SR568: SR568 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and their Canines For Kids Program; recognize

26 LC 129 0536 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 an d their Canines For Kids1 Program; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is Georgia's leading pediatric healthcare3 provider and cares for kids from all 159 counties in the state; and 4 WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program was established5 in 2009, the first program of its kind in the country; and 6 WHEREAS, facility dogs undergo a comprehensive and intensive tr aining process for a7 duration of 18 months; and 8 WHEREAS, each hospital-based facility dog has a Children's empl oyee handler who is9 responsible for caring and managing the dog; and 10 WHEREAS, the facility dogs and trained handlers work as a team to provide comfort,11 support, and distraction for young patients during procedures and hospitalizations; and 12 S. R. 568 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0536 WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta employs 16 full-time facility dogs at the Arthur13 M. Blank, Scottish Rite, Hughes Spalding Hospitals and the Zali k Behavioral and Mental14 Health Center; and 15 WHEREAS, Children's facility dogs bring joy, companionship, and love to our patients,16 families, and staff; and17 WHEREAS, Canines For Kids is a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and18 achieve treatment goals to ensure Children's Healthcare of Atla nta is doing everything19 possible to make anything possible for kids.20 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body 21 recognize Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program.22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed23 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Children's24 Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program.25 S. R. 568 - 2 -