Unfortunately, early this morning, my cat Tito passed away while in surgery to remove a linear blockage. After a visit to the vet, two visits to hospitals, and one surgery, the costs have added up to about $4,962 USD which is more than I can afford right now. Thanks to friends and family who have already chipped in about $645, I am looking at about $4,317 left. I would appreciate any support you can offer but please do not feel pressured to contribute if you aren't in a position to.

Tito's Story:

I adopted Tito and his big brother Raymundo from a Humane Rescue Alliance shelter in Washington, D.C. in 2019 when they were about 3 years old. They were rescued from what the shelter told me was a "hoarder house" with a bunch of other cats. Although the shelter noted they were a bonded pair, they were originally adopted out to two separate families. They are an odd couple because Tito was the runt of the litter and Ray Ray is a big ole boy/gentle giant. Shortly after being adopted out, both families returned Ray Ray and Tito to the shelter because Tito would not stop crying and Raymundo does not get along with any animals other than Tito. So the shelter put them back up for adoption together. Then I saw them, knew they would take a little work, didn't fully know what I was getting into, but took the leap.

Their first week with me they hid under my bed and couch most of the time so I moved their food, water, and litter box right next to the bed to make them more comfortable. Not sure if that was right but I think it helped with the stress of coming to a new place. After a week or so, Tito was the first one to grace me with the glory of making biscuits while I was watching TV with a blanket on my lap. I will always remember what it felt like to know I earned his trust with patience and good will.

Tito was always the more serious/pragmatic/scardy cat of the two, not trusting anyone, even me sometimes. Which made the moments when he curled up next to me that much more sacred and memorable. The fact that throughout this ordeal, he came to me for comfort and care when he was in pain is a gift. I'm happy to know that of the two souls he trusted in the end, I was one.