Cricket's Care

As many of you know - my sweet little angel goblin Cricket has been incredibly ill and in and out of three emergency vets since Tuesday.

She has been incredibly lethargic and her temperature has been steadily around 105-106 (even up to 107) for 4 days, and she has not eaten. The tests, unfortunately, have not shown anything conclusive.

Then..as of Friday morning - it appeared as if her temperature had HOPEFULLY broken! And while it was lower for a few hours - it went back up to 106 by midday.

So - Friday, we tried a third different antibiotic, hoping that would do the trick. As of Sunday morning, it seems that it has started to work, but a feeding tube had to be installed on Saturday, as she still hasn't eaten since Tuesday. We put the feeding tube in for her to receive her medicine, fluids, and food at home in hopes of a quicker (...actual?) recovery.

As you can imagine - this all has cost quite a bit. However, I will gladly take on this cost if it means one of my family members' health, happiness, and safety! (It is absolutely HEARTBREAKING, and so infuriating that so many people ((myself included)) have to decide not to give their loved ones the best care possible because of the exorbitant costs involved!)

So, if you can spare a bit - Cricket, Ralphie, and I would deeply appreciate it! (Below, I have put what I know so far regarding the vet cost breakdown - if you want a more detailed account - please DM or reach out to me, and I am happy to share!)

Cascade Veterinary Referral Center - $597.79

Oregon City Veterinary Clinic - $637.00

EVCOT - $2681.91 (so far)

Also - because of my love for my two little beasts- I think it's time, and incredibly important, to change their lifestyle and make them (sort of) indoor cats...

Now, Cricket, especially, will not have a happy life (being a formally feral little one) being stuck indoors 24/7. So, I also will be spending money to covert my back deck into a catio to hopefully prevent this sort of financial and health crisis from happening again, all while trying to maintain some of the things that make them the happiest - (semi) outdoor access/freedom/stimulation.

Also - if you are not fully able to donate - I am happy to do voice lessons, concerts, house-cleaning, pet-watching, foot-rubbing....(I love Cricket, I love Cricket, I love Cricket...) whatever you might need in exchange for a 'donation.'

Thank you all so much to those who have already given!! I am SO SO fortunate to have you all as friends!

And thank you to the friends who have reached out and sent their love or food(!) - if you cannot give financially, PLEASE do not feel obligated - especially in these very uncertain pandemic times. (I totally understand, which is why I am begrudgingly asking for financial help now.)

Sharing these fundraisers helps as well - if you have other animal lovers in your life that are in more of a position to give, we would appreciate a share. (But again, no pressure!)

Finally, please reach out if you'd prefer to use Venmo, Paypal, check, cash, carrier pigeon, or WHATEVER works better!

Venmo: @ledrudru

Paypal: @drurutledge

CashApp: $DruRutledge

I love and appreciate you all, no matter whether you can give or not!

I will keep you all updated!

From Ralphie, Cricket, and I - We thank you beyond what we can ever show you. See less