Friday, December 8, 2017

A busy November at the ASPCA's Humane Awards Luncheon and a Ms President US program!

Hello everybody! I have had an exciting few weeks. I went to New York for the ASPCA's Humane Awards Luncheon and I went to Ridgefield, CT to speak to a group of girls participating in a program called Ms President US. So let me tell you all about both experiences!

My ASPCA Kid of the Year Award!

Giving my award acceptance speech on-stage and sharing my work to help animals during my term as Connecticut's Kid Governor. 

The ASPCA, which stands for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, holds the Humane Awards Luncheon every year in New York City. They recognize heroic animals as well as people who help animals. The Tommy. P Monahan Kid of the Year Award honors one kid for their hard work with helping animals. I am so honored to be their 2017 Kid of the Year! You can read about all of the 2017 award winners HERE.

Me with Tommy's parents, Tom and Maria Monahan. 

When I went to New York, I met the family of Tommy P. Monahan. Tommy was a nine-year-old boy from Staten Island, NY who went into his burning house to save his dog's life. Sadly, Tommy died in the fire. The Kid of the Year Award is named in his honor, and Tommy's family sat at my table.

All of the 2017 Humane Awards recipients (both people and animals!).

There are other amazing pets and people being honored, too. Like the Cat of the Year named Flame, and the Dog of the Year named Rescue. Flame was a malnourished kitten who now lives in a fire station and is a pet to all the fire fighters. Rescue lives with Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes who were both affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. Rescue helps them feel good and makes sure they go out and stay active. These two pets are amazing but wait until you hear about what the other people out there are doing.

Selfie with my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Stuart and Mr. C from Connecticut's Kid Governor who attended the luncheon with me. 

The human winners were Judy Obregon who received the Citizen Hero Award, the Mission K9 Rescue who received the Henry Burgh Award, and Elaine Nash who received the Equine Welfare Award. They have done so many great things for animals. They all have been saving hundreds of animals and it's unbelievable. The ASPCA Awards were amazing and it was such a great opportunity. I am so inspired from all the stories that I heard there and I hope you all are too. What these people have done for animals is beyond any expectations. They are truly amazing. I had such a great time speaking and meeting new people. I especially loved meeting the family of Tommy. P Monahan. They were so kind and sweet. I thank them and the ASPCA for this huge honor.

Me with Ms. Liz Osterhus Fleuette, the founder of Ms President US.

Our panel discussion at the Ms President US program.

I also went to the Ridgefield Library to meet with a group called Ms President US. Ms President US is a group that encourages girls to play an important role in their community and inspires them to run for political office. It was so cool to meet the girls and be a panelist along with Miss Connecticut Teen Ananya Kachru, Connecticut State Senator Toni Boucher, and Connecticut State Representatuve Joan Hartley. These other woman also have big roles and they are very inspiring. Thank you girls for all you do for people and animals.

The elementary and middle school girls who attended the program!

Make sure to email me all the great things you're doing at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org. Have a great day and make sure to keep helping animals, those without a voice.

Your Kid Governor,

Thursday, November 30, 2017

2018 Connecticut's Kid Governor-Elect Megan Kasperowski


On Tuesday, November 21, 5th Graders across Connecticut found out who will serve as the next Connecticut's Kid Governor. With 6,100 registered voters and seven candidates, students elected Megan Kasperowski of Portland to be the 2018 Connecticut's Kid Governor. Megan ran on a campaign to raise awareness about Cancer, saying Tuesday that she thinks it is a "huge issue in our community and that people are dying too often from this terrible disease. I want to help those suffering with cancer and make their days happier.”

Megan will be the third Connecticut's Kid Governor, succeeding Jessica Brocksom of Milford. Megan will be inaugurated in January at a ceremony at Connecticut's Old State House. 

You can check out the Connecticut's Kid Governor website for updates and more information about Megan's term.



Full coverage of the announcement of the 2018 Connecticut's Kid Governor.


Megan's campaign video about cancer awareness. 

Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Statewide Election for the 2018 Kid Governor is underway!


The 2017 Statewide Election for the 2018 Connecticut’s Kid Governor is underway! 

After receiving a record-breaking number of nominees this year, seven students were selected to be this year’s Statewide Election Candidates. These students were nominated by the 5th graders in their schools and now it is YOUR turn to decide who will be the next Kid Governor!

