10 year-old urges states to recognize shelter dogs in law

This year Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed legislation that declared the "adoptable dog" the state dog of Georgia.

"By naming the adoptable dog Georgia’s official state dog, this state symbol will serve as a reminder to our citizens that there are thousands of animals in shelters across our state that are in need of loving homes," said bill sponsor Rep. Joe Wilkinson. 

Rob Macmillan, a ten year-old from Georgia who advocates for shelter animals through a magazine column and website, then wrote to the National Conference of State Legislatures, "How about we try to make the state dog of all the states that don’t have a state dog a shelter dog?" 

New Hampshire does already have a state dog, the Chinook, although the Legislature could vote to change that.

In the past legislators have opposed bills to add official state animals to New Hampshire's laws. They argue it is a waste of time and tax dollars.