ideas for financial help for semi ex stray
4/26/2022 at 10:46 PM
So I’ll try and keep this short…but it’s a bit of a long story and as those close to me can tell you, I’m a talker.
Stray in my neighborhood that bonded with me and came to visit almost everyday for several years (of course he got treats and food, but he would come just for pets and visits too sitting with me for hours outside in the summer). He trusts me so knew where to come when he was hurt. He showed up middle of January on my door step with a huge wound on his leg (the skin with fur was peeled back and about a 1x2” exposed) plus an infection from cat bite on his cheek. Poor boy also tested positive for FIV so he’s my sunroom cat now as he can’t come in with my others. I got him fixed up and neutered despite the chance he wouldn’t last more than a month. He healed very well and is a chonky happy boy who even lets me pick him up and give him cuddles. He’s such a sweet friendly boy and he’s even learned how to play with toys (it was so cute to see him batting his first jingly ball around).
We are dealing with an infection now in his mouth as he has broken teeth from being on the streets since I’ve been told was around 2018ish. Our vet has referred us to a dental vet in Winnipeg. Maybe some of you will think I’m nuts, but I believe he deserves a chance at as much time to live comfortably and as much love as I can give him. So here’s my question, are there any options to find help with the costs (as I can bet already it’s not going to be cheap by the $175 consult fee)? I’m a single self employed small business owner, also with other kitties with medical expenses (and yes I’m probably a crazy cat lady). I’m doing what I can to save up, but I could use some help if it’s out there. I just don’t know where to start. If anyone has suggestions they would be much appreciated. I know I could surrender him to someone/a shelter, but I don’t know what shelters etc are like here with FIV cats and he trusts me. It wouldn’t be fair to him and would be stressful for the poor fellow. I fear that would be the end for him. I’m going to go ahead with the dental no matter what, even if it means I pull from savings and eat KD for the foreseeable future. I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask amongst other animal lovers if there was any possible help available.
My little buddy and I thank you for your time and compassion. (I’m sure some of my neighbors will read this and know exactly who I am and who my kitty friend is - they will also be happy he’s not outside peeing on things in their yards anymore lol).