[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 6 (Monday, January 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HEROES BENNETT BRANDON AND HENRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 13, 2025

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown 
Heroes, Fort Worth Code Compliance Officer Bennett Brandon and Henry. 
In 2011, Bennett met Henry after he was brought to the Chuck and Brenda 
Silcox Animal Shelter malnourished and in poor physical health. They 
sparked a bond that still exists to this day.
  After raising money for Henry's hospital bills, Bennett took him 
everywhere he could to highlight the amazing care provided to homeless 
pets by the Fort Worth animal shelter. To share his rescue story, Henry 
accompanied former Mayor Betsy Price to elementary schools across the 
city blessing over 10,000 students with his wagging tail. Serving as 
the city's canine ambassador, Henry has raised awareness of the 
challenges faced by homeless pets. He helped raise almost $5 million to 
expand the Chuck Silcox Animal Shelter, taking a huge step towards 
ensuring animals have proper care and adequate space. Thanks to the 
advocacy of Bennett and Henry, euthanasia rates in Fort Worth shelters 
dropped from 70 percent to three percent.
  After 20 years of amazing service, Bennett has retired, and Henry, 
following his cancer diagnosis, has retired after 13 years.

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