[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             ON BEHALF OF THE BEST FRIENDS KINDNESS WEEKEND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that this weekend, 
June 23-25, 2006, has been designated by Best Friends Animals Society 
as Best Friends Kindness Weekend.
  The way a society treats its animals speaks to the core values and 
priorities of its citizens.
  As a co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, I am 
committed to animal welfare because I believe animals are vital to our 
livelihood, and I believe humankind has an obligation to all animals. 
Some species have become our companions, some play important roles in 
sensitive ecosystems, and some are raised for food. It is our duty to 
protect and care for all of these animals.
  The Best Friends Weekend reminds all of us how animals enrich our 
lives through their companionship, friendship and love.
  This weekend of kindness activities should serve as a reminder to all 
of us, that in this increasing fragmented society we need to be ever 
more compassionate about the animals in our world, whether they are 
companion pets, service animals, zoo critters, livestock, or nature's 
wildlife. It is a reminder that the bond between humans and animals is 
a vital one and is capable of bringing joy and healing to people of all 
ages. It is also a reminder to be more kind and compassionate to our 
fellow man.

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