WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Top dog honors could be on the way for man's best friend!
Bipartisan bills are now before the House and Senate that would establish "National Service Dog Day" every September 20.
Service dogs are specifically trained to conduct actions for a person suffering from a disability.
These animals can work as seeing eye dogs, seizure alert and response dogs for people with epilepsy, and can also help people suffering from mental health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep.Mike Bost (R-Illinois) said in a release: "It's vitally important that we recognize the key role service dogs play in the lives of many of our nation's veterans."
That committee's ranking member, Rep. Mark Takano (D-California), said in a statement: “Mental health can be helped in diverse ways, and many veterans have found their mental health improves through connection with service dogs."