Please Help Angel's Gate
I recently visited Angel’s Gate Hospice & Rehabilitation Home for Animals in Delhi, New York. This life-saving sanctuary is under assault, and I am asking to help. Places like Angel’s Gate, which care for diseased, deformed and/or hard-to-adopt and unwanted animals are not only extremely rare, they are critical. We need more of them, not less.
Sunday evening, Feb. 19th I asked Susan Marino, founder of Angel’s Gate Animal Hospice, if Friends of Animals’ Bob Orabona and I could drive three hours to visit the shelter in upstate New York on Feb. 20th. Susan quickly agreed, and when we arrived at the shelter, which sits on 100 acres at the top of a snow-covered dirt road, we were instantly greeted by six energetic, friendly, dogs — boxers, a good-looking bulldog named Shifty, and others who must have been the welcoming committee. Those first few minutes set the stage for the warm impression of what we’d see inside.
Susan greeted us inside the preparation room, and I quickly met five workers including Michelle, a licensed vet tech who works at the shelter Monday - Friday each week. Susan explained they care for 75 dogs, 200 cats, 10 parrots, and 3 lame horses, and other than a few of the 14 cottages for cats, we saw most of the animals at the shelter in dwellings situated over 10 acres.
In the preparation room, refrigerators were opened to show us food for cats and dogs that arrives daily. All litter boxes are washed daily and Susan showed us the wood burning pellets used for litter. Remarkably, they concealed odor so well.
Then Susan explained that she’s a licensed rehabilitator and used to care for terminally ill children as a pediatric nurse. That experience, I could see, prepared her for the work she chose — helping mostly unadoptable animals, many who require constant assistance.
Animals at Angel’s Gate arrived from all over the world, such as Israel, Alabama and Florida. Veterinarians send animals who still have months or years of life so someone will let them live. Susan also receives animals from rescue groups and pet-owners. One man arrived while we were there, in tears, with his diabetic cat in a carrier. He asked if his daughter could visit the cat and Susan said, “of course.”
Brightly lit rooms had AIDS- and leukemia- positive cats. Cat cottages also contained gorgeous cats in groups of 6 or so from estates where owners have died. Twenty-five feral cats live within a fenced area outside and an overhead tunnel for one group of 15 feral cats is planned so that they have access to a newly- constructed wood building.
Most of the floors in the house are white tile and they clean up well. A spray vac was always in motion somewhere. Susan’s brother is an architect who helped design the many attractive windows to allow natural light to pour into the shelter; animals seem drawn to that light. We saw cats perched in windows, and dogs walking inside and outside on their porches that provide fresh air and nice views of the expansive property.
The physical therapy room is full of equipment — especially for paralyzed dogs. We saw Willy, a Beagle on a porch recovering from paralysis who has a “spinal walk.” Other rooms contained old dogs, approximately 12 who are blind, and it seemed that some were grouped by size and personality. With each door opened, we were greeted with lively, barking dogs, and when we left the main house to visit cat cottages, three or more small, fluffy dogs came along at top speed — flying down the snowy path, eager to visit the cats, too. Two dogs who couldn’t be trusted with company, I was assured, were caged in one area of a group that contained friendly, deformed dogs.
A Great Pyrennes dog spent time outside in the snow, sniffing and walking around near the ICU room. I learned he was both blind and deaf. Three-year old Bootsie, a chocolate Lab was born without hind limbs, and she needs new prosthetics to help her walk, but they have to be custom made and cost $1,800. Bootsie seems determined to get around the floor like so many other dogs there who despite their deformities, seem to make the best of their situations. It’s obvious they receive loving care.
One dog name Marley uses a cart outside on a deck of a room since his back legs are paralyzed. The cart is taken off occasionally to rest his skin from the device.
Another dwarf Boxer, Sampson, is part of the Reverence For Life School program, and Susan takes him for those outings.
One nice feature in most dog rooms is an assortment of Kuranda beds that elevate dogs off the floor and allow easy cleaning. Baby mattresses also line the edges of the room for bedding and clean blankets are used in abundance and also are in plentiful supply in storage rooms. There’s a laundry room and a linen room, of course. Cribs are provided in some bedrooms for night-time care of deformed animals.
