Rancho Cordova honors service dogs and marks Prostate Care Nurse Awareness Month

The Rancho Cordova City Council read proclamations recognizing National Service Dog Month and Prostate Care Nurse Awareness Month during its meeting.

Mayor Gatewood presented a proclamation for Canine Companions, citing the nonprofit’s work training and supporting service dogs available at no cost to recipients. A local volunteer introduced as Jody Groves described the volunteer pipeline and training timeline, saying the dogs "stay with us puppy raisers about a year and 0.5, 16 to 18 months, and then they go off to professional training." The mayor also acknowledged the organization’s local volunteer network and encouraged residents to consider puppy-raising and other volunteer roles.

The council also observed Prostate Care Nurse Awareness Month. In announcing the proclamation the mayor cited national and state estimates discussed at the meeting and encouraged testing. A local survivor who has taken part in the city’s annual outreach urged men to get screened and described his experience: "If you get tested early, your early stage, your chances are gonna get treatment… and you're gonna be a survivor," he said. He thanked the clerk’s office and city staff for supporting the annual event.

Both proclamations were ceremonial and informational; no council action was required.