On Monday, Oct 20, Bart collapsed at home. I rushed her to the emergency vet and we spent five long hours there, waiting to see what caused such a sudden and debilitating episode.

Her x-rays clearly showed a large mass in her right lung, with bloodwork consistent with cancer. With its placement, size, and her advanced age, removing it isn't a viable option. It's likely been growing and gradually declining her health until this severe episode of immobility. The emergency vet let us know that if she was still unable to stand by tonight, we should consider letting her go as soon as arrangements for it could be made.

Thankfully, after a lot of rest, Bart is slowly begun walking and showing signs of her previous spirits returning, but her time is still extremely limited - at best, we might have a few weeks left, maybe a month.

The emergency vet visit alone cleaned out both my checking and savings accounts. I desperately want Bart's passing to be as gentle and fear-free as her time with me has been for the last eleven years together: I'm hoping to give her an at-home euthanasia if possible. These services can cost anywhere from $400-$1300. I'm still researching our options, and any extra funds will go toward an aquamation process for her remains, a small memorial item, and, in the very unlikely event there's anything left, to building my savings back up.

If Bart's given you any bit of joy or comfort in your time knowing her or just knowing about her, helping her pass in the gentlest way possible would be an incredible gift to us both. If you're unable to donate, we would hugely appreciate a signal boost if you can. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has shown us both unimagineable love and support from the first day Bart came home with me. We love you all.