Texas Pete's vet expenses

Our beautiful 5-month-old colorpoint shorthair kitten, Texas Pete, suffered an unusual condition called intussussception, in which part of the small intestine telescopes inside itself, creating a blockage. He had emergency surgery 2/9/24 and was discharged with a hopeful prognosis 2/13. During the next few days, his condition declined and improved, then crashed 2/18, when he underwent a second surgery that revealed it had happened again. Complications developed and he passed in the early hours of 2/19. We had had him only a month, and we are devastated.

He had the best care available and it came at great cost. His first surgery and four days of hospitalization came to $15,912.00. The second surgery was $6,191.00. There were other visits in between to his primary vet. We would not give up on him, no matter the cost, because we wanted him to have the best chance of recovery and grow up to be the loving, handsome cat he was on track to be.

But we are retired people of modest means, and all this has been a tremendous blow to our credit and our cash reserves, as well as to our emotions. Even if he had survived, it would take years to reduce this debt. I come with hat in hand, asking for help in raising a little less than half of the amount owed. We will find some way to manage the rest. Know that we are grateful beyond measure for any assistance you can spare in these economically challenging times. Thank you from the bottom of our hurting hearts. -- George and Crystal Wood