Year: 2024

A Lifeline for Robert & Levi: How Your Support Gave Them a Second Chance

When Robert first met Levi in 2015, he never imagined the deep bond they would share. Levi had already been through four homes, but when he came to Robert, things began to change. Originally brought in to help Robert’s father, who had suffered a stroke, it didn’t take long before Levi became Robert’s service dog, offering steadfast support through some of the toughest moments in Robert’s life.

With the training he received from Canine Caring Angels, Levi became more than just a companion — he became Robert’s protector, standing by his side through the darkest times, including the tragic loss of his son and his lingering health issues related to his military service.

But just when Robert thought things were settling into a routine, Levi faced a health crisis of his own: a torn ACL. This injury threatened to sideline Levi from the critical role he played in Robert’s life. Without the surgery, Levi wouldn’t be able to continue providing the support and protection Robert so desperately needed. The cost of the surgery was steep, but Robert wasn’t willing to give up on Levi, his lifeline.

Guardian HEALS jumped into action, determined to help. We launched a campaign to raise the $7,000 needed for Levi’s surgery, and the community responded with overwhelming generosity. Through financial assistance and extensive PR outreach, we were able to not only raise the full amount for Levi’s surgery but also gather additional funds for his rehab care afterward. The outpouring of support was a testament to the bond between Robert and Levi, and to the power of community when it comes together for a cause.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and supporters, Levi’s surgery was a success, and he is now on the road to recovery. Robert can now breathe easier knowing that his loyal companion will be back to helping him navigate life’s challenges. The financial support and media attention brought awareness to their case, and it’s because of this that Levi’s future remains bright. Robert and Levi’s bond is unbreakable, and thanks to all of you, they get to continue their journey together.

As we reflect on this success, we’re reminded of the incredible impact a community can have when it comes together to help those in need. Robert and Levi’s story is a powerful example of the difference we can make in each other’s lives. We couldn’t have done this without the love and generosity of everyone who contributed—thank you for giving Levi the chance to continue being Robert’s protector and best friend.

Honoring Spartacus: A Community’s Love in His Final Fight

Spartacus was more than just a pet. He was a lifeline for Karynil’s son, providing comfort and support in ways words can’t describe. When he needed urgent surgery, Guardian HEALS rallied to help, spreading the word and raising funds to give him the best chance possible.

Despite every effort, Spartacus sadly didn’t make it. While our hearts are heavy, we take solace in knowing that his final days were filled with love, hope, and a community that fought for him. Our deepest condolences go out to Karynil and family. Spartacus will always be remembered as the loyal, loving companion he was.

Justice for Baby: Community Support & Media Spotlight Bring Life-Saving Care

When Baby, a curious and lovable two-year-old cat, was tragically shot while roaming his neighborhood, his family was devastated.  Baby needed urgent medical attention —but his mom, Shauna, couldn’t cover the overwhelming costs alone.

Guardian HEALS jumped into action, not only helping with donations but also raising awareness to get Baby’s story the attention it deserved. Thanks in part to our PR efforts, the case was picked up by the news, leading to an outpouring of support. Because of this, Baby’s medical bills were fully funded, ensuring he received the life-saving care he needed. Baby is now on the road to recovery, and it’s all thanks to the power of community!

Keeping Hope Alive for Hannah & Lina: A Helping Hand in Their Toughest Moment

Hannah has given everything: her savings, her resources, and her hear — to save her beloved pup, Lina. After spending tens of thousands on life-saving care, she was out of options, but Lina still wasn’t in the clear. That’s where Guardian HEALS and our incredible supporters stepped in.

We helped cover crucial costs that Hannah simply couldn’t afford and spread the word to rally more support for Lina’s recovery. With the right care, Lina has a fighting chance at a full and happy life. Their journey isn’t over, but because of you, they’re one step closer to brighter days ahead! ????????

A Voice for Kristen & Pela: Spreading Hope in a Time of Need

Kristen and Pela share an unbreakable bond, but when Pela was diagnosed with a dangerous spleen mass, their time together was suddenly at risk. With limited income due to severe health struggles, Kristen gave everything she had to get Pela into surgery. Sadly though, it still wasn’t enough.

Guardian HEALS stepped in not only to provide some financial support but also to help share their story far and wide. Thanks to our incredible community, more people learned about their urgent situation, bringing in much-needed awareness and support.

