You might know him as @bubbles_norwegian_forest_cat on Instagram, or as Poets Square Dad. My dad--the gentlest, kindest man on earth who has a soft spots for cats in need--has a cat named Zadie, and Zadie needs our help.

My dad adopted Zadie four years ago, when she was so shy she was nearly feral. He has not only won her over and turned her into a happy, social, confident cat, but has seen her through a thousand medical crises. Zadie has survived FIP, spent many nights at the emergency vet, seen specialists, taken daily medications for years, and just keeps rallying to keep living the good life with my dad. I think often about what would have happened to Zadie if she had been adopted by anyone else. I don't know anyone on earth who would continue to go to the lengths my dad has gone for a little cat.

Most recently, Zadie was seen at the emergency vet for pancreatitis, and seemed to be managing symptoms well with medications at home, but then again took a turn for the worst. My dad spent Thanksgiving at the emergency vet again, monitoring her constantly. She stayed overnight so she could be seen by the internal medicine specialist. We know, as difficult as it is, that her lifespan will be shorter than most cats' and that at some point a decision will have to be made. But what agony to confront that decision without all the information. The very best thing we can do for Zadie right now, and for my dad, is to fund some additional testing so he can proceed with whatever is best for Zadie.

Donated funds will help offset some of the emergency vet expenses and will allow Zadie to get further testing, including another ultrasound and lab work.