WHY HUMANE EDUCATION?
There is a link between kindness to animals
and creating nurturing relationships with others.
When Education Outreach Director Sherry Mangold staffed APNM’s Animal Cruelty Helpline, she took calls from all over New Mexico. Calls about chained dogs. Abandoned cats. Dogs left outside to shiver in the cold. Wildlife caught in traps and snares. Sherry saw that lasting change for animals could only come from transforming how we think about, live with, and care for the beings with whom we share our world. The Animal Connection was born, teaching compassion and responsibility for animals right in New Mexico classrooms.
From In-Person Programs
to Virtual: A History of
The Animal Connection
From the first pilot program in Valencia County
in 2011, The Animal Connection has grown to reach thousands of
school children in seven public school districts as well as learners of all
ages in community centers, correctional facilities, and other venues statewide.
The Covid-19 pandemic prompted the creation of the online curricula. With original videos produced by AntiGravity Films in Albuquerque, the virtual Animal Connection (grades 3-8) and Animal Connection Jr. (K-2) courses cover the same content as the in-person lessons.
Now, educators across New Mexico can share the life-changing lesson of compassion for animals. For more information on enrolling, contact César Díaz, Humane Education Virtual Program Manager, cesar@apnm.org.
The Covid-19 pandemic prompted the creation of the online curricula. With original videos produced by AntiGravity Films in Albuquerque, the virtual Animal Connection (grades 3-8) and Animal Connection Jr. (K-2) courses cover the same content as the in-person lessons.
Now, educators across New Mexico can share the life-changing lesson of compassion for animals. For more information on enrolling, contact César Díaz, Humane Education Virtual Program Manager, cesar@apnm.org.
MEET OUR
HUMANE EDUCATION TEAM
Sherry Mangold
Education Outreach Director
Sherry Mangold is
a retired New Mexico secondary teacher and the recipient of a Golden Apple
Award for teacher excellence. She developed The Animal Connection
curriculum. Sherry works with law enforcement and community leaders to
instill humane values among young people. She is also an evaluator, facility
trainer, and therapy dog handler for the Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers.
Sherry works with rescued greyhounds, Galgos, and troubled shelter dogs. In the
classroom, she is assisted by her registered therapy dogs, Whitaker, Perkins,
Erizo, and Knuckles Malone.
César Díaz
Humane Education Virtual Program Manager
César Díaz moved to New Mexico from Austin, Texas, in 2020. He has worked in nonprofits and at universities in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona as a program designer and curriculum developer focused on K-12. He loves reading books and the outdoors. César is passionate about supporting shelter programs that find homes for unwanted pets. He adopts and cares for unwanted senior dogs. César looks forward to furthering the mission of humane education with Animal Protection New Mexico.
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Who is Rico Suave?
Education Director Sherry Mangold remembers one
of The Animal Connection's most memorable therapy dogs.
Rico came to me from the defunct Tucson, Arizona,
dog track. In his last race, the #9 dog ran into his front
shoulder, and at speeds averaging 40 mph, Rico somersaulted three times,
injuring his neck.
Those who rely on greyhounds for their livelihood do not spend their money on a veterinarian bill if the chances are the dog will no longer be a contender. So, I adopted Rico and his veterinary bill. Rico became Rico Suave on our way home. He leaned over my shoulder and licked my neck, ear, and cheek for the first 40 miles. In time, I realized there was something very special about him. He loved children.
After extensive training for therapy dog work, Rico began accompanying me, and together we brought The Animal Connection Jr. lessons into kindergarten and 1st-grade classes throughout Albuquerque. Rico much preferred his second career. For nine years, Rico assisted me in teaching children how to safely approach a dog and give a treat. They loved him, and he loved them.
Rico lived to be 13 years old, pretty good for a greyhound, but never, never long enough. These video lessons were produced in his memory.
Those who rely on greyhounds for their livelihood do not spend their money on a veterinarian bill if the chances are the dog will no longer be a contender. So, I adopted Rico and his veterinary bill. Rico became Rico Suave on our way home. He leaned over my shoulder and licked my neck, ear, and cheek for the first 40 miles. In time, I realized there was something very special about him. He loved children.
After extensive training for therapy dog work, Rico began accompanying me, and together we brought The Animal Connection Jr. lessons into kindergarten and 1st-grade classes throughout Albuquerque. Rico much preferred his second career. For nine years, Rico assisted me in teaching children how to safely approach a dog and give a treat. They loved him, and he loved them.
Rico lived to be 13 years old, pretty good for a greyhound, but never, never long enough. These video lessons were produced in his memory.
Our mission is to advocate the rights of animals by effecting
systemic change, resulting
in the humane treatment
of all animals.
systemic change, resulting
in the humane treatment
of all animals.
Animal Protection New
Mexico (APNM) is a statewide nonprofit animal advocacy
organization. Founded in 1979, APNM works to develop policies, infrastructure,
and services that protect animals and strengthen our communities. Together with
our legislative arm, Animal Protection Voters, APNM designs and implements
smart, pragmatic solutions to long-standing problems involving animals. Our
vision is to make humane the new normal in New Mexico and beyond. Visit apnm.org to learn more.