ABOUT
BONNER FAMILY
FOUNDATION

The Foundation was founded in late 2016 by Carl & Vivian Bonner to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexico’s companion animals. Specifically, reduce the suffering resulting from the abuse, neglect and ignorance of those responsible for their well-being. Their intentions were memorialized in the Bonner Family Foundation Strategic Plan. It is helpful to review the Founders’ intent before proceeding.  “We believe that animals come into our lives, our homes and our families with feelings and emotional needs, just like us. These feelings and needs are the common ground in which the powerful bonds with our pets take root. We care for these wonderful creatures with love and affection, and they soon become part of the family group. Most are totally dependent upon us, not just for their physical survival, but also their emotional needs. They want to belong. We would like to believe that all humans would give the animals in their care the same love and generosity that they give us, but sadly this is not the case. It is the mission of this Foundation to try and help repair the damage caused by neglect, abuse and mistreatment of these animals. The need is enormous. While there are many who are dedicated to healing this damage, there are simply not enough resources to save and heal every animal’s wounds.  The Bonner Family Foundation aims to make a difference in our state, New Mexico. Our goal is to help those animals who are not just physically dependent on humans, but those who are socially and psychologically dependent on us. First, we will support spay and neuter programs that can’t do as much as they could because of a lack of resources. This is the priority because the overpopulation of companion animals is the root cause of much suffering. We also support those who rescue and rehabilitate abused and abandoned animals and help them with veterinary expenses. But the heart of our work is to help those who foster and find loving homes for animals who have lost their place in the human world. Be it that their humans became infirm or passed away or moved to a home where pets were not allowed, many of these animals have deep and longstanding relationships to a family. Because many of these animals are older, they are less likely to be adopted. Sadly, many are euthanized.  We are also passionate about those remarkable dogs that undergo rigorous training to serve disabled humans. We will support such programs, as well as educational efforts in schools to help develop the consciousness that dogs, cats and other pets are part of our family, not chattel property like livestock. We are grateful to Carl & Vivian Bonner for their dedication to the many animals they have cared for in their lives, and for making the Foundation a lasting legacy to continue their good work well into the future.”