The Guardian Angel Fund was created in honor of a very special relationship that developed between humane law enforcement (HLE) Lieutenant Nick Hilton and a severely abused puppy rescued in 2010.

In a domestic violence related dispute, a 28 year old Schenectady man killed toy poodle Carmella’s two animal companions by forcibly drowning Bear and beating Fudge (both dachshunds) to death with a pool cue.

Despite being brutally scalded with boiling water and despite having her fur ripped from her skin in strips, Carmella survived. Attempts to find a shelter to house Carmella while she recovered failed, so she was fostered by Schenectady County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officer Lieutenant Nick Hilton, who changed her name to Patty.

“I wanted to give her a fresh start and a second name seemed representational of a second chance at life,” Lieutenant Hilton reports. He also revealed that the fostering experience was one of the most evocative of his career, “Patty was so terrorized that she would literally cry if I left the room,” Lieutenant Hilton remembers. His solution was to simply bring her everywhere with him.

Finally, after weeks of physical care and social rehabilitation, Lieutenant Hilton handpicked Patty’s new adoptive owner and surrendered her to a new life full of new possibilities and one more new name, Angel.

Lieutenant Hilton says that what impacted him the most about his experience with Angel was witnessing her capacity for trust. He says, “Despite the horrendous abuse that Angel suffered, her unwavering faith and her love of companionship and people prevailed and that inspires me every day.”

The Guardian Angel Fund provides funds for emergency veterinary care and shelter for animals rescued by the Schenectady County SPCA’s Law Enforcement program. A crucial element of humane law enforcement is the ability to remove, treat and shelter animals during abuse investigations. While we make every attempt to secure low cost or reduced rate veterinarian care and shelter, medications, equipment and overhead require reimbursement.

Lack of available shelter and funding unfortunately becomes a factor in our response decision making process. Donations to the Guardian Angel Fund will allow us to take immediate action when we receive neglect and abuse complaints. Contribute to the Guardian Angel Fund today and your dollars will directly alleviate pain and end suffering.

Please Donate online or mail your contribution to:

The Guardian Angel Fund
Schenectady County SPCA
PO Box 9516
Niskayuna, NY 12309

Destiny now named Lola before and after…