Each candidate has created a campaign video outlining why he or she wants to be Connecticut’s Kid Governor; what leadership qualities he/she has; what community issue is important to him or her and way; and a three-point plan outlining ways for Connecticut’s 5th graders to make a difference around that issue.

We are pleased to announce that the candidates for the 2017 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Statewide Election are: 


A’aliyah: Bullying
Dillon: Bullying
Gwyn: Child Poverty
Liliana: Making the Elderly Feel Valued
Madison: Kindness
Megan: Cancer
Nathaniel: Eliminating Styrofoam Trays

You can watch the candidates’ campaign videos here.

Good luck to all of the Connecticut’s Kid Governor candidates! Polls close on Tuesday, November 14 at 5:00pm. Look for the announcement of the next Kid Governor soon!

Thursday, October 19, 2017

October "Shout Outs" to Kids Helping Animals!

I have some shout outs for kids who visited my Kid Governor's Office at Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford and shared how they want to be kind to animals through my animal cut-out activity:

  • Sarah said "I can learn about what animals need to be healthy."
  • Chelsey wrote "I can serve my time to a local animal shelter."
  • Camillo wrote "I can put a container of water in the street on hot days to help street dogs or cats" 
  • Dylan said "I can try to make a food organization for animals."
  • Brenna wrote "I can make donations to the animal shelters."
  • Grace said "I can make an effort to not leave trash outside because I know it can hurt an animal." 
  • Jerick said "I can give money to charities that help abused animals."
  • Julia wrote "I can do a can and bottle drive to raise money to donate to the animal shelters."
Reading the animal cut-outs visitors have left in my office at the Old State House!

Another huge shout out to Elena Tipton the 2016 Connecticut's Kid Governor for going to my office and picking out some great cut outs from kids across the state.


2016 Kid Governor Elena in the Kid Governor's Office at the Old State House

If you want to get a shout out just email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Have a great day and keep helping animals, those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor, 


Friday, October 13, 2017

My interview with seven-year-old animal activist Eloise!

Hello everyone!

Recently, I interviewed a girl named Eloise. She is seven years old and from my hometown of Milford. She painted pictures of animals, sold them and donated the money to the animal shelter. She's a very inspiring girl and I have no doubt that she will help many people and animals in the future. Watch my interview with Eloise below!


Are you raising money for animals in your community? Let me know! Email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org to tell me how you are helping animals!

Your Kid Governor,

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Helping Animals After Hurricane Harvey

Hey guys!

As you may have heard, Texas is currently flooded and covered in water after Hurricane Harvey. So many people and animals are being found and rescued. The shelters are so full of animals and they really need your help to find as many of the animals as possible a loving home. My friends at the Connecticut Humane Society have sent down ten people to Texas to help rescue animals and find them a new home. They are also excepting a few animals to come up to our Humane Society so people from Connecticut can give these pets a loving home right here! I am also happy to see the Humane Society of the United States, who I met with when I was in Washington, D.C. in June, has volunteers on the front lines helping with animal rescue in Texas.

Photo: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images

If you really want to help the animal shelters down in Texas, there are a few things you can do. First, if you can, you can donate to the animal shelters, the ASPCA, or the Texas Humane Society in Houston. You can mail donations to them or call and ask how you can best help! If you still want to help but can't donate anything, you can help raise awareness with friends and family too!

Thank you guys for staying updated on all my blog posts and make sure to keep helping animals, those that are voice! 

Have a great day!

Your Kid Governor, 


Friday, September 8, 2017

Animal Bills Becoming Laws

Hello everyone!

School has just started and I am so excited. I spent time this summer on my Summer Library Circuit and it went great! I had so much fun at each library!

In April I looked at some bills about animals and recently looked again to see which laws had passed and which didn't. In April I joined Diana Urban to advocating for a bill that would let children who are testifying in certain criminal cases use therapy animals to provide comfort. I am proud to say that this bill and one other animal bill passed into law!
  1. HB-6999:A law that allows children to use therapy dogs for comfort while testifying in certain criminal cases.
  2. HB-6334: A law that requires animal shelters to be registered and inspected.
Watch our Animal Therapy Day press conference at the Capitol from April. The bill we were advocating for was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Malloy!

