I'm a semi-disabled, impoverished little old lady. For the first few months of this year, I was living in my car with my small black cat, Sissy. With the generous assistance, both practical and financial, of local agencies, I am now living in a quirky little flat carved out of one of the hundreds of beautiful Victorians here in Eureka.

Sooo much better than my car!

I have a bed, 2 chairs and a small table. The very definition of minimalism in furnishings. But I have everything I need to live in comparative comfort.

Meanwhile, though, my little cat has bravely weathered all the changes in our lives. And now she needs attention. She has gone off her food a bit and her coat is looking less glossy. She has lots of plaque buildup on her teeth. (And no, I can't get an image of that. She is not a ragdoll relaxed type. She likes to cuddle on her own terms, but hates being picked up. And she has very firm limits on her bodily autonomy.)

We need to see the vet, but I have ZERO spare money to take her. I have no idea what cleaning her teeth or possible extractions will cost, but I know every serious vet visit in the past has cost hundreds. Please help, if you can spare a few dollars, to make my ESA sweetheart more comfortable.

Thank you!

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Our 1st visit to the nearest (Arcata) vet I could find taking new clients is Oct 30! You'd think, since vet visits now cost nearly as much as human doctors, that there would be more vets. ... (thinking) Wait! is it the same absurd reason?! The cost of higher education of any kind? Maybe?

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From Facebook a day or so ago:

I often describe Sissy, sleeping here beside me, as stand-offish. She doesn't climb into my lap, staring into my eyes and making biscuits on my chest. I've had cats like that and I confess to missing that kind of pet love. But Sissy's love is quieter and more private.

I leave my back door propped open from morning to bedtime so that she can come and go as she pleases (I live in a rental -- no catflaps). She disappears a few times a day on her own business. I don't know where she goes, but she comes back and that's what's important. I trust her to do so, and to sleep next to me when she chooses. She trusts me to allow her to follow her own path, to provide food, pets and cuddles on her own terms, and a safe place to be during storms and to sleep each night.

That's our relationship. And though I sometimes wish for more effusive expressions of affection on her part, at the same time, I cherish the time during which she whispers, "I'm sleeping now. I know you'll keep me safe." And she provides a small warmth against my thigh or beneath my hand.

Cats! They're not dogs ;-)

Give, if you can, or Share with friends and acquaintances. Tanx!

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