Suffolk County Building Illumination Honoring National Service Dog Month - September 1st, in Hauppauge

A great way to kick off #NationalServiceDogMonth with a fantastic building lighting and proclamation reading at Suffolk County headquarters in Hauppauge, NY! Thanks to all Canine Companions clients and volunteers for coming out and supporting us as the Dennison Building was dressed in Canine Companions yellow and blue. Canine Companions friend and County Executive Edward Romaine read the proclamation, and stressed the importance of how #servicedogs are helping give more independence to people with disabilities. Happy National Service Dog Month!

2026 PROCLAMATION

DECLARING SEPTEMBER TO BE

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH

IN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

This proclamation declares September 2026 to be National Service Dog Month!

WHEREAS, We believe in the joyful, transformative power of the human-canine bond and inclusivity of all citizens;

WHEREAS, In the United States, more than 70 million adults and children have a disability and only 16,000 service dogs from accredited training programs exist nationwide and the need is growing.

WHEREAS, Canine Companions is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

WHEREAS, Canine Companions and their service dogs empower people with disabilities to lead life with greater independence by providing best-in-class training, ongoing follow up services and a deeply committed community of support;

WHEREAS, National Service Dog Month aims to educate our community about the benefits of service dogs and the laws protecting them;

WHEREAS, In the 250^th year of our country, wecontinue to work toward becoming an inclusive nation in which all citizens, and their trained service dogs, are embraced;

NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of service dogs and the adults and children with disabilities in our community, I, Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine do hereby proclaim September to be

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH IN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK!

I encourage all citizens to celebrate service dogs and be respectful of the rights to safe access to our community afforded to the adults, children and veterans who lead more independent lives because of their assistance.