Support Rooney & Help Emma Cherish Her Final Days

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my cat. And anyone who has met Rooney knows why. To know her is to love her. Rooney is truly the most special and loving creature I have ever known. She came into my life when I was 16 and she's been by my side for all of my adult life. She's genuinely my best friend and the love of my life. She's been a constant source of love and joy for the past 11.5 years.

Unfortunately, Rooney was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) three years ago, and despite being on prescription food and a steroid, her disease has progressed to either severe IBD or intestinal lymphoma. I've opted to not do a biopsy because it's just too much to put her through. The last month has been a rollercoaster. Going from very sick back to her normal self a couple times. She's been in and out of the vet, getting various imaging and tests, and put on several different medications to manage her symptoms.

On Monday 3/17, I thought it was her last day. She was not doing well and I brought her to the vet once again, expecting to not bring her home with me. I was distraught. My mom and boyfriend both left work in the middle of the day to be with us. But she did come home and I am fortunate enough to have a few more weeks, possibly months with her. If she continues to respond well to the current medication regimen she's on, her prognosis could be another three months or so.

Right now I'm just cherishing every moment I get to spend with her. However, the financial burden has been significant. The medications she will continue to take for the rest of her life aren't cheap, and I plan to do an in-home euthanasia, so she can go as peacefully as possible-- that comes at a higher cost too. The vet bills and cost of her medication and supplies have racked up to $5,144 so far. Though she's worth every penny, I could use help with all of these unexpected costs to ease this very emotional and financial strain. I deeply appreciate any help that my friends and family are able to give. I know Rooney has touched so many of your lives.

She's sitting on my lap as I type this, and it breaks my heart that I'm losing her so much earlier than I expected-- she just turned 12 on March 10th. Though I cannot imagine life without her, I am grateful I get the privilege of spending her final days giving her extra love.