Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Community Rescue for Elderly Dog Members News July 23, 2025 A 14-year-old dog named Gino is recovering at the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic after being rescued from heartbreaking neglect, thanks to the swift response of multiple local organizations and the donors who made their work possible. On Tuesday afternoon, Meals on Wheels of NEPA received a call about a dog in crisis. Gino, under the care of an elderly person in serious decline, was unable to stand. His fur was so severely matted that his ears were sealed shut and his skin raw. His nails had curled painfully, and his body was caked in urine and feces. With his muscles wasting from immobility, Gino had been silently suffering for far too long. Recognizing the urgency, Meals on Wheels contacted Blue Chip Animal Refuge, another trusted partner of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, operated in partnership with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary. Because of recent donor-supported expansions, the clinic had late hours—and could respond immediately. “It took hours of gentle, careful work to free Gino from nearly a pound of painful matting,” said Dr. Indra Lahiri, PhD, Founder and Executive Director at Indraloka. “But despite his suffering, he trusted us—quiet, still, allowing us to help.” Gino was hospitalized and is now receiving fluids, medications, and nutrient-dense food. His condition remains fragile, but he is surrounded by love and expert care. And while his original guardian will no longer be able to care for him, they too are receiving support. “This is what collaboration looks like,” said Dr. Leslie Interlandi, DVM. “A concerned neighbor. Humane Police. Meals on Wheels. Blue Chip. Our veterinary team. And the generous donors who made it possible. Together, we helped not just Gino—but the person who loved him.” The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic exemplifies what’s possible when human and animal welfare organizations come together with urgency and compassion. The clinic was created in response to a growing need across the region’s animal welfare community for accessible, affordable veterinary care—but it’s also a reflection of something deeper. It was human service organizations, like Meals on Wheels of NEPA, that first recognized the inextricable link between the needs of animals and the people who love them. “Gino’s heartbreaking story underscores the need for collaborative partnerships across sectors,” said Lindsay Skripka, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of NEPA. “The unmet needs of animals and humans is growing, and we need to work together in innovative ways to ensure everyone has access to the help they need.” To support rescues like Gino’s or learn more about the clinic, visit https://indraloka.org/. To learn more about Meels on Wheels, visit https://mealsonwheelsnepa.com/
