Medical Care for Chowder and Salem

My partner Mark and I share our space with two rescue cats--Chowder and Salem. They are the sweetest and #1 best boys.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and going above and beyond recommendations given, yesterday we received a call that they have medium burden giardia yet again. They just tested negative about a month ago, and we opted to do follow up testing for peace of mind. I'm glad we did. The kitties are not currently showing symptoms, but we want them to be done with this chapter and enjoy life in comfort. This is not our first time treating them for this but the goal is to make it the very last.

I strongly believe when we adopted our most recent cat he was already infected with it, and passed it on to the other. He was given a clean bill of health by the rescue, we received his vet records, and I deeply regret not to have him further vetted before introduction to the other. He did have some diarrhea and gas and I incorrectly assumed it was due to stress of a new home, and new foods. That is 100% my bad, and I know better now. I am trying not to dwell on the regrets I have and the guilt I feel knowing they are still sick. We love these cats very much and they WILL get better.

These funds will be used for vet bills, 6x months of follow up testing once negative, medicine and supplements. I will post the estimates but they are stated to be on the low end. There are also disposable food and water bowls, disposable litter pans, a litter mat we can disinfect included in the total $698.95 I calculated giardia treatment estimate.

In addition to treatment for giardia, we hope to raise enough for dental cleanings and potentially extractions, any vaccines they need done in order to have that procedure, heartworm vaccines, and chips for both cats.

The estimate as written for this is $1326.96, but they did include two different grades of cleaning for each cat. We will need one or the other, not both. But I am also not sure if extractions are needed so I left it as is. Chowder also needs an updated rabies vaccine which I didn't see on an estimate. We will update the fundraiser with any new estimates, receipts bills etc as we get them.

We have been putting the cleanings off for a short amount of time because frankly, we are broke. In case you do not know me I am disabled and have been unable to work full time as of recently. I do go back to part time work very soon. Before I started having more physical issues I did used to be a decent helper to lots of folks and fundraisers. Now I need the help. These cats deserve comfort and good health.

We /just/ had an emergency move in February due to dangerous conditions and gross neglect on the end of the landlord and maintenance there. We have signed an agreement to not discuss that, that we do need to honor. But lawyer costs, moving company, new lease and deposit. Not cheap.

My partner has been very graciously supporting the whole household for a bit but that isn't sustainable to keep doing. He just had to purchase a new car with assistance as the old one is not safe to drive as is. Over the last year we have had various emergencies, medical things to pay for, various vet visits and prior treatments for giardia, and we have been hemorrhaging money. I am over 13k in debt myself between maxed out credit cards and loans that were taken out for the move.

Anyway, we will be as transparent as possible and post any updates, bills, receipts etc as we receive them. 100% of funds will be used for their treatment or supplies related to that. I will update our goal if needed, but my hope is $2500 will cover all care and supplies. Anything over will cover additional testing or treatment if needed, or refunded.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring.

Katie Mark Chowder and Salem