Senate Resolution 568
By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Payne of the 54th, Watson of the 1st, Hufstetler of the
52nd, Dickerson of the 21st and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and their Canines For Kids
Program; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is Georgia's leading pediatric healthcare
provider and cares for kids from all 159 counties in the state; and
WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program was established
in 2009, the first program of its kind in the country; and
WHEREAS, facility dogs undergo a comprehensive and intensive training process for a
duration of 18 months; and
WHEREAS, each hospital-based facility dog has a Children's employee handler who is
responsible for caring and managing the dog; and
WHEREAS, the facility dogs and trained handlers work as a team to provide comfort,
support, and distraction for young patients during procedures and hospitalizations; and
WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta employs 16 full-time facility dogs at the Arthur
M. Blank, Scottish Rite, Hughes Spalding Hospitals and the Zalik Behavioral and Mental
Health Center; and
WHEREAS, Children's facility dogs bring joy, companionship, and love to our patients,
families, and staff; and
WHEREAS, Canines For Kids is a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and
achieve treatment goals to ensure Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is doing everything
possible to make anything possible for kids.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Children's
Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program.