<div>I’m updating this to first, say thank you to everyone who helped when Carl was really sick. It was not only helpful paying the initial cost of his care, it helped prop me up mentally and emotionally to know that so many people cared about Carl’s wellbeing. I nearly lost him. Second, Carl is now healthy and once again telling me what he will and won’t do. LOL
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<div>My third reason for updating, I am trying to find ways to pay the remainder of the emergency vet bill and need to reach out again and ask for help. Even $5, $10, $20 adds up. 
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<div>The situation is this. I’m on disability and budget very closely to afford what Carl and I need. Normally I can do that. But this vet bill has thrown a large wrench in that budget. My vet, when I ended up sobbing in her exam room, was trying to offer options and one option was to re-home Carl. If he were still sick and was going to need more than a change in food I would consider that his best chance. But that isn’t the case. He’s healthy and I will keep taking care of his day to day and yearly vet needs. I also struggle a lot with the idea of losing him, partly because I am his 4th home (I think I counted right) and he trusts me and partly because he is my emotional support animal and he really does perform that task.
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<div>I manage a number of health issues, as those who know me know. Some physical, some mental health. Carl gives me someone else to focus on so I don’t get too overwhelmed by my own health stuff. He gets me out of bed in the morning whether for food or for cuddles. Usually both. He wants to be near me and picks up on when I’m getting anxious or upset. Honestly? This part he does faster than any animal I’ve lived with. He is a very sensitive soul himself and like understands like. That is the only way I know how to explain it. I’ve lived alone for 22 years. Carl, like Sprout and Simon -the cats who came before him- also is a companion who helps me feel less alone. I know I’m not truly alone or I wouldn’t be writing this. But whatever animal I’m living with is always the one there when I come home. 
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<div>Carl also has an abusive and neglected past. His second home was horrible based on everything I and the couple I adopted him from can figure out. Even after 9 1/2 months with me I still can’t use a broom. I imagine he was beat with one because he is just terrified of them. Feet can be a problem as well, though I believe he has learned to trust my feet. This past left him with anxiety that would not only make it difficult to re-home, but I also have a very strong feeling that it would be unfair to ask him to adjust to a 5th home. 
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<div>In short, I love me stubborn little snuggle bug. I don’t want money to be the thing that separates us. I do already take him to a low cost vet and they are wonderful. But in order to keep going I need to get this vet bill paid off. The plan all along has been to get him at least accident and illness pet insurance and I was, admittedly a step behind on that. Getting this bill paid will also allow me to do that so that I, hopefully, never have to write one of these again. 
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<div>I’m going to do half at a time. Th full bill is $3000 and is overwhelming to me. I imagine for anyone who donates as well. So I’m putting my goal at $1500 above what’s already been donated. If I meet that goal I will reassess and potentially adjust for the remaining $1500. Though it is possible I won’t need to. 
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<div>I’m leaving the original story my friend Anna wrote for me when I couldn’t think straight below to tie things together. This is also the reason for not creating a whole new fundraiser. Anything at all helps. And, I know that times are tight for everyone right now. If you can’t donate but are willing to share this in your networks that helps too. And I do understand not everyone can do something. If you know me you know I’m in that position myself a lot more often than I would like.  But I will be eternally grateful for any help to keep Carl and I together.
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<div><strong>Original Story</strong> 
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<div>I'm raising funds for a dear friend, Sam, whose cat is ill. Carl the cat is a beautiful rescued cat who has found a caring, safe home and a human soul mate in Sam.
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<div>Unfortunately, Carl has a complete urinary blockage. Veterinarians are going to admit him and try to unblock it, but he’ll be at the hospital for 48-72 hours for this.
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<div>As you can imagine, the care is very expensive. Any amount you can donate will be gratefully received.
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Anonymous

Drew Harbaugh

Lara West

Erin Neil

Sue Gambill-Read

Jennifer Rankin

Andrea Hayes

Jess Zamora-Weiss

David Weiss

Marcia A Nagel

David Hovis

Jack Barnard

Marcy Rede

Sherri Hildebrandt

AJ & Mark Demulling

Help Carl and Sam Stay Together

Help Carl and Sam Stay Together

Still $1,605 to go. Help us build momentum.