Please see the updates for the most current information!
The situation:
My beloved 1 year old Highlander cat, Sam, developed a urinary blockage (obstruction) and had to be rushed to the veterinary ER on Tuesday the 3rd of March. Blockages in cats are a serious condition: highly painful & fatal if left untreated. Sam means everything to me (he was a gift from a close friend) and I knew I couldn't let him suffer. However, this also means that I had to drop close to $1,000 USD on emergency veterinary care that was intended to pay my rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessary costs.
Here is an outline of the cost of Sam's emergency care, and what the money went to:
- 442.18 USD for the initial intake and blocked cat procedure (emergency triage fee, KDT sedative and anesthesia for insertion of the urinary catheter, sedation reversal, CBC/chemistry/electrolyte blood testing, IV fluids, urinalysis, and x-rays)
- 257.40 USD for overnight ICU hospitalization (3 nights - Tues through Fri)
- 31.90 USD for Clavamox (antibiotics)
- 25.30 USD for Gabapentin (anxiolytic/reduce urethral spasms)
- 22.44 USD for Onsior (feline painkiller)
- 137.50 USD for any additional care-related costs that may occur
Update 3/6: I am now the victim of an illegal lockout & extortion scheme, courtesy of my landlord who is treating me like a squatter even though I explained my situation about this month's rent. I was locked out of my property without 24 hours notice delivered either via certified mail or physically posted to my door, and I was not given access back to my property until I paid a fee to the landlord - both of these things are illegal under local Houston housing laws & Texas state property code [Sec. 92.0081]. Because of this, I will be seeking legal action against my landlord. I am in contact with Lone Star Legal Aid in regards to this matter. Currently, I am unsure of what my potential costs will be when it comes to pursuing a case against my landlord. However, once I learn of any potential costs, I will add them here and in the updates.
How funds will be used:
After exhausting my personal funds on Sam's care, I'm now left with the challenge of finding a way of paying my monthly bills. This is especially stressful given that I am already handling an EEOC & unemployment case courtesy of my previous employer, whom I left this past Saturday due to unsafe working conditions and illegal business practices.
My current bills are at:
- 892 USD for monthly rent
- 45 USD for phone service
- 30 USD for public transit
- 150 USD for groceries
Secondly, I am concerned what may happen if Sam needs to stay for any additional nights in the veterinary ICU, which would involve him having to be transferred to a different (and likely more expensive) vet hospital since Safe Haven is not open on Saturdays. Sam will also need to be on a veterinary prescription diet to prevent any urinary issues in the future (this particular diet - Hill's c/d Multicare Stress Urinary Care - is $80 for a bag). Finally, I plan on acquiring pet insurance so that any future issues with him will be covered.
As an underemployed disabled individual who's currently struggling to find work after being forced to resign due to poor working conditions and lack of reasonable accommodations, this situation has been overwhelming for me emotionally & financially. I love Sam and I am fully committed to providing him the highest quality care possible - this includes being able to keep my housing secure and my bills paid.
Any donation matters and will be appreciated - even the smallest amounts. If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser if you are able to.
Thank you for reading and wanting to help provide care for Sam and security for myself. I will provide consistent updates on Sam's condition on this fundraiser.
Organizer
