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Helping A Purple Hearted Hero

Filya served in a search & rescue unit, and sustained major wounds in combat, earning a Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Medal. Even after his time in the military was up, he still continued to protect and serve, offering comfort and support to those in his community. However, his biggest wound happened after the war, suddenly collapsing with no sign as to why.

We rushed into action, raising funds for our furry veteran. We helped discover the problems that Filya was having. After doing so, however, we decided to abandon this case after having trouble with his owner not agreeing with our decisions.

However, Filya managed to pull through even without our help, and he lives on today.

News Pet Education

3 Easy Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Snow and Cold

It’s cold out there, and the forecast is calling for plenty more on the way. This time of year, it’s essential to ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during outdoor adventures. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can pose challenges for dogs, but with a little preparation, you can make winter walks enjoyable for both of you. Here are three easy things to keep in mind as you venture out this season.

Protect Those Precious Paws

Your dog’s paws are especially vulnerable during winter walks. Snow, ice, and salt can cause burns, abrasions, or discomfort. Consider using paw balm, wax, or booties to protect their sensitive pads. Trimming the fur around their toes can also prevent painful ice balls from forming. After your walk, wipe their paws clean to remove any harmful substances they might have picked up.

Keep Your Dog Warm

Just like us, dogs feel the drop in temperature, especially smaller breeds or those with short hair. A cozy winter coat or jacket can help keep them warm and comfortable on walks. Pay attention to their behavior. If they seem hesitant to stay outdoors or shiver, it’s a sign they may need extra protection from the cold.

Avoid Hidden Dangers

Be cautious about ice, ice-melt chemicals, and snow. These can be slippery, toxic, or harmful to your dog’s health. Additionally, avoid letting your dog eat snow. It may contain hidden hazards like salt, antifreeze, or debris.

With these precautions, you and your pup can enjoy the beauty of winter while staying safe and comfortable!

News Pet Education

Winter Weather Warning: Antifreeze Dangers

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

Old man winter packs a punch of frigid weather risks for pets and antifreeze poisoning is among the worst of them. HEALS wants everyone to know that when a pet ingests antifreeze (ethylene glycol or EG) it’s a medical emergency that can result in acute kidney failure and death.

“Time is of the essence! Antifreeze is rapidly absorbed in the pet’s body and causes irreversible damage in hours,” warns Dr. Jason Berg, HEALS Chairman of the Board.

EG is a toxic chemical most commonly used in car radiators. However, it can also be found in some household items, including snow globes, eye masks, inks, and certain paints. Unfortunately, EG has a pleasantly sweet taste and may even create a warm feeling when it’s swallowed. Pets may be attracted to its flavor, because they’re curious, or if their water bowls are frozen over.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the first signs of antifreeze poisoning occur within 30 minutes to 12 hours and include:

  • “Walking drunk”
  • Drooling
  • Hyper-salivating
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Excessive thirst and urination

Twelve to 24 hours after a dog or cat has gotten into antifreeze, the initial signs appear to resolve, but underlying internal damage continues. Elevated heart rate, increase breathing effort, and dehydration may start to develop.

In cats, the following stage occurs 12-24 hours after getting into antifreeze. In dogs, this stage occurs 36-72 hours after severe kidney failure secondary to calcium crystals forming in the kidneys. Severe lethargy, coma, depression, vomiting, seizures, drooling, and lack of appetite may occur, states the Pet Poison Helpline.

Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be deadly. Because the first signs of toxicity appear to resolve after a while, this serious illness can initially be misdiagnosed or not taken seriously enough.

According to MSPCA-Angell, cats are more susceptible than dogs. The minimum dose that’s lethal in cats is roughly 3 milliliters (mls) per pound body weight. For dogs, 9-14 mls per pound body weight may cause death. Fatality rates for EG intoxication reported by top veterinary schools range from 44–70% for dogs and 78-96% for cats, states MSPCA-Angell.

Fortunately, you can protect your pets by taking the following steps: 

  • Close all antifreeze containers tightly and keep them out of sight.
  • Be aware of any spills, big or small, and clean them up promptly and completely.
  • Purchase pet-safe antifreeze, which is somewhat safer, but it’s still best to keep pets away from any and all chemicals.
  • Keep cats safely indoors!
  • Keep dogs on a leash or in a safely fenced-in area.
  • Be aware that pets can easily find antifreeze leaks in parking lots, driveways, and garages, on streets and curbs where cars are parked, and on farms and near garbage dumps.
  • Make sure outdoor pets always have non-frozen water available.

