Help Save Teddy Bear's Life

Just over one year ago, Teddy Bear appeared from the dark woods of Northern Maine and jumped up into my lap. When I tried to move him off of me, he gave me a bear hug, wrapping his little paws around my neck and complete with chin-marking all over my face. We have been inseparable ever since. I can’t imagine a future without him; he is my snuggle buddy, hiking partner, and love of my life.

But our time may be cut sooner than I thought. He hasn’t been doing well, and the vets diagnosed him with Feline Gingivostomatitis (FCGS): a quite common auto-immune disease that will quickly overtake his mouth and make it extremely painful for him to eat, drink, groom himself, and even breathe. He has Grade 3 Stomatitis, which is the most severe case. I had no idea - he never showed any symptoms of pain and seemed to be a healthy and happy cat. They say that he might not have exhibited discomfort because he was just used to the pain. To think that he doesn’t even know what it feels like to be without pain absolutely crushes my heart, and it’s progressing into a stage that may be incurable.

Cats with stomatitis have two options from what I’ve learned: they either require (1) antibiotics, pain relievers, or some other extended medical management (EMM) until it is time to say goodbye, OR (2) an intensive surgery that can cause the disease to go into remission and lead to a long, healthy, and happy life.

I want Teddy to live as long as he can in comfort. But that requires a partial extraction of his fragile little teeth; something I cannot afford on my own as I am also trying to work through my own mental health and future goals. I am currently living at home taking a gap year from college — I have decided to work full-time instead of returning to school because of his pending surgery. It feels like my entire life is on hold because of this little man, but I can’t imagine putting him down just because I can’t afford his life-saving surgery. It simply isn’t an option for me.

It’s hard to ask for help, but I recognize I need it. If you’re unable to donate any money, please at least try to spread the word! I want everyone to know how wonderful Teddy is, even if they can’t contribute financially. I am extremely honored and grateful to be his caregiver, regardless of this unexpected disease.

Thank you if you've read this far,

Alivia Halza

Here are some helpful links on FCGS and how you can prevent something similar to your beloved.

1. Learn More About Gingivostomatitis (FCGS)

2. Update on FCGS research

3. Research on success rate of full and partial mouth extractions