[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 86 (Thursday, May 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 2022

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
April 30, 2022, as National Therapy Animal Day. Pet Partners therapy 
animal teams throughout Mississippi play an essential role in improving 
human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. Pet Partners 
animal teams make millions of visits per year in settings such as 
hospitals, schools and hospices. Pet Partners therapy animal teams 
interact with a variety of people in our community including veterans, 
seniors, patients, students facing literary challenges, and those 
approaching the end of life. These exceptional therapy animals who 
partner with their human companions bring comfort and healing to those 
in need.
  There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the various 
ways in which therapy animals can make a difference in a person's life. 
They are believed to improve mental wellness by decreasing fear, 
anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. They may also influence our 
physical health, lowering perceived levels of pain, shortening recovery 
times, and helping those who are ill have a positive outlook about 
their future.
  In the State of Mississippi, we encourage our citizens to celebrate 
our therapy animals and their human handlers. Further, I publicly 
salute the service of therapy animal teams in our community and in 
communities across the nation.
  On this day, I also wish to recognize Phillip and Kimberly Jackson, 
owners of For the Puppies Training Academy. I commend them for their 
hard work and steadfast dedication to training dogs for pet owners and 
to enhance the lives of others through their own therapy dogs--Pretzel 
and Oreo.

                          ____________________