Incontinent dogs have diapers. A Boxer name Dominic has cerebral palsy. Other dogs with neurological damage who arrive that way spin in circles sometimes, and then pause to say hello. We visited a white poodle who can’t stand or walk, and saw four diabetic dogs who receive treatment each day from Susan. Susan’s small bedroom had 10+ dogs on the bed when we entered, including 15 year-old Charlie. Outside the house there are fenced areas so that groups of dogs can be taken outside for exercise.
Overall, the majority of animals seen had deformities, yet Angel’s Gate adopted out about 15 animals last year.
Cat cottages all have their own cleaning supplies and utensils hanging from the wall, and cats lounge on perches in windows. These cottages, Susan says, would benefit from Perfect Fencing — outside cat fencing so that groups of cats can visit outside. Of 14 cottages, four have AIDS cats, and four have Leukemia positive cats. One adorable cottage contains cats from an estate and these most attractive dwellings are full of colorful blankets. Why they seem odorless I have no idea, and they’re all heated and air conditioned.
The ICU room has oxygen available and blood work is done there. There’s caging there for cats and dogs. One cat, Mimi, was strangled as a kitten and has a restricted diet. A few others there visit to have their bladders expressed every day. I watched the vet tech work as another worker told me she wished more people would make unannounced visits to judge the shelter with their own eyes rather than rely on a vicious organization’s propaganda.
Running Angel’s Gate used to cost Susan $30,000 a month, and now she’s spending $20,000 (including vet care), and has stopped paying herself a salary.
I’m impressed with the tremendous energy devoted by Susan and her workers to care for animals otherwise out of luck. Thanks also to the team there for gallant efforts, which have created a loving, respectful environment for animals.
Angel’s Gate desperately needs our financial help. If you can give any contribution, large or small, it would not only be appreciated, it would make a difference in the lives of animals for whom Angel’s Gate is a literal life-saver.
Donations can be made online at www.angelsgate.org
Thank you,
Priscilla Feral,
President
Friends of Animals
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22 Comments
On February 24, 2012, Teresa wrote:
Thanks for countering the (PETA) lies about this place, Priscilla. Will definitely spread the word about their good work for these special animals.
On February 24, 2012, MARK W ERRICO wrote:
thank god for people like all of you
On February 24, 2012, Jim Sack wrote:
I just emailed Susan with hopes of visiting and photographing the animals and people at Angel’s Gate. Excellent article- maybe my photos and blog will help with donations, and encourage visits!
On February 24, 2012, Helen Carroll wrote:
Thank God for folks like you. I am a mom of a 3 legged pit bull who no one wanted — he is the best dog. He enlightens lots of kids who want to know what happened when I explain that he was born without his leg just like other kids are born different sometimes and let them know it is ok to be different as Nubs loves the attention. His favorite friend is a little girl who is autistic. She is at the field where we walk and he loves her and she loves him. It is so nice to see that they have bonded like he knows she is different like him. Thanks for all your good work. I will be making a donation — it may be small but hope it helps.
On February 24, 2012, Sandy wrote:
More than thanks for ALL that you do and for being there for the best living beings in this world.
On February 24, 2012, Cindy Baldani wrote:
I have found that when a behavior is rehearsed in order to hide the truth there is a sense or inner feeling that you get. The way you describe Angels Gate I could just about see and hear the love and beauty there. You can not rehearse something like that especially when it involves animals. I mean come on this place and the people that work there must truly be from heaven. This is a real blessing from above, they put their hearts to helping what no one else even wanted. It brings tears and hope when all else looked very grim. Thank you Angel’s Gate for being YOU!
On February 24, 2012, Nancy wrote:
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I was unaware of the controversy but do understand how sadly politicized (supposed) animal advocacy can be. Let us keep our focus and our support where they rightly belong. I look forward to visiting this unique shelter myself, maybe they’d like a volunteer for the day.
On February 24, 2012, iris s carr wrote:
god bless you for your kindness
iris s carr
On February 25, 2012, Joan wrote:
I can only add my support to what has been written here. I live not too far from Angel’s Gate and have been there a number of times. Once before the PETA lies and three times after that. One visit was with a friend and was totally unannounced- we just showed up. Each time I have been there I leave more impressed Susan and what I saw. The vet tech use to work at my vet’s office and I know that if everything was up and up she wouldn’t been there.
