In a recent government meeting, McPherson County, Kansas, officials proclaimed September 2024 as National Service Dog Month, highlighting the vital role service dogs play in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. The proclamation, read by Chairman Keith Becker, emphasized the transformative bond between humans and their canine companions, advocating for inclusivity within the community.

The meeting underscored the stark contrast between the number of individuals requiring service dogs—approximately 64 million adults and children in the U.S.—and the limited availability of accredited service dogs, with only 16,000 trained nationwide. This gap highlights the growing need for awareness and support for service dog programs.

The proclamation also recognized Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to individuals with disabilities. The initiative aims to educate the community about the benefits of service dogs and the legal protections afforded to them.

The motion to declare September as National Service Dog Month was unanimously approved, with officials encouraging residents to celebrate and respect the rights of those who rely on service dogs for greater independence. The meeting concluded with a light-hearted note about the organization’s achievement of placing its 8,000th dog since its inception in 1975, reinforcing the significant impact of service dogs in the community.