About Silver Paws and Patriots
Preserving the sacred bond between those who served our nation, our elder community members, and the faithful pets who never leave their side.
Our Mission
Silver Paws and Patriots is dedicated to supporting seniors and veterans, with emphasis on those experiencing financial hardship, by helping them provide for the care and well-being of their beloved pet companions.
Through compassionate assistance, resources, and support, we strive to ease the challenges that may make caring for a beloved pet difficult.
Our mission is to help ensure that seniors and veterans are not forced to choose between meeting their own essential needs and providing necessary care for the pet companions they love.
“Because sometimes the greatest comfort has four paws.”
Our Promise
To treat every senior, veteran, and beloved pet with dignity and respect, offering a steady, compassionate hand whenever caring for a companion animal becomes difficult.
Our Vision
A community where no senior citizen or military veteran is forced to surrender, suffer, or say goodbye to their companion pet simply because of financial hardship.
Our Values
- Compassion & Dignity
- Service & Gratitude
- Integrity & Stewardship
- Respectful Community Care
Organization Leadership
Dedicated founders, officers, and advocates serving our seniors, veterans, and their pets.
Maria E. De La Garza
Founder. Advocate. Pet Lover.
As a lifelong animal lover and passionate advocate for seniors and veterans, Maria founded Silver Paws and Patriots with one simple belief: financial hardship should never force someone to say goodbye to a beloved pet.
For many seniors and veterans, their pets are more than animals. They are family, offering companionship on lonely days, comfort during difficult times, and unconditional love.
Silver Paws and Patriots was created to protect that extraordinary bond. Through compassion, dignity, and community, the organization helps seniors and veterans care for the pets who have stood faithfully beside them.
“Because sometimes helping a person begins with helping the four-legged family member waiting at their feet.”
Gisela Silva
Nurse. Caregiver. Advocate.
For the past 15 years, Gisela has had the privilege of working as a nurse, dedicating her career to caring for others. Nursing has been more than a profession for her; it has been a calling that allows her to support people during some of their most vulnerable moments with compassion, kindness, and understanding.
When given the opportunity to help veterans and pets facing financial hardship, she jumped at the chance. She believes that no one should have to face difficult circumstances alone. Being able to give back to veterans who have sacrificed for their country and to help pets receive the care they deserve is deeply meaningful to her.
At the heart of who she is, she is an advocate for those who need it most. Whether caring for a patient, supporting a veteran, or helping a pet and the family who loves them, she is committed to making a difference. Her life has been shaped by a passion for caring for others and a desire to turn compassion into meaningful action.
Elizabeth Herrera
Educator. Community Advocate. Animal Lover.
Elizabeth Herrera is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in her community.
Through her work in education, she has witnessed how encouragement and support can change lives. She brings that same dedication to Silver Paws and Patriots, where she helps support seniors, veterans, and the animals who bring comfort and companionship.
Elizabeth is committed to advancing the organization’s mission and building a stronger, more compassionate community for both people and animals.
“Kindness creates connections, and those connections change lives.”