Shy Shy and Tyeka: Together Through it All
Vet Tech Abby, Shy Shy and Tyeka following Shy Shy’s successful surgery
Tyeka couldn’t find her beloved cat Shy Shy one morning, and, with mounting fear, she checked a number of spots in her home to no avail. Finally, she found Shy Shy hiding, and her back leg was severely injured and bleeding.
The eight-year-old tabby was rushed to the veterinarian, where the prognosis was hopeful, but costly. Her injury required ongoing vet visits priced at a few hundred dollars each - on top of an initial exam/treatment fee of nearly $1,000. Tyeka’s heart sank. She and her partner were in the midst of buying a home, with every dollar tied up in inspections, deposits and similar expenses.
Like many families, Tyeka was facing an unexpected and costly veterinary bill, a harsh reality that many households struggle to overcome. More and more often, pet owners - due to rising veterinary costs and economic factors - face choosing between euthanizing a beloved companion, or surrendering them to a shelter.
But Tyeka couldn’t imagine life without Shy Shy. She was told about Dakin, and reached out to see if we could help. Our answer was yes, we can.
Dakin’s Stay Together Fund, made possible by generous donors, bridges the gap between what families contribute and the costs of necessary veterinary care. By offering one-time, temporary assistance and flexible payment plans, the Fund offers support and hope—so no one has to choose between cost and keeping a beloved pet.
When Tyeka learned we could help with Shy Shy’s care, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. Tears streamed down her face as she realized they would stay together. Our veterinary team performed the leg amputation, Shy Shy recovered quickly, and was soon back home – safe in Tyeka’s loving arms.
To better understand the challenges communities are facing in terms of accessible veterinary care, PetSmart Charities partnered with global analytics company Gallup® to hear directly from pet parents. Their research revealed important insights, including:
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52% of pet parents have delayed or declined vet care—71% due to cost or feeling it wasn’t worth the price
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Even higher-income families aren’t immune: 2 out of 3 households earning $90K+ reported financial barriers, with 33% citing affordability
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The consequences can be severe—30% know someone whose pet died because treatment was unaffordable
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73% who declined care due to cost weren’t offered a more affordable option, and only 23% were offered a payment plan*
Shy Shy’s recovery and return home were only possible thanks to the generous support of those who believe pets belong with the people who love them. Dakin’s Stay Together Fund helped keep her with the only family she’s ever known—and she’s still their cherished kitty. Stories like hers show the power of compassion and community. Together, we can help more pets and their people stay together, where they belong.