Hello Everyone,

Today I want to talk to you about a subject that’s near and dear to my heart. I hope that this touches you in the way it touched me when I first heard about it.

Angel’s Gate, in Long Island, NY is a very special place. It serves as a home and hospice for abused, injured and disabled animals. Some of the animals were born with disabilities, some suffered accidents, neglect or abandonment.

It takes a special person with a heart of gold and a true love of animals to found and run such a place. Susan Marino, the founder of Angel’s Gate, gave up her lucrative career as a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics to create a loving rehabilitation and hospice center for these animals desperately in need of help and a home. Susan has since received her degree as a Veterinary Technician and completed her certification in Canine Rehabilitation. She is also a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in the state of New York.

At Angel’s Gate there is no fear that animals will be euthanized due to their disability. They are able to live in a happy, safe and caring environment Currently, there are over 200 physically challenged or seriously ill animals living at Angels Gate. Approximately 90% of the canines are from puppy mills. Some of these animals have lived a horrible life with abusive owners and now fear most people. Susan and her team work to provide an environment of trust and compassion.

Angel’s Gate does not discriminate against any animal or any breed and will take them in for whatever reason they ended up in a situation of desperately needing help, including injured wildlife. Many animals are brought in from hospitals around the country, as well as some international veterinary centers. Through Susan’s tireless efforts, Angel’s Gate has developed recognition in the United States and abroad.

Angel’s Gate is a non-profit organization, much like the ASPCA, however they do not adopt out the animals that they take in. Once an animal has become a part of the Angel’s Gate community, they are ensured TLC for the rest of their lives. Susan, her husband and her children, do their best to ensure that these animals are looked at in a different light. This family concentrates not on an animal’s limitations because of disabilities, but instead they focus on what each animal CAN do, providing maximum quality of life.

Angel’s Gate is also an avid part of its community and school systems. Susan visits local public schools and teaches children about how important every life is. Local high school students are allowed to take part in a work/study program and earn high school credits for volunteering at the hospice. Angel’s Gate also works with a local program for emotionally challenged children that have earned the right to do community service. BOCES, a local college in the area, send their recent Veterinary Assistant graduates to Angel’s Gate to obtain further training in their field.

Susan Marino’s determination and steadfast dedication created not only a safe haven for animals, but also touched a community, and a country. Her efforts of combining care for animals in need of help and a home, and educating youth within her community serve as inspiration and a reminder that one person can make a difference. One person’s voice and conviction can galvanize others into action. We can all make a difference.

If you would like to read more about Angel’s Gate, or make a donation, visit their website at www.angelsgate.org.