I add my plea for financial and moral support for Angel’s Gate. What they are doing to Susan is crime.
On February 26, 2012, Jo Anne wrote:
I too have been to Angel’s Gate on more than one occasion, and found what “Friends of Animals” president did: an amazing organization with healthy, happy animals. I applaud “Friends of Animals” for writing this story, and supporting Angel’s Gate. So many people take PETA’s word as truth, and that is just not the case. I will continue to support Angel’s Gate, as I always have. Thank you again, and thank you Susan, for doing such amazing work an taking care of animals that many people would euthanize.
On February 27, 2012, Mary Lou wrote:
Thank you for helping those that can’t help themselves. God bless you!!
On February 27, 2012, Evelyne Hellstern wrote:
I truly believe that animals, who are so more helpless than humans, deserve the same care as people who are in nursing homes and receive the best care possible. These animals need and deserve our help. I have a friend who runs a cat sanctuary and she is also like Angel’s gate who can never turn away a cat or dog or any other animal who needs special care because some people believe that animals are a disposable commodity. I volunteer each week with Gwen and her sanctuary and she also has many animals who are FIV positive, leukemia, and other life threatening diseases and she will not euthanize any one who is still healthy enough, because she believes that animals do deserve as much right when they are ill as humans do.
E. Hellstern
On February 27, 2012, E. Perkoski wrote:
I’m so glad to read a positive article on Angel’s Gate. I’m sure that Susan Marino will be vindicated and PETA’s actions will backfire on them as they should!
On February 28, 2012, Gary wrote:
Can someone explain why the Delaware County District Attorney is coming after Angel’s Gate? Angel’s Gate left Long Island because of “NIMBY”/zoning issues. Is that the case here? Presumably that would have been explored before moving upstate……
FoA comments:
In this case, Peta filed a 27 page complaint with the DA. That case will go to court this year and we will report the results.
On February 28, 2012, Nancy Mitko wrote:
Thank you ever so much for taking a trip to see Angels’ Gate. I’ve been following what was happening to them and had a very hard time believing the negative press they were receiving from Peta. With your report, I am no longer questioning what is going on.
I have been a donor of Angels’ Gate for several years and I will continue giving them my contributions as long as they need them. They provide a wonderful service by taking in these sweet, innocent animals. By the way, I dropped my support for Peta years ago because I disliked their methods.
On February 28, 2012, Susan Stelljes wrote:
I also want to thank Friends of Animals coming to the defense of Angel’s Gate. Maybe people reading all these stories would want to ask what does Priscilla Feral and Friends of Animals possibly gain by coming out in favor of Angel’s Gate? Many people in the arena have already distanced themselves out of fear that they could be the next target of PeTa’s unethical tactics. People want you to believe that this is not about PeTa but about the animals. And yet PeTa has a millions to blow on a campaign against a smaller entity like Angel’s Gate and by doing so only harm the animals.
On February 28, 2012, Linda wrote:
THANK YOU FOA for coming to the aid of a worthwhile organization (Angel’s Gate) that PETA has targetted. I’ve been involved with animal rights activism for 41yrs & was a supporter of PETA for many years. I’ve protested with Ingrid at NIH in DC, defended them to anyone with a negative remark. NO MORE. PETA lost me several years ago when they were caught killing healthy animals in the back of a van & dumping their bodies in a dumpster in the Carolinas…all the while, the organization was sitting on MILLIONS of $$$ & made no attempt to find homes for any of those animals. It’s so refreshing & inspiring to us to see your support for Angel’s Gate, especially when they’re down on their luck having to deal with legal fees to defend their good name. My support will be to both of you in the future. Thank you!!!
On March 4, 2012, Allison wrote:
Thank you FoA for putting having the courage of your convictions & standing with our sister in rescue during this very dark time. I’ve made 2 unannounced visits and both were exactly as you described.
In this life, there are many things that can be faked, many emotions can be feigned and many crusades can and are conducted for little more than personal gratification of the ego- but not in the case of A/G; Susan’s integrity and dedication to the cause are genuine in every respect. Her level of devotion and adoration of those in her care cannot be conjured on a whim or mustered in the flash of a camera bulb. It’s plain to see that this is truly her life’s passion and purpose and always has been. Her sincerity is as real and obvious as the sun in the sky.
