TRENTON N.J. – Today the governor signed Assemblyman John DiMaio and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s bill (A4590/S2849) designating the Seeing Eye® dog as the State Dog.
“Guide dogs are life-changing companions for those who are visually impaired and greatly improve lives by helping foster an atmosphere of independence and mobility,” said DiMaio (R-Warren). “With this law, they will get the recognition they so deserve.”
The Seeing Eye is one of the world’s premier service-dog training organizations and has been headquartered in Morris County since 1931. Twelve states have designated state dogs, but New Jersey would be the first state to designate the guide dogs as a state animal.
“These highly trained, intelligent, loyal, and gentle service dogs are indispensable,” stated Dunn (R-Morris). “The guide dogs, and the individuals who train them, truly are a representation of everything good in New Jersey and I am proud to say the Seeing Eye® organization is headquartered in Morris Township. To have them be acknowledged as a state symbol is well-deserved.”
“The Seeing Eye dog organization has changed the lives of many New Jerseyans,” said Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney (R-Bergen), who co-sponsors the bill. “It has been imperative in giving people with visual impairment independence and mobility. I applaud the governor for signing this bill that honors this important organization and declares guide dogs as the state dog.”