Support Dash's Life-Saving Surgery

Hello, my name is Ariana and I’m reaching out today because my sweet kitty Dash is facing a serious medical challenge. Dash is the most loving, gentle, and playful cat you could ever meet. Up until this past weekend, he’s been healthy and full of life, but on December 1st, he developed a urinary blockage that required immediate attention. Dash has undergone two catheterizations and spent three days at the vet, but the only solution to this ongoing issue is a delicate and costly procedure called a perineal urethrostomy.

This surgery is his best chance for a full recovery and a long, healthy life. The vet has assured me that with proper healing, Dash will be able to live many more happy years.

Watching him cling to me in the vet’s office, his little paws holding on tight as we decided whether to move forward with the surgery, made the decision clear. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, especially when I know he’s still so young and full of life.

My husband and I are loving pet parents to four fur babies, all of whom I adopted around the same time, saving them from difficult situations. They’ve been there for me through some of the toughest moments in my life, and now it’s my turn to be there for them. These pets have seen me through challenging times, and I want to do everything I can to make sure they’re happy, healthy, and comfortable. Unfortunately, life lately has been a series of challenges, both financially and personally.

I’ve had my own health issues over the past few years, and this year in particular, I have been in and out of work multiple times since February. In addition, my dog DeeDee was diagnosed with cancer and needed surgery just a few days before my own abdominal procedure earlier this year. Now, Dash needs urgent care just a day after I had another medical procedure this week.

Despite doing everything I can to manage our finances, the unexpected costs of medical care—both for myself and my pets—have left us struggling. We’ve spent over $5,700 on Dash’s care so far, including the emergency vet, our primary vet bills for his hospitalization and the mentioned surgery, leading us to max out our Care Credit account. Between keeping the roof over our heads and food on the table, we just can’t seem to catch a break, and the mounting expenses are overwhelming.

I’ve always prided myself on being financially responsible, but right now we’re up against a wall with everything happening so close together. We can’t recoup from one ordeal in time to make it to the next. We even met with a financial advisor right before this all came to a head to try and continue to move through our financial setbacks.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I hate asking for help, and this is truly difficult for me to do, but we truly need it. If you’re able to contribute in any way—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page—it would mean the world to my husband and me, and of course, to Dash.

Thank you for taking the time to read Dash’s story and for considering supporting us during this difficult time. Any amount helps, and we’re so incredibly grateful for the love and support from friends, family, and kind strangers alike.

With gratitude,

Ariana, Stephen

Dash, Draco, DeeDee & Balto