OMG!

[rhienelleth]

I just logged into my e-mail after returning from the grocery store. It is probably a measure of just how precarious my emotional state is these days, that I started crying as soon as I saw the explosion that is my inbox, of people offering support, donations, jewelry purchases(!!)...I cry at the drop of a hat these days, but seriously, my friends are amazing people, who have incredible friends of their own. People who don't know me at all are dropping by to comment and/or donate, and/or buy jewelry. Thank you.

That doesn't seem like enough. THANK YOU. My husband was in disbelief. The vet only gave us a rough estimate, because they won't truly know what they're looking at until they do the x-ray, but conservatively, they estimate $700 if he only needs 3-4 teeth pulled. More, if he needs more. Anesthesia, x-rays, antibiotics, the surgery, the tests they run before the surgery, because apparently knocking out cats can be tricky, or something...and that figure doesn't include the money we already had to pay, which we couldn't afford, for the initial appointment, tests, and antibiotics. We still owe $80 towards that, because our vet was kind enough to let me pay the rest when our next check comes in. 

So far, people have contributed $310, through either donations or jewelry sales. that is almost half! Damn it, I'm going to start crying again. 

Thank you, thank you, all of you. The people I know, and the people I don't. I'll be answering individual comments as soon as I can. 

Comments

[whiskeypants.livejournal.com]

Apparently my being months behind on reading LJ is really keeping me out of the loop (what a surprise). Time to go back and find out what's happening...

[whiskeypants.livejournal.com]

I posted a link to your Etsy store on FB and Twitter. People are already expressing interest (and I think my friend Linda already bought something). So hopefully that will help.

*hugs*

[rhienelleth.livejournal.com]

Indeed, your friends are amazing! And so are you. :) Thank you so very much, Jade. If I could hug you I would be doing it right now.

[whiskeypants.livejournal.com]

Hey, you've come through for me in the past, and I haven't forgotten. I'm happy to be of any assistance.

[kayjayuu.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Sounds like life's been difficult for you. It's hard when a pet is sick too!

I'm going to suggest you call around and get more estimates for costs on the surgery. While I know it's important to have a vet you can trust, $700 sounds INCREDIBLY high. I've had dogs with horrible teeth issues (I'm a magnet for them, apparently), and pulling a bunch of teeth ran less than two hundred just a few years ago. Maybe it is trickier with cats, I have no idea. but it couldn't hurt to at least ask around.

*sends good thoughts*

[rhienelleth.livejournal.com]

The vet tech broke the estimate down with me, and really, it seems like everything is accounted for, price-wise. I don't know, we've been going to this vet (a family generational business, and we are generational customers) my entire life. Maybe cat's mouths are more difficult than dogs? Or maybe it's because the roots of the teeth are decaying and becoming infected, and they have to scrape them out, and x-ray to find out which to remove? I'll talk over the idea with Mark, of taking him to another vet to get a second opinion, though. {HUGS} back, and thank you so much.

[soundingsea.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Do get another opinion if you can. I had one vet tell me Mir (black kitty in icon) needed all his teeth pulled, and another just gave him a cleaning and he was fine. (Obviously your situation is different, but if you can get a second opinion at least you'll be sure.)

[rhienelleth.livejournal.com]

My vet (we've been going to him for my entire life) said most cats only need 3 or 4 pulled when this starts to happen, and that however many it is, they will clean the ones they can leave while they're in there. He said they wouldn't know how many needed to come out for sure until they x-ray, but that from what he can see, at least 3 or 4 of Julius's, including the abscessed one. I'll talk over taking Julius to another vet with Mark, though. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion.

And thank you so much. {HUGS}

[wisteria.livejournal.com]

I love that...makes my heart warm just reading this! My prayers are with you and your lil kitty. We've got 10 bucks until payday...otherwise I'd love to give!! I know how hard it is to afford things like healthcare for pets. (((Hugs))) Deb

[rhienelleth.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Deb. I just can't believe how wonderful, supportive, and generous people have been. It's so wonderful, and I tear up again just thinking about it.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I added you so I could keep up, because it really pulled at my heart to read your post yesterday. I hope you don't mind. It's funny how much the situation sounds like the one I was in with my kitty, right down to the price. Anyhow, I'm super hopeful for you folks.

[rhienelleth.livejournal.com]

I don't mind at all; I added you in return. It's actually reassuring to hear that my situation is similar, especially in regards to the price. :) I trust my vet and all, but still.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Glad I could help somehow!

Koshka was probably about seventeen at the time he had his surgery. They were initially unsure how many teeth would have to come out and it ended up being four. The cost was about the same, around seven hundred altogether. Recovery took a few days, but he loved having all the wet food he could eat. It was unfun, but he pulled through and continued being adorable for the rest of his life.

I just saw your post about your account. Yay! I love the power of the internet to do good things, house by house.