Recognizing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Hi everyone!

This month is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month. One way to support our animal friends is to adopt! Did you know that about 3.2 million pets get adopted each year? Maybe you could help one of those pets get adopted! I adopted a dog this month from the Companion Pet Rescue in Southbury, CT.

Meet Joey, my 7-year-old Beagle. He loves to run, is very sweet, and he brings so much joy to our home. We love him so much!

Have a great day!

From your friends at the Connecticut Democracy Center...

Throughout the month of April, we shared on social media how students who have run for Connecticut's Kid Governor planned to help animals. Students ran on platforms focused on everything from preventing animal abuse to promoting the adoption of shelter animals. During 2017 CTKG Jessica's term, she worked with the Connecticut Humane Society to promote food collections for local shelters and pounds. The Connecticut Humane Society is a great place to not only donate food but to adopt a pet to join your family! Learn more about adopting a pet here.

Back to School!

Hello everyone! 

The school year is right around the corner. Who’s excited? I know I am!

Going to school everyday means that if you have a pet, they might get lonely. So when you get home from school or work you should play with your pet, or just acknowledge that they are there. Petting them or giving them a treat will really make them feel appreciated. Watch my Responsible Pet Ownership video to learn about more ways that you can be a responsible pet owner!

I hope everyone has a great school year! If you have any questions or know someone who has done something to help animals, please email me at CKGJessica@ct.kidgovernor.org. Have a great day and make sure to help animals, those without a voice!

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,

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, 

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, 

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! 

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

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

A Message from Connecticut's Kid Governor Jessica Brocksom

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Brocksom and I am honored to have been elected as your 2017 Connecticut's Kid Governor. Welcome to my blog, Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice. 

I look forward to the year ahead and sharing great ideas and suggestions about how we can be kind to animals and prevent animal cruelty. For instance, my school recycled bottles and the money went to our local animal shelter to help a dog who needed eye surgery. 

I would love to hear all the great things that you are doing to help animals. You can email me and share your ideas at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org. You can also visit CT.KidGovernor.org for more about the Connecticut's Kid Governor program and my platform. 

I can’t wait to hear from all of you and be sure to check back for new blog posts!

- Jessica