Hi, I’m Irene, and I’m hoping to raise funds so we can afford emergency, life-saving surgery for our 7-year-old cat - whose name, fittingly, is Orange Cat.

Orange Cat went missing from our backyard on October 3rd after slipping out of his harness. Ever since he was a kitten, we’ve given him supervised outdoor time on a harness and lead. He’s always been incredibly outdoor-motivated, and we wanted to let him enjoy that safely. He had managed to slip out a few times before, little Houdini that he is, but he always came back within minutes. When he escaped that Friday night, my husband noticed immediately and went out searching, but this time, he didn’t come back.

Ten long days passed. We searched day and night, knocked on countless doors, and flyered the entire neighbourhood. I posted in every local social media group I could find. We set out his litter box, food, and even our clothes to help guide him home. There were many tears, and that sinking feeling of hopelessness began to settle in. But deep down, I knew he was still out there, just lost and trying to find his way.

Then, on Thanksgiving Monday, a young girl left a voicemail saying she’d found an orange cat in her window well! Her house was on the next street over, but across a major road we never thought he’d cross. We could hardly believe it. A Thanksgiving miracle!

When we got him home, though, it became clear how rough a shape he was in. He was lethargic, barely able to stay awake, even falling asleep in his water bowl as he drank. He wasn’t walking properly either; when he finally hopped down from his favourite chair, the back half of his body dragged behind him.

At the Emergency Pet Hospital in Mississauga-Oakville, the doctors stabilized him from a dangerously low internal temperature and almost no blood pressure. X-rays revealed a fracture where his pelvis meets his spine, along with two dislocated hips. To have any chance at a normal, pain-free life, Orange Cat urgently needs surgery— estimated at around $10,000 — and it needs to happen quickly before the bones begin to heal in the wrong position.

My husband Eric and I were not financially prepared for this. Asking for financial help is not something that comes easily to us, but this unexpected cost is overwhelming. At the same time, we love our cat deeply and can’t imagine losing him when there’s a chance to save him.

When I shared Orange Cat’s story on my personal Instagram, several friends kindly asked if we would start a GoFundMe so they could help. That’s the only reason I decided to make this page.

We completely understand how hard things are right now. If you’re unable to donate, please don’t feel any pressure - your kind thoughts, shares, or even words of encouragement mean so much to us. But if you are able to contribute in any way, no amount is too small. Every bit truly helps.

With heartfelt thanks and appreciation,

Irene