About Us
Our History
H.E.A.L has been helping improve conditions at the shelter since March 2009. Since then, we have provided the shelter with a new large-capacity washer and dryer, provided raised beds for every kennel, donated over 10,000 lbs of dog food and treats, provided over 100 feeding bowls for cats at the facility, and paid for various medical procedures for many dogs that would not have not been provided medical attention without our help.
Our most recent accomplishment has been providing every dog vaccinations upon arrival at the shelter. This has proven to be very effective and made a major impact on the health of these animals. Another current and ongoing achievement is our involvement with the coordination of out-of-state-transports. Since January 2010, H.E.A.L. has assisted with transporting over 600 dogs to forever homes in other states.
Even with these significant accomplishments, the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter is still in dire need of help for the health and welfare of the animals it houses. Some of our long term goals include establishing transitional kennels to reduce over-crowding and promoting adoptions and fund transports. We are also working to provide low/ no cost spay and neuter clinics to reduce the amount of animals coming into the shelter.
Our Inspiration
Betty, a Rottweiler, was rescued from the San Bernardino City Shelter on her last available day. Betty is the inspiration for the creation of the H.E.A.L. Foundation because Sharon Gaitan Blechinger, the Founder, could not ignore the plight of the shelter animals left behind so put out a call to action out to the community. Betty later faced a long battle with bone cancer.
We are saddened to say that on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, our dear Betty lost her battle with cancer. Betty’s life and legacy will live on through H.E.A.L. It was only because of her, that H.E.A.L. was formed. Her life will give life to so many other animals as she is the heart and soul of HEAL. Every animal that we are able to help and every life that we are able to save will all have a little bit of Betty in them. We know that she is on the bridge, looking down and smiling whenever she sees another tail wag.