Introducing GSiVS Gives Back

Living Our Core Value: Community

For us, caring for animals extends beyond the walls of our hospital. That’s why emergency veterinarians Dr. Rachel Flagiello and Dr. Catherine Walsh recently launched GSiVS Gives Back, an initiative focused on supporting organizations and causes that make a difference in our Staten Island community.

The first GSiVS Gives Back effort was a donation drive benefiting the Animal Care Centers of NYC-Staten Island (ACC), a local shelter that provides care and support for animals in need. Team members and community members donated essential supplies, including towels and blankets, that will help keep animals at the shelter comfortable while they await adoption.

For Dr. Flagiello and Dr. Walsh, supporting shelter animals is especially meaningful. Both share a passion for shelter medicine and the opportunity to help animals who have been abandoned, lost or otherwise found themselves in need of a second chance.

“We both share a deep passion for shelter medicine,” said Dr. Flagiello. “Being able to take in abandoned and lost animals, give them the care they deserve, help them heal and ultimately be part of their journey to finding a loving home is incredibly meaningful to us. Every animal deserves a second chance, and we’re grateful to be part of that process.”

While the first drive focused on animals, GSiVS Gives Back has a broader vision. The team is planning future efforts to support organizations throughout Staten Island, including women’s shelters, food pantries and homeless shelters.

“We’ve put together a long list of organizations we hope to support over the next year,” said Dr. Walsh. “So that we can give back to the community in a more comprehensive way.”

The donation drive is just the beginning for GSiVS Gives Back. We’re excited to continue finding ways to support our neighbors, strengthen our community and make a difference — one effort at a time.