January Be the Change: Guilderhaven, Inc.

By Natalie Criscione

Sometimes we discover our passions and other times our passions find us. Walking through a farmers’ market in 1964 with her new husband, Sue Green was not expecting her passion to find her. But, when she passed in front of a cage of kittens and a tiny black and white one “went up one side of the cage and then, paw over paw on the top part— like monkey bars and followed me as I walked by,” says Green, “….well, that was my downfall.” She left the market with not one, but two tiny kittens, littermates. And then, as they say, the rest is history.

Green, who had always considered herself an animal lover, became further committed to animals and the people in their lives. As a social worker, she developed a deep understanding of the role pets play, especially those in underserved communities where veterinary care is either difficult to find or financially unattainable. She understood first hand that “people are attached to their pets.” She wanted to make pet ownership more of a possibility for all, and she knew, long before any of the most currently released studies suggested it, that one’s life is enriched through animal companionship. In the following years and decades Green held roles in Guilderland with Animal Control including lobbying and fundraising for a No Kill Shelter. Yet, she was reminded over and over of one of life’s truisms, that the number of dogs and cats who need homes far exceeds the demand for them.  

As her path led her further into the world of animal welfare, Green eventually focused her energies on addressing the primary issue that results in so many unwanted animals. “We had to stop the pipeline and create low cost spay and neuter clinics,” she says. Hence, Guilderhaven was born.

Green gathered together a governing board of volunteers, and advertised in churches and food pantries throughout the Tri-City area and through word of mouth. “Helping the animal community became our mantra,” says Green. She approaches her mission with compassion and the understanding that caring for animals also includes concerned owners. “So we deal with people too,” says Green. It is not unusual for her to explain to someone in stark layman’s terms that if today you have five unfixed animals then in a couple of months, you might have twenty-five. It’s a powerful argument for pet owners to get their animals fixed. 

Since Guilderhaven’s establishment as a 501(c)3 in 2022, their services have grown to include low cost spay and neuter clinics; food procurement and distribution; feral colony support; trap, neuter, release; resource and referral; low cost vaccines; and support for other local animal welfare programs. They rely on a handful of participating veterinarians who assist with medical procedures and who are also committed to making costs affordable for the pet owners. 

Further, with the aid of their wildlife rehabilitator Jean Simmons, Guilderhaven provides an additional service to animals who don’t arrive with a leash and owner attached. Simmons rehabs and releases nearly 90% of the wildlife which come her way. 

Guilderhaven is supported not only by the commitment of its dedicated board but by community donations from many generous individuals and local businesses such as Gade Farm, Altamont Agway, Hewitt’s Garden Center Guilderland, Benson’s Pet Center, Aqueduct Animal Hospital, Central Veterinary Hospital, Pet Supplies Plus Albany, Carmen Wine and Liquor, the Keehfus Family Foundation, and from efforts like Honest Weight’s Be the Change program. 

During the month of January, when you say “yes” to rounding up at the registers, you are choosing to Be the Change that will not only improve the lives of wild and domestic animals, but also help ease the burden of those who care for them. 

For more information about Guilderhaven visit their Facebook page or call 518-861-6861.

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