Help Annabelle Come Home

Hello! My name is Rebecca and the little princess in the photos is my 7 year-old rescue cat, Annabelle. I've had Annabelle since she was 4 weeks old and came to me as a foster kitten for a local animal rescue. Well, with a face like that, I quickly foster failed! Although Annabelle was found as a stray, she has dwarfism, and her stocky little body and playful personality have made her an absolute delight in my household.

On Sunday, October 27, Annabelle appeared fine. She demanded her morning snack and was strutting around the house like she owned it (which she does). I left around 11. When I returned around 8:30, something was very wrong with Annabelle. She was hot to the touch, her third eyelids were up, she didn't want her evening snack, and when she jumped down from the table, she collapsed, then stumbled away with a nearly complete lack of coordination.

I called our local emergency animal clinic, which is about 10 minutes from my house, but they were at capacity and couldn't fit her in. I drove to the next closest emergency animal hospital, Clarksville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, which is almost 2 hours away from me. They immediately admitted her for a fever of 105.3F, dehydration, and ataxia, but with no clear diagnosis.

The first round of bloodwork found that her white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were so high they were off the charts. The vet decided to send off a blood smear to another lab to rule out cancer since the values were so high. However, given it was 1 am, we had to wait for a result. Annabelle was given fluids and antibiotics and I left for the night.

As of 4pm, Monday, October 28, here is what I know. Annabelle's blood smear did not turn up any cancer cells. Her fever is down to 103. We will run another round of bloodwork and a urinalysis to rule out some other oddities in her bloodwork and see if the fluids and antibiotics have made a difference. If they have, we will continue supportive care. If they have not, we will move forward with ultrasounds and scans. Annabelle is staying the night again and likely Wednesday night as well.

As most of you know, I love my animals like my children. Annabelle is a true light in my life and always makes me laugh with her silly antics and innocent adoration of the other animals. I am willing to do anything for her. However, for the first time, I feel like I am coming up against a brick wall with my financial ability to support her. I have already paid $1,823 - and that hasn't even scratched the surface of the tests and hospitalization that she still needs, especially if her bloodwork doesn't improve.

I know that times are hard, and asking for help when so many are struggling is the hardest thing I've ever done. But I don't know that I can save Annabelle by myself, and that is not fair to her. So I am asking, if you are able, for any support you are able to give. Please believe me that no amount is too small, and every penny will be appreciated more than you know. If you are unable to donate, words of encouragement and support are also welcome - as you can imagine, it's hard to have a piece of your heart two hours away.

Please enjoy a few photos of Annabelle, as well as two estimates I currently have. I have three receipts that have paid the following: $175 for emergency exam

$1,098 for half of the first estimate - required by the clinic

$550 for extended hospital stay.

I am happy to answer any questions, and I will post updates as soon as I hear from the vet's office. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!