Not all of the bills that I supported passed. Here are a few of my favorite bills that I will keep advocating for.
  1. HB-6326: A law that makes the act of selling ivory in CT illegal. 
  2. HB-6339: A law making the act of giving cows, pigs, and hens too little space illegal. 
  3. HB-5988: A law that saves someone from a fine or jail time if they break property saving an animal. 
  4. SB-602: A law that makes sure that animals in shelters or pounds are being treated humanely. 
I hope that these bills will get passed in the future. Until then, I will keep contacting my legislators. You can too! You can learn how to write to elected officials HERE

Next, I have a few shout outs to some people who wrote on my cut outs at the Old State House! Braden said "stopping people from destroying trees" is an important topic. Brianna wrote that we should "feed all hungry animals and help any animals in trouble". Phillip said he wants to "take care of strays and lost animals". Mary Beth also wrote "make sure that your animals have water outside!" Guys, keep on writing and making a difference!

Make sure to email me all you're doing out there! You can contact me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org.

Have an awesome day and keep helping animals, those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor, 

Friday, September 1, 2017

Add Your Name to CKG Jessica's "Responsible Pet Owner Pledge"!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Earlier this year CKG Jessica visited the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. While there, she pledged to be a responsible dog owner by signing her name to the American Kennel Club’s “Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise!

Jessica signing AKC's "Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise"

While the AKC “Pet Promise” is specifically for dog owners, it’s just as important for anyone who owns any pet – a dog, cat, horse, bird, lizard, pig, or anything else – to understand the huge responsibility they take on as guardian of another living being.

Your pet is TOTALLY dependent on you for fresh food, water, daily exercise, visits to the vet, and – just as importantly – giving it the kind of attention that will allow it to live a fulfilled and happy life. For some animals, that could mean training them to learn how to behave around people and other animals; that’s called socialization. By spending time teaching your pet good behavior, you’re creating a better member of society. The time we spend on training our pets to perform tricks or follow commands helps build trust and respect between us and our furry, feathered or scaly friends – and the satisfaction that comes from that kind of relationship is the best reward of all!

After visiting with the dogs (and cats!) at Westminster, CKG Jessica was inspired to create her own pledge for ALL pet owners! She hopes that you will join her in committing to the following acts of responsible pet ownership for all of your pets:

I promise…
  • I will always provide a safe environment for my pet. 
  • I will always make sure they have fresh clean water and healthy food every day! 
  • I will make sure to always take them to the vet for their checkups, keep them updated on all their vaccines and bring them to the doctor when they are sick. 
  • I will play with them and make sure they get plenty of exercise! 
  • I will love them and treat them with respect. I will remember that they have feelings too! 

A community member signing Jessica's "Responsible Pet Owner Pledge" during her Summer Library Circuit.

Add your name to Jessica’s pledge by emailing her at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org or posting a comment below - you’ll get a shout-out on one of her blog posts!

You can download a copy of Jessica's Pet Pledge HERE. Feel free to share it with friends and others in the community! 

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Recap of my Summer Library Circuit!

Hello everyone! School is just around the corner and I’m so excited.

Last month, I held my Summer Library Circuit and visited public libraries across the state. The Circuit went great and I had so much fun at each library.

Speaking at the Russell Library in Middletown.

So many people came out to the Hartford Public Library, the Russell Library in Middletown, and the Milford Public Library and we all had a great time. I shared my Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice campaign, explained what I have been doing during my term as Connecticut's Kid Governor, and told attendees about responsible pet ownership. After my presentation, kids and adults participated in my Helping Animals activity and signed my Responsible Pet Owner Pledge.

Families who came to hear my presentation at the Hartford Public Library.

Families participating in my animal activities at the Russell Library.


I was also able to meet therapy dogs Gizmo, Bennie Boo Beags and Spartacus Chooch - they are cute pups who came to hear my presentation and meet my constituents. If you have Facebook, you should follow them.

Me with Bennie Boo Beags, Spartacus Chooch, Gizmo, and their owners at the Milford Public Library.

If you missed my Summer Library Circuit,  you can watch recordings of my visits by clicking the links below. You can also download my PowerPoint HERE.