HEALS advises you to learn where your nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency facility is located and keep the phone number handy. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, seek veterinary medical attention immediately. For more information, you can call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

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.

News Pet Education

Thinking About Buying Health Insurance For Your Pet?

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

HEALS urges pet owners to consider purchasing health insurance for their furry family members. Having a pet health insurance policy in place to cover visits to your family veterinarian’s practice—and at advanced 24-hour specialty and emergency hospitals—can help tremendously in times of financial and emotional stress.   

A pet health insurance plan can be especially valuable in multi-pet households. Certain specialized procedures and therapies, such as orthopedic surgeries and chemotherapy treatments to fight cancer, tend to be quite expensive. In many cases, the insurance company reimburses you for a large percentage of the costs as determined by your plan’s coverage allowances. Usually, pet owners pay the veterinary practice fist and subsequently receive reimbursement from the insurance company.     

We recommend buying a policy early in your pet’s life to maximize the benefits you’ll receive. As pets age, benefits often decrease and pre-existing conditions may be excluded. A good approach would be to discuss the topic with your primary care veterinarian during your new pet’s first wellness visit.

HEALS Chief Executive Officer, Bernadette Vinci, MS, LHEP, urges pet owners to buy insurance if they can afford it, but she also offers a less costly alternative. “If you can’t afford the premiums, you can start a pet savings account with automatic deductions from your paycheck if you’re currently employed. But that can be somewhat risky since you never know when a pet will become ill or injured and those veterinary bills can quickly mount up. So insurance gives you better peace of mind,” she added.   

 The marketplace offers a broad array of pet health insurance policies. Quite a few websites allow you to compare coverage and pricing across a wide range of plans. Research and compare carefully; coverage options and out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, premiums, and co-pays, vary greatly and exclusions may apply.  

If you need help to pay for dog or cat veterinary services–or for any other type of pet–insurance can make it possible for your animal companion to receive appropriate treatment and supportive care. To help you decide whether pet health insurance is right for you—and for buying advice—here’s an article from trusted, unbiased Consumer Reports: 

https://www.consumerreports.org/pet-products/is-pet-insurance-worth-cost/ 

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.

News Pet Education

A Pet For a Holiday Gift?

–  What you need to think about before making that forever purchase – 

 
(Brewster, NY)  How much is that doggy in the window? What could be a better holiday gift–a puppy or a kitty cat!  Dr. Jason Berg, DMV, DACVIM, Chairman of the Board of of HEALS, and founder of Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster NY, feels strongly that that people who are thinking of getting a pet for the holidays need to put time into this decision before deciding to add a furry friend to the family. This is a huge holiday gift purchase as well as a financial and emotional commitment for up to twenty years.  
 
Dr. Berg says move slowly and think about the following:
 
  • Are you and/or your family ready for a pet? 
  • What age dog is best for you and/or the family
  • Depending on the size of your apartment or house what size dog would be most appropriate?
  • Is there a backyard or will the dog need to be walked?
  • Is adoption, breeder or local pet store the way to go?
  • What are the financial implications that are involved with pet ownership?
  • What is involved in preparing for a new pet and taking care of a pet in the long term
  • Who will be responsible for pet care/walks/feeding during the day?
  • What are the pros and cons of purchasing a pet insurance plan?  
  • No one ever wants anything to go wrong with their new family member, but it happens – when to seek emergency veterinary care. 
  • Be aware of the signs of parvovirus, a serious disease that can affect puppies. 
  • Traveling with pets or boarding them – how to decide, prepare and prevent contagious diseases. 
  
“There is nothing better than adding a dog or cat to our lives, but there are so many people out there who are dealing with emotional and financial distress,” says Dr. Berg. “HEALS was founded because many people can’t afford the veterinary care and the financial surprises of having a pet.  But, oftentimes, it’s a surprise because instead of researching the responsibilities of pet ownership, it may be a spontaneous purchase or adoption and people may not realize this is a long-term commitment.” 
 
HEALS  is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to saving pets’ lives by helping owners pay for essential veterinary care when they can’t afford it. 
 

HEALS, a charitable 501c3 organization, was established in 2020 with the mission to end economic euthanasia and animal surrender due to an inability to pay.  HEALS endeavors to keep pet owners who qualify for financial assistance and their pets together longer so they can enjoy a better quality of life. The non-profit was started because of a universal love of animals and an appreciation of the special sustaining bond that develops between pets and their owners.  HEALS will be working with veterinary partners in New York – Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties; Connecticut – Fairfield County and New Jersey – Bergen County.  For more info. go to www.healspets.org.

