Help Daisy

My name is Stuart Murtland, I'm a professional photographer in Reno, Nevada, and for the last 11 years, my life has been enriched by the presence of a wonderful grey tabby named Daisy. She came to me by way of a friend who's involved in animal rescue, and she has shared the good and the bad times of my life ever since. She's been my friend, my companion, my comfort, and it's hard to imagine what my life would have been like had she not been part of it. For most of the time we've been together, she's enjoyed remarkably good health. But like many aging cats, it's recently begun to decline, so last week I took her to be examined by a veterinarian, who confirmed what I suspected, that she
was experiencing diminished kidney function. Having been through this before with another cat, I was expecting to hear the worst, and but while the news wasn't good, it wasn't quite as bad as I feared.  We may yet have some together - but because of complications from an infection, as well as a heart murmur, more additional testing and imagery is needed to determine the best course of treatment for her.

My dilemma is this. The estimated cost of the additional tests could be
as much as $1,500, and I have to assume there will be additional
follow-up visits, medications, etc. needed as well. The expenses to date have been almost $400, most of which I put on credit cards. I'm self -
employed, and like many self-employed people, the last recession took a heavy toll on my finances. While I can always pay my regular bills,  unexpectedly large expenses such as these,  can stretch my resources to the limit. And adding significantly to my existing debt makes it just that much harder. I'm determined that Daisy will have the necessary tests she needs, one way or another. Needless to say, her quality of life is uppermost in my mind, but if there's any reasonable chance she can remain with me a while longer, in comfort and in the home where she's spent most of her life, I want to take it. That's why I'm hoping that other people, for whom pets are family,  and like family are loved and cherished and irreplaceable,  will appreciate my situation and find it in their hearts to help Daisy.

As I indicated, the funds would be used to help pay for the tests Daisy would  undergo, whatever medications she'd be given, the cost of boarding her while while she's being tested, and any immediate follow-up visits.

Since I anticipate having to put the charges on credit cards, the sooner the funds could be available the more it would help, as it would permit
me to pay off the charges quickly and minimize the interest I'd have to pay on them.

I'm sure many you reading this have faced similar hardships, and
can understand how difficult it is for me is ask someone else to help
with the care of an animal that isn't even theirs. But I've always felt that bringing an animal into your life is a commitment just as binding, and just as enduring, as any we make to another person. I'm trying
to honor my commitment to Daisy, and your generosity would make it
much more possible for me to do that.  In return, you'll have the eternal
gratitude of someone who believes that sharing our lives with the other
creatures in the world is one of the greatest experiences we as humans
can have, and, one that makes us even more human. 

Since Daisy can't speak for herself,  I will speak for her by saying thank you in advance, to any and all of the kind and wonderful people who are willing to help her. I'm sure she'd give you a big head rub in return, if she
could. Believe me, it's pretty wonderful.

With heartfelt thanks,
Stuart Murtland

P.S.

This may sound strange to some of you, but I'm not on social media,
so please share Daisy's story  on any platforms you may use, and with anyone you think might like to help.