Hi, my name is Adrienne. I have dedicated my life to finding people who fall through the cracks and helping patients, family, random strangers, and stray cats to solve their problems or guide them to the path for help. I have never had to reach out for help like this for myself.

Merlin was my first cat and has been the best friend anyone could ask for. He is 11 years old and follows commands in English, Spanish, Korean, and Cantonese. On October 4th, he was acting normal and playing around with my other cats when he suddenly began vomiting everywhere. I cleaned him up and let him rest. A few hours later he collapsed and could barely breathe. I rushed him to our vet who diagnosed him with: Overwhelming Sepsis, Severe Upper Respiratory Infection, Possible Aspiration Pneumonia, Severe Dehydration, and Complications from Irritable Bowel Disease. He stayed at the vet for subcutaneous fluids, 2 antibiotics, steroids, Pepcid, and Cerenia. The next day he was still barely moving and did not have anything to eat or drink. He was rushed back to the vet for a full day of IV fluids. On day 3, he was still not improving and brought to an ER. They said there was not much else we can do other than supportive care.

My Merlin still had determination in his eyes and I was not going to let him die. I purchased a bunch of medical and nutritional supplies and took off from work to nurse him back to health. I gave him subcutaneous fluids at home. He received saline nebulizer treatments every 3 hours with nasal saline lavage/suction, nasal care, oral care, physical therapy every 3 hours to prevent muscle atrophy, and syringe feedings of goat milk kitten milk replacer every 3 hrs. I bought kitty bath wipes to clean him so he wouldn't be depressed from being so smelly. He was finally turning the corner then he started having mini focal seizures on October 9th. Thankfully, the vet feels this is still residual symptoms from his illness and should resolve when he recovers.

This past month has been full of hardship. I got hurt reviving a patient who passed out in our clinic lobby, my car broke down, the dealership has been holding the car for repairs for over a month so I had to rent a car, my employer "forgot" to pay me half my bi-weekly pay, and then my cat became critically ill. Last year, I was injured in a freak accident and was out on medical leave for 6 months. The year before that, I needed urgent surgery which was followed by multiple complications causing me to be on leave for 4 months. Both medical crises basically drained my savings.

So I am still trying to provide all the care he needs to recover. But the vet bills in addition to my regular bills and expensive rent are more than I can handle. I just need enough to pay off his vet bills and medical supplies. If you would be so kind to donate even just a few dollars, I would be extremely grateful. It has been so hard to do everything on my own and for the first time, I need to admit that I need some help. Thank you so much for reading my story and please keep Merlin in your prayers so he can make a full recovery!!

Merlin when he got home from the ER.

Merlin still fighting to live!

Merlin before he got sick.

UPDATE 10/16/23: Merlin went to the vet today and got another dose of antibiotics and steroids. His infection has cleared up but he is having diarrhea now that he started eating again. At least he is acting more normal but we are still looking for ways to help him digest food better. But he is definitely on the mend! I raised the goal a little bit to help pay for today’s visit.

UPDATE 11/4/23: I finally found a food that Merlin can tolerate! He is continuing to eat and drink well and hasn’t had diarrhea in 5 days! He is behaving like his old self and even let me give him a bath! He was feeling much happier to be fresh and clean! Thank you everyone for your generous donations! I was able to pay off all the vet bills and get the supplies needed to focus on his care. He is continuing to improve every day and this would not have been possible without you! Thank you so much!