Make sure to email me all the great things you're doing out there to help animals at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Keep helping animals, those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Today is International Cat Day!

Hi guys! Did you know that today is International Cat Day? I don’t encourage you to beg your parents for a cat, but I do encourage you to help cats in your community.



If you have spare time, ask your parents if you can volunteer at a shelter or pound to play with or feed the cats or maybe dogs. You can also click HERE to learn about and start planning a drive to collect items needed at your local shelter or pound. Anything is helpful!

Cats need your help. Make sure to email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org and tell me about all the great things that you or your friends and family are doing.

You all are doing great work! Keep helping animals, those without a voice. Thank you!

Acts of kindness towards cats suggested by visitors to my office at Connecticut's Old State House!



Saturday, July 29, 2017

My Visit to Washington, D.C.!

Hey everyone! How is your summer going? I have been going to libraries across the state teaching kids, adults, and teachers all about my platform, the Kid Governor program, what I’m doing as Kid Governor, and how you can help.  Look out for a blog post on my Summer Library Circuit later this summer! I will also be making my presentation on responsible pet ownership to send into all the schools of Connecticut very soon.

Me in front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.!

I recently visited Washington, D.C. to meet with Connecticut’s congresspeople about my platform of Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice and to learn about proposed bills in Congress that impact animals. It was amazing to see the U.S. Capitol and the White House for the first time ever! I also got to see the Hart Senate Office Building, which is where U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal work. I was able to meet with both Sen. Murphy and Sen. Blumenthal to learn about their jobs in the Senate and the issues they care about. They were excited to learn about my platform and share why they think animals deserve a voice!


I met with Sen. Chris Murphy (top) inside the U.S. Capitol and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (below) in his office on Capitol Hill. 

I also got to meet with my U.S. Representative, Rosa DeLauro, who is incredibly inspiring. She told me to “fight for what you believed in; not with fists, but with knowledge.” She, too, is an animal lover and has worked hard to speak up for animals. It was an awesome experience!

I met with Rep. Rosa DeLauro (above) in her office on Capitol Hill to discuss my platform.

While I was in D.C., I also met with staff from the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund. They gave me a tour of their office and told me all about the legislation they are supporting and working on. They even knew about Senators Blumenthal and Murphy and Representative DeLauro because they are strong advocates for animals in Congress! The people we met with were very passionate about helping animals and are giving animals across the country a voice.

Meeting with staff from the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society legislative Fund in their national headquarters. 

You can see more photos from my trip to Washington, D.C. and Capitol Hill at facebook.com/CTKidGovernor and twitter.com/CTKidGovernor.

In other news, I would like to give a shout out to 11 year old Sahara Behpour, who organized an animal awareness day at her local Stop & Shop on Sunday, June 25. Sahara raised $360.79 along with many donations of cat and dog food, toys, treats, pet carriers, used towels, and blankets. She gave it all to her local animal food bank. Her act of kindness is helping so many animals. Way to go Sahara! Keep doing all the great work that you do for animals in Connecticut.

Anyone else who is doing good things – even just donating a dollar or a can of food to an animal  shelter or pound – make sure to email me all the great things you’re doing! You can contact me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org and I’ll give you a shout out right here on my blog. I can’t wait to hear from everyone. Have a great day, and keep helping those without a voice!


Your Kid Governor,


Thursday, June 15, 2017

A "Heat Kills" campaign in Milford

Hi guys!

I have had a busy but exciting few weeks! I have been working with my State Representative Pam Staneski on a program called "Heat Kills." "Heat Kills" is a campaign to educate people about why you shouldn't lock animals in cars. In Connecticut, it is illegal to leave animals in cars in the extreme heat or cold, but some people don’t listen. Some people just forget and could get in big trouble. Below is an infographic from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) about the dangers of locking pets in cars which gave us a lot of information for our campaign. They also have a flyer you can read HERE.


We are trying to raise awareness about our "Heat Kills" campaign and the dangers of heat to animals by putting signs all over Milford. We are selling signs that businesses can put in parking lots and bumper stickers for people to put on their cars. Milford Mayor Ben Blake is a big supporter as well as the Animal Control Officer Scott Ellingson. City Clerk Joanne Rohrig even included a "Heat Kills" flyer we created in all of the mailings to dog owners who need to renew their dog licenses! The Tesla company in Milford donated $400 to our project to buy signs for the community.

