ENROLLED SENATE
RESOLUTION NO. 57	By:	Branan, Adelson, Aldridge, Anderson, Ballenger, Barrington, Bass, Bingman, Brogdon, Brown, Burrage, Coates, Coffee, Corn, Crain, Crutchfield, Easley, Eason McIntyre, Ellis, Ford, Garrison, Gumm, Halligan, Ivester, Johnson (Constance), Johnson (Mike), Jolley, Justice, Lamb, Laster, Leftwich, Lerblance, Marlatt, Mazzei, Myers, Newberry, Nichols, Paddack, Reynolds, Rice, Russell, Schulz, Sparks, Stanislawski, Sweeden, Sykes, Wilson and Wyrick

A Resolution praising Hobbes; wishing him well in his retirement; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, Hobbes is an approximately 13-year-old male service dog, half Chesapeake Bay Retriever and half Golden Retriever, who has served as an assistance dog for the past ten and one-half years to Senate staff member, Charles Israel.  Hobbes was trained by Paws with a Cause in Wayland, Michigan, an organization which trains and provides assistance dogs nationally for people with disabilities, providing lifetime support and encouraging independence; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma State Senate staff and friends held an auction to pay for Hobbes.  The auction raised in excess of $20,000, which not only paid for Hobbes, but was able to assist in the purchase of service dogs for others in need; and

WHEREAS, Hobbes was welcomed by all as an integral member of the Senate family.  Charles, however, refused to change his own first name to “Calvin” in honor of the comic strip by the same title, as originally suggested by a fellow Senate staffer; and

WHEREAS, Charles adhered to the service dog guidelines that assistance dogs should not be petted, fed or distracted while working, but for the sake of diplomacy and public relations would allow it if an attractive young woman would ask to pet Hobbes; and

WHEREAS, Hobbes, following the behavioral patterns of fellow Oklahoma State Senate staffers, was always on the lookout for a free meal.  Hobbes relished searching wastepaper baskets for nourishment rather than standing in long lines for snacks, a free breakfast, or a complementary lunch with his fellow Senate staffers; and

WHEREAS, Hobbes, after ten and one-half years of service to both Charles and the Oklahoma State Senate, has retired from Senate duties and enjoys more relaxing duties at home.  Even in retirement, Hobbes is a devoted companion and consummate chick magnet.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 52ND OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate praises the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of Hobbes, who literally worked for dog treats and praise instead of a monetary reward.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate wishes Hobbes the very best during his retirement from service on the Oklahoma State Senate staff.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Hobbes and his human, Charles Israel.

Adopted by the Senate the 21st day of May, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer of the Senate