Month: December 2024

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2024
December

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.

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.

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.