Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group - Lower East Side

I shy way from social media these days and don't necessarily intend to change that, but rarely have I been this grateful. THANK YOU so much to Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group and their Hell's Kitchen staff especially Dr. Maria Papaioannou! Yesterday, my friend and I rescued a husky who was malnourished and dehydrated to the point where it seemed like she would not make it. We are not expert dog rescuers and very quickly came to understand how difficult it can be. Shelters were full and would not take the poor dog and my friend had already called 7-8 other vet's in the area by the time I got there each one saying they had no availability or would not help. When we called Heart of Chelsea, they had us bring the dog over immediately and Dr. Maria Papaioannou did a quick but thorough exam to help us know whether or what level of emergency this was. (After some interesting adventures, we wound up have a full blood work-up and X-rays done later in the day and all of her conclusions were dead on without access to bloodwork or X-rays). You all (including my dog's vet, Dr. Elizabeth Higgins) provide amazing veterinary services that meet the rather high expectations associated with a group noted as a concierge service. It is no small thing to provide that level of service to the most fortunate of our furry friends but then to, without hesitation, say to the least fortunate of them, how can we help and to do so with the same expert care, kindness and sensitivity you provide to all your patients was a much needed boost to my faith in humanity. If God forbid Shadow was ever separated from me - I'm not sure I could be comforted but it would genuinely help to know that there are people out there who will step up to make sure he is safe and cared for. I have already written a small novel, but as quick update Bella, newly christened Chai, was already feeling much better this morning after water, food, sleep and a rather extensive bath when she found her new home with a veterinary emergency nurse who we met on our adventures yesterday. Again, I cannot thank you enough for the assistance yesterday!!!!🙏🙏🙏

Some of the most knowledgeable, most friendly and most nicest animal lovers and Doctors the world over.
Yup, i said “most nicest”.

love,
rick ardito

Rocky has had the same vet for the past 12 years, so having to find new vet after all this time was daunting, but I am so glad to have been referred to Heart of Chelsea and Dr. Fracapane. Everyone was welcoming, up front about costs, and most importantly, treated my little guy incredibly well. It puts my mind at ease to know we have Dr. Fracapane and the team at Heart of Chelsea for Rocky’s ongoing care.