We even held a press conference at my school, John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Milford, last Thursday to announce our new project. You can watch the press conference below and read an article from the Milford Mirror HERE.



Your town or city might already have "Heat Kills" signs, but if not we hope you will consider starting a campaign where you live. You can email me a tCKGJessica@kidgovernor.org for more information about our project. I will also share more resources in the next few weeks.

"Heat Kills" is a very important thing to know about so that animals aren’t being left in cars, especially in the summer. If you see an animal alone in a car tell your parent to tell someone like the police about it.

If you tell someone, see someone taking action, or want to start a campaign in your town, make sure to email me.

Everyone is doing great work! Keep helping those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Helping and advocating for animals this spring!

Hey Everyone!

I've had a busy spring working on my platform Helping Animals, Those Without A Voice. I'd like to tell you what I've been up to!

A few weeks ago, I went to Pet of the Week at Fox News with Susan Wollschlager from the Connecticut Humane Society. The featured pet was a puppy named Scotty who got adopted right away! What a great way to get animals adopted. I also had the chance to share my platform with the host, Erika Arias, and viewers. You can watch our video below. 

I also visited the CT Humane Society in Newington, and met some cool dogs and cats. I also learned some really cool facts about animals, like did you know that cats only meow to people and not other cats? I met Executive Director Gordon Willard and spent time with Elizabeth Timpe, their Community Outreach Manager, learning about the animal educational programs the Humane Society does.



In April, I went up to the State Capitol in Hartford on Animal Therapy Day. They were having a press conference about a bill which they wanted to make into a law. It was about allowing animals in court to help children who are testifying. Tell me if you would vote yes or no on this bill. I had fun but learned an awful lot, too.

I also held a collection drive at my school and we collected over 500 items and $140.00 dollars that we donated to my local pound. Fun fact: we donated $50 dollars a few months ago and it helped a dog who needed eye surgery. Now Daisy the dog has been healed and adopted. Give a big huge cheer for Daisy winning her fight and my school for helping Daisy get better and find a new home.



Did your school hold a collection drive this spring? Email me how your school did, and you can get a shout out in one of my blog posts! Just email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Keep up the great work guys! Lets continue to help those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Announcing the 2017-18 Connecticut's Kid Governor Kickoff Workshop!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...


Join us for our first ever Kickoff Workshop as we officially launch Connecticut's Kid GovernorSM 2017-18! 



Wednesday, May 17, 2017 
5:00pm-7:15pm
Central Connecticut State University
Social Sciences Hall, Rooms #123 and #126
1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050


REGISTER HERE by Friday, May 12, 2017.


Come join 5th grade teachers and administrators from across the state, State Social Studies Consultant Steve Armstrong, and the staff from Connecticut's Kid Governor (CKG) to learn more about the program!


The Kickoff Workshop will feature two tracks:
  • Teachers and Administrators who are NEW to the CKG program: Get an introduction to the program; learn how your class can participate; and learn more about the program Toolkits and lesson plans. You'll also hear from Donna Stuart (CKG Jessica's teacher) about the Kid Governor program, and learn about other tools and resources to enhance your students' CKG experience! 
  • Teachers and Administrators who are RETURNING to the CKG program: Participate in a recap and discussion of the 2016-2017 program; hear from teachers who created unique, collaborative, school-wide, and even district-wide CKG experiences this past year; and develop new ideas for expanding and enriching student participation in the 2017-18 program. Bring a local high school social studies teacher along if you'd like to learn about elementary/high school collaborations!

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:
  • Full overview and scope of CKG from the program's creators! (including tips and tricks for success) 
  • Free printed copy of the "Toolkit for Classes Nominating a Candidate and Voting" (lesson plans) 
  • Free autographed copy of "E is for Election Day" book by author Gloria Davis for the first 25 registrants 
  • Insight into the Red, White & Blue Schools initiative (brought to you by the State Dept. of Education and Secretary of the State's Office 
  • Pizza and refreshments provided 

If you are interested in participating in Connecticut's Kid Governor 2017-18, taking your class' participation to the next level, or simply learning more about the program, this workshop is for you!

