One of my favorite parts of the annual rite of passage that is the state budget process is that moment when I finally walk through the front door of my house after being away for pretty much the entire month of June.
As I drive the 220 miles from the State Capitol to my driveway, I can?t help but envision the inevitable assault I?m about to endure, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.
And judging by the 20-minute deluge of frantic barking, angling for belly scratches and general insanity, there are no two happier creatures on Earth for the conclusion of the state budget than my dogs, Abigail and Delano.
During my time in the Legislature, I have taken a strong interest in animal-rights legislation, supporting reforms to the Dog Law, which tackle the problem of puppy mills, and proposing America?s first-ever Animal Adoption Tax Credit, which was defeated by only one vote earlier this year.
It can be frustrating to hear criticism from constituents over these measures, admonishing me to ?focus on people, not pets,? despite clear evidence I do in fact focus the majority of my time and energy on real issues impacting peoples? lives.
There are a few reasons I enjoy championing animal issues. First and foremost, I?m a pet owner myself, with our dogs Abigail and Delano and Molly the Junkyard Cat firmly entrenched in the lives of my fianc?e and me.
Second, with so many big and controversial issues out there, it?s nice to be able to work on legislation that is largely apolitical; both Democrats and Republicans love their pets.
Finally, and perhaps most important, I have seen the crucial role pets play in the lives of so many of my constituents, beyond the typical scenario of the family dog or cat.
There are lots of people out there?senior citizens, people with disabilities or people who are alone by choice or by circumstance?for whom a pet provides the only source of living interaction and unconditional love. As someone who lived alone with just my dogs for a couple of years, just that basic everyday interaction can mean more than most people are willing to admit, and if I can help make it a little bit easier to match up a pet and an owner who need one another, why not do it?
To celebrate pets and owners in the area, I?m partnering with PetSearch, a local non-profit rescue group, to host my first ever Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Saturday, August 25 at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Admission is free and pets are welcome to enjoy the festivities, which include a pet parade and costume contest, mobile grooming, an ?ask-the-vet? booth, vaccinations and micro chipping, vendor booths, mobile adoption services and much more.
If you have a pet-related business and would like a vendor table, or would like more information on the event, please call my office at 724-746-3677. You can also check out and share the Facebook page for the event here.
So join me (and Abigail and Delano) on August 25 for the Pet Expo. Hope to see you there!
Source: http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/have-pets-want-one-here-s-the-story-for-you
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