LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Figo upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon
an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary service animals, who
take prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing
so, help others to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Figo upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, 8-year-old Golden Retriever, Figo, is a service animal who is
being heralded after saving the life of his blind owner, Audrey Stone;
and
WHEREAS, Figo was assisting his owner in crossing Michael Neuner Drive
in Brewster, New York, when a mini-school bus started heading towards
Audrey Stone; this amazing dog instinctively jumped in front of the bus
to protect his beloved owner; and
WHEREAS, Fortunately, both Figo and Audrey Stone survived this trau-
matic experience; Figo suffered a leg injury, and subsequently, his
right front leg is in a splint, and he is resting comfortably at Middle-
branch Veterinary clinic, Carmel, New York; and
WHEREAS, At the scene, this courageous dog actively tried to comfort
Audrey Stone as he was being treated for his injuries; and
WHEREAS, Regrettably, Audrey Stone suffered a fractured right elbow,
three broken ribs, a fractured ankle, and a cut on her head; she is
being treated at Danbury Hospital, Danbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, Figo, through his spontaneous and heroic actions, demon-
strated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary citizens across the community of the State of New York who volun-
tarily respond when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Figo upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liber-
ty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Audrey Stone.