Hello, my name is Rachel. I am making this fundraiser to help my son Richard, who is autistic and in a dire situation with his cat, Mischief. My son Richard lives with my Vietnam Veteran father to help care for him. Mischief keeps us entertained. He is a huge part of our family. Richard is currently waiting on Disability to make a decision as he has been out of work for several years because of his Autism, autoimmune disorder, and other illnesses. Mischief has been his emotional support, his companion, and guiding light through depression and family loss. Without him, Richard will be lost.
My son's cat, Mischief, got very sick two months ago. The cat could not urinate, so we took him to the hospital, and he had to have a perineal urethrostomy surgery. They rebuilt him with a urethra to help pass the crystals that were causing a blockage. Last month, Mischief had a relapse and had to go back to the NorthStar Vet hospital to be drained with a catheter because he had another blockage. He was put on a special diet of Hills CD canned food. Even though the surgery was done, he had complications with an infection in the area of the surgery. He came home three weeks ago, and today we had to rush him back to NorthStar Vet Hospital in Robbinsville, NJ. After the exam and the catheter was put in, we were informed that he will need a second surgery.
Little Mischief is only five years old. When my son got him, he was a rescue and was injured. Mischief had to have two of his toes amputated, making him a little rockstar cat. This cat has been his rock through everything, including the loss of my mother and his grandmother. The cat has essentially become his service cat. He makes him smile and follows him around like he's a shadow. If my son gets out of his view, he cries loudly until my son comes and gets him. There is a connection between my son and this cat like no other that I've seen. Mischief lives up to his name; you never know what he will do next. He keeps everyone guessing and laughing with his silliness. He is so loving to Richard. He is his child and his heart. Richard cannot even consider putting him down. It is breaking his heart thinking about it tonight and causing him to have an autistic meltdown. I cannot make the decision lightly, so we have chosen to pray for help from others in the hopes we can save Mischief for my son's sake.
The choice we have to make today was either put the cat down or get a revision surgery done to save the cat's life. The cat is stable on medications and a catheter, but the fact is the surgery failed. The surgery hole has closed up, causing another major issue and the reason for the revised surgery. My son wiped out his savings and had to borrow the rest to try to save Mischief because he can't see life without Mischief in it, and I wouldn't want him to not have his cat. He relies on this cat for his support. He's too young to let go. He's too full of life when he's not sick.
Which brings me to this plea for help. We've already put out over $15,000 to try to save this cat, and knowing that there's no more money left for the second surgery plus the special cat food diet that Mischief will be on for the rest of his life to help him along the way. My only course of action at this point is to beg of you, even if it's $0.50. Please, if you can help, please consider donating to help save Mischief and essentially save my son because he cannot handle the thought of having to put this cat down, not when he's only five years old and full of life when he's not sick. I ask you from the bottom of my heart, please, if you can help, please help. Thank you kindly for your time, reading this, and your consideration and your help if you can help.
UPDATE: Had to take Mischief to NorthStar Vets in Bricktown NJ today to get tested they found a heart murmur. They feel it is due to the fluids through his IV. As they found fluid in his lung. They are trying to get the revision surgery done on Tuesday. With any luck he will be cleared to get it done. Richard did not take the news well. We are hoping we can raise enough to cover the surgery So we can get Mischief back home safe and sound with my son where he is so greatly needed.
VERY LARGE UPDATE: Mischief had his revision PU surgery today! He did GREAT! They are keeping him in the hospital till Saturday to ensure he recovers well from the surgery and all. My son is extremely happy he did well and will be coming back home to him this weekend. PLEASE, continue to share this fundraiser and if you are able please consider donating even if it is just sharing, every little bit helps. Thank you all from the bottom my heart. Richard also sends his love to everyone.
UPDATE: Mischief is home from NorthStar Vets, He is doing extremely well. Thank you ALL whom has shared and donated. Sadly the financial burden well continue to be felt for months to come as there will be follow-up visits, and the special diet he has to be on that is very expensive. We are still asking if you can help to please do so. We greatly apricate it. Mischief is so special to our family.