Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 4, 2020 10:39 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Mario M. Scavello |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Designation September 2020 as “Spanish Water Dog Month” in Pennsylvania |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce a resolution designating September 2020, as “Spanish Water Dog Month” in Pennsylvania and recognizing the historical and modern value of the Spanish Water Dog. The Spanish Water Dog is well known for its versatility and strong herding, hunting and guardian instincts. Throughout Spain during the 18th century, and because of their protective instincts, Spanish Water Dogs were used for herding livestock from the south of Spain to the north and back again while searching for fertile grazing areas. In Andalucía, Spain and in the hills and mountains of Cadiz and Malaga, the dogs were also utilized for their ability to work in the mountains and to endure extreme cold and heat. During a similar time period, in the ports of Seville, Algecieras and Malaga, Spanish Water Dogs were used to tow boats to shore and assisted fishermen with their nets. Today, the breed is used to assist in many tasks, such as search and rescue, bomb and narcotics detection, herding, therapy work and canine water sports. They are considered to be a rare breed, with estimates of only 500 Spanish Water Dogs in the United States today. However, the Spanish Water Dog can still be found working in the mountains of Southern Spain. They can also be found in other areas of the world, such as Finland, Canada, Scandinavia, England, Australia, New Zealand and South America. During the month of September 2020, I encourage all my colleagues and residents across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reflect upon the historical importance of the Spanish Water Dog breed as well as the importance of the dogs in today’s society. If you have any questions regarding this resolution, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. Thank you for your consideration. |