TITLE: Recognizing February 24, 2011, as Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 24, 2011, as Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Advocates for responsible pet care are gathering in Austin on February 24, 2011, to participate in Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Pets play an important role in the lives of many Texans, and they are more than just adorable balls of fur--they are living, breathing prescriptions for what often ails us; their joy and spirit encourage us, and their mere presence as silent, understanding companions comforts us and chases the blues away; our pets run, walk, crawl, slither, and fly into our hearts, and, in doing so, they improve our physical and mental well-being; and WHEREAS, The Responsible Pet Owners Alliance was founded in 1992 to develop solutions for pet-related problems and to alleviate the need for so many animals to be left at shelters; the group works to improve the quality of life for pets and people by educating individuals about animal behavior and health and by preparing them for the commitment involved in pet ownership; and WHEREAS, To advance its mission, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance collaborates with other animal-support organizations on the Pet Education, Assistance, and Rescue Program, which includes rescue and adoption services, counseling for owners who are considering giving up their pets, and a telephone hotline for assistance with any animal-related issues; moreover, the program sponsors Paws for Service, an initiative in which teams of dogs and their owners visit hospitals and nursing homes, bringing joy and comfort to the patients; and WHEREAS, The Responsible Pet Owners Alliance is affiliated with the American Kennel Club and the Southwest Texas Animal Care and Control Association; it endorses the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program as a method for developing well-trained dogs and promoting responsible ownership; and WHEREAS, Well-behaved pets are not born but are the result of care, attention, and training, and in return, our pets give us a lifetime of devotion and companionship; the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance works hard to ensure that this special bond between pet owners and their animals is strengthened and protected; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 24, 2011, as Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with the alliance sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Hughes Legler Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 592 was adopted by the House on February 24, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House