Life-Saving Surgery for Emotional Support Cat

In March 2020, with being unemployed and needing a pick-me-up, I went to the animal shelter in Inglewood just to look around. I grew up with and taking care of cats, but had no specific intention of necessarily adopting one that day. But that’s because I hadn’t met Alderson yet.

As a 6-week-old kitten, he was abandoned by the side of the road with a broken tail, an intestinal parasite, an upper respiratory infection and an eye infection. A little boy and his mom found him and went to turn him into the shelter, but the shelter was closed due to an animal attack incident. They said they’d need to keep him in a box outside for the night. I went to hold him and knew instantly that we were gonna be each other’s buddy. Being out of work at the time and short on funds, I still put my resources into nursing him back to health. Plus, it helped me deal with my own personal job loss and the world loss that we were all facing then. It was very much “Who rescued who?”

Unfortunately, Alderson, (named from Mr. Robot) who is now 3-years old, has developed bladder stones and crystals. I had already purchased new, more costly food to help with the issue, but there was an immediate-life threatening blockage that I have now dealt with twice at the emergency 24-hour vet (to the tune of about $900). However, those were just temporary measures and Alderson needs life-saving surgery called a cystotomy to keep this from reoccurring. If he does not get it, a stone could get trapped in his urethra causing organ failure. The emergency vet wanted $5,000 for the surgery, but the Banfield Pet Hospital where I already have a pet wellness plan through can do the cystotomy and X-rays for about $2200, which combined with the new food plan should stave off these recurring bladder issues. However, they need the full amount upon pick-up.

I realize I am not alone in this sentiment that the last few years have been incredibly difficult. While I am back to work, I haven’t been able to accrue enough savings to pay for his medical procedure in addition to keeping up with my monthly expenses. Which is why any donations would be so incredibly helpful. I appreciate anything you are able to give in order to save Alderson’s life.

If you’d prefer to contribute via Venmo, my handle is @Augustus-Ceccucci

On Cash App, my handle is @$SolidAsAnARC