Andrew Tonra, Author at HEALS

Keep Your Pet Safe and Happy this Labor Day!

We hope you’re as excited as us for Labor Day weekend! Labor Day is a fantastic long weekend to spend time outside with your friends, family, and of course — pets! As we are all off to our destinations today, let’s not forget to take the necessary precautions to make sure that our pets are safe and comfortable during all Labor Day festivities.

The number one thing to be concerned with for any summer holiday and your pets is the heat.

When you’re outside with your pets, make sure that they ALWAYS have access to shade and fresh water. Never leave your pets unattended for long periods of time in the heat, and be sure to keep the air conditioning on throughout those extra hot days. Also, always watch out for signs of heat stroke. They include but are not limited to vomiting, tremors, or inability to walk. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait. Contact an emergency vet immediately.

We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car.

Many of us will be getting into our cars for a road trip this morning. We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car. The safest way to travel with your pet is with a kennel that is securely fastened with a seatbelt or seat saver. Also, Never leave your pet alone in a hot care — even if you are parked in the shade or have your windows open. Your car creates an oven-like effect that will make it hotter than the outside environment.

If you are attending a cookout, be weary of what you furry friend may get into.

Many of our favorites can be extremely harmful for our pets. Alcohol, grapes, chocolate, onions, certain nuts or even dairy items can be extremely toxic to our pets (just to name a few). Also, watch out for corn on the cob or cooked bones of any kind! Dogs are known to choke on large pieces of corn cob, and cooked bones can do severe damage to a pet that may ingest them.

Be ready for fireworks.

If you are ending your night with a display of fireworks, do your best to secure your pets somewhere quiet and safe. It is best to be with them until the loud noises are over. Fireworks are known to cause pets to take off and run away — even if your animal may never otherwise do so.

Have fun this weekend, and keep these tips in mind! Our pets are members of our family, and it is very important to always consider their needs and best practices for these kinds of scenarios.

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.

Alyne and Miyuki – Another HEALS Success Story!

Miyuki is a seven-month-old Pomeranian that means the absolute world to her mom, Alyne. Unfortunately, Miyuki broke her femur while playing at home recently. The break was so severe that surgery was required to ensure a full recovery. With veterinary bills and the cost of surgery mounting up, the situation wasn’t looking too hopeful for Miyuki. Thankfully, we connected with the two of them and were able to help out with some of the bills.

Miyuki, Alyne’s emotional support animal, is such a young and playful dog, full of energy and love. It means a lot to us to be able to help her get the care she needs to live her life to the fullest.

We spoke with Alyne and she has reported that the operation went as planned and Miyuki is already at home and back to her normal self. Though the healing process will take some time, Miyuki is expected to make a full recovery, and the two can enjoy each other’s company in the meantime.

Miyuki and Alyne have a very special bond. Miyuki has helped Alyne through some tough times. In return, Alyne would do anything for her beautiful little pup. We’re humbled to be part of this life-saving process to keep people and pets together longer. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has donated to us. Your donations go directly towards helping families just like this one.

First Annual Healing Hearts Gala – November 2022

Our first annual Healing Hearts Gala was a roaring success. Thank you so much to our sponsors, guests, volunteers, and everyone who had a hand in bringing this magical night together! We are energized and ready to keep this train going – carrying out our mission of keeping pets and families together. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all so much. See you at the next one! Full photo album is below.

More Lives Changed Thanks to HEALS!

Gavroche is a three-year-old French Bulldog who is the center of his loving family’s lives. A few weeks ago, his family noticed that he was having trouble walking and breathing. They took him to the Emergency Vet and learned that Gavroche was having problems with his spine. Things were progressing quickly and emergency surgery was needed in order to save his life.

Gavroche’s family frantically searched for a way to fund the Surgery, and that’s where HEALS came into play! We were able to help fund the surgery and also help to connect Gavroche’s family with other organizations that were able to help as well.

The surgery was a success and Gavroche has been slowly and steadily improving from his very serious condition. It is unclear whether or not Gavroche will make a full recovery, but the important part is that he is still here with his loving family.

It’s absolutely heartwarming to see the lengths his family went to make sure that Gravroche was able to receive the veterinary care he needed, and we are honored to have played any part at all.

Sweet Wiley Valentine to Receive Life-Changing Surgery Thanks to HEALS

Sweet Wiley Valentine is heading into surgery today thanks to donors like you!

Wiley is a young, loving puppy. Soon after adopting him, his family noticed that Wiley seemed to be in pain every once in a while. Eventually, things intensified and Wiley was taken into the Vet. This lead to a diagnosis of Wobbler’s Disease. Wobblers Disease is a serious, but curable, condition that effects the spine and neck region of some animals. It causes pain and loss of coordination and can lead to an overall low quality of life.

The best option for Wiley was looking like surgery – and Surgery for Wobblers Disease (like most serious veterinary procedures) is not cheap. Wiley’s family was prepared to do whatever it took to give him the best life possible, and luckily, they found us! We were able to help push Wiley’s crowdfunding campaign over the edge, and now he’s heading into surgery to get back on the path of living his best life.

There are many other animals in Wiley’s position. Please consider donating on this giving Tuesday to help save a life ❤️ Follow the link below to donate now. Even a small donation goes a long way!

Below is an update from Wiley Valentines owners…

“We have surgery scheduled for Tuesday 11/30!

Turns out the cause of Wiley’s Wobblers Disease is fixable- once a particular ligament is removed, his spinal canal wont be blocked & he wont have pain or the condition anymore! Soon he’ll be able to go back to playing, jumping, and being his best cute active self.

Its now clear he can live a long active happy life and you’ve been a part of helping us get to this place- thank you!!”

Author: Andrew Tonra