On January 27, I took my recently rescued stray boy, Chicken, to the vet for his first-ever checkup. He was revealed to have a massive diaphragmatic hernia, and all of his abdominal organs were outside of his abdominal cavity and pressed in and around his lungs. How long he'd lived with that is unknown, but risky surgery was required to put things back where they belong and to give him a fighting chance to live the indoor VIP life for a little longer, which he so deserves. Vet bills are currently at $3800, and likely to climb. I am raising money to offset the vet bills for Chicken. His adopter cannot afford this bill, and neither can I.

Rescuing Chicken from being outdoors was one of the greatest moments of my life. For seven years, twice a day, through rain, snow, heat, and illness, I fed him and his sister Hoppity, my beloved ginger strays. I bought them houses, fed them faithfully, and did all I could to care for them. I tried many times to get them indoors, knowing they were aging (13/14 years old) and only getting older. Hoppity and Chicken were SO bonded, I never felt I could take one without the other, and while I could catch Hop, I never could catch Chicken. He was too wily.

On January 5, Hoppity died. I found her dead and frozen below a bush in their yard. From what, I am not sure. I was devastated. This only strengthened the need to get Chicken inside - he'd never survive outdoors alone. On January 12, I managed to trap him. Since coming inside, he's done nothing but sleep and eat and PURR. SO LOUDLY. He's a friendly, sweet boy who deserves the VIP life.

Funds will support his vet bills, to give him the best chance at some healthy life indoors.