Just a week ago, my cat Ava was her energetic, curious, clingy self, following me everywhere and cuddling up on my lap every time I sat down. I started to notice she was a little quieter, eating less, and seemed to feel lighter in my arms.

Yesterday, everything changed.

I brought her to the vet thinking she might just need a diet change, and left with an emergency bill, an IV, and the kind of news no parent is ever ready for.

Ava has late-stage lymphoma, a cancer that’s already spread to her liver and lungs.

She’s severely anemic, hypoglycemic, and her organs are shutting down. The vets said we could try transfusions or chemo, but it would only buy her a small amount of time, and she’d never live a normal, comfortable life again.

While most cats with FIV can still live long, happy lives, Ava was dealt a short hand with hers.

At only two years old, her time has come too soon.

We only had 17 short months together, and while it breaks my heart to let her go, my only goal now is to make sure she feels comfortable, loved, and pain-free.

As I write this, she’s curled up on my chest, maybe for the last time. The vets told me she’s at risk for seizures, and letting her go soon is the most humane choice to keep her from suffering.

It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I owe her peace more than I owe myself more time.

Pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. They’re comfort. They’re the constant presence that makes life and home feel a little less lonely.

This past year and a half has been filled with difficult and unforeseen change, but Ava has been my constant. If you’ve seen my posts, you already know she’s more than a pet; she’s been my emotional support and my best friend.

I’ve done everything I can to manage her care, but the reality is that emergency tests, fluids, and end-of-life costs have added up faster than I can keep up. Between the emotional toll and financial strain, it’s a lot to carry alone.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward:

• Ava’s final medical bills and cremation

• A small memorial keepsake so I can honor her at home

• Covering the emergency vet visit that uncovered her diagnosis

October is Black Cat Awareness Month, a time meant to celebrate the beauty, charm, and unique personalities of black cats. It’s a month dedicated to breaking the myths and superstitions that have unfairly followed them for centuries, and encourage people to understand and adopt these incredible creatures.

It breaks my heart that instead of celebrating Ava this month and dressing her up for Halloween, I’m saying goodbye.

She made the cutest bat cat last year, and I was looking forward to dressing her up again in just a few weeks.

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know how truly special they are and how much light they bring into your world. Ava was that for me.

I didn’t realize how limited and expensive end-of-life options are for pets until I faced this myself. Cremation is the most humane and realistic way to say goodbye and it would allow me to keep a small part of Ava with me forever.

Every dollar helps lighten the financial load.

Every share helps Ava’s story reach more hearts.

And every kind message reminds me that we are cared for.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, caring, donating, and helping me give Ava the peaceful goodbye she deserves.

P.S. Please consider adopting a pet of your own from a local shelter. There are so many animals waiting to give the same love that Ava provided me. 

Love,

Mallory