When Harley was less than 6 weeks old, he was found abandoned in an empty, dirty house with a respiratory infection that almost killed him. He was brought to a non profit foster facility that got him the medicine he needed, and took care of him until he was ready to be adopted. When he was 12 weeks old we met him, fell in love with him, and we brought him home.
Immediately, Harley was part of the family, and he and I became inseparable. 🖤 From the first day, he would follow me everywhere and watch everything I did. Harley became my guardian, and my best friend. In addition to being my companion, Harley also serves as my ESA, as I struggle daily with anxiety and PTSD. (He IS, admittedly, spoiled- he even gets birthday parties.)
Recently, Harley seemed to lose interest in any food I offered him, including his treats. He lost a significant amount of weight, and stopped grooming. All he did was sleep, and I couldn't get him to eat or drink at ALL. We took Harley to an emergency clinic, which is also one of the best veterinarians in the state. They put him on an IV and ran several tests. They found a mass in his belly. After an ultrasound and samples being sent off to rule out cancer, Harley was diagnosed with FIP. (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
This disease is a progressive and deadly one that effects younger cats at first through their respiratory, and then attacks the organs and ultimately becomes neurological. Generally, a Veterinarian's advice is to euthanize, as it is seen as incurable.
I was falling to pieces knowing that I was watching my baby die and there was nothing I could do about it.
Then, we received a glimmer of hope. Our vet told us about a new medicine that carries a staggering 97% success rate for cats with FIP. Unfortunately, it isn't FDA approved. It is also difficult to get, as it comes from overseas, and VERY expensive. So, we did what we had to do- if there was a chance to save him, I had to.
We got him the medication and it WORKED- at first. After a few days, Harley rapidly began to decline. After another emergency visit, we learned that he is also non-regenerative anemic, so his body couldn't hold onto the medication properly. We were left with two options- a transfusion (with a $2000 price tag), or let him go....We weren't letting him go.
Shortly after his transfusion, while he was still in the hospital, Harley had what they believe was a small stroke, possibly from a blood clot. Miraculously, he came out of it and after some time in an oxygen room and almost 2 full days of observation in the hospital, Harley was able to come home. He was put on blood thinners to reduce the chance of future clotting, and allowed to continue his FIP treatment. 🖤
Harley is now regularly eating, drinking, and grooming on his own. He has put on some weight, and has even started to play for the first time in months. He wakes me in the morning with his head butts and obnoxiously loud purrs like he used to- and it brings tears of joy to my eyes. He's getting better every day, and I'm so incredibly thankful.
Now- with this treatment, you must finish out the entire 84 days, or the chances of them relapsing are very high. At that point, you can TRY a second round, but it's chances of working are lower.
We are quickly approaching Harley's halfway mark in his treatment, and we are almost out of his medicine. We have so far spent a little over $4000 on this journey- and though we don't regret it even slightly, Christmas is around the corner, and we're depleted.
This medication is saving Harley's life- he needs more, and we need help. So if I get one favor to ask of the world around me, I ask for that.
Please help us heal Harley.
100% of any and all donations will go directly to Harley's medication and care.
Learn more about FIP:
A very special thank you to my fellow FIP Warriors, current donors, and the staff of CareCenter in Dayton- we couldn't do this without you. 🖤
