Those who work to improve the lives of animals know that it's an often frustrating effort, marked more by setbacks than anything else.

So it's great when a group of like-minded animal lovers can come together to simply celebrate and acknowledge that there have been successes along the way, despite what sometimes seems like insurmountable odds.

Last Sunday, Animal Protection of New Mexico celebrated 30 years of working toward the humane treatment of all animals at The Chalk Farm Gallery on Canyon Road. Owner Suhanna Gibson, a well-known animal advocate — or as some would put it, a soft touch — opened up her gallery for the group, which was originally founded in Santa Fe as Sangre de Cristo Animal Protection.

Close to 200 people turned up to show their support for the group, which is known for forming coalitions to help strengthen laws to protect animals and working with communities on education and awareness. Lisa Jennings, the executive director, was naturally giddy about the turnout and the joyous occasion — so much so that she spilled her drink on her dress while chatting with Mayor David Coss.

Aside from Coss, other dignitaries included Attorney General Gary King, actor Ali MacGraw and Ray Powell, a former land commissioner who now works with the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research Education and Conservation. Powell announced that he's also making another run for state land commissioner.

While acknowledging the good work of APNM, many speakers made it clear that humane treatment of animals benefits humans as much as critters. If you can love and take care of domestic or wild animals, you're much more likely to do a better taking care of your fellow human, or so it seems.

We'll be taking a more in-depth look at the views of some of our public officials in the next few weeks, as once again, I've run out of space. Stay tuned; it should be interesting food for thought.

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The Wildlife Center will host Green Living Project's special multimedia presentation Thursday on sustainability across South America.

The free premiere of the presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Arroyo Seco Center, 19 Wheat Street, south of Española. The special event features door prizes from National Geographic Adventure, Timberland, Gregory Packs, Keen Footware, Clif Bar and more.

The presentation, described as a must-see for any adventure traveler, South American enthusiast or sustainability advocate, features eight sustainability projects across tropical rain forests, mountains and rivers and ocean regions of Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

The Green Living Project has documented more than 20 projects across seven countries. For more information, call the Wildlife Center at 505-753-9505, or visit the Green Living Project's Web site at www.greenlivingproject.com.

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Here's proof that canine lovers walk the talk. Last Sunday's fall cleanup at the Frank Ortiz Park was a woofing success, according to organizers. About 170 people showed up during three hours of the bi-annual event, and scooped up more than 500 grocery-sized bags of garbage and dog doo.

There were many more people who cleaned up before and after the event, and several who helped out were visitors from out of town who come to Santa Fe in part because of the off-leash park, said Pam Geyer, one of the Friends of the Dog Park.

"The event was a happy one for dogs and humans alike," Geyer said, "and the weather was perfect. We hope that, in addition to cleaning up the park, the event will raise consciousness of all who walk there daily that we need to pick up poop and garbage on a daily basis."

The cleanup was a joint effort between the loosely knit dog park group, City of Santa Fe Parks, Open Space and Watershed and Keep Santa Fe Beautiful.

If you missed the effort, don't worry, just start cleaning up on your walk. There will be another coordinated cleanup effort in the spring.