Help Continue Kelly's Legacy of Love

Hi. My name is Kate. I’ve called myself many things, but out of all the things I am, I’ve always been the most proud of being big sister to my beautiful, amazing little sister Kelly.

Kelly passed away unexpectedly on April 22nd, at only 33 years old. My parents and I are devastated, and we know her many friends and acquaintances are too.

Kelly loved many things and was such a passionate, kind, loving, and empathetic soul. Animals in particular were one of the things she loved most - narwhals, penguins, turtles, frogs, and many more. One of her favorite pastimes was spending time with her wonderful pets, especially her dogs. She doted on her dogs and gave them the most loving care you could imagine,

Kelly was survived by her two wonderful dogs, Simon (who she also called Chubbs or Chub Chub), and Garth. Chubbs is a large mixed breed boy - he is so gentle, loving, wise, and incredibly sweet. Garth is a bouncy, silly, very sweet, mixed large breed puppy, with ridiculous floppy ears and gorgeous eyes, who may become a giant when he grows up.

Our family is processing our sudden devastation privately, and my parents have asked that for now, in lieu of a memorial service for Kelly, that instead of a service, we honor her memory by putting funds that would have been spent towards a service towards the care and support of her beloved pups. We will eventually have a service at Codorus Park in Hanover, to celebrate her love and life, once we are able. We are struggling so hard to keep going on without her, but her pups Simon and Garth are keeping us going.

Simon and Garth were at the center of my sister’s life, and she would be so humbled and grateful for any donations and supportive words, for any kindness that will help our family and generosity towards caring for her boys. I have adopted Simon and Garth and will raise them as my family, and as their Aunt Kate, I will care for them for as long as we are blessed with these amazing pups.

Kelly did a phenomenal job taking care of them both. She was preternaturally skilled at dog training and care, and she was so dedicated to her dogs, sacrificing her own needs at times to take care of them without hesitation to make sure they were always happy and healthy, and Simon and Garth are so very special and dear to us. With a bit of hard work and training, I would love for Garth to become a therapy dog, so he can visit children in hospitals, to share Kelly’s love with those who need it most, and continue sharing her legacy of love especially for children, as Kelly adored kids so much.

Any donations made to our fundraiser will be used solely and specifically for Simon and Garth’s care and expenses like their vet bills, pet insurance, food, training for Garth, enrichment, etc.

If you would like to send Simon and/or Garth any gifts or donations directly as a memorial for Kelly, in lieu of donating here, please feel free to reach out to me and let me know. The boys would absolutely adore Bark Boxes, chews, squeaky toys, Petco gift cards, and so forth - and I would be happy to make a video of one or both of them happily enjoying your gifts as thanks.

Thank you for reading, and thank you with all our hearts for considering donating to Simon and Garth’s care. I am honored beyond words to have been a sister with someone so special, so loving, so kind and talented, so supportive and driven, so compassionate and amazing, so independent, strong, and beautiful, as my little baby sister Kelly. Kelly adored her pups with all her being and it is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with their care and love.

Please feel free to share this fundraiser if you wish. Thank you ❤️‍