Benny is my sweet, extremely social, fearless 4 year old son (cat) who I adopted from a shelter almost half a year ago. His journey hadn’t been easy: he was first dropped off at the shelter when he was just two years old by an elderly man who could no longer care for him, and was adopted once before but, sadly, returned for reasons unknown. When I first met Benny at the shelter, I knew immediately that there was something special about him and that he was meant to be my cat. Before I was able to bring him home, I visited him every week for eight months, building a bond and making sure he knew he was loved. Finally, I was able to adopt him (surprised no one got to him first!), and he’s been the best cat I could ask for ever since.

Recently, I took Benny to the vet for a dental cleaning and a general wellness exam. That’s when I received the most shocking and heartbreaking news: Benny was diagnosed with FIV, and the vet discovered that his dental disease was much more severe than we thought. He now needs to have at least 70% of his teeth removed—a procedure that is both urgent and very expensive. As a college student pursuing a career in medicine, I spend a lot of my time volunteering in hospitals and around my community, which means my income is severely limited. There is just no way I afford the dental extractions Benny needs to stay healthy.

Because Benny’s immune system is compromised by FIV, his dental disease is progressing quickly, and he’s at serious risk for infection if we wait too long. I’m devastated that he has to go through this pain, but I want to do everything I can to give him the happiest, healthiest life possible.

I truly am so grateful for all of you taking the time to read Benny’s story. Any support you can offer, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing our story, would mean the world to me.

Love,

Mimi