the ones I have dont seem to do anything. does anyone know of a good tier 1 healer?

Arid Chelon Gem is probably the best tier 1 infinite use healer out there. Although mystical orb can work as a good once per battle healer as could bronze quill and life charm.

I have the chelon gem and it doesn't seem to heal my pet at all when I use it

Which challenger are you fighting? Some challengers have healing disabled against them. To be exact, the challengers that disable healing are: Aboxalypse, Eclipse, Coeli, Daemon, and Cursed Effigy the Tormented.

ooooohh ok that explains it XD I'm fighting coeli...thanks for the info