Fundraising for my Furry Friend: Goose has cancer. We need help paying for his veterinary bills. Read his story below -- and donate if you're able.

The Story of Benvolio the Goose (Cat)

In July 2022, I visited the local animal shelter. Most of the cats were taking their afternoon cat nap, but when I walked into the community room—where the cats could interact with each other and potential adopters—one cat jumped up and approached me.

He was a short-haired tuxedo cat. As he sat at my feet, looking up at me with obvious curiosity, I gave the obligatory cat greeting—"Oh, look how handsome you are." He promptly rolled onto his back and offered me his belly.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never met a cat who does that as an introduction.

So, yeah. He came home with me.

A couple of days later, I decided to name him Benvolio the Goose.

Benvolio—after the peacekeeper in Romeo and Juliet—because even from the beginning, I could tell he was a gentle cat. And Goose—because he looks like a Canada Goose. Also because he’s pretty silly.

My friends and family mostly call him “Goose,” but some call him “Benny,” some “Benvolio,” and a few go for his full title: Sir Benvolio, the Goose Cat.

His fur started to grow out, and before I knew it, I had a very large, long-haired tuxedo cat living with me.

Goose quickly established that he is an intelligent and curious cat; he likes exploring, sleeping in silly positions, and eating food.

He’s also very skilled at getting into mischief and going places he absolutely shouldn’t. Can you identify the plant he’s sitting in in this photo?

...It’s poison ivy.

But in general, he’s been a very good cat. I can’t imagine my life without him.

Around Christmas, we noticed a small bump on his paw, but the vet wasn’t too concerned at first. When it started bleeding in February, we took him back in. After a dose of antibiotics and no noticeable change, the vet determined it was likely a tumor and that a biopsy was needed.

Long story short: it came back malignant.

Within a week, we had scheduled surgery to amputate the affected toe, with the hope that removing it would catch the cancer early.

​On Tuesday, March 3rd, he had his surgery. It went as well as can be expected, and they sent the toe in for a second biopsy to determine whether any cancer remains. We’re still waiting on those results.

In the meantime, he’s healing well. He’ll get his sutures out next Tuesday. And, true to form, he’s already managed to get his bandage and his cone off twice.

In the end, this story is not that unique. I fell in love with a cat, brought him home, and he changed everything about my life. And one day, he got sick.

​​However, I hope that by sharing a little of his story, you might feel inspired to send a small donation to help pay for his vet bills.

I'm self-employed as a landscape gardener, and it's the end of a long, cold winter. This year's winter budget didn't include emergency cat care.

Regardless of if you can donate, I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about Sir Benvolio the Goose Cat, and why is he a remarkable feline. Thank you.