Valley Veterinary Clinic's Fundraiser

This year we are fundraising in memory of Shy, a lovely girl who we had the pleasure of looking after for many years. To the great sadness of all who knew her, Shy left us earlier this year. We are thankful to be allowed to share her story and to raise funds so that others may benefit as Shy did.

Shyanne “Shy” Gilbertson came into my life on August 8, 2006, and for almost 20 years, she was so much more than a cat. She was my companion, my comfort, my family, and one of the constants in my life.

For nearly two decades, Shy was there through everything. The good days, the difficult days, the changes, the celebrations, the quiet nights at home — she was simply there. She had a way of making a house feel like home just by being in it.

On May 15, 2026, I had to say goodbye to my beautiful girl. There are really no words that can properly explain what it feels like to lose someone who has been such a huge part of your life for so many years. Shy wasn’t “just a pet.” She was family, and losing her left an enormous hole in my life.

During Shy’s final chapter, the Farley Foundation became incredibly important to both of us. Veterinary care can become expensive very quickly, and sometimes loving your animal isn’t enough to make the financial side of things possible on your own. The assistance we received through the Farley Foundation helped make sure that Shy could receive the veterinary care she needed when I needed that help most.

For me, that assistance meant far more than financial support. It meant time. It meant being able to focus on Shy, on loving her and being there for her, instead of being overwhelmed by the worry of whether I could afford the care she needed.

The people behind the Farley Foundation may never fully know what that support meant to me. They weren’t simply helping pay for veterinary care — they were helping me have more precious time with a member of my family.

I will always be grateful for that.

Shy gave me almost 20 years of unconditional love, companionship, and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I miss her every single day, but I feel incredibly lucky that I got to be her person for so long.

And now, having experienced firsthand what the Farley Foundation can mean to someone and their beloved animal, I want Shy’s story to help others.

If sharing Shy’s story can help raise awareness, inspire someone to donate, or help another family receive veterinary care they otherwise might not be able to afford, then I can’t think of a better way to honour her memory.

Every animal deserves the chance to receive the care they need. Every person deserves the chance to keep caring for the animal they love.

Thank you to the Farley Foundation, to the veterinary professionals who make this possible, and to everyone who supports this incredible program. Your generosity doesn’t just help animals — it helps families, creates more time together, and gives people hope when they need it most.

Shy was incredibly loved.

She always will be.

For Shy. ❤️

August 8, 2006 – May 15, 2026