Angel's Gate Hospice & Rehabilitation Center for Animals

At its inception over thirteen years ago, Angel's Gate cared for animals relinquished by their human companions or by shelters because of medical reasons. The animals came to Angel's Gate to live out their lives. Since then, Angel's Gate has expanded it's purpose to include working with physically challenged animals. In 2000 Angel's Gate became a wildlife rehabilitation center as well.

Susan is Licensed Veterinary Technician, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and a Registered Nurse with more than thirty years experience in emergency and critical care, mental health, and the care of critically, and terminally, ill children and their families. She is a specialist in many forms of holistic therapy including, animal communication, TTouch , and essential oils. In 1992, she founded Angel’s Gate Hospice and Rehabilitation Centre for Animals, the first-of-its-kind residential hospice for animals. It's non-profit status was granted in 1998. Susan is a popular lecturer and educator, and received the Woman of Distinction Award for New York State in 2001 and the Founders Award from the New York City ASPCA in 2003 for her work with animals.

Susan has been recognized by CBS NEWS as a "Local Hero", by News 12 LI as "People Making a Difference", by Temple Beth David in Commack, New York, as a "Hero of Conscience"; and by Father Duffy of the Deer Park Episcopal Church for her "ministry to animals." Angel's Gate's model Hydrotherapy Program has been written about in "Bark", "The Whole Dog Journal" , and many local and national news papers. Susan's work at Angel's Gate was featured in "Cat Fancy" magazine's March 2002 issue, in it's "Unsung Hero" feature. Angel's Gate Hospice was the topic of discussion on Channel 12 "The Family Pet".

Susan writes for national publications, and is a frequent guest on radio and TV. She also conducts classes and workshops in various subjects of animal care. She authored "Holistic Health Care for Animals" for the International Animal Encyclopedia, www.animalworlddirectory.com Susan is now writing a book on Hospice Care for Animals due out next spring.

Victor LaBruna is Susan's partner in Angel's Gate as well as in life. After a career working with people with mental retardation, he along with Susan turned to working with needy animals. Although working mostly behind the scenes, with an occasional foray into the media, his is a vital role at Angel's Gate. His functions vary widely from the direct care of the animals, to habitat construction, to web master.

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