Meet our Milford, CT Veterinary Team
Our team works together to ensure your pet is happy and healthy for all stages of their life. Thank you for trusting us with their care.


Dr. Donald DeForge, VMD
Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry

Alyssa Pires

Crystal Palombo

Perras Ruddy

Dr. Donald DeForge, VMD
Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
Dr. DeForge lectures on small animal dentistry and oral surgery, emphasizing practical applications for the general practitioner. His past columns in companion animal dentistry have appeared in DVM Newsmagazine and Veterinary Practice News for over a decade. Dr. DeForge is co-editor of An Atlas of Veterinary Dental Radiology along with Ben H Colmery III, DVM, DAVDC.
Dr. DeForge has guest lectured in veterinary technology programs at Suffolk Community College and Mercy College in New York. He was an adjunct at Northwestern Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program, where he established the Department of Oral Radiology and Periodontology for veterinary technology students in conjunction with Dr. Nancy Marchetti, program director.
As a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, he has been honored by human dentistry. Dr. Jeffrey A. Sherman, DDS, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Electrosurgery and Executive Director of the World Academy of Radiosurgery writes:
Your years of lecturing and writing on the subject of radiosurgery have not gone unnoticed. I believe your efforts in creating the E-Journal of Radiowave Radiosurgery [see www.AnimalDentistrySolutions.com] will help your colleagues and makes us all proud of your efforts. Your discovery of Indirect Radiowave Radiosurgery Coagulation has brought new insight into the use of radiosurgery in all fields of medicine and should be one of your proudest accomplishments. It is with honor that I call you colleague and friend. Please continue all of your fine efforts in the field of radiosurgery and know that sharing your knowledge is the greatest gift you have given to the profession.
Dr. DeForge performs continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary technicians on the local, regional, and national levels and is well respected by the academic community. All of his lectures are RACE-approved for CE.
In 2017, Dr. DeForge became the oral radiology consultant for E-Vet Diagnostics, a telemedicine reading service for veterinarians.
He also is a lecturer for Tuft’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine online and on-site.
Dr. DeForge is Interim Chair of the Global Veterinary Ethics Congress:Â GlobalVeterinaryEthicsCongress.blogspot.com.
Medical Director of the Silver Sands Veterinary Network
- Milford Veterinary Hospital – Companion Animal Hospital – General medicine and surgery with visiting specialists in internal medicine, surgery, radiology, and special imaging
- House Calls for Pets – Mobile Companion Animal Practice
- Silver Sands Urgent Care – Companion Animal Community Urgent Care for non-life-threatening emergencies.
- Connecticut Out-Patient Hospice

Alyssa
Alyssa completed a pre-veterinary school externship at Silver Sands Veterinary in June 2017. She is a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s of Science in both Animal Science and Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. Alyssa is currently a Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine veterinary student completing her Clinical Studies/Clinical Placement year as she continues her journey to becoming a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. When Alyssa is not working, she enjoys going to the beach, running, skiing, reading, and hanging out with her family. She has a Bishon Frise/Poodle mix named Bella.

Crystal
Crystal grew up with a love for animals. She attended Johnson & Wales for baking and pastry arts and worked as a baker/cook for five years. Crystal decided to go back to school to become a part of the veterinary field, which came as no surprise to family and friends since her passion has always been caring for animals! Crystal lives in Naugatuck with her husband, two cats (Parker and Milo), and dog (Gwen). In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Perras
Perras is a junior at Trumbull High School. She is attending the agriscience and biotechnology program and majors in veterinary science. She recently became part of the SSV family by taking place in our summer externship program. She is very passionate about animals and hopes to become a veterinarian in the future. She lives in Milford with her family and four pets. Outside work and school, Perras enjoys drawing, painting, or really any type of arts and crafts project she can do.

Ana
Ana is currently enrolled at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and is a High Honor student. She will be enrolling in a pre-veterinary college curriculum in one year. Growing up, she always had a special love for animals. She is highly determined to advance her education in the veterinary field and looks forward to her academic High School Pre-Veterinary Internship at Silver Sands Veterinary. Becoming a veterinarian has been her dream ever since she was a young child. She currently lives in East Haven with her family and has two cats (Lily and Quito) and one dog (Rocky). Her favorite things to do are baking; going out for walks; listening to music, and spending time with her family. She is bilingual and looks forward to helping clients who need her skill in translation communications.

Yeimieliz
My name is Yeimieliz, and I am in the SSV pre-veterinary internship. I will be graduating from Southern Connecticut State University in December of 2021. I have always loved animals since I was a little girl. Being a veterinarian has always been a dream of mine. Beginning this internship is a part of my dreams coming true. My goal is to soon enroll in veterinary school and start my journey to become a doctor. I treat all animals as if they were my own. I have even rescued some animals from the streets myself and brought them to an animal shelter to get the proper help they need. In my free time, I love enjoying time with my family, cuddling with my dogs, and playing around with makeup. I am super excited to be a part of this team.

Romeo
Our Hospital mascot for six years goes to Veterinary School……from SSV to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine! Romeo was adopted by Alyssa Pires when she left SSV to initiate her studies at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Many remember Romeo at SSV…..always seeking friendship with new clients as he monitored the Client Support Desk for treats and warm greetings from our SSV client family. Romeo is missed but, now, has a wonderful home with a future doctor of veterinary medicine
Visit Romeo on his personal Instagram: @RomeotheIsland.