UPDATE:

Tomorrow, March 3, 2026 at 4pm, Coco is scheduled for her initial exam to determine where we go from here. Poor Coco, waiting and waiting. I was sick in January and February -- hospitalized, surgical procedure, and LWOP at work. But as of last week, I am better. Sure feels good. Ya'll know, Aging can be painful.

Coco needs help. I put away the $340 I raised, but Coco could still use more. The $340 should pay for half of the initial appointment - exam, antibiotic shot, cleaning the wound, blood tests, and unknotting her hair (tried it myself, but quit after one bite too many). I don't really know what next steps are. Likely a tooth pull and possibly treatment for her scab.

I have packed away my pride and ask you again for help -- No contribution is to large or two small. Many thanks. I appreciate just the feeling that I can ask.

Meet COCO. Fourteen years ago Coco came to our back patio with her husband Guy begging for food when we were living along the San Gabriel River. Two by two she brought us five beautiful baby kittens: Gigi, Fifi, Paris, Maurice, and Mimi. We were never able to catch their amazing daddy, Guy. You have one guess what film we watching at the time. We kept the kittens that were not placeable; Pet Smart and the shelter found homes for the rest.

As you may have guessed, I am reaching out for help with veterinary care yet again. This time for the mother kitty – Coco.

Around the same time we were trying help poor Paris, Coco developed a scab on her ear. The vet removed what she could at the time and asked me to come back for blood tests. The scab could become cancerous. I was scheduled to bring her in for blood work, but so many things always get in the way. Her scab did not come back for nearly a year. The hair grew back on her belly and she was doing well.

A few months ago, the scab returned, even larger. The hair on her belly is knotted and she only can eat wet food because her tooth is chipped. Coco needs her wellness test before any surgery and to see if she suffers from the same malady as Paris – hyperthyroidism – which is an inherited disorder. I need to get her in and get her help. Coco is a very tame cat and a good patient. She has been treated by veterinarians many, many times, and often to my surprise, she takes her medication. She is spry for her age, a mother to all, and a pretty smart kitty.

In the past 30+ years of helping approx. 75 neighborhood cats in Austin, Galveston, and Georgetown, I have only twice raised $$ for my own cats. That was the great Saxon and my first Go Fund Me for precious Paris. Over the years, the generosity of friends, family, neighbors, shelters, philanthropists, and veterinarians helped dozens of kitties get off the street, receive medical care, and placed in good homes. Thank you all. Eighteen cats, including Coco, came indoors, became part of our family, and went along for the wild ride of evacuations, floods, and hurricanes, as well as the precarious life as refugees. Throughout it all, the Beerman Cats remained stalwart, received the best of care, and of course, were a blessing.

Life today is changing rapidly. As you know, times are difficult for Everyone. Each day seems to bring a new stress on the spirit and the wallet with the promise that life will only become more difficult. For me, the governor has reduced the number of days State employees can work remotely. I now have to go into the office three days a week. With the rise in the cost of living outpacing the rise in salaries and the corporatization of veterinary care, adequate care is evasive. Most of my income goes to pay for 30 hours per week of caregiving for my mother who is now 95 years old. Unfortunately, we have not yet qualified for any assistance. I get through each month juggling my debt and have nothing for medical care, including care for my three cats.

I have not given up helping stray cats. But now I immediately take them to the Georgetown Animal Shelter. They helped Coco’s babies over 14 years ago. But, as many of you know, the shelters are now FULL. I literally have to put my foot in the door and call or drop by everyday to make sure that the strays have a fighting chance. Vets now expect payment at time of service. I have not found one that will do charity work or accept payment over time. Vet charities help only fund vet charities and do not return calls or emails.

I ask that you make a donation to help Coco get the care she so much deserves and that I cannot give her. As always, thank you for your warm hearts and generous spirits. No donation is too large or too small. Lilly