This is Winky, and he's pretty sick. We are coming to you today asking for help, be it here on GoFundMe, or any number of other ways.

Winky was born with some kind of nasty rhinovirus that stunted his growth and made him a very small kitty. He's almost 5 years old and literally looks like a gawky, young adult cat all the time. The vet we just got home from said he looks like a kitten. So yeah...everyone seems to love him...heheh.

We had a difficult weekend with my partner having a heart issue, and of course while that was going on, Winky comes out from under the couch looking like he's lost 5 lbs within the past week. We have no idea why, because he eats his food ravenously. It's clear though by the gunk in his eyes and what's running out of his nose that he has a BAD Upper Respiratory Infection. Now we are in panic mode over it, trying to raise the money needed for him to get the medical care he needs. I've spent all the money I had for Christmas on him ($200) at Starch Animal Hospital in Des Moines, IA. They want to do another $500-600 in tests on him though, one to make sure that it's not his kidneys or thyroid, and one to basically analyze the respiratory infection that he has and see if there are some other more specific things that they should be doing to help him. I do not have that money. Winky's current medications come to $52, and I suspect that we will be needing more of that as well before this is over.

There is a site on Etsy that is offering 100% of its proceeds to Winky's medical care for the rest of the month. They don't usually do a lot of business, but if you feel you would like to get some return for your money rather than just donating, please go have a look at The Discerning Blonde VCJ Shoppe on Etsy. Pick up a gift of vintage jewelry for that special person in your life, and help a kitty at the same time!!!

Additionally, you can call Starch Animal Hospital at [phone redacted] and ask them if they can take money in advance for Winky's treatment under the account name of Michael Hamilton. I can't imagine that they wouldn't do that. There are also many other ways that we can accept donations. Just leave us a message and we'll figure it all out. I'll do anything to help Winky that I can. He is SO loved.