March 14 Update-

After a long and incredibly brave fight, sweet Sammy crossed the rainbow bridge early this morning. April and Jay made the heartbreaking decision to let him go peacefully when it became clear his little body was finally too tired to keep fighting.

Sam was surrounded by love every step of this journey. So many of you followed his story, sent prayers, positive energy, and donated to help give him every possible chance. Even when veterinarians said he shouldn’t still be here, Sammy kept surprising everyone with his determination, his appetite, and his spirit.

He was truly a special little soul who touched far more lives than a tiny cat ever should be able to. While our hearts are broken, we’re grateful he is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.

April and Jay are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support, kindness, and generosity from this community. It meant the world to them and helped give Sammy the care and comfort he deserved during his final days.

Please keep them in your thoughts as they navigate the loss of their beloved boy. Sammy will always be remembered.

March 12 Update on Sam

I went over to see Jay and April last night and spent some time with Sam. I wanted to share a little update for everyone who has been praying for him and following his story. Sam does appear to be declining, but at the same time he continues to fight in a way that honestly surprises everyone. For a cat in his condition, many would normally be much further along with their symptoms, yet Sam is still powering through and showing little moments of spirit that keep everyone holding on to hope. He was still in good spirits while I was there, and it’s clear he hasn’t given up.

We’re continuing to take things one day at a time. Please keep Sam in your prayers — for comfort, strength, and maybe even a miracle. Every positive thought means the world right now.

On a lighter note, I brought over some treats, toys, and a little catnip for Sam… but his little buddy quickly claimed most of the loot for himself and ran off with the toys and snacks. Even in the middle of all this, it gave us a moment to smile.

Thank you all for the continued love, prayers, and support for Sam. It truly means so much to Jay and April.

Update on Sam: Thank you again to everyone who has donated, shared, and kept Sam in your prayers. Unfortunately, the costs with the upcoming weekend are a big factor. It’s Friday, and doing another blood transfusion over the weekend would cost even more than the first one, and there simply aren’t enough funds for a second transfusion.

Sam was so critically low that a second transfusion was recommended, but his numbers were not what we had hoped for. Because of the financial limitations, April and Jay are bringing Sam home and will continue his medications and appetite stimulants while keeping him comfortable and hoping his body can start rebuilding his red blood cells on its own.

Right now we are praying for a miracle and giving him all the love and care possible. Thank you all again for the support, prayers, and kindness you’ve shown for Sam. It truly means so much.

Sam is home now. Keep the prayers coming as the goal is for his body to start producing red blood cells faster then it was destroying them so he can stabilize and improve.

Sam is receiving a blood transfusion. Keep the prayers coming.

Sam is on his way to the emergency hospital now for a blood transfusion. Please keep him in your prayers.

Urgent Update on Sam-

We just received Sam’s recheck bloodwork from the vet, and unfortunately his PCV (red blood cell level) has dropped to 10%, which is considered critical anemia. At this level his body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to his organs, and the vet now believes Sam needs a blood transfusion today to give him a chance to stabilize while his medications start working.

Sam is currently being treated with doxycycline and steroids for severe regenerative anemia, but those medications take several days to start slowing the destruction of his red blood cells. A transfusion will help support his body and give him the time he needs for the treatment to work.

April and Jay are doing everything they can for Sam right now, but this emergency treatment is very expensive and happening quickly.

If you are able to help, please consider donating or sharing Sam’s fundraiser. Every share truly helps us reach more people who may be able to help give Sam a fighting chance.

Thank you so much for the support, prayers, and kindness everyone has shown so far. It means the world during such a stressful time.

❤️

Hi everyone, my name is Desiree. I’m starting this fundraiser for my dear friends April and Jay and their beloved cat Sam. I care deeply about them and about Sam, and right now they are facing a heartbreaking situation trying to save his life. I’m hoping our friends, family, and community can come together to help give Sam the chance he deserves.

Sam first came into April and Jay’s lives in March of 2021 when he showed up at their back door as a stray in desperate need of help. He was covered in mange and painful open wounds from fights. His skin was dry, cracked, and injured from head to tail. Despite being in so much pain, he was incredibly friendly and immediately seemed to be asking for help.

April knew she couldn’t turn him away.

She brought him to Stray Paws where he received treatment and was neutered. With love, patience, and care, Sam healed and became part of their family.

But Sam’s life hasn’t been easy. About two years ago he came home severely injured after what appeared to be a coyote attack. Neighbors had reported a young coyote attacking small animals in the area, and Sam returned with nearly 80 puncture wounds across his tiny body, including a wound through the top of his head. April once again cared for him, cleaning his wounds and helping him recover.

Sam has always been a little fighter.

Recently though, something changed. Sam began losing weight and struggled to eat because of severe dental pain. When April and Jay took him to the vet, they received devastating news: Sam is suffering from severe anemia, meaning his red blood cell levels dropped to a dangerously low level that can become life-threatening.

To give Sam a chance to survive, he may need a blood transfusion and dental surgery to remove a painful infected tooth so he can eat again and recover.

Unfortunately these treatments are extremely expensive, and April and Jay have already been dealing with some difficult financial setbacks recently.

They took Sam in when he was a suffering stray and gave him safety, love, and a home. Now he needs help again.

I know April and Jay would do anything for Sam, and I’m hoping we can come together to help them during this incredibly stressful time. Every donation will go directly toward Sam’s veterinary care including diagnostics, medications, a possible blood transfusion, and dental treatment.

Veterinary estimates for Sam’s care may include a blood transfusion (typically $800–$2,800), dental surgery to remove the infected tooth preventing him from eating ($600–$1,500+), hospitalization and monitoring, and additional diagnostics and medications. In total, these treatments can reach around $2,000–$4,000 or more depending on what Sam needs to recover.

If you are able to help, even a small donation can make a meaningful difference for Sam. Veterinary emergencies happen so quickly, and the costs add up fast, but with the support of friends, family, and animal lovers we are hoping to give Sam the chance he deserves. April and Jay gave this little stray a safe home when he showed up injured and asking for help, and now we are hoping the community can help them fight for him again. If you’re not able to donate, sharing Sam’s story would mean so much and could help reach someone who can.

Sam is truly unlike any other cat April and Jay have ever had. He loves going on car rides, camping in the RV, and even hiking with them. They lovingly call these adventures “Samventures.” He’s also a bit of a “dog-cat” — he answers to whistles and will come running when he hears them.