Snowflake Obsidian, nicknamed Snow, has been with me since he was a kitten. He’s a big, grumpy jerk of a cat to everyone else, but to me, he’s a sweetheart and my little baby. Snow follows me everywhere like a little duckling following its mama, he has some insane separation anxiety and throws a tantrum when I'm gone for too long or if I'm snuggling with the dog instead. His perfect day would be the both of us curled up on the couch doing absolutely nothing for hours on end. He is practically the definition of a one-person cat, he doesn’t like anyone else, and he’s made that clear to my family, friends, and even the family dog. When I left for college, he annoyed my parents with how much he missed me, and he’s always happiest when we’re together.
Recently, Snow was diagnosed with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). He has a significant amount of crystals, stones, and blood in his bladder, which causes him pain and makes it hard for him to urinate. The only way to help him is surgery to remove the stones and blood, and the cost includes the procedure, medical supplies, the doctors’ and staff’s time, and the medications he’ll need afterward. If I can’t pay for Snow’s surgery, I’ll have to give him up to someone who can. Yet, I cannot make clear enough just how difficult that would be. As I mentioned before, Snow is a one-person cat. If I gave him up to someone financially well-off enough to take care of him, Snow would make it his personal mission to make their life hell simply because I am not with him anymore. If I gave Snow up to a shelter who would be able to pay for his surgery, Snow would act aggressively to anyone and everyone; humans, cats, or dogs. Snow would be labeled as an "aggresive" or "bad" cat, simply because he missed me and wanted me back. Even if I gave him up, I wouldn't be guaranteed his continued long, happy, and loved life.
Snow is my emotional support animal, he’s helped me through depression, anxiety, and while he wasn't trained for it, PTSD. He’s always been there for me, and I want to be there for him now.
I’ve never had to create a fundraiser for something so urgent or important before, and I know not everyone is able to donate. But Snow is my whole world, and he’s only five years old, he shouldn’t have to go through this. Anything helps, even if it’s just sharing our story so more people can see it. Thank you for reading and for caring about Snow.