Dearest friends and community,

It is with heavy heart we say goodbye to my beloved cat Salem.

Starting on the evening of May 14th he was experiencing labored breathing and upon taking him to the vet the next morning, the doctor immediately recommended taking him to an emergency pet hospital, where they confirmed that his heart was failing and causing fluid buildup around his lungs.

We opted to drain the fluid, knowing it wouldn’t be a cure, but hoping it would offer insight into what was wrong and also offer Salem a moment of comfort in the event that we had to make a final decision.

The doctor was able to see that his heart was enlarged and certain to continue its decline, and we made the decision then to say goodbye to our angel.

With some pain medication and the fluid drained, Salem started purring in our laps again and was able to cuddle with us in an alert state for a brief but loving moment. It was never going to be a lasting fix, but it was enough to thank him for his beautiful companionship and say goodbye in peace.

We’re so grateful for how kind and transparent the doctors were throughout the entire process. They were so gentle and reassuring with Salem and allowed us to be fully informed and close to him every step of the way.

If you have ever enjoyed the company of my cats, you will know how sweet and loving Salem was. All he ever desired was pets and warm laps to lay on, and his soft comforting presence will be forever missed.

We’re now asking for community support to help defray the costs of Salem’s procedures, cremation, and urn, which cost around $1,750 and $250 respectively. Additional funds beyond $2000 will be put toward pet care costs for my cat Lily. Any and all contributions are deeply appreciated.

Thank you so much for your love and support, it means the world to us.

Goodbye Salem, our beloved alebrije. We remember you and will feel you with us always.