Emergency Vet Bills for Atticus
Donation protected
Update: Atticus was humanely euthanized on 3/20/22 yet we're keeping the gofundme up as his high vet bills still remain. Please read below for details of his incredible story.
Hi, my name is Ezjra. I'm a long time animal lover, wildlife rehabilitator, and I currently work with a non-profit organization helping families experiencing homelessness. As someone who works in the field of compassion based work, I have rescued many incredible pets in my life. Currently, my sweet boy Atticus is in need of some extra medical attention that is taking an unexpected toll on our little family.
Hi, my name is Ezjra. I'm a long time animal lover, wildlife rehabilitator, and I currently work with a non-profit organization helping families experiencing homelessness. As someone who works in the field of compassion based work, I have rescued many incredible pets in my life. Currently, my sweet boy Atticus is in need of some extra medical attention that is taking an unexpected toll on our little family.
Atticus was found under a dumpster in Northern California, an abandoned male trying to find his next meal among a feral cat colony. When I first met Atticus he was scared and clearly exhibiting signs of PTSD. We have spent the past 4 years by each other's side, and also adopted his little brother Fox who is his best friend.
Unfortunately Atticus's health has recently taken a turn for the worst.
Atticus was admitted to the ER on 3/19 while I was visiting family in California. After he was diagnosed with a urinary blockage and approved for surgery I received a phone call and was told he passed away in surgery, they were doing CPR but asked permission to discontinue. After the vet told me it was an appropriate time to discontinue CPR, I approved the notion and they told me he was gone. An hour passed and I cried and told friends and family of his passing. The ER clinic then called me back and let me know after they discontinued CPR that he came back to life and began breathing on his own again. They didn't know how this would affect his brain as he was dead for over a minute, but they cleared the blockage with a urinary catheter and continued to monitor. The next day they told me he never properly "woke up" as he was no longer cognitive and pronounced braindead. At 11am my roommates and I made the decision to euthanize. They were in the room with him, petting him and loving him, while I was on speakerphone saying my goodbyes. During this time Atticus could not move, my roommates said he did not blink and his pupils did not change...but how he meowed at us, he responded to our cries, to us saying "I love you!" his meows were strained but he was on pain medication so he wasn't hurting. My roommates held him as we talked to him, told him how much we loved him, and let him pass. I confirmed with the vet multiple times that we were doing the right thing and that there was no other option, but after 5 years working in veterinary medicine myself, I had never seen something like this.
So thank you Atticus, for being so strong, and coming back to us one more time, just to say goodbye. We all love you so much, and you will forever be in our hearts.
Atticus was admitted to the ER on 3/19 while I was visiting family in California. After he was diagnosed with a urinary blockage and approved for surgery I received a phone call and was told he passed away in surgery, they were doing CPR but asked permission to discontinue. After the vet told me it was an appropriate time to discontinue CPR, I approved the notion and they told me he was gone. An hour passed and I cried and told friends and family of his passing. The ER clinic then called me back and let me know after they discontinued CPR that he came back to life and began breathing on his own again. They didn't know how this would affect his brain as he was dead for over a minute, but they cleared the blockage with a urinary catheter and continued to monitor. The next day they told me he never properly "woke up" as he was no longer cognitive and pronounced braindead. At 11am my roommates and I made the decision to euthanize. They were in the room with him, petting him and loving him, while I was on speakerphone saying my goodbyes. During this time Atticus could not move, my roommates said he did not blink and his pupils did not change...but how he meowed at us, he responded to our cries, to us saying "I love you!" his meows were strained but he was on pain medication so he wasn't hurting. My roommates held him as we talked to him, told him how much we loved him, and let him pass. I confirmed with the vet multiple times that we were doing the right thing and that there was no other option, but after 5 years working in veterinary medicine myself, I had never seen something like this.
So thank you Atticus, for being so strong, and coming back to us one more time, just to say goodbye. We all love you so much, and you will forever be in our hearts.
Donation incentives:
$1-$499 dollar donations will receive a hand written thank you card embellished with a hand carved Atticus portrait I designed. (please email me your address if you would like one)
$500+ donations will also receive an animal water-color portrait (any animal of your choice) Hand painted by me. Please see my Instagram for a few examples of my art.
With deep gratitude,
-Ezjra
Organizer
Ezjra Sander-Hewitt
Organizer
Eugene, OR