National Service Dog Month Proclaimed

LIBERTY LAKE - According to a press memo, the City Council and mayor authorized a proclamation in recognition of September's National Service Dog Month during the Sept. 5 City Council meeting.

According to the city they believe in the joyful, transformative power of the human-canine bond and inclusivity of all citizens.

In the United States, 64 million American adults and children have a disability and only 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs exist nationwide. The need for more service animals is growing according to the city.

Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly-trained service dogs and partnering them with the people that need them the most.

According to the city, the non-profit group and their service dogs empower people with disabilities to lead life with greater independence.

They do this by providing best-in-class training, and offering ongoing follow up services and a deeply committed community of support.

National Service Dog Month aims to educate our community about the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them.

The city continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all citizens, and their service dogs, are embraced.

The city encourages all citizens to celebrate task trained service dogs and be respectful of the rights afforded to the adults, children and veterans who lead more independent lives because of their assistance.