My name is Paige Fiala, and this is my beloved kitty, Harley. She was my first pet as an adult—I adopted her as a teenager just two weeks after moving from Kansas and driving across the country to California. The cover photo here was taken just a week later, as Harley and I evacuated together from the Kincade disaster. Now, six years later, she’s a beautiful calico with the bravest spirit—curious about birds in the window, making biscuits on my tummy, and always glued to my side.

Harley has faced medical challenges her whole life. At just 14 weeks old, she needed surgery for a tumor. A few years later, she developed urinary crystals and endured difficult treatments. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with one massive bladder stone and another smaller one. From the start, her vet warned that surgery would likely be the only solution. Despite months of prescription diets and pain medication, her condition has worsened. She now needs emergency cystotomy (bladder surgery). Without it, her life is at risk.

Other hospitals quoted nearly $10,000 for this surgery—far beyond my reach. My pet insurance also denied her claim, calling it a pre-existing condition. Thankfully, CARES (California Animal Rescue Emergency Surgery) reviewed her case and graciously offered to perform the surgery for $3,500, which includes hospitalization and medication. Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning, September 30th.

This year has already been incredibly hard. I lost my job in March, and since then it’s felt like one setback after another—unexpected bills, health struggles, and financial strain that’s left me barely keeping afloat. Harley deserves to live a healthy, happy, and playful life—and I’m determined to give her just that. That’s why I’m humbly asking for help to cover Harley’s upcoming $3,500 surgery so she can get the care she desperately needs.

How you can help

• Donate any amount—no gift is too small (seriously).

• Share this page with family, friends, or fellow animal lovers.

Transparency

• Procedure: Cystotomy for bladder stones (includes pre-op testing, imaging, hospital stay, medication)

• Provider: CARES (California Animal Rescue Emergency Surgery), Los Angeles

• Goal covers: surgery, hospitalization, and medication

• I’ll post updates before, during, and after Harley’s surgery

Believe me when I say, I know times are hard for everyone right now, and many of us are carrying our own struggles. If you’re unable to contribute financially, even a kind message, a prayer, or simply sending healing energy means the world to us.

I’m so deeply grateful to CARES for giving Harley this chance at life, and to anyone who takes a moment to support us in any way. Learn more about CARES, here .

With love and gratitude,

—Fiala & Harley