HR1031: HR1031 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and their Canines For Kids Program; commend

26 LC 112 3691 House Resolution 1031 By: Representatives Cooper of the 45 th, Dempsey of the 13 th, Taylor of the 173 rd, and Fleming of the 114th A RESOLUTION Commending Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and 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; and4 WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program was established5 in 2009, the first program of its kind in the country; and6 WHEREAS, facility dogs undergo a comprehensive and intensive tr aining process for a7 duration of 18 months; and8 WHEREAS, each hospital-based facility dog has a Children's empl oyee handler who is9 responsible for caring and managing the dog; and10 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; and12 H. R. 1031 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3691 WHEREAS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta employs 16 full-time facility dogs at the Arthur13 M. Blank, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding hospitals as well as the Zalik Behavioral and14 Mental Health Center; and15 WHEREAS, Children's facility dogs provide joy, companionship, a nd love for countless16 patients, 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that21 the members of this body commend Children's Healthcare of Atlan ta's Canines For Kids22 Program and extend best wishes for continued success.23 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized24 and directed to make an appr opriate copy of t his resolution ava ilable for distribution to25 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.26 H. R. 1031 - 2 -