update: someone generously lent me the money to cover the surgery, and i was also able to find a much more affordable clinic. tarito is now home and resting as he begins his recovery

i’m incredibly grateful for all the support i’ve received so far!! thank you from the bottom of my heart. i’m still hoping to reach the goal so i can pay back the person who helped me cover the cost upfront. every little bit helps and means so much.

hi, i’m mateo, and i’m raising funds for my cat taro’s urgent surgery.

taro suffered a tibia fracture that requires surgery from a veterinary orthopedic specialist. without treatment, he’s at risk of chronic pain or losing movement in his leg.

my first experience at the vet —just to get his x-rays— was incredibly traumatic. the treatment i received was cold and unprofessional: i felt judged, and the vet’s hostility only grew as time passed. i was given only two options: a $35,000 surgery, with no payment plan, 15% due upfront and the rest before they would return taro to me… or amputation. just like that. no compassion.

as you can imagine, i panicked. i don’t have that kind of money —not even close— and certainly not overnight. i left heartbroken, even having to consider amputation simply because i couldn’t afford more.

but once i got out of there, i started calling other clinics. i found far more realistic estimates, still high tho.

with what i had, i was able to pay for the basics to stabilize him: the consultation, x-rays, pain and anti-inflammatory meds, antibiotics, fluids (he had stopped eating and drinking), a splint, and anesthesia to safely immobilize his leg.

the estimated cost for surgery is about $7,000 USD. this amount does not include post-operative care, which will depend on how he recovers (medications, check-ups, follow-up x-rays, etc.).

taro is my life companion, my emotional support, my safe place, my family.

he has saved my life more times than i can count. asking for help for him is the least i can do —he deserves a life without pain.

i know these are hard times for many, but any contribution —big or small— makes a real difference. even sharing this helps more than you know.

thank you for reading, for caring, and for giving me hope that taro will recover, and keep filling my life with love.

with gratitude,

mateo & taro