WHEREAS, National Therapy Animal Day is an annual event observed on April 30 that recognizes the thousands of therapy animal teams serving in communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, therapy animals in Hennepin County play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond; and
WHEREAS, therapy animal teams make millions of visits per year in settings such and hospitals, nursing homes, schools and hospices and interact with a variety of people in our community including veterans, seniors, patients, students facing literacy challenges, and those approaching the end of their lives; and
WHEREAS, exceptional therapy animals partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need; and
WHEREAS, dog therapy teams volunteer at Hennepin Healthcare, providing respite and unconditional love and comfort for patients, families and medical staff, and
WHEREAS, pet therapy teams regularly visit Hennepin County Libraries where children and youth read to them without judgment, and
WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office employs their own emotional support dog who provides comfort to victims, witnesses, and employees; and
WHEREAS, Animal Therapy Day in Hennepin County encourages Hennepin County residents to celebrate our therapy animals and their human handlers.