While their journey isn’t over, the love and generosity of so many have given Kristen and Pela hope—and a fighting chance to stay together.

For the Love of Kitties, Leave the Lilies Alone

By Joan Eve Quinn, HEALS Program Director

Who’s not thrilled to see happy flowers popping up their cheerful heads after a long, cold winter?  In particular, lovely-looking lilies start appearing everywhere at this time of year, both indoors and out, especially as the spring holidays approach. The Easter lily, an alluring trumpet-shaped flower with waxy white petals and a distinctive scent, is a perennial favorite. 

Cats and lilies don’t mix!

But these pretty plants can be fatal to felines. These flowers don’t come with warning labels–but maybe they should!  Who knows what might pique the interest of our feline friends? Kitties that are bored, curious or attracted to a different texture or unusual scent may be tempted to taste the new lily plant addition to the home.

Beauty can be dangerous

Easter lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats, which is very serious! Some other lily culprits include:

  • Tiger Lily
  • Rubrum Lily
  • Stargazer Lily
  • Red or Wood Lily
  • Asiatic Lily
  • Japanese Show Lily
  • Day Lilies

Any Lilium or Hemerocallis species should be considered potentially poisonous to cats. Calla Lilies and Peace Lilies, which are common houseplants, can cause mouth and GI tract irritation. Lilies of the Valley, omnipresent outdoors in springtime, can cause heart arrhythmias.

A few other popular spring flowers that are dangerous to cats include daffodils, hyacinths, azaleas, and tulips.

Dog owners should be wary as well. “Dogs can have some gastrointestinal upset from ingesting lilies as well as some other flowers, but it won’t result in any fatal complications,” advises Dr. Jason Berg, board-certified veterinary neurologist/internist and HEALS Chairman of the Board.

Signs of lily toxicity in cats

Signs of poisoning develop quickly. Initial signs can appear within two hours of ingestion and include vomiting, refusal to eat, and lethargy.    

Initial symptoms may subside, but don’t be fooled. Cats will become symptomatic again within 24-96 hours as kidney failure develops. These later signs can include:

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Dehydration
  • Oral ulcers and uremic breath
  • Hypothermia
  • Increased respiration rate
  • Slowed heart rate

Life-saving veterinary treatment

The onset of kidney failure can be prevented with aggressive veterinary treatment within six hours of ingestion. Treatment includes inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal products. This therapy is followed up with intravenous fluids for at least two days. If medical treatment is delayed for longer than 18 hours, kidney failure will develop. If not treated, death will occur in as little as three to seven days. Lily toxicity is to be taken very seriously!

The safest bet

It’s best not to purchase lilies of any type indoors or outdoors if you own a cat. But even if you don’t purchase lilies, keep all flower arrangements out of the reach of curious kitties. If your me-ew likes to chew, try some fresh cat grass or catnip plants, which are available at most pet stores.   

If you think your cat may have gotten into a lily plant, seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately!  Know where your nearest 24/7 veterinary clinic is located and keep the phone number handy. For further information on this subject, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Would you like to donate to help save animals? HEALS is one of the best, most effective animal charities to donate to. Your gift provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email us at info@healspets.org.

Kolija’s Homecoming: Coming Back From the Unthinkable

Kolija is seen here making his emotional return home.

Last week we shared the sad story of Kolija, the beloved pet dog at And-Hof Animals, an upstate New York farm animal sanctuary. Tragically, Kolija was shot on purpose at close range while running away from the shooter on New Year’s day.

A police investigation is ongoing and this compelling story has been covered by major news media.

Thanks to so many of you who donated–and with HEALS’ financial aid intervention–Kolija was able to have the complex, specialized leg-conserving surgery he needed. He will have a long recovery and rehab ahead, but is doing well so far and is expected to return to normal eventually.

Please consider donating to HEALS so we can help other pets like Kolija whose owners are financially struggling and would otherwise have no other choice but to euthanize their cherished companion animal. The need is great and the costs of veterinary care have risen dramatically!
  
Thank you once again for your generous donations to help Kolija. Large or small, your contributions make a big difference in the lives of local pets and their devoted families living right here in our own communities.

HEALS is one of the best animal charities to donate to. Your donation provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community.