What's New at GSVS

Yaksha, Hero Police Dog, Elected to the Animal Hall of Fame

Yaksha, a working police dog from the Union County Sheriff’s office, has been elected as the 2007 New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Hall of Fame Inductee in the Hero category. Yaksha was nominated for this honor by Dr. Tom Scavelli who had treated him for paralysis due to an injury suffered in the line of duty. Yaksha came to GSVS with his canine partner, Officer Kevin Buckley, for acute onset of hind limb paralysis. A special bond between these two partners was evident from the beginning. Officer Buckley was worried that Yaksha would never walk again, let alone return to duty at his side.

As a police dog, Yaksha, provides many services to the community, from uncovering a drug stash or catching a fleeing suspect, to participating in community outreach programs with school children. Surgery was performed on a herniated disc and after Yaksha was released to Officer Buckley. Yaksha and his partner, Officer Buckley, worked together on a daily rehabilitation program. To our delight, Yaksha recovered completely and was able to be recertified as a police service dog….Perhaps it was the work of the surgeons that enabled Yaksha to walk again but more likely it was the fierce determination of these two partners working together day after day that made a “miracle” happen.

The 12th Annual NJVMA Animal Hall of Fame Luncheon will be held on Sunday, March 4th , 2007 at the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting. Everyone at GSVS congratulates Yaksha and Officer Buckley on this special honor!

Strutt Your Mutt a Success

Garden State Veterinary Specialists Proudly Sponsors
Friends of the Parks
Monmouth County Park System

The STRUT YOUR MUTT 3rd Annual Doggie Costume Contest and Pet Fair held this year on October 15th, 2006 was a huge success! Over103 “creatively” dressed participants joined the Friends of the Parks for some doggone fun! Please enjoy some of the photos from that special day…and don’t forget to look for us next year ! Thank you for your support!

GSVS Donates Funds to Vested Interest Fund – Dover, NJ

Garden State Veterinary Specialists recently donated funds to the Associated Humane Society Vested Interest Fund for two bullet-proof/stab proof vests for the Dover Township, NJ K-9 team. According to police, dogs serve about 7 years on the police department before they are retired and remain with their partner’s family. The Associated Human Societies has donated over 900 K-9 vests throughout the State of New Jersey, and GSVS is proud to be a part of this program to help protect New Jersey’s K-9’s.