Sen. Bryce Reeves (VA – 17) presented Virginia’s recently passed International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) resolution to a local couple instrumental in its passage.
Stafford residents Jim and Michele Purton accepted the resolution on behalf of all service dogs in Virginia. The Purtons are Virginia area directors of Lions Project for Canine Companions for Independence and cabinet chairs of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), Lions District 24A.
“The Purtons have worked diligently to ensure that IADW is recognized in the Commonwealth, and have been responsible for obtaining local IADW proclamations in Stafford County for the past several years,” Reeves said.
The Purtons, also puppy raisers for CCI, were accompanied by their Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever cross Prisma. The five-month-old is the ninth puppy the couple has raised for CCI.
Reeves was patron and Del. Mark Cole was co-patron of the IADW resolution that passed unanimously during the 2016 legislative session. Virginia’s SJ27 designates that Virginia will celebrate IADW annually during the first full week of August.
