Susan Marino RN,
LVT, CCRP
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.
Susan, Braveheart and Madison
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.
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 joined his Susan and 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...etc..
Sara and Victor
Community Service: We are committed to community
service and education. We have a program to teach elementary
school children about animals and reverence for all life and a
work/study program with local high schools. Students volunteering at
Angel’s Gate can earn high school credits for their time and effort. The Long Island Head Injury Association
has had volunteers at
Angel’s Gate for over two years. We find it healing for us, the
animals and for these very special volunteers. Recently we were asked
by the Suffolk County Court System to participate in the juvenile
delinquency program and ASPCA offenders.
We've began working with emotionally challenged children in the a local
school program who earn the right to do community service. The Stepping
Stones program at a local BOCES has sent arranged to place recent grads from
their Vet Assistant program for further training.
