Monday afternoon I came home from work to find that my cat Sam had been sick a few times. At first it appeared as if he was just getting rid of some major hairballs. Later that night, I fed Sam his normal meal and he ate fine, but threw up a couple of hours later. By the next morning, it was clear Sam was not his normal self. Over the course of the following days x-rays revealed that despite being in great health for an 11 year old, he had developed a tumor in his intestines. It was now blocking the intestinal pathway. It was decided that further procedures would not be a good idea, so he was sent home Wednesday night with fluids and pain meds, and plans were made for at-home euthanasia Thursday morning.

I had Sam for 11 years. I got him when he was 7 weeks old. He was my sidekick for 11 years. He was my best friend. He heard all the laughing and crying in my life. He would run to meet me at the door loudly meowing until I got inside. He loved to talk at you. He also loved looking out the backdoor onto the world outside; following the birds and insects that would fly by. He also loved sitting on the back of the sofa looking out the front windows. I called it his cat TV. He was my everything.

I hate that I even feel that I need to do this. But any help is greatly appreciated. My life took a wild turn a few months ago that has ended up being a positive; however, it also caused me to take about a 50% pay cut. Any money raised will go directly towards the vet bills incurred over Sam's final days. This includes his initial vet visit that had the x-rays and blood work. His second visit that was a sonogram, fluids and meds. And his final arrangements. I can provide receipts to show final amounts for each, but it is approximately $1500.

Anything above this amount will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society.

Thank you for reading.