey.
   Beginning on March 1st in New Jersey, Lauren, who resigned from her 
job at a Fortune 10 company in order to pursue her commitment to rescue 
dogs, will visit over 56 cities in her travels across the country, 
organizing events and benefits to raise money and educate people about 
Great Danes and rescue dogs. All of the proceeds that are raised will 
be donated to rescues and shelters around the country.
   She is able to take on this worthy cause because of the kindness or 
her family and friends. In addition, complete strangers have been able 
to follow Lauren on her adventures through her Web site and her Twitter 
account.
   Madam Speaker, Lauren O'Connor is venturing on an experience of a 
lifetime. Her trip across the country to raise awareness and money for 
rescue dogs is inspiring to us all and I would like to commend Lauren 
on her commitment to this very worthy cause.

                          ____________________