REGISTER HERE!

Questions? Email Brian.Cofrancesco@kidgovernor.org or visit CT.KidGovernor.org.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network and made possible in part through support from the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and Connecticut State Department of Education.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Special shout-outs to people helping animals!

I want to start by giving shout-outs to everyone who is collecting donations like toys, treats, food, blankets, or towels for their local pounds and shelters! To learn more about holding a collection drive, read my blog post "Help animals in your community by planning a spring collection drive!" or visit CT.KidGovernor.org/collection-drives.

Reading through messages left for me by students and adults in my office at the Old State House!


I would also like to give shout-outs to those who have recently visited my Kid Governor Office at Connecticut's Old State House. Students and visitors have participated in my "Helping Animals" activity by writing what they can do to help animals on paper animal cut outs. Special shout outs to:
  • Sofia Merino who said, “Less cages more freedom." How inspiring!
  • Jayla from Manchester who said she could hold a can drive. Really cool!
  • Angelica said to “treat them like family." That's very nice!
  • Camila said to “put a container with water in the streets for the stray dogs." That is very thoughtful! 

A few of the animal cut-outs left behind by visitors to my office. Read them for more ideas on how you can help animals, those without a voice!

Thank you everyone for giving great ideas about what we can do to help animals. Thank you all for all of your support. I really appreciate it!

Your Kid Governor,

Friday, April 28, 2017

Help animals in your community by planning a spring collection drive!

Hello Everyone!


Did you know that nearly every town in our state has a local pound or animal shelter? Did you know that many of these places rely on donations from community members like us to help animals in need? As part of my three-point platform, I am asking YOU to join me in holding collection drives in our schools to support our furry friends in local pounds and shelters. Because April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and May is National Pet Month, spring is the perfect time to hold a drive! 

I have a great tool to help you and your school donate to your local animal shelter. You just have to follow eight easy steps in my Collection Drive Planning Work Sheet which you can download at CT.KidGovernor.org/collection-drives

You can also watch my video filmed at the Connecticut Humane Society all about how you can plan a collection drive!


I have been working on a collection drive of my own to help the animals in my community. My school, John F. Kennedy in Milford, held a drive in late April. It was a big success and I will be sharing more in my next blog post.

Make sure to email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org to tell me how you do on your collection drive. Let’s see how many animals we can help. I can’t wait to see how we all do. So start collecting!

Your Kid Governor,





Friday, March 10, 2017

My visit to the Westminster Dog Show!

Hi guys! Last month I went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City to learn more about dogs and even cats! I was even considered a special guest and an Honorary Chair for the event!



Our day started with "Meet the Breeds" which was really fun. There were over 100 dog breeds! We visited booths about each breed and got to meet the dogs themselves. We even got to meet some cat breeds! My favorite breed I met was the Siberian Husky. What is your favorite breed of dog? Email me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org to tell me!

Me and a Siberian Husky, my favorite breed of dog!

I learned so much about dogs and cats, especially that there is a lot to being a responsible pet owner. As an Honorary Chair, I was asked to sign the American Kennel Club's "Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise." By signing, I - and other visiting legislators and government officials, promised:

  • I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog's welfare is totally dependent on me.
  • I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
  • I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
  • I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
  • I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
  • I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
  • I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog's waste. 
  • I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
  • I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog's age, breed and energy level is provided.
  • I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID.) 
  • I will adhere to local leash laws.

Signing the "Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise."


I am now in the process of researching pet pledges and creating my own Responsible Pet Owner Pledge. Check back in the coming weeks for a post about my Pledge!

After "Meet the Breeds" we watched the agility competitions. That is where the dogs do all sorts of jumps and runs and go through obstacles. It was so cool to see them.

A dog competing in the agility competition.

I want to thank Mrs. Laurie Maulucci from the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Pet Owners who coordinated my visit, and the American Kennel Club for making it an amazing experience. Everyone was very friendly, welcoming, and supportive of my platform!

Meeting Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club.

I'd also like to thank the American Kennell Club for interviewing me for an article on their website. You can read the article HERE.

For more photos of my visit to the Westminster Dog Show, check out the Connecticut's Kid Governor Facebook and Twitter pages.

Talk to you soon!

- Jessica