This is so incredibly hard to type but, I am finally at this stage in Buckley's life where I need to ask my friends and family for help. A couple weeks after turning 16, Buckley was diagnosed with heart failure and enlargement, which resulted in pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), as well as severe arthritis in his knees, elbows, and spine. He's been on medication that he will need for the rest of his life. I began to see an improvement in his mobility, oxygenation, and overall energy level when, unfortunately, he got into a large amount of chocolate that was left on my kitchen table. The chocolate poisoning was made worse by the diuretic he is taking for the edema, and he had to spend a while at the emergency veterinary hospital. It was a severe enough poisoning that I said my goodbyes to him because we were not sure if he was going to make it through the night. It was one of the hardest moments of my entire life. Miraculously, in true Buckley fashion, he pulled through and is now home recovering with me.

I was already struggling with his monthly medication bills, and this hospitalization has sent me into a financial situation that I need help with. I have had to take several days off of work to be here with him, and I anticipate needing to take off more time as his heart failure progresses. I am asking for help to cover his monthly medications, this current emergency hospitalization bill, his future ongoing medical needs (including eventual end of life care), and assistance with our rent, as work will be my last priority as his health continues to decline. Any financial help, prayers, or good vibes would be so appreciated and paid forward. I love you all and I know how much you all love my stinLee. Thank you for reading this far and thank you for considering helping us right now.