At the City Council meeting on September 3rd, Mayor Paul Callaghan proclaimed September as Service Dog Awareness Month in Rochester. Brendan Madden, founder of the New Hampshire Coalition of Service and Support Dogs (NHCSSD), received the proclamation.

The proclamation highlights “the profound impact that service dogs have on the lives of individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. The United States is home to an estimated 500,000 service dogs, who play a crucial role in assisting individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments, visual and hearing impairments, autism, epilepsy, diabetes, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. Service dogs provide vital support, companionship, and a sense of security.”

To celebrate National Service Dog Awareness Month, the New Hampshire Coalition for the Support of Service Dogs has provided complimentary awareness signs for businesses to take and display at their locations. These signs are available at the Economic Development Office located in City Hall.

The proclamation continues: “National Service Dog Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the incredible contributions of service dogs, honor the dedicated individuals who train and care for these remarkable animals, and celebrate the profound bond between service dogs and the individuals they serve.”

The New Hampshire Coalition for the Support of Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance with veterinary bills for service dogs in New Hampshire. It also focuses on education and advocacy. For more information, please visit servicedogsnh.org. (Note: NHCSSD does not train or place service dogs.)