Our Team

Milford, CT

Silver Sands Veterinary Team

Our team works together to ensure your pet is happy and healthy for all stages of their lives.

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.

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

Perras

Perras's Bio

Perras has been part of the Silver Sands Veterinary family since 2019, when she joined the SSV Pre-Veterinary Internship Program. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine after graduating from University of Vermont with a degree in Animal Science on the Pre-Veterinary track.

Perras is NAVC Certified as a Client Service Representative and is currently working toward becoming RECOVER CPR Certified. She is passionate about providing compassionate care to both pets and their families and loves continuing to learn and grow within the veterinary field.

Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys painting, drawing, and creative arts projects, along with spending time with her pets and family.

Yeimieliz

Yeimieliz's Bio

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 had a love for 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 begin my journey to become a doctor. I treat all animals like 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. On my free time, I love enjoying time with my family, cuddles with my dogs, and playing around with makeup. I am super excited to be a part of this team.

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.

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

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