Lend a Paw to Help Syd Heal

One midsummer day in July 2018, a tiny black kitten with round blue eyes caught my heart - and has had it since.

Many of you know that Syd and his brother Roger have been essential parts of my life since I adopted them at 2 months old. It's hard for me to put into words how much they mean to me. I've chosen to be childfree, so they are the next closest thing.

Unfortunately, Syd has had some respiratory issues throughout his life, and this month, a large bump on the side of his nose appeared. He's been responding okay to antibiotics, but he's up and down, and undoubtedly more lethargic than normal. X-rays today did not reveal anything conclusive, so in order to further delve into this issue, more testing will need to be done to determine whether it's some minor issue caused by infection or bruising or something more invasive, like a polyp or tumor.

The cost of the testing alone, let alone treatment if the worst should be true, is beyond my current capacity. It's been a financially challenging year, and I've already looked high and low for money to put toward Syd's treatment. I'm ashamed to admit this - I should have been more prepared.

That said, he's only 6 years old - young enough for a fighting chance against whatever ails him. I expected these decisions to come much later in his life, and it's very jarring to have to grapple with them now.

Asking for money, especially around the holidays, is incredibly difficult for me. But Syd is important enough for me to take this step. It's possible that I may not need all of what people are able to give - best-case scenario, Syd recovers with this latest batch of antibiotics and all will be well. If that happens, I'll be happy to help you in kind or donate to a charity of your choice.

I humbly request your help, friends. I will be eternally grateful, and Syd and Roger will be, too. <3

All funds will be used for Syd's medical expenses, including but not limited to testing (blood, CT, ultrasound, rhinoscopy) and treatment.