The BAF Humane Education Program is committed to inspiring empathy and compassion for animals and all living creatures through quality teaching programs for schools and community organizations serving children resulting in responsible pet ownership and the reduction of animal cruelty and neglect. The program is a partnership between Bark Avenue Foundation and author/teacher Lisa Wiehebrink. The foundation of this program was built from Wiehebrink’s children’s book – “Love Me Gently – A Kids Guide for Man’s Best Friend” and in collaboration with Lisa Potiker (Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, M.A. Special Education) and Lollie Ragana (Professor, California State University Los Angeles.
Why Is Empathy Important?
The US National Parent-Teacher Association Congress states: “Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations to one another. Character training along these lines in youths will result in men and women of broader sympathies; more humane, more law-abiding in every respect more valuable citizens.”
The BAF Humane Education Program addresses the growing need for respect and compassion for companion animals and all living creatures within our world. This program prepares teachers with the instruction and support needed to build a healthy foundation for compassion, healthy connections, and a connection to one’s empathetic emotions.
What Does the Humane Education Program Do? Love Me Gently Felt Board
Trains LAUSD K-2 teachers and community members in Humane Education programming.
The Humane Education Program curriculum:
Teaches kindness and patience to children by fostering the bond between child and animal, building a solid foundation with which to practice positive relationships and lifelong skills.
Empowers children through their own choices and to encourage responsibility for the proper care and treatment of pets in their homes thus reducing animal cruelty and neglect.
Curbs the pet overpopulation problem by educating children and their families about spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership, and promoting pet adoption.
Special thanks to our partner schools, teachers, and sponsors including Art Felt and Love Me Gently.
To inquire about BAF’s Humane Education Program please contact us for additional information and training schedule.