Success Stories

Last Christmas, She Gave Us Our Hearts

Last Christmas, Jennifer and her dog Bella put out an urgent plea for help. After coming into Jennifer’s life the day after her previous dog passed, Bella’s health took a turn for the worse. After recovering from Jennifer’s life has been a testament to strength, determination, and courage. She’s 3 years sober from heroin, is battling multiple sclerosis, and had to worry every second of the day about her near & dear Bella. Bella gave her hope when she needed it most, and HEALS gave Bella support when she needed it as well.

Thanks to our network of generous supporters, we were able to raise the funds needed to address Bella’s health issues. Bella got the surgery she needed, thanks to your donations, showing Jennifer that she’s not alone. We gave back to the dog that gave Jennifer what she deserved, unconditional love.

This Christmas miracle kept this family together, and left our hearts full of hope.

Success Stories

From Cruelty to Compassion: How We Helped a Puppy Find Hope

This four-month-old puppy’s life started in the most unimaginable way. He suffered severe abuse that left him with broken ribs, a skull fracture, spinal injuries, and part of his tongue missing. Despite the trauma, he showed incredible resilience, and with the help of law enforcement, he was surrendered to a rescue before being transferred to Guardian Veterinary Specialists (GVS) for urgent care.

Thanks to the power of our network and the generosity of our supporters, we were able to quickly raise the funds needed to cover his medical bills and ongoing care. Using our infrastructure and outreach, we spread the word, and the community rallied behind this puppy’s recovery. Though his physical scars may take time to heal, the kindness and compassion shown by everyone involved have begun to restore his trust in humans.

With your help, this puppy now has the chance at a bright future, free from fear and filled with love.

News

Giving Tuesday 2024 was a Huge Success!

This Giving Tuesday, Guardian HEALS came together with supporters, animal lovers, and compassionate individuals to make a real difference in the lives of pets and families in need. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised a significant amount to further our mission of ending economic euthanasia—ensuring that no beloved pet is lost simply because their family cannot afford the care they need. While the funds raised are a wonderful step forward, the work is far from over. Every dollar raised brings us closer to building a future where financial hardship is never a barrier to lifesaving care.

We’re committed as ever to not just helping those in immediate need, but also creating long-term solutions through outreach, education, and support. However, our mission depends on the continued generosity of donors and supporters like you. The funds from Giving Tuesday will go directly toward providing grants for veterinary care, keeping pets and their families together, and empowering communities with resources to navigate challenging times.

If you missed the opportunity to donate on Giving Tuesday, it’s never too late to make an impact. Your support can help us save more lives, provide a lifeline to families in crisis, and ensure that no pet is left behind. Whether through a one-time donation, a small recurring donation, or simply spreading the word about our cause, every action you take brings us closer to a world where economic euthanasia is a thing of the past. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference—one paw, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

Success Stories

Saving Mandy: Helping a Family in Need

When we learned about Mandy’s serious kidney issue and the heavy financial burden it was placing on Rose, we knew we had to do everything we could to help. Rose’s love for Mandy goes beyond words — Mandy is her baby, her companion, and the light of her life. However, with the cost of Mandy’s treatment being far out of reach for Rose, we knew something had to be done.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, we were able to raise the necessary funds to ensure Mandy received the urgent care she needed. Your donations made a life-saving difference, allowing Rose to focus on what truly matters: being there for her precious dog during this critical time.

Today, thanks to your support, Rose and Mandy are on the path to recovery, and their bond is stronger than ever. The love and compassion you’ve shown have given them a second chance, and we are incredibly grateful to have been a part of their journey. Your kindness has made all the difference, and we thank you for being the guardian angels they so desperately needed.

Success Stories

Guido’s Heartfelt Journey: A Family’s Hope Restored

Guido, the beloved five-year-old kitty who has been a constant source of comfort and joy for his single mom, Gina, suddenly found himself fighting for his life. After collapsing from heart failure, his family was devastated, but their hope remained strong. With limited resources, Gina struggled to afford the life-saving treatment Guido desperately needed.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our supporters, we were able to help Guido’s family with some of his medical bills, ensuring he received the care he needed. Guido’s playful spirit and unconditional love have always been there for Gina.

While Guido’s road to recovery isn’t over, we can proudly say that, with your help, he’s one step closer to a healthy future. Your donations made all the difference in providing Guido with a fighting chance.

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All Rights Reserved 2025 – Guardian HEALS –  P.O. Box 5205 Greenwich, CT 06831 – info@healspets.org – 914-996-0001

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Guardian HEALS is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Tax ID #834178756.