My name is Alex. Over 12 years in veterinary medicine and rescue, I’ve become known for my passion, empathy, and willingness to help animals, even outside the job setting. I consider my job a lifestyle.

On 2/10/26 I met Ziva- a 3 month old kitten with a big personality and an even bigger heart, quite literally. Ziva was surrendered to me as soon as it was realized that she isn’t adoptable. She saw cardiology team at Blue Pearl Tampa 2 days later and was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that is extremely rare in cats- subvalvular aortic stenosis. It was concluded that it is not curable or treatable. It’s a complicated case in which heart medications would make this condition worse. I’ve reached out to multiple specials and universities hoping for any options- experimental procedures, clinical trials, etc. The cardiology teams have been incredible and have guided me to one potential surgical option- left atrial decompression surgery. This would provide a longer lifespan with less symptoms to give her the best quality of life when her condition progresses.

I am waiting to hear back from the cardiac surgeon to confirm if Ziva would be a candidate. This surgery runs around $7500.

Ziva is just a baby and it’s so unfair that she is on borrowed time. I promised her I’d do anything and everything to give her the quality of life she deserves.

Regardless if she has surgery or not, her vet bills have already piled up. Although I took her on knowing potential costs, it is a situation that I truthfully cannot afford on my own, but I don’t even want to know where she would be today if I had not adopted her.