This is 13. She is my son's cat and is 13 years old. About a year ago, I noticed she had really bad breath. One vet dismissed it, and I didn't think anything more of it.

Then one day, I heard her crying while she ate, and that reminded me of Ziva. Ziva is an older cat of mine and had a problem called stomatitis when I adopted her from Cat Welfare. Dr. Dan Monfort of Clintonville Animal Hospital took out all of Ziva's teeth, totaling $600, and she made a full recovery. That was in 2012.

He retired and sold the business.

Now, 13 has the same problem or something very similar. She's been to a few places. Beechwold Animal Hospital said they couldn't do anything and sent me to find a specialist. I did, out in Gahanna. She said it would be about $2100 for the surgery, and at the time, I could do that. When I showed up for the appointment, the price skyrocketed to 4 grand with no explanation. I didn't go through with it because I didn't have 4 grand.

She can't eat. Her mouth is literally rotting, and she's wasting away.

I got a new position at work. It comes with more money, but I don't know exactly when I start that and if 13 will make it much longer. I don't know what to do. I feel horrible because I can't help her. I feel like shit for the whole mess because she got sick when I was unemployed, and I've totally failed her and my son.

A friend suggested a place called Community Veterinary Clinic in Dublin, OH. I was able to get a payment plan over 6 months for the $408 bill to see if she's able to withstand surgery. They sent me a treatment plan today, and it's here for you to see. I need help with this kitty. They gave her pain meds, and she acted like she was feeling 100% again. They have worn off, and she's back to crying when she tries to eat and hiding in the window.

Update: 13 still needs help. She's been enjoying the weird warmer weather, laying in the sun. She still eats gingerly but she's not gaining any weight because it still hurts her too much to eat a lot. She and I are both very grateful for those who have donated.