Hi, my name is Jesse, and this is my sweet boy Arlo.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this cat. Arlo and his brother were left behind by their mom when they were kittens, and I took him in. I always joke that I didn’t choose the orange cat life, the orange cat life chose me. From the moment I met him, I fell completely in love, and so did my kids.

Arlo isn’t “just a cat” to us. He’s truly part of our family. He’s the love of all three of our lives, and when the kids aren’t home, he’s my constant little companion. I honestly can’t imagine our home without him.

Recently, Arlo started limping and showing clear signs that he was in a lot of pain. After a vet visit and imaging, we learned that he has hip dysplasia, and his hip joint has become unstable and very easy to break. The veterinary recommendation is a surgery called Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO).

FHO surgery removes the damaged ball of the hip joint so that scar tissue can form a new “false joint.” Cats usually recover very well from this procedure and can go on to live comfortable, happy, pain-free lives. It’s actually considered the more affordable surgical option compared to a full hip replacement, but unfortunately it is still a significant cost.

As a single mom, finances are already tight. I recently spent $1200 on my daughter’s prom dress, and I was so proud that I could make that special moment happen for her. Shortly after, Arlo was injured, and now I’m scrambling to find a way to afford the surgery he needs.

I will be getting quotes from vets this weekend and doing everything I can to help him, but I’m asking for help because I truly cannot imagine losing my best little friend.

If you’re able to donate or even share this fundraiser, it would mean the world to us. Every bit helps bring Arlo closer to the surgery he needs so he can live a healthy, pain-free life with our family.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and for considering helping Arlo. We love him more than words can say.

the vet said the surgery is usually around $2500-$3000, but like I said I’ll be gathering quotes, on and off island.

— Jesse & kids