For Immediate Release
February 3, 2016
Photo Release: APV Brings Therapy Dogs to Roundhouse to Raise Awareness for Animals in New Mexico
One of the most effective ways to improve the lives of New Mexico’s animals is to help enact laws that protect them now and in the future. The Roundhouse is the place where that kind of systemic change happens. On February 2, 2016, Animal Protection Voters (APV) came to the New Mexico legislative session with three therapy dogs, who participate in The Animal Connection program. This program, along with all of Animal Protection of New Mexico and APV’s initiatives, strives to create systemic change for the humane treatment of animals. When children are taught how to treat animals humanely, they also learn to treat people with compassion. They grow up into voters who care deeply for animals, people and the community. This is why APV is in both the classrooms and the Roundhouse.
The dogs in the Roundhouse brought much needed stress-relief to those working hard in the Roundhouse during this 30-day session.
Can I sign, too? Even therapy dog Dennis was so concerned about killing contests that he wanted to sign APV’s petition to ban killing contests in the state of New Mexico.
Kids are naturally drawn to animals. Therapy dog Xena and her guardian, Cindy Wacek, humane educator for The Animal Connection, greet a group of young women as they finish their performance in the rotunda of the Roundhouse.
Dogs can help reduce stress in adults. Rico, a therapy dog that participates in The Animal Connection’s “Read to Rico” lesson, elicits smiles from everyone he meets, including Marisa Sleeter.
Dogs can help reduce anxiety in kids. A young boy finds a quiet moment with therapy dog Xena, as the bustle of the Roundhouse carries on behind them.
The human-animal bond is strong. Stopping for conversation, Rico the therapy dog helps Humane Education program director Sherry Mangold tell Phil Carter how the human-animal bond been shown to reduce depression and anxiety.
Therapy dogs allow us to take time for ourselves. With a kiss and some snuggles, Rico the therapy dog offers Deborah Torza a break from working on legislative issues.
Animals impact entire communities. Rico the therapy dog and Humane Education program director Sherry Mangold discuss how The Animal Connection impacts communities. The children in the program often go home and teach their parents, siblings, friends and neighbors the lessons they have learned about dog safety and compassion for animals.
