UPDATE 1/11/2012: The response has been phenomenal, thank you to everybody who has given and written with kind words of support! Kitten Girl will be going in for tests and treatment this Friday afternoon; I’ll update her status over the weekend. NOTE: I have sent acknowledgements of donations to the e-mail addresses associated with PayPal accounts. If your “everyday” e-mail address is different from your PayPal one, please check. — Laurie
Friends, I love to use my blog to help Corgis and their people. It’s become a really important part of what I do with my days, and I look forward to many more years of the same.
It’s much more fun to be the giver — to ride into the sunset — than to be the one in need, but I’m running out of viable options for affording my Kitten Girl’s treatment, and today I’m asking for your help.
KG is sixteen now, and her age has really just begun to catch up with her in the last year or two. We could live with the beginnings of arthritis, the hyperthyroidism easily controlled with medication, but things have reached a critical point right now with her health — and my finances.
I live on a small fixed income and have already spent hundreds on tests, medicine, vet visits, supplements. She’s got a visit to the vet’s again this Friday, at which point she’ll be tested for kidney disease and more than likely go on sub-cutaneous fluids. No doubt there will be prescription food, more medicines, shots for advanced arthritis, more tests as her illness comes (hopefully) under some control, stuff for treatment at home … The cost of these is pittance in exchange for her happiness and comfort, but I haven’t got it. The money just isn’t there.
The honest truth? I’ve never lost a pet before. I’ve had to leave one with an ex, but I’ve never had an animal companion in my life from birth to old age. Every time I’ve ever counseled someone through the blog or facebook page on the loss of their pet, I was doing so out of sympathy and intuition. I didn’t know what it was like to see a beloved animal grow sick and pass.
All I can say is WOW — so far it’s hell. I always say none of us should have to go through these hard times alone, and right now I need my community. Now I know why it’s true. I want to help my Girl live another few months (maybe even a year) comfortably, but I just can’t do it on my own.
If you can help us, kindly send your donation via PayPal: thedailycorgi@gmail.com. I’m happy to provide proof of expenses in the form of receipts, if that’s a stumbling block to giving. (No, I’m not a non-profit. I’m just a blogger :-). The blog pays me nothing except the small commission I get from purchases through the amazon.com search box, out of which I donate 25% to CorgiAid.
If you cannot give, please know that your prayers, thoughts, well wishes and love are also very welcome — and VERY appreciated.
Yours in Corgi (and cat) love!
Laurie, aka Kitten Girl’s Mom
Founder & Editor
The Daily Corgi
I'm sorry to hear about KG's problems. I don't know her particular situation, but it's not uncommon for cats to live many years with kidney disease. I had one that was diagnosed at age 13, and he lived to be 21. In his case it progressed very slowly, and I don't think that's uncommon. I think he got subc fluids 4 or 5 times in all and that was in his last 2 yrs. I wish you and KG the best – it's hard when our babies don't feel well.
I will send something tomorrow via paypal. I'm sorry it can't be more…prayers are coming your way too.
Yes, it is HELL to lose one. I can honestly say I was a wreck for a long time.
sherree blair
Hi Laurie – sorry you and ur little girl are going thru this. I could not afford many of PHIL's vet bills either. So I found a way to do it cheaper. You can get IV bags from a local surgical distributer for 1/4 of the price of the vets. Also the tubing system to administer it, and needles. It is very easy to do it yourself if you have to. I did it for 6 months with PHIL. If you need advice or help with this ask me. Wish I could help money wise…but thats not poss right now. (((hugs))) Georgie Lin.
classiclin23@hotmail.com
I sent you a little something. I know we all wish we could send more… just know that our thoughts are with you!
Best of luck to KG! I wanna squeeze those paws!
I don't know where you go now, but my vet is Nashoba Valley Vet, it's in Westford. It's awesome, and the most affordable I've ever found.
I am sorry you are going through this. But I think asking for help on a site you administrate for a cause other than what the site is for, is unethical and a conflict of interest. It makes me question whether other donations on this site are legitimate. Follow your readers example and find a cat website to ask for help. That will avoid any conflict of interest.
Anonymous, re: using my site to ask for donations. Thanks for your comment. I can see how someone would take that view.
My site is one I've used as a means of raising thousands of dollars for Corgis in need over the past two years. It's only me behind the blog — I'm not just the administrator or webmaster. I have documentation of funds donated. There is no "overhead" here, all fundraising work is on a strictly voluntarily basis.
My relationship with my readers is long established. I've run many campaigns that have benefited various 501c3's relating solely to the welfare of Corgis (or in the case of one organization purebreds, with funds earmarked specifically for research involving a disease affecting Corgis).
No one has ever questioned the legitimacy of my site or my asking for funds, but because there are sites that have "swindled" people, I can see how someone would be concerned. You're not totally off-base, I can see where you're coming from.
I believe it's a personal decision to donate to anybody or anything, and we must all use our best judgement.
I appreciate the outpouring of support from my readers, who by now trust me to do the right thing, as well as those who visit but choose