H.R. No. 1209

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Faithful Friends Animal-Assisted Therapy Ministry is dedicated to spreading happiness and comfort through visits with pets; and

WHEREAS, Faithful Friends was founded in 1993 by Shari Ferguson as a ministry of University Baptist Church in Clear Lake City; over the past three decades, the organization has provided myriad opportunities for individuals in challenging situations to spend time with animals, and in so doing, it has helped people of all ages to improve their well-being and outlook; and

WHEREAS, Volunteers take properly trained dogs, cats, and other animals for visits to local hospitals, support groups, and other facilities, including schools and nursing homes; they bring their pets to elementary and intermediate schools, where children are provided with an opportunity to practice vocabulary and reading skills by reading to the animals, and they visit long-term care facilities in the area, giving residents a chance to enjoy the numerous benefits of interacting with animals on a regular basis; and

WHEREAS, The caring volunteers of Faithful Friends Animal-Assisted Therapy Ministry work to bring comfort and enriching experiences to many people facing difficult circumstances, and they indeed deserve special recognition for their good deeds; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend Faithful Friends Animal-Assisted Therapy Ministry and extend to its volunteers sincere best wishes for the future; 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.

Bonnen

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1209 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2023, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House