I first noticed Sophie wasn’t feeling well on April 2nd—she seemed lethargic, lost weight, and was hiding more than usual. Concerned, I took her to the emergency room on April 4th, the day before Easter, but I couldn’t afford the bloodwork or x-rays at that time. The vet gave her pain medication and advised me to follow up with my regular vet. I found a local vet who performed blood work and an x-ray. The blood work showed a high white blood cell and neutrophil count, so Sophie was given antibiotics. The vet showed me her x-ray and initially thought she had fluid around her heart and lungs, which was making it difficult for her to breathe, and referred me to a specialist. That vet suspected possible coronary heart disease, but the referral center didn’t have any cardiology appointments for 2-3 weeks.
Desperate for answers, I contacted another vet at Folsom Ranch, who determined Sophie didn’t have fluid around her heart and lungs, but instead had a large mass on her right lung. They referred me to a specialist, and now Sophie has an appointment scheduled for May 1st to get a fine needle aspiration. Originally, Folsom Ranch recommended a CT scan, but that was far beyond what I could afford. Surgery is the recommended treatment, but it is also out of reach financially, so I am paying for this more affordable and less invasive diagnostic to pursue nonsurgical interventions. If we can’t find a way forward, I may have to consider euthanasia, which is the last thing I want for her.
Sophie is only six years old and is truly in the prime of her life. I adopted her, along with my other cat Milo, during COVID-19 for emotional support, and she has been like a daughter to me ever since. Our bond is incredibly strong and empathic—she’s been by my side through two job losses, two breakups, addiction, and a big move from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Sophie is always there for me, whether she’s meowing after my alarm goes off, watching over me as I sleep, or waiting by the door when I come home from work. She loves to curl up on my chest or lap and gaze lovingly into my eyes. Losing her would be like losing a part of my heart.
I am reaching out for help because I want to give Sophie the best chance at recovery. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or sharing our story—would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for taking the time to read about Sophie and for considering helping us during this difficult time.
Desperate for answers, I contacted another vet at Folsom Ranch, who determined Sophie didn’t have fluid around her heart and lungs, but instead had a large mass on her right lung. They referred me to a specialist, and now Sophie has an appointment scheduled for May 1st to get a fine needle aspiration. Originally, Folsom Ranch recommended a CT scan, but that was far beyond what I could afford. Surgery is the recommended treatment, but it is also out of reach financially, so I am paying for this more affordable and less invasive diagnostic to pursue nonsurgical interventions. If we can’t find a way forward, I may have to consider euthanasia, which is the last thing I want for her.
Sophie is only six years old and is truly in the prime of her life. I adopted her, along with my other cat Milo, during COVID-19 for emotional support, and she has been like a daughter to me ever since. Our bond is incredibly strong and empathic—she’s been by my side through two job losses, two breakups, addiction, and a big move from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Sophie is always there for me, whether she’s meowing after my alarm goes off, watching over me as I sleep, or waiting by the door when I come home from work. She loves to curl up on my chest or lap and gaze lovingly into my eyes. Losing her would be like losing a part of my heart.
I am reaching out for help because I want to give Sophie the best chance at recovery. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or sharing our story—would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for taking the time to read about Sophie and for considering helping us during this difficult time.
Organizer
