Support Minnie's Journey for Life-Saving Treatment

Hi friends,

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Gwen, but more importantly, I’m Minnie’s mom. Minnie is a lively 11-year-old calico princess with stars in her eyes. She loves to zoom around the house with crinkly toys, cuddle under the duvet at bedtime, drink straight out of the bathroom faucet, follow me around while chattering away, and fall asleep on her cardboard scratcher.

When kid me first laid eyes on her, I knew I couldn’t live without her. Our neighbors’ outdoor cat had an unexpected litter and they didn’t know what to do with the kittens. Somehow I convinced my mom that she was meant to be mine and the rest was history. I’ve spent the last eleven years with Minnie by my side; I still can’t imagine life without her.

In our house, all of our pets are family members and we love them accordingly. Even so, I often joke that Minnie is the best of the bunch. She is so friendly with new visitors, affectionate towards everyone, playful, well-behaved, tolerant of her chihuahua puppy sister, and has always been so easy to care for.

Recently, Minnie’s health has taken a turn.

A few months ago, I noticed blood in her urine. I took her to the vet thinking it was a UTI, had the usual tests done, and gave her a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, we saw no changes after the antibiotics were completed. This was the start of a worrisome pattern. We’d take her in for more testing, try a new medication, and see no positive changes. All this while managing the myriad of side effects of the drugs we were trying. A few days ago we learned that our primary care vet has run out of medications to try and conditions to rule out.

Minnie now has a tentative diagnosis of idiopathic renal hematuria or bleeding of the kidney due to an unknown cause based on the diagnostic testing we’ve done so far. This condition is less common in cats, but she also has unusually shaped kidneys and other genetic differences. To confirm this diagnosis and treat the condition, she needs a cystoscopy of the kidneys and sclerotherapy. Finding a veterinary hospital that has the required equipment and offers this treatment has been difficult, but thankfully not impossible.

Minnie needs your help to get to the Small Animal Hospital at Purdue University for this specialized treatment.

I firmly believe that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a good pet parent. However, it’s so hard knowing what you need to do to save your fur babe, but not have the funds to do so. If this condition is left untreated it can cause many complications and lead to an early unnecessary death. As a Disabled pet parent living primarily on Social Security, it is impossible to have savings for emergencies like this. I have spent every penny possible on veterinary care these past few months and simply do not have additional funds for the specialty care she needs. The estimate I was given by Purdue University Small Animal Hospital for the treatment Minnie needs is roughly $5,000. I will also need a place to stay in the area during her treatment (3 to 4 nights), transportation, and food expenses for two separate trips to the veterinary hospital.

Unfortunately, my CareCredit card is still nearly maxed with vet bills from our now-deceased dog, Chica, despite paying more than the minimum payment each month for the past year. When Chica was ill, I felt so powerless knowing there was no way to treat her aggressive cancer or improve her quality of life. That experience makes it even more important for me to be vulnerable and ask my community for help for Minnie, even though it’s uncomfortable for me to admit that I just can’t do this alone.

Despite all of the unpleasant testing and doses of bitter medications these past months, Minnie remains a happy, loving girl. Her perseverance and patience with me and her doctors tell me that she’s here for the long haul. I know if given the chance, she will handle her treatment with the same effortless charm she’s maintained throughout this whole medical journey, and every day before.

I’m so grateful for anything you’re able to give, including encouragement or good vibes! No amount is too small– I mean it. Please share if you can and send Minnie all your love. She could use it extra right now.

I’ll update you as soon and as often as possible!

Thank you,

Gwen

Funds are being managed by my sister, Jillian True.

Venmo: JillianTrue

Zelle: 815****861****2698

PayPal: @jilliantrue