My cat Jasper means everything to me. Earlier this year, he was bitten by one of my other cats, and what started as a small puncture wound quickly turned into something much more serious. I took him to the vet in February, and the doctor explained that the wound had gotten out of control. Jasper’s body built up a wall behind the wound to prevent infection from spreading, which left him with a large lump on his neck. Because he keeps scratching at it, the wound isn’t healing and bleeds every day. He’s been given antibiotics and an ointment that I have to apply twice daily until his surgery. The vet says surgery is the only way to remove the lump and prevent Jasper from constantly reopening the wound, since the skin in that area has become so hard. I’m terrified because the doctor warned that if the lump gets too big, it might not be possible to remove it. It already seems larger than when we first went to the vet, and Jasper is still scratching and bleeding every day. I want nothing more than to help him, but I simply don’t make enough to cover my rent, bills, and save for his surgery. I’m not eligible for care credit due to past mistakes, and it breaks my heart to see him suffer. I cry every day and struggle with depression because I can’t take care of him the way he deserves. Jasper is my whole world. He was abused as a kitten—someone found him in a shopping bag that was tied shut and left in the middle of the street. South Shore Vet posted about him on social media, and when I went to see him, he was so scared. As he hid his face in my arms, he looked up at me and let me give him a kiss. I knew right then he had to come home with me. He was terrified of everyone and every little noise, but now he’s the prince of the castle. Jasper helped me get through the loss of my other cat, Lil’ Man, and he’s truly the love of my life. He’s a mama’s boy and always takes care of me when I need it most. I hate myself for not being able to help him, and my anxiety and depression have only gotten worse. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost him. If you’re able to help, even a little, it would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for caring about Jasper and for any support you can give during this difficult time.