Help Save Gourdie the Cat : A Neighborhood Legend in Need

Help Save Gourdie the Cat : A Neighborhood Legend in Need

Hi, my name is Alena, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friends Jackie and Dan — two of the kindest, most dedicated people — to help save their beloved cat, Gourdie.

Gourdie is more than just a cat, he’s a neighborhood icon. An orange tabby with a huge personality, Gourdie has been bringing joy to East Passyunk Avenue since he was just a kitten. Found alone on the street at just three weeks old, Jackie took him in as a foster and of course, quickly “foster failed.” Their bond was instant, and he’s been a cherished part of their family ever since.

You may know Gourdie from his daily harness walks down the Avenue. He’s a regular at all the local shops, a proud performer at the Singing Fountain, and a friend to every dog (and human) he meets. With his tricks, his charm, and his bright orange coat, he’s become a symbol of joy and community here in South Philly.

But this week, everything changed.

Gourdie suddenly became extremely ill. Jackie rushed him to the emergency vet, where they found he was in critical condition, severely anemic, with dangerously high kidney values and a sky-high white blood cell count. In the middle of the night, he underwent a life-saving emergency blood transfusion.

He is currently stable, but still in serious condition, awaiting an ultrasound that may help reveal what’s going on. Jackie and Dan spent $6,500 overnight to save his life, and the costs are continuing to grow. We’re setting an initial goal of $10,000 to help cover emergency bills and whatever treatment may come next.

If you know Jackie, you know she would never ask for help but she’s the first to offer it. Through her nonprofit cat cafe, Get A Gato, she has fostered, cared for, and helped find forever homes for literally hundreds of cats. She’s biked across the city in the middle of the night to rescue kittens, volunteered countless hours, and always said yes to helping a cat in need. Now, she needs OUR help.

Please, if you’re able, donate what you can to support Gourdie, Jackie, Dan through this terrifying time. And whether or not you can give, sharing this fundraiser means the world.

Let’s rally for the cat who’s brought joy to so many, and the people who have given so much to our animal community. Let’s help bring Gourdie home.

- Alena