Senate Resolution No. 5051

BY: Senator LARKIN

HONORING Lucia DeNatale upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Outstanding Person
of the Year Award by Middlehope Veterinary Hospital
on April 8, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
those individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the
highest ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve
to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lucia DeNatale upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Outstanding Person of the Year Award by Middlehope Veterinary Hospital
celebrated at a Luncheon held in her honor on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at
the Ship Lantern Inn in Milton, New York; and

WHEREAS, Lucia DeNatale is receiving this inaugural award for her
steadfast and unremitting commitment to saving and finding foster homes
for abandoned, abused and relinquished animals from both South and North
Carolina, where there are a large number of kill shelters; and

WHEREAS, Each year in the United States, six to eight million dogs
and cats are placed in shelters, and three to four million of them are
euthanized because they are unable to be placed in homes; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Lucia DeNatale founded Take Me Home Pet Rescue;
since then, this valuable organization has placed more than 2,000 dogs
in loving homes in the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New
Jersey; through her tireless efforts, she has helped eliminate the
unnecessary deaths of numerous adoptable animals while enhancing the
lives of people as well; and

WHEREAS, For the last four years, Lucia DeNatale has travelled down
south and negotiated with high kill shelters to bring their animals up
north, whether it be in a rented van or through the compassion of a
network of truckers, the dogs arrive in southern Ulster county ready to
find kindness and a safe haven with a new owner; and

WHEREAS, Many of the dogs face a variety of medical issues such as
an inability to walk, respiratory infections, pneumonia, viruses and
fevers; fortunately, Veterinarian Richard Solomons graciously treats
these vulnerable animals at cost or free of charge; and

WHEREAS, Once the dogs are found to be in good health, Take Me Home
Pet Rescue finds them a warm and comfortable forever home that have been
carefully screened and has passed a rigorous background check; and

WHEREAS, The success of Take Me Home Pet Rescue is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled

enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by
Lucia DeNatale over many years of sacrifice and dedication to the dogs
in high kill shelters in the Carolinas; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lucia DeNatale upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Outstanding Person of the Year Award by Middlehope Veterinary
Hospital on April 8, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lucia DeNatale.