My name is Rikki. I'm a disabled self employed advocate/activist and I have an almost 15-year-old cat named Zane who was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease last September, pancreatitis last July, ... and was now diagnosed with left side congestive heart failure on June 9th.

I found this out via a vet emergency visit after Zane had been breathing very hard, short, and fast throughout the day. Over 50 breaths in just 30 seconds. Then we found out he has heart failure, and fluid inside and around his lungs. This along with kidney disease is a terrible combination to have. He also hadn't been eating very much at all in the last week and I had originally made an appointment for yesterday morning because I thought he was having pain flares again... but then that ER visit happened. And after the ER, we still went to his primary.

My income has been cut by over 50% in 2026. I've been ghosted in regards to a few paid projects people came to me for. I rely on my savings right now and don't have a lot of new money coming in.

So far, I've spent about $1,000 from savings, and Zane has another follow up appointment on Friday to discuss options again. There was talk about how he needs to see a cardiologist to determine what kind of heart condition it is, and that costs money. The cardiologist only comes up to Omaha a few times a month from Kansas City, so we have to try to keep him stable until then. Right now, our plan is to give him diuretics for a few days... because he's also a very stubborn cat who refuses medicine and will somehow get rid of it without you looking.

This fundraiser is currently for the funds already spent for the ER visit and primary visit, the estimated $500 for the cardiologist if we are successful in keeping Zane stable until we can get an appointment (and the appointment itself), Friday's follow up, and meds to try to keep him stable.

I do have some incentives if you would like them. I have accessibility infographics I could send to you, or I will help you with your accessibility knowledge one-on-one for your donation. Feel free to reach out to me.

I don't know what the future holds for Zane because I don't want him suffering from this, but if there is any chance to manage this and keep him okay, I would love to have that chance. But I also understand that the inevitable may happen, and I will then no longer allow him to suffer.