Hi everyone. My name is Sandy, and I’m making this GoFundMe because our sweet Scottish Straight Chanel has passed away, and I'm calling on my friends, family, and community for support with her burial costs.

On Monday, February 2nd, Chanel was completely normal in the early morning. My brother checked on her before he left for work and put out her food. Like an hour or so later, my mom sees her lying on the floor, meowing, with her mouth open wide, and unable to move her back legs. They rushed her to the emergency room right away. I met up with them as soon as possible. The doctors discovered that Chanel has an acute heart failure from an underlying heart condition that likely wasn't detectable earlier (DR mentioned heart murmurs in cats are unreliable without an echocardiogram). This condition causes the heart walls to thicken over time. The clot likely formed in her heart and lodged between her back legs, causing paralysis of the hind limbs. They were ice cold. No pulse was found there. Also, they found fluid built up around her lungs, making it hard for her to breathe.

They told us she was in critical condition. We had no idea any of this was happening because she was perfectly normal. We took her to checkups. She ate healthy. We did everything you can think of because we love and care for her. I kept thinking about what I missed...where did I go wrong? The doctor kept reassuring us that this wasn't our fault. It felt unreal that we had to decide so quickly, with Chanel in such a critical state.

We were told this condition carries a very grave prognosis. Hospitalization treatment was going to cost us 15k-20k, which is insane...they said even with aggressive and prolonged treatment, many cats never walk again, remain in pain, or suffer additional clots or heart failure soon after, especially with this heart condition that they already have genetically. We had no idea at all.

With heavy hearts, we chose humane euthanasia so Chanel wouldn’t have to endure more pain. She was given medication to make her comfortable and sleepy, and she passed gently with my sister and me by her side. Chanel’s emergency evaluation and end-of-life care came unexpectedly and during a moment of shock and heartbreak.

This happened suddenly.

There were no warning signs.

I learned that this heart disease is often silent and undetectable until something catastrophic happens, even in young cats like Chanel.

She passed away in a matter of a few hours in one day. She was only 3.5 years old. She was playful, gentle, and deeply loved. As much as we were unprepared for her passing, we all came to an agreement that cremation was something we definitely wanted to avoid.

We’re asking for support to help cover her burial costs and half of the emergency visit cost. We already paid for her pain medication, 1st half of the emergency visit, and her small casket. I never started a GoFundMe or asked anyone for money, but now I am hoping for any help for Chanel.

Thank you.

COSTS

Plot/burial section - 2x3 land = $1000

Interment (labor) - #3 (23” size) = $875

General Care - 2x3 = $120

Hospital Visit - $746

TOTAL - $2741