Our Team
Milford, CT
Silver Sands Veterinary Team
Thank you for trusting us with their care
Dr. Donald DeForge, VMD
Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. DeForge developed a special interest in oral care. In 1996, he was honored as the North East Practitioner of the Year by the American Animal Hospital Association. That same year he received the Peter Emily Residents Award in small animal dentistry.
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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: 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
Dr. Alyssa Pires
Alyssa's Bio
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.
Breaking News!
Dr. Alyssa Pires is now a graduate veterinarian in companion animal practice.
Congratulations Dr. Pires! Even though she is not practicing with Dr. DeForge, at this time, she will always be a special member of the Silver Sands Veterinary family.
Crystal
Crystal's Bio
Perras
Perras's Bio
Yeimieliz
Yeimieliz's Bio
Meghan
Meghan's Bio
My name is Meghan and I’m from Milford, CT. I’m going to be a senior at UConn in the fall and I am an Animal Science Major in the Pre-Veterinary Track. I’m very excited to be a part of the Silver Sands Veterinary Internship Program and expand my knowledge of veterinary medicine!
It has always been a dream of mine to go to veterinary school and become a veterinarian.
In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, be outdoors, and play tennis. I’m very excited to learn and be a part of such a great team here at SSV!
Alicia
Alicia's Bio
Alicia grew up amongst towering skyscrapers and the vibrant energy of New York City before relocating to Milford, CT. She attended CUNY’s City College of New York for her Bachelors in General Psychology before embracing her love for animals and deciding to become a veterinary technician. She is now a part of the Silver Sands Veterinary Internship program, while also studying to become a vet tech. Alicia is very eager to gain more knowledge to treat all animals she comes across. During her free time, she loves to read, spend time with friends, and visit art museums. Her favorite museum to visit is The Met in New York City! She also loves to spend her time with her
two loving furry companions–two Siberian Huskies, one of which she rescued from a trip in Mexico! She looks forward to working at SSV and being a part of the team!
Gabby
Gabby's Bio
Gabby has always had a love for animals and even put down “Veterinarian” as her dream job in kindergarten. She is originally from New York, but moved to Connecticut and joined the Silver Sands Team in 2023. Gabby is a part of our Silver Sands Veterinary Internship program and works on our team as a veterinary nurse. She is also currently a student in both Biology and Veterinary Technology with aim to join a Veterinary Doctorate program soon after undergraduate school. In her free time, Gabby loves to play video games, read, listen to music, and just hang out with her fur-babies. She has two cats, named Lasagna and Chicken Nugget, as well as a dachshund named Hawtdawg!
Romeo
Romeo's Bio
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.
Rocket
Rocket's Bio
Our special diabetic cat who survived DKA and is on a new weight reduction program to decrease insulin dependence.
Rocket IV-Captain America receives his own personal Email!
Send Email c/o: doctordeforge@yahoo.com
In Memoriam:
We lost our special friend, Romeo, after a sudden collapse from cancer. He was in the best hands at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. They did all they could to help him and make his last hours comfortable. Many of you will remember his selfless love as he patrolled our reception area for 8 years. He will be missed! I send this special tribute to Romeo-The Rainbow Bridge- to honor him and to let him know we will meet again!
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
-Author Unknown