The image shows a group of seven adults gathered together indoors, holding small, five week old Yellow Labrador Retriever puppies. In the foreground,Brendan Madden is seated in a wheelchair and there is a larger, fully-grown Labrador sitting on the floor. Behind him on the left is Laura Barker, founder of Hero Pups and behind him on the right is the governor of New Hampshire, Kelly Ayotte. The room has white walls and a patterned floor. On the wall behind the group, there are two large framed photo collages and a circular logo that says "Hero Pups" with an image of a dog in the center. Two of the people in the photo are holding certificates. The scene looks celebratory and warm, at the Hero Pups facility, which provides service dogs for veterans and first responders.

NH proclaims September Service Dog Awareness Month

The State of New Hampshire
By Her Excellency
Kelly A. Ayotte, Governor

A Proclamation

In the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Five

SERVICE DOG AWARENESS MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2025

WHEREAS, service dogs play an essential role in the lives of individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other disabilities, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives; and,

WHEREAS, these highly trained dogs assist their handlers with critical tasks such as guiding the visually impaired, detecting seizures, alerting to sounds, retrieving items, and providing calming support during episodes of anxiety or trauma; and,

WHEREAS, service dogs are afforded legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures they may accompany their handlers in public spaces, workplaces, and housing, fostering full participation in society; and,

WHEREAS, the State of New Hampshire supports efforts to raise awareness about the important distinction between service animals and emotional support animals, and encourages education around respectful interaction with service dog teams; and,

WHEREAS, we recognize the dedicated organizations, trainers, advocates, and volunteers who work tirelessly to place service dogs with individuals in need, and we honor the service dog handlers whose courage and resilience inspire us all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KELLY AYOTTE, GOVERNOR of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim SEPTEMBER 2025 as SERVICE DOG AWARENESS MONTH in the State of New Hampshire, and encourage all citizens to support efforts to educate the public about the vital role these animals play, and to ensure a respectful, accessible environment for all those who rely on service dogs.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the State of New Hampshire to be affixed this 1st day of September, 2025.

(Seal of the State of New Hampshire)

Kelly A. Ayotte
Governor

(Seal of the State of New Hampshire) Kelly A. Ayotte Governor