Help Save Baloo: A Life or Death Emergency Surgery

Hi friends, my name is Maggie Ruddell and I am a student at Gonzaga University entering my senior year. But today, I’m reaching out for help with a matter close to my heart—my sweet cat, Baloo.

Many of you know Baloo, my sweet, friendly, playful, goofy, and especially cuddly boy. Perhaps you've cat-sat him before, or he's greeted you at the door with a headbutt and purrs. Or you've seen him in countless posts on social media. Baloo has a remarkable way of melting hearts with his affectionate nature, often surprising new friends with how quickly he warms up for a cuddle.

I rescued Baloo as a kitten here in Spokane almost a year ago, and since then, he has become my emotional support cat, bringing immense joy and comfort into my life. Baloo is also the little brother and best friend of Oso, my first cat. The two are inseparable, always sneaking off on adventures together. This summer, I brought them home to Port Angeles, and even though they’re indoor cats, they managed to escape the house a few times. Each time though, Baloo and Oso stuck together, which warmed my heart. They are truly a pair, and it would break my heart to see them separated.

Baloo has always been healthy and had no prior medical issues. However, this Sunday, he started vomiting and was unable to keep any food down. By Tuesday (today), after he was still unable to eat, I took Baloo to his vet for an emergency visit. After a long vet visit including extensive radiograph scans, he was diagnosed with a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia. In simpler terms, this means there’s a tear in his diaphragm, allowing his intestines, stomach, and liver to enter his chest cavity. At this point, just Baloo’s small intestines have entered his chest cavity (which is why he couldn’t eat). However, this condition causes severe discomfort and poses risks like respiratory distress and heart issues. While typically caused by trauma, this seems to be a rare congenital (present from birth) condition for Baloo.

The situation is urgent. We hope his intestines will move back into place, but if he can’t keep food down and surgery isn’t feasible, euthanasia might be the only option. However, I want to exhaust every possible avenue before considering that. Fortunately, Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital has an opening for a consultation and potential surgery tomorrow. The estimated cost for the surgery and care ranges between $8,000 and $11,000, plus an additional $500 vet bill from this past week. I’m unsure of the aftercare costs at this moment.

If you’ve made it this far, I humbly ask for any support you can offer to help Baloo in this critical time. Whether your contribution is small or large, every bit helps us move closer to covering these emergency medical expenses. Your donation will go directly towards Baloo’s surgery and recovery, giving him the best chance at a full recovery. Whether you can contribute financially or simply send a prayer, your support would mean the world to me, Oso, and especially Baloo. As a college student facing financial constraints, this vet bill is daunting without substantial help.

I will keep everyone updated on Baloo’s condition through social media and this post as much as possible. Your kindness and generosity would provide invaluable support during this sad and scary time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any assistance you can provide. Your support means everything to us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Maggie Ruddell