Fluttershy has few friends in the town of Ponyville. Her natural shyness, combined with the fact that most pegasi live in Cloudsdale, leaves her with few ponies to talk to. As such, after she rescues a very old and very ill stray dog she names "Patches," she finds that she finally has a friend - a stinky, perpetually ill one needing constant care and attention. When the inevitable happens, she must learn to live with loss - especially as she goes forward, continuing to love and care for the animals of Ponyville.