Brave Boy Wyatt's Recovery Fund

One year ago, while on a walk with a friend, the kitty distribution system gifted me with a tiny but mighty 5-week-old kitten. He was scruffy, dirty, hungry, and his little toes were already calloused from life on the streets, but he mewed like a banshee for help and purred like a Harley when we picked him up, so it didn’t take long to do the math.

Near a busy intersection after dark, with cold weather moving in and no mama cat or siblings to be found, we quickly agreed he could not be left there and carried him straight home. Made him comfy with all the necessities and plenty of love and, a couple days later, he was officially named Wyatt Emory Hunter: Bravest Boy in the Land.

We bonded, played, and learned to trust. From the great delight and zeal of kittenhood to the steadfast composure of a young adult, he's been an absolute joy from day one and I am grateful he's part of the family. I cannot imagine life without him.

Last Monday in a complete panic, I rushed this sweet little guy to the emergency clinic for what turned out to be a total urinary obstruction. It came on suddenly and advanced quickly beyond the level of care a normal vet could provide. Without immediate intervention, it is fatal. They admitted him and commenced with care.

I visited him in the kitty ICU every morning and evening during his stay, and reminded him how brave and strong he was as he continued to improve. Four days later he was released and we were hopeful. By the next morning it was clear he had re-obstructed and I rushed him back in - this time to a different facility hoping a different care team could offer a more successful outcome.

Two clinics, two rounds of sedation and catheterization, IV fluids, four overnight stays, multiple trips back and forth, and many medications later, Wyatt is finally on the path to solid recovery and building upon that progress each day. Despite what he’s been through he has remained cooperative with treatments, eager to greet me, and just as affectionate as ever. He is truly remarkable in my book.

His test results showed no signs of infection. He was diagnosis with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD); a common condition in male cats requiring changes to lifestyle, prescription diet, and the possible addition of daily medication. Even with these changes, reoccurrence is still possible so mindfulness is essential.

Adjustments have been made and will continue until his environment is optimized for his well-being, but I need help. This past week's vet bills, meds, etc., have already topped out at over $3,200.00. After paying what I could out of pocket and temporarily borrowing the rest to ensure his immediate survival, my available resources are drained. He still needs follow-up care and I want to be sure I can afford what comes next for him while repaying my loved ones sooner than later.

I’ve started and stopped writing this several times, wrestled with my senses of pride and self-sufficiency repeatedly until I set it aside. In the end, I decided to take a leap of faith and rely more on a sense of community. I promised him long ago that he'd never again be left to fend for himself. If you would like to donate to help me hold true on that, please know it is genuinely appreciated. A little or a lot, it will make a positive difference in our lives and in Wyatt's continued journey toward health.