Our sweet little chonky cat, Crog, is facing some serious health issues which will require copious tests, procedures and medicinal intervention (bloodwork, ultrasound, biopsy to name a few.) The financial aspects of this crisis are suffocating, and we want to be able to fight for our boy as much as we can.

Before living together, engagement, marriage, baby, there was Crog. In December 2014, we adopted Crog from North Shore Animal League, Long Island, NY. Crog was [my husband] Jared's companion as he endured the Baltimore Police Academy before I joined them in summer 2015, when we began our little family. Crog is always a warm, enthusiastic welcome every time we come through the door. His long "periscope" tail twitching with excitement (okay, mostly because he wants food, but still.) Jared is Crog's person. Whenever Jared comes home from work and finally sits down on the couch, Crog comes running and immediately jumps on his chest, will headbutt him and even lick his hair. When it's time for bed, Jared does not get to snuggle me, because Crog jumps up and demands his arm around him instead, and he will not take no for an answer.

After losing my cat Oliver in 2019, Crog became so lonely that we adopted Sonny. Normally, it can take adult cats weeks, months or honestly never, to warm up to a new cat, especially a totally wild 8 week old kitten. Not Crog. By day 2, Crog was playing with Sonny, holding him down to groom him (cue Law & Order: SVU intro) and teaching him how to "cat." Even though Sonny can be the super annoying little brother, we find them snuggled up together constantly, and teaming up to see who can be the most incessant to get them fed.

Throughout my pregnancy Crog was my snuggle buddy, always curling up on my chest and eventually against my growing belly. When our son, Luca was born, Crog was always nearby. Now that Luca is older, they have become best friends thanks to Crog's patience and sweet natured personality. Crog has taught Luca the beauty in gentleness love.

Crog has also converted staunch non-cat people into cat people, even if only for him. He is that awesome.

So you see, Crog is not just a cat, not just a pet. He is the true, furry patriarch of our family. He's been around for every significant chapter thus far and we really need him around for the many others to follow.

He’s truly the perfect cat, and we just want him to be able to smother Jared, wedge himself between us at night, and steal my blankets again. Luca needs his best furry friend and Sonny needs him to keep him in line.

We understand times are tough for everyone, and any amount helps. Whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser, we are grateful beyond words. Please help us give Crog a fighting chance to keep being the heart of our family.

With Love and Gratitude,

The Heusers