Help for Lilybean

Lily's story is one of love, grace, courage, forgiveness and at times...unfiltered disdain. The cat I brought home from the shelter is not the same cat that left this earthly realm this morning. The scared, traumatized, fractious cat that I brought home 7 years ago turned into the most loving, patient and sweet baby kitty you could ever ask for. With a major side of spicy.

When we first brought her home, she was very unhappy. She needed lots of time to adjust. People tend to be impatient or want a "lap cat" but Lilybean needed someone that understood that love happens on her terms. She had two failed adoption attempts prior to us bringing her home. After two years, she finally trusted us. Two years. That's how long it took her to adjust.

This cat took care of me when I was pregnant. She would lay on my belly all day and purr. She growled at any noise outside of the house. She was so protective of us during that time. I cannot thank her enough for that love.

Lily has, in her own way, helped me raise my son. He has learned spatial awareness, empathy, how to be gentle with animals and even some words...all because of his kitty. One the hardest parts of all this are answering his questions about what's happening, or responding to the things he's saying. He knows she's gone and it breaks my heart.

Some of you may not know this, but my childhood dog was named "Chilli Bean" so naturally, when I adopted Lily, she became Lilybean. Except I spelled it all one word. Not sure why I did that tbh. Anyways just a little fun bit of information.

I loved this cat more than life itself. Lilybean's dad has even wondered if I love her more than him and our son, lol. I mean, maybe? It's a different kind of love. I haven't grieved this hard over the loss of anyone or anything, ever. I'm in a state of complete disbelief.

Her food bowls. Her bed. Her toys. Her fur all over the floor. All over my car. She is certainly still here. She has to be. But she isn't. It is slowly sinking in. This sucks.

The things I'll miss the most are her little face looking up at me while she's purring and rubbing against my legs. And how content she was when I would scratch her tiny forehead and nose. How she loved when I kissed her beautiful cheeks. The way she looked at me when I called her a pretty pretty princess. Or talked to her about how pretty her eyeliner and bronzer looks. She was so beautiful. Such a baby. She really was.

And as far as all of you, I want you to know that you are such special people. It takes a village to raise a child...but it takes the Internet to care for a f@t and sassy cat. Thank you all for helping me fight for her.

I love you all so much. Eternal gratitude.

-Lilyfam

(Sorry if this is somewhat of a rant I am definitely grieving over here.)

Edit: The support we have received from you all is astounding. I cannot thank you enough for helping us with all of this. Lilybean's next appointment is on May 1st.* The blood work, vaccines and appointment cost will be $400 or more. From there, we make a game plan.

I have used some of these funds to get Lily the chicken she likes. I had to stop buying it for awhile because it is expensive but thankfully since you all have been so generous, I am able to get it again.

Also, the veterinarian's office did call to let me know that you can donate directly to her account at the vet's office. If anyone is more comfortable donating that way, please let me know and I'll get you the information.

Thank you all so much for your love. It means the world.

Edit: thank you for helping us double our anticipated goal. We weren't sure what to put as the goal amount, as we have no idea how much the appointment will actually cost. I know that some of the tests and medications can be incredibly expensive. It's nice to know that we have what we need to ensure she gets proper vet care. ❤️

Hey friends. My name is Ashley and I am Lilybean's mom.

On Wednesday, 4/10 I found a hard lump on Lily's abdomen that she had been chewing at. Unfortunately, this emergency has hit at a time when funds are extremely tight for us. I've started this gofundme with the hopes that our amazing community can help get our gorly the helps she needs.

I'm honestly not even sure how much we are going to need. I know the appointment itself will be around $80, but then they will probably want to run all the expensive tests and things to make sure that she's okay. I have no idea how much those things cost at this moment but I know they are not cheap. I figured $500ish would be a good base number but honestly I do not know. This is not an expectation and honestly if we get that much we'd be over the moon grateful.

Needless to say, I'm scared. I love this cat more than my life and need her to be okay. She's like a child to me and I actually mean that, as I have a real life human child and I love her just the same.

Thank you for reading this. Your kind words and support of all means help us tremendously. You are amazing.