This past week my cat Elliott Stabler (a Maine Coon and massive SVU fan) underwent his second surgery in 8 months for a partial bowel blockage. He's a long-haired hat and thanks to his overgrooming a massive clump of hair almost took his life.

He came through the surgery with flying colors, and the vet let us keep the deadly hairball, but the total cost of the surgery and preceding vet visit tops out at $8,200 dollars. To say this was unexpected is an understatement. And to make matters worse I'm still paying off the remaining $2,000 balance for Elliott's urinary blockage surgery he had in October of 2024. I love him, but he apparently has a death wish.

This is what brings me here. Paying this off on my own will take me years, at best, or bankrupt me at worst. I am a disabled author and journalist which, if you're watching things lately you know journos are struggling for work. My mom is my in-home health person and while we both have income with the cost of inflation and other things we'll only be able to pay minimum payments at best.

I hate having to do this again. I know times are hard for everyone. Any help, even spreading the word to your friends, helps. All monies donated will go to pay off the credit card where the $8200 has landed.