Angel's Gate

Down-on-their-luck dogs- the homeless elderly, injured, special needs- find peace, love, and a place to call home.

By Shaina Fishman | Photographs by Shaina Fishman

Angel's Gate Hospice and Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit haven for physically challenged, terminally ill, and disabled animals; a place where they are allowed to live out their lives in peace, dignity, and comfort.

Susan Marino and Victor LaBruna opened their residential home in 1992 to take in these special-needs animals; animals that have run out of options, with no other place to go. They welcome those that have been surrendered by their human companions or from shelters that would otherwise euthanize the so-called unadoptable animals. Many of their residents were abandoned, having ceased to be "useful" to their guardians or having become too much of a burden upon entering old age or becoming ill. Some animals arrive after a lifetime of abuse and are given a peaceful and loving environment, if only for a few days, before they pass away. Others that come in paralyzed or critically ill are cared for using a holistic approach with a focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual care. At any one time there are several hundred animals of all kinds receiving loving care at Angel's Gate. Indeed, there are angels at work at here.

Angel's Gate is currently in the process of moving from Long Island to Delhi, NY in the Catskill Mountains. Donations are desperately needed during this time for construction, a therapy pool, animal transportation, and everyday expenses. For more information on Angel's Gate or to make a donation, visit angelsgate.org.