Please help Valerie help Bella

Dear Friends and Family of our pal, Val —

 

If you know her, you love her. And if you know her, you know that Valerie has been taking care of animals pretty much her whole life, so much so that she turned it into a business, VAL’S PALS Home Pet Care, whose motto for the past 26 years has been “It’s the Heartbeat of Our Lives.” And that’s what it’s been for Valerie and Arnie all these years. The heartbeat of their lives.

 

Over the years, they've cared for hundreds of clients' pets, while at the same time, animals of all kinds have found a home with Val and Arnie. All have been special, of course, because Val makes everyone feel that way, and animals are no exception. That’s just who she is.

 

Their German Shepherd, Bella, holds a significant place in Valerie’s heart.

Val and Arnie first met Bella seven years ago when she was a three-week-old pup. It was love at first sight, especially for Arnie, who immediately bonded with her. Bella never showed favorites, but when Arnie was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer almost four years ago, Bella instinctively knew Arnie needed her. Bella had a natural therapeutic effect on him as she spent most of her days loyally by his side, giving him kisses and putting her head under his hand so he could pet her. From the very beginning, right up until the day Arnie passed in July, Bella brought Arnie tremendous joy, comfort and peace. She remained a brilliant ray of sunshine to Val during the most difficult times.

 

Valerie planned a beautiful Celebration of Life for Arnie two weeks after his passing at a local park enjoyed by them, their animals and their families for many years. When the morning of the Celebration of Life arrived, Val had a serious health issue that landed her in the hospital just a few hours before it was scheduled to begin. Faced with the decision to cancel it or let it go on without her, Valerie stood true to her plan. She knew people were coming from many miles away and would not be talked out of letting this important tribute go on.

(A pure act of love and selflessness if there ever was one. That’s our Val.)

While she watched via ZOOM from her bed in the ER, I sat close by, watching Val’s eyes light up as she saw how many people came to celebrate her beloved.

 

Now, just three months after losing Arnie, Val has learned that Bella needs ACL surgery. Although it’s become a routine surgery for dogs, the estimated cost of surgery and physical therapy is upwards of $6,000. Regrettably, Val does not have pet insurance.

 

Bella will have this surgery, no doubt about it. Her pain is real, and she has a lot of life left at just seven years old. Her biggest job right now is being Val’s devoted and steadfast companion. This is where we come in. After a lifetime of helping others, Valerie needs our help. We all know Val would never ask this for herself, but she’s agreed to let me reach out to all of you with the hope that we can come together to help her get Bella’s surgery without putting too much of a financial strain on her. The surgery is scheduled for November 18.

 

I hope you will consider making even a small donation to help our pal, Val,

help her pal, Bella. Any little bit will be deeply appreciated.

 

This is why we are Val’s Pals.

 

With love and gratitude,

 

Angela La Fianza Jobe

(Val’s cousin and Soul Sister)

NOTE: All funds collected go directly from you to Valerie.