Sunday afternoon, I found a small amount of blood in Kiddo's urine. I went to examine her and found she didn’t really want to stand. I immediately took her to the ER. The vet found that she has a blood clot that is affecting the health of her back legs and is suffering from heart failure. While the diagnosis is grim, I caught it very early, and the vet thinks if we can get her back in good health, then she very well could have years before it will ultimately take her.

I am under strict orders to keep her surroundings serene for the next few days. Injury to her back legs would lead to amputation, and if she’s under too much stress, she could have a heart attack. We have her on four different meds, two of which she will be on long term. It is still very much an emergency situation, but the vet said she is a very good candidate for a full recovery and to stay with us for a few more years.

Kiddo was a runt left to fend for herself in the brush of Shelby Bottoms, and I knew as soon as I saw her that she was my charge. She’s moved across this country with me four times. We’ve run across the salt flats of Utah together, so many punk houses, shit, so many houses really. She’s romped around the desert and the mountains with me. Couldn’t really talk her into the beach, but she has enjoyed one plane ride. I’ve done everything I can to give her the best life. I will always make the most ethical decision for her quality of life, but I will never give up on her.

I'm asking for donations to help cover her medical costs, medication, and to help make adjustments around the house so she isn’t putting herself in jeopardy of injury. Every little bit helps, and if you can’t give money but want to help in other ways, please let me know. I will need sitters, help for the house adjustments, and probably other things that I don’t have the bandwidth to think of right now.

Hug the ones you love, give all your critters an extra kiss for me, and thank you for anything you’re willing to give.

Bless,

Alexus