Helping Harley Poo

UPDATE November 7: At this point I should change the fundraiser name to "generally help both the babies" because I had to take Bowie in to the vet today due to him acting unwell and gagging every time he ate. I worried he had something stuck in his throat, but $700 worth of exams has us guessing an upper respiratory infection. He had antibiotics and some pain reliever/appetite helpers to get him through. Total vet bills in the last 4 weeks are over $5,500 now and I'm struggling incredibly. I can't afford food for myself and am currently relying on others. I know this isn't a great financial climate for anyone though. So appreciative of any good vibes.

UPDATE October 26: Thank goodness Harley pooped absolutely everywhere last night!!! Meds are doing their thing This may be a permanent solution for him which means an additional $96 a month for his medication.

UPDATE October 24: Harley has still not pooped. He's had his meds and Restoralax as he's been having since Thursday. If he doesn't poop I'm very afraid I may have to surrender him. I have absolutely no money left.

UPDATE October 23: Harley had his checkup today and he's starting to block up again. They gave him an enema but it didn't work right away so hopefully he goes at home. Food modification and back on meds (Cisapride for GI motility). $520 for this visit.

UPDATE October 19: Harley finished the last of his meds today and is a fairly happy boy again. He does miss kibble but it's wet food only for him for now. His checkup is scheduled for Monday the 23rd and they quoted me $150-$328, depending if he gets a radiograph or not. I've used the current donations to pay for his new case of food which was $55.45, paid back my mom $200 which she fronted at the vet for me and is using to pay for oil so I have heat in my home, and the remainder is going toward his checkup. As it stands currently I cannot afford his checkup if it's on the higher end. If you're able to comfortably share, even $5 goes a long way. Thank you so much from us both!

UPDATE October 15: Harley is home and so very happy to be! He has some medications to help manage his discomfort and potty trips are being monitored. The final bill was just under $4,300. I used the emergency vet loan plus every cent I had to be able to pay in order to take him home, which means I now have another loan payment monthly and nothing for my own bills and medical needs. Your support means I can afford to keep a roof over my head and care for myself, on top of managing Harley's new needs and diet plus his check-up next week. Now both my boys have a special (expensive) diet, which I'm happy exists but is not cheap. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated thus far.

------ORIGINAL POST:

Thank you for taking the time to look at this page! My name is Megan and I'm the owner of the beautiful Harley, a boy of mysterious origins (Siamese? Tabby? Himalayan? Ragdoll?). I also have his brother, Bowie. The pair of them have medical opposites: Bowie has trouble with pee (well managed with diet for 4+ years now) and Harley has trouble with poo.

Harley is newer to me, only joining my family in November 2022, whereas I've had his brother Bowie for 5 years now. Harley has had it a little rougher than Bowie with not as clear cut of a medical fix. While he has had occasional constipation, he's been managed with Royal Canin Gastrointestinal kibble. That is apparently not good enough, as Wednesday morning he stopped being able to poop completely. After an uneventful night as far as the litter box is concerned, he was taken to an emergency clinic this afternoon for fear he had a bladder blockage. He did not, thankfully; but he is so plugged up with poo that it physically cannot come out on its own and his colon is at risk of rupturing, so it is still very much an emergency. He's been admitted overnight and is being well taken care of, however in the meantime I've been quoted a very high bill I cannot manage on my own. A 2 night stay could cost upwards of $5,400. If he needs to stay longer... We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

I managed to scrape up $600 with the help of family, and I got approved for a $2,600 emergency vet financial assistance loan, which still leaves an estimated $2,200 left of the bill I cannot afford. I have set a goal of $3,000 because I'm concerned about extra costs, and if I'm being honest I genuinely can't afford the $250 per month loan repayment I will need to start making next month to pay off the emergency loan. I make an average of $1,800 a month and my monthly bills cost about $1,900. I have been struggling for months now and it's only getting worse. Harley needs me to be able to pay this vet bill, and I need him to get better. If you can spare anything it would be so very, very appreciated more than I can say, but please don't give if it would make your financial situation worse. Share this page if you can.

With love and gratitude,

Megan

P.S. If you would like to see more frequent updates or just pictures of Harley (and his brother!) you can find us on Twitter or Instagram under thewritefrog / mfrawg / bowieinthetrees ❤️