Hi, my name is Kat. I want to start by saying that asking for help like this doesn’t come easily to me...

But this isn’t about me, it’s about my Kaiya bear (aka goober, aka snuffs, aka monster, aka psycho, aka chewbacca, etc. etc.)

Kaiya is turning 12 this year (July 9th, save the date ).

She’s a Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Pomeranian mix with the biggest, goofiest personality and the sweetest little bean a furr mama could ask for. She is deeply loved, not just by me, but by so many people here on the island. Even now, she’s still playful, affectionate, and full of life (sometimes too much life, and gives Mum a good scare!!).

I acquired Kaiya when she was 7, during one of the hardest times in my life, just months before my brother passed away.

In the middle of that grief, she gave me a reason to get out of bed every day.

When I first brought her home, she already had mammary tumours, but they stayed small and stable for years. Recently, they’ve started growing more quickly, and our vet has now recommended surgery as soon as possible to remove them.

The good news is that she is otherwise strong, and the vet believes she could have another 5 good years ahead of her if we act now. I just want to give her that chance...

Unfortunately, the cost of surgery and follow-up care is more than I can manage on my own right now. I want to make sure she has the safe, healthy space she needs to recover, and I can’t do that alone due to cost of living and my own personal health circumstances.

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean more than I can put into words. And if you’re not able to give, sharing her story would help us just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for caring about this special old lady.