Burt is the kind of soul you meet and never forget. He's a bigger than life character with a kind heart and sweet spirit. Burt is currently in the hospital experiencing a complete urinary blockage. The veterinarians are keeping him on a catheter for 72 hours along with fluids to hopefully flush this out of his bladder.

They are hoping I caught it soon enough to where it is not impacting his kidney health as his blood results have come back okay. As soon as I saw him straining to urinate, I immediately took him in.

Burt will be 10 years old this year in October. I adopted him from the local shelter when I was 18. At that time, I had no idea what we were both in for. Only 7 days after his adoption, he came down with the worst illness I have ever seen in a kitten. At that time, I was working two jobs and earning my degree at the same time. I used the last of my funds to take him to the vet where they were sure he was showing sings of FIV. He was only 6 weeks old. I'll never forget hearing, "If this test comes back positive, we are going to have to have a very hard conversation." Luckily, the results came back negative! It was the biggest relief in the world. He was diagnosed with the feline herpes virus. As he grew older, his immune system grew stronger and he has not had many problems with this virus. He is strong, playful, outgoing, and full of life. Now, almost 10 years later I am living those fears again.

At this time, his hospitalization quote is $2,000. This is the minimum, not including if he needs extra fluids, medications, and the new therapeutic urinary prescription food he will have to eat the rest of his life that runs $100 a bag.

If there are any Burt lovers out there, I'm asking for your help now. I work full time in river conservation work in central Appalachia. I live a simple life in my little house in the woods. I do not live a luxurious life by any means, I make only enough for basic needs. What I'm trying to convey is I do not recklessly spend money, I do not come from money, I work hard and make little just like so many people.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my baby boy. If you cannot donate but want to help, please share.