This is a photograph taken inside the Dover city council chamber .Foreground: Two men are shaking hands and smiling at each other. On the left is a younger man, Brendan Madden, with short dark hair, wearing a dark suit jacket. On the right is an older man with white/gray hair and glasses, Mayor Dennis Shanahan, wearing a gray blazer over a light blue button-down shirt. He is holding a green folder or document in his left hand. Background: A raised wooden dais/desk where several people (apparently city officials or council members) are seated. Light blue walls with white architectural molding and columns. An American flag and another flag (likely the New Hampshire state flag) standing behind the dais. A ceiling-mounted projector and other meeting room equipment are visible. Nameplates can be seen on the desks.

Dover Proclaimed September as Service Dog Awareness Month

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS: The City of Dover recognizes the profound impact that service dogs have on the lives of individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS: Approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability, representing 26% of the adult population. Approximately 13% of children in the United States under the age of 18 have a disability; andWHEREAS: 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, by providing vital support, companionship, and a sense of security; and

WHEREAS: 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.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dennis Shanahan, Mayor of the City of Dover in the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim the month of September as:NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTHin the City of Dover and call this to the attention of all citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Dover to be affixed this 26th Day of August, 2026.Dennis Shanahan, Mayor

City of Dover, New Hampshire

Left side: A gold-colored embossed official seal of the City of Dover. It has a circular, serrated (gear-like) outer edge. The outer ring reads “CITY OF DOVER INC. 1855” along the top and “TOWN SETTLED 1623” along the bottom. The center features a detailed embossed design that appears to include buildings, a landscape or waterfront scene, and other civic/historical elements.Right side: Printed text that reads: IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Dover to be affixed this 26th Day of August, 2026. Below the text is a handwritten signature, followed by the typed name and title:Dennis Shanahan, Mayor City of Dover, New Hampshire