Update: Fela crossed over the rainbow bridge on February 2nd. The invoice has now expanded to include euthanasia and cremation. Chelsea is devastated and your support means the world. Your continued support is critical.

On January 30th, Fela was promptly sent to VERG by her primary vet after bloodwork revealed declining kidney function. Fela's medical costs are now sitting at $6,000 between VERG and the initial trip to Bushwick Veterinary Center . Chelsea expects the amount to rise as the cause of Fela's current condition is still unknown. Fela is under evaluation and close watch at VERG. As of February 2nd, Fela is still being held at VERG, but her body temperature has finally stabiliized.

Crowdfunding for Chelsea and Fela is critical as they do not have the funds necessary to continue down this road. Chelsea cannot imagine giving Fela anything but the absolute best chance at survival. Without support, Fela's cost of care will become unsurmountable. Community support will enable Chelsea to provide Fela with the best outcome possible; if a good prognosis isn't possible, then a comfortable passing. Chelsea's family, friends, and colleagues want her to be able to do this without her being set back thousands of dollars that she does not have and never expected to need. No pet owner imagines the world without their pet. There's simply no planning for this level of hardship.

Chelsea, a Brooklyn pet care professional that has cared for hundreds of Brooklyn's pets over the last six years, adopted Fela as a week-old kitten. Fela is now eight years old and has moved states and many apartments with Chelsea. Fela is sassy and always full for tort-itude. She has some of the prettiest markings Chelsea has ever seen: a distinguished stripe on her nose and a singular white toe. Fela is always curious about new people, but isn't keen on being touched. Yet she sleeps with Chelsea almost every night, indicating their deep and trustful bond. Fela spends her spare time shredding cardboard and paper bags with her brother, Pepper. She also provides quality control when Chelsea is playing Kingdom Hearts.

These challenges developed out of no where. Around January 27th, Fela began to act unlike herself. When she declined significantly, Chelsea took Fela to their primary vet and was horrified to hear that Fela's kidneys were not working. Fela was immediately sent to an emergency vet and has been in VERG ICU since the evening of January 30th. Chelsea is permitted to see her only during visiting hours when she brings Fella reminders of home to keep Fela fighting. It is unthinkable that our pets can be healthy and happy one day, but at the precipice of leaving us another.

Funds will cover Fela's care at Bushwick Vetrinary Center and at VERG, as well as end of life care if it comes to that. For every 6 hours Fela stays in intensive care, it is $1,400. That is the low estimate and does not include testing and the other necessary care.

Chelsea has been a Brooklyn Bark employee for almost seven years. During her time with them, she has cared for hundreds of Brooklyn's pets and is so dedicated to pet welfare that she is also a Pet First Aid and CPR instructor. Chelsea is financially secure enough to cover only her living expenses, but ongoing debt has made it impossible to save for emergencies of this scale. Additionally, Chelsea and Fela are currently experiencing the additional stress and cost of moving after experiencing an unsafe housing situation. Being faced with the loss of her beloved companion is something Chelsea is wholly unprepared to deal with, as anyone would be.

We are raising over $6,000 dollars to cover the high and low estimate vet bills and potential end-of-life care. Reaching this goal will mean that Fela can receive the care she deserves while Chelsea focuses on being there for her pet. Funds will be used exclusively for vet costs and end of life services. If we raise more than the required amount, any excess will be divided and donated to Brooklyn's animal shelters.

We will provide updates on Fela's progress and treatment here.We are so grateful for your help to bring Fela home and give Chelsea peace of mind, just as she's provided peace of mind for pet owners all over Brooklyn.

Chelsea's coworkers at Brooklyn Bark are leading this fundraising effort and are responsible for this GoFundMe page. Chelsea is a beneficiary of this page. All funds will go directly to her and Fela from GoFundMe.