Susan Marino...
(courtesy of Oprah.com after Susan's appearance on the Oprah Show)
Susan Marino is the founder of Angel's Gate, the first known animal hospice of its kind. Located in Long Island, New York, this one-of-a-kind facility is home to more than 200 physically challenged or seriously ill animals.
Years ago, Susan, a registered pediatric nurse and vet technician, left her six-figure salary job so she could devote more time to these animals. "I needed to be here with them. When they need their humans the most, people are walking out on these animals," she says. "Many of the animals we get come from rescues. They're neglected. They're abused. They're abandoned—total train wrecks. We provide the care they need."
One dog, Samson, is a dwarf boxer with a rare congenital anomaly. Susan says Samson, like 90 to 95 percent of the dogs at Angel's Gate, came from a puppy mill. Once these animals are rescued, they're not put up for adoption. "What we do is make a commitment to the animal for a lifetime so that they know that they're never going to be abandoned, abused," Susan says. "They're going to be loved the rest of their lives. No animal here ever dies alone."
Though animals like Samson and Priscilla, a paralyzed dog who suffered from shaken puppy syndrome, can't play like other dogs, Susan and her staff let them roam free. "We focus on what they can do as opposed to what they can't," she says.
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(courtesy of Angel's Gate website)
Susan Marino is the Founder and Executive Director of Angel’s Gate, a unique, first-of-its-kind Hospice and Rehabilitation Center for animals. Marino’s vision was to create a home where animals, who had no place to go because of their special needs, would be cared for and wanted. Angel's Gate has grown into a multifaceted, well known and respected organization which has provided guidance and inspiration to animal guardians and professionals in the field of hospice and care of animals with special needs.
At its inception, Angel’s Gate cared for animals relinquished by their human companions because they could no longer care for them. Today, critically and terminally ill animals come to Angel’s Gate from local, state, national and international rescue organizations as well as veterinarians and individuals. There is no adoption policy. Acceptance into the Angel’s Gate family is a commitment for the lifetime of the animal. Since its inception Angel’s Gate has expanded its mission to include the rehabilitation of physically challenged animals and wild life.
Susan is a registered nurse with more than thirty five years experience, specializing in emergency and critical care, mental health, and the care of critically and terminally ill children and their families. Susan is a specialists in many forms of holistic medicine including, homeopathy, animal communication, TTouch, essential oils and flower essences. Susan completed studies at Suffolk County Community college in 2005 and is now a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She studied at the University of Tennessee completing her certification in canine rehabilitation, and is a New York State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Susan is a popular speaker and educator. She received The Woman of Distinction Award for the State of New York. She has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show in 2005. She was honored to receive the ASPCA Founders Award, 2001, for her work with animals. Susan has been recognized by CBS NEWS as a “Local Hero”, by NEWS 12 as “People Making A Difference”, by NEWSDAY as an “Everyday Hero” by Temple Beth David in Commack as “A Hero of Conscience” and by Father Duffy, of Deer Park Episcopal Church for her “Ministry to Animals”.
Angel’s Gate model Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy Program has been written about in BARK, The Whole Dog Journal, NEWSDAY, and many local papers. Angel’s Gate has a featured photo spread in the Spring 2008 issue of Modern Dog Magazine. Susan’s work at Angel’s Gate has been featured in PEOPLE magazine, Animal Wellness Magazine, in Cat Fancy Magazine “Unsung Hero” column, Massage Magazine, and Animal Fair Magazine. Susan has also appeared on Channel 12 “The Family Pet”, and had a featured segment on “Animal Magnetism”, a Canadian show that focuses on people who dedicate their lives to animal wellness and Japan’s Amazing Animals. Susan is a frequent guest on national radio.
Susan writes for national publications. She authored “Holistic Health Care for Animals” for the International Animal Encyclopedia, www.animalwolddirectory.com. Susan with Denise Flaim is the author of “Getting Lucky” published by Stewart Tabouri & Chang, is available at Amazon.com.
Susan lives in Delhi New York. Susan and her partner Victor LaBruna have 8 children. Their home, aptly call The Island of Enchantment, is home to over 200 animals.
Vist Angel's Gate!
Angel's Gate Fort Salonga, NY
18 Josephine Lane
Fort Salonga, NY 11768
P:(631) 269.7641