Let us offer her and A/G a hand to help her further her mission, to build upon what already is in place and to rise to meet even greater challenges in the future- those being providing the much needed continuing care and reassuring comfort and love of creatures that would have otherwise been discarded by an uninformed society.
Thank you for your support and may it inspire others to do the same.
On March 14, 2012, Bob Orabona wrote:
The petition to save Angel’s Gate from prosecution by the Delaware County District Attorney Hon. Richard D. Northrup, Jr.has reached its goal of 2,000 signatures.
Angel’s Gate needs our continued support and will be in court on March 20.
Bob Orabona
Friends of Animals
On March 15, 2012, Angelitoo wrote:
Report him.In my town there are horse barns at the racetrack that many people keep their race horses at (rather than on a farm). A kid I know, when he was about 13, went in the horse barns and found a cat. He lit the cat on fire. The cat ran in to a pile of hay, which then lit on fire. The barn complex then subsequently caught fire, the roof collapsed trapping and killing 22 race horses. He only charged as a minor and all he got was a charge, no time in juvie, because his only crime was the cat even though it resulted in so many deaths.Then, in 12th grade, another boy i went to school with had a cat living in his backyard. The cat had a litter of 8 kittens. He brought the newborn kittens to school in a bag and killed them all in various ways. He suffocated them in plastic bags. Cut them up and put their heads in people’s lockers. Poured their blood on the walls. Ran them over in the parking lot. Tied them up and hit them with baseball bats. Somehow he avoided the cops and teachers for a whole morning before he got caught. He was swiftly whisked off, no idea whether he went to jail or what; he was 17 at the time but I didn’t hear anything of him for about 2 years until just last week I saw him on Facebook. So I’d report the kid. Not much else you can do. Maybe make a scene so other people know whats going on. Most likely he just thinks he’s cool/tough and isn’t actually doing it.
On October 25, 2012, donna gill wrote:
I too, volunteered at Angel’s Gate while they were still on Long Island, and can echo all the other comments made here. Susan Marino was truly dedicated to the well being of these poor animals that others tossed away. It was amazing that this suburban home housed 75 dogs, and who knows how many cats and other assorted animals, and your nose would never know there was a single one there! There were many sad cases there, but in actuality, I’m sure we felt more pain than the animals. It hurts US to see an animal whose back legs are paralyzed, but the animal doesn’t seem to notice! It’s easy to see how a video like that could be made there, and edited to make her look bad, even though that is not the case. Are there any updates as of yet?
On January 6, 2013, Susan We Love You wrote:
Where the hell have I been? I just this week found out Angel’s Gate Closed, being several states away and not talking or hearing from Susan in a while, I didn’t know. I know Susan because I sent some poor, abused, puppy mill dogs to her. Anyway the shelter here was going to kill them, so she saved them. So I don’t know Susan real well and thought OMG SUSAN, I can’t believe you did this to my babies I rescued! So then I started my own investigation, first I watched the PETA videos, so, where’s the abuse? Where’s the dog feces, where is the torture, where is the neglect? I don’t see any do you? Let me tell you something I volunteered for a vet once, and someone brought a cat in with no face, I couldn’t hardly look at it and to watch it eat, just made me sick. I would put on gloves and pet it, it was really bad. If I took pictures of that cat, could I have had them shut down? Susan was the first animal hospice in the world, of course the animals look like hell, they come in even worse than that. Susan does not kill animals like PETA does. PETA is the opposite of Susan. How does PETA get away with basically bullying, harassing, blackmailing, slandering the world. They even harass President Obama, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, hunters,fishermen,fast food chains,farmers,movie industry,singers,models,closes any facility they want. You know when are people going to stand up for their rights. This is the United States of America not the United States of PETA. Every industry needs to bond together and have class action lawsuit for all the damage that is done by them. I think everybody is entitled to their opinion, like the one I gave, but making someone do it is not right. If you don’t like my opinion here, I’m not going to harass you or bully you. Thank You, PS, how’s Susan doing, and Susan we know the truth about you and I know God appreciates what you did for his creatures, I know I sure do.