Save Dexter: Megan's Emotional Anchor

Hi, my name is Megan, and I’m reaching out with a desperate plea to help my cat, Dexter, who has suddenly and unexpectedly fallen critically ill. Dexter has been by my side since 2018, when I rescued him as a tiny kitten after he crawled into a vehicle seeking shelter. That day, my husband at the time called and said, “Megan, there’s an animal emergency at work.” I showed up—and the rest is history. Dexter needed an emergency tail amputation and had a broken leg, but he pulled through. He’s been mine ever since that September day and has been my shadow, my comfort, and my heart.

Now, he needs me more than ever—and I’m struggling to be able to help him.

In the past week, Dexter has become lethargic and unwell. After spending $484 trying to figure out what was wrong, the vet suspects liver disease. They’ve recommended an urgent ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday, which costs $600–$700 and must be paid upfront. That is only for the ultrasound and does not include the blood work and other tests that were recommended.

Unfortunately, I’ve been denied for Care Credit, and the clinic does not offer payment plans.

I live and solely support myself on an apprentice funeral director’s wage. I’m doing everything I can, but with the cost of living, I’m drowning in bills:

• Rent: $600 (due in 2 weeks)

• Light bill: $120 (just paid)

• Phone bill: $130 (just paid)

• Already spent $484 in vet costs just to get to this point

Dexter is not a registered therapy cat, but I have documentation from years past showing how vital he has been to my mental health. That paperwork is now outdated because, honestly, I haven’t been able to afford even my own care lately. But I can tell you this: without Dexter, I wouldn’t be the same person. His love, loyalty, and presence have carried me through grief, anxiety, and darkness.

He is more than just a cat. He is family. He is my anchor.

Please, if you can help—even just a few dollars—it would go directly toward Dexter’s medical care and could very well save his life. Every share, every donation, every bit of hope means the world to me right now. I’ll keep everyone updated every step of the way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for caring.

With love and hope,

Megan & Dexter

Update…

Dexter is still holding on. Every day counts right now. Donations are still deeply appreciated — even if I can’t afford the ultrasound yet, I will be moving forward with other tests to try and get a real diagnosis. We’re trying to rule out viral or bacterial infections, or possibly liver disease. He’s still eating, drinking, and cuddling… but I can see his energy fading. I’ll be sharing receipts and updates as we go — full transparency. If you can’t donate, please share this post. Whether it’s 50 cents or a dollar, every bit matters, and Dexter and I are beyond grateful for the kind strangers and friends who’ve stepped up. Please keep sharing. Please keep helping.

Dexter’s appointment is at 12:30pm Tuesday.

Monday June 23, 2025 I called Hillcrest Animal Hospital to try and figure out what testing I could have done with the funds I have readily available thanks to you all’s kindness. 

Hillcrest advised me to make an appointment with Dexter’s primary vet. Since Dexter is a referral patient his appointment is $218 off the top. The ultrasound is roughly $600 to $800. As well as advising an ultrasound, Dr. Grissom advised a blood parasite test as well as feline leukemia and aid’s testing. 

I’ll be calling him shortly and updating again.

As of 12:30 pm on Monday, I am waiting for a call back from Dexter’s primary vet to see what avenues we can take aside from the ultrasound. I will update again. 

Tuesday, June 24th 

I wish I could say we had answers or a treatment plan… but right now, we don’t.

Yesterday, I called Hillcrest to get a better idea of the costs. Since Dexter would be a referral patient, it’s $218 just to be seen. The ultrasound alone is $600–$800. Any meds or additional testing? More charges on top of that. The woman I spoke to was incredibly kind. She even suggested I call his primary vet to see if there was anything else they could do.

 Unfortunately, as I already suspected, the ultrasound is the only way forward. That’s what will give us answers… and a plan. As of now, Dexter has no appointment scheduled. I’m continuing to care for him the best I can, and I’m holding on to hope that, between working and donations, we can get him seen by next Friday.

 If his condition worsens and his quality of life fades… I will make the humane decision. I don’t want it to come to that, but I also won’t let him suffer. Right now, he’s lethargic, not playing, and sleeping a lot — but he’s still eating, drinking, and taking his Denamarin.

I’m incredibly grateful for the honesty and compassion from the staff at Hillcrest. She didn’t have to tell me to call around and check prices — but she did. That small kindness meant the world. Today I’ll be reaching out to more clinics for ultrasound estimates. I’m doing everything I can. Thank you to everyone who’s donated, shared, or sent love. It truly means more than you know.

Please continue to share Dexter’s story, donate if you can. You may not think so, but $5 helps just as much as $100.

As of 6/25/2025

Dexter was dropped off at Grace Veterinary clinic this morning. As of now, I have not received an update on Dexter's condition. I was informed that he will be having an ultrasound done and bloodwork to determine the root cause of his illness. Thankfully, this clinics pricing is significantly more reasonable than the clinic he was originally referred to. Here is what I know so far

Dexter is being seen today:

$55.00 exam fee

$80.42 ultrasound

$160.00 for bloodwork.

This total does not include any medication that he may be given, but I'm grateful he is finally getting the care he needs.

I want to take a moment to genuinely thank everyone who has shown kindness.. Friends, a few family members and even strangers who chose compassion over gossip.

Your support means more to me than I can ever find the words to express, and certainly more than any negativity ever could.

Thank you for standing with us. As stated at some point previously, I will be including itemized bills to prove that these donations truly and completely went towards Dexter's care. I will never forget the kindness I've been met with and I also will not forget the gossip and hatefulness. Thankfully, kindness and empathy greatly outweighs the negativity.

06/25/25 This is going to be an unedited and raw update. I don’t have the energy to make this flow and make it happen. You’ve been warned. I woke up this morning absolutely consumed with grief, aggravation and exhaustion. I could not get Dexter to take his one and only prescription that was given to us the 18th. Finally I called another vet and to my surprise they were more than eager and very adamant about treating Dexter and resolving the problems at hand. I dropped him off and I went to work. All day all I could think about was negativity, negativity from people close to me, people who I dont even talk to, overheard whispers.. Anything you could imagine, I’ve experienced it since the 18th. This has been one of the most mentally taxing, and emotionally exhausting experiences of my life. 

 Cut to what you all are here for, an update. After fighting the fight of his life, Dexter is still here and he isn’t giving up. MOST IMPORTANTLY I AM NOT GIVING UP ON HIM. TODAY WE GOT ANSWERS. Not from a $600 to $800 ultrasound but from a $49.00 one. We redid all of the blood work. Everything that was done today got us a treatment plan and a diagnosis. 

 This is just a side note from the main point. The referral clinic could have done the same exact ultrasound that was done today that cost me $49.00 but they wanted a $218 referral fee and quoted me $600 to $800 for an ultrasound. I’m here to tell you that for $245, I received a full CBC and an ultrasound. Guess what else? A DIAGNOSIS. You can’t tell me that the 18th they didn’t have any clue what was wrong with Dexter. They knew. 

The best advice I can give any pet owner is to advocate for yourself and your pet because no one else will. If I would have given up and quit trying to find someone who would help Dexter, he wouldn’t be here. Never think you’ve ran out of options, there’s always something else out there. Today I found a clinic that is truly in the business with empathetic care, genuine compassion and excellent, knowledgeable veterinarians who actually CARE. 

This woman insisted that she immediately start treating Dexter and even said to disregard an additional test because it wouldn’t tell us anymore than what we know. She didn’t have to do that, she could have easily taken another $120 from me for a test that wouldn’t make a shit towards a treatment plan. Instead she suggested hospitalization and treatment because Dexter’s clock is ticking. Dexter was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis and beginning to become dehydrated as he has decreased his water and food intake. He hasn’t stopped completely, but he has decreased. Due to the progressive state he is in, Dexter will be intubated tomorrow. He will spend anywhere from three to five days in the hospital receiving IV fluids, Doxycycline and intubated with a feeding tube as well as on a catheter extension. He will now be on a prescription diet. I went to see Dexter for a brief period of tine after work. I didnt stay long, as they had taken him off his IV’s so i could love him. I’m not sure what else there is to say, I’m sure I’ve left things out but I’m tired. I’m emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. Any questions, feel free to ask. As I promised, below is a receipt showing that the $270 from GoFundMe went directly to Dexter’s care today. Also, sorry this isn’t meticulously thought out or organized… I don’t have the energy anymore… Edited to add that $350 has been applied towards his final bill of six 635.57 that is expected to be the estimate . I will be sending out a special thanks to donors later. 

06/30/25 

Hey everyone, I wanted to give you a real-time update on Dexter. I just got off the phone with the vet and unfortunately, he’s taken a bit of a turn. As of last night, Dexter stopped eating, and he still hasn’t eaten anything this morning. They reran his bloodwork, and thankfully there is some improvement there, which gives us a little hope. But the fact that he isn’t eating or drinking is a serious concern. The plan right now is to keep him hospitalized and give him an appetite stimulant this afternoon. They’re going to monitor him closely and see if that helps. If he still refuses food, they may have to intubate him again to keep him stable. This is really hard. Watching him fight and not knowing what’s next has been exhausting and heartbreaking. But I’m holding onto hope and trusting the vets to do everything they can. I can’t thank you enough for the support so far—every share, donation, kind word, and prayer has mattered more than I can say. If you’re still able to support us in any way, it’s truly appreciated as we navigate what happens next. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I know more. Please keep Dexter in your thoughts. ❤️