The short version: We are asking for financial support to get Sage the testing and oncology care she needs to see if there is anything we can do to treat her cancer. It is clear that at some point someone gave up on Sage. Now she's found us, and we refuse to do the same.

The longer version: Sage showed up in my yard as a small tentative girl with a stumpy tail. Something told me she needed help. We set up a plan and were able to trap her on October 15. Outside she seemed tentative and slightly feral but as soon as I brought her in, her warm, loving personality was on full display.

We brought her to the vet the next day for what we thought would be a routine spay and shots. While Sage was sedated, the vet found a mammary mass (a tumor about the size of a quarter under her nipple). The vet said it was probably cancer and that she probably had 2-3 months to live. She recommended euthanizing her. We had literally seconds to decide. We did not feel it was right to euthanize her without trying to get more answers first.

Since then, we have been seeking out those answers. We have taken her for a second opinion, x-rays, surgery to get her spayed and remove the tumor for biopsy, and an ultrasound. Unfortunately, the biopsy showed the tumor was malignant and that cancer was present in at least one lymph node and the vasculature. However, the x-ray and ultrasound both showed no obvious sign of spread. Next, we are bringing her to a board-certified oncologist for a consultation to see if there is anything we can do.

We have been lucky to have a wonderful team of vets who have weighed in on Sage’s situation. Me, Lisa, and a couple of our friends have covered the medical costs so far. However, costs have added up and we’re looking to raise funds to cover the ultrasound ($600) and the oncology visit ($315), and possibly future treatment (TBD based on the oncology consult).

Here we are, three months later, and Sage is thriving—since the moment I brought her in, she has been energetic, playful, incredibly loving, with a healthy amount of sass and feistiness. Her appetite is huge and her coat is shiny and soft. This certainly does not seem like a cat that is about to die of cancer. I’m so happy that we trusted our instincts back in October—Lisa said something profound that day—”you have to be pragmatic, but it also has to feel right in your soul.” Giving Sage a chance to live, all while providing her a safe, loving environment in which to heal and recover, was definitely the “right” call.