Gertrude was adopted November 2020, my first pet and my closest companion. She and later her adopted brother Leo were my strongest support systems during the pandemic and continue to be today. Gertrude is a mischevious, loving, intelligent girl that carries a lot of mysticism and trickster energy. For those into the occult, I consider her my familiar.

Two days ago sweet Gert stopped eating and became increasingly lethargic, not her usual self. I took her to the vet yesterday and was told it could be a number of things for which I could not afford to test for at the time. Having spent my entire career previously in nonprofits and now working in the service industry, I unfortunatley have always been tight on funds.

I spent nearly all that was in my account to get her some fluids and medication to see if that would improve her condition. As of this morning, she seems to have only gotten worse. While I'm embarrassed to admit I cannot afford to help her, I will do anything to save her life.

Anyone who knows me knows how special my cats are to me. As a childless, single woman in my 30s, my cats are indeed my family.

Gertrude's 5th birthday is this Sunday, August 10th. Like me she is a Leo. My birthday was last week and all I ask is for help getting her the life saving treatment she needs. It's possible she ate something that caused inflammation or a blockage or worse. It could be something involving her kidneys. I won't know until they run blood tests and X-rays, which require payment up front that I don't have.

She needs to be treated immediately or she won't make it.

I've had a rough few years consisting of food banks, failed attempts to sell plasma, and couch surfing for months. This past year I've managed to almost stabalize financially but unfortunatley was not prepared for this.

If you love me, love Gertrude, or just love animals; please consider donating to help save her sweet little life. I would never ask if it wasn't an emergency, and will do anything to help her. Including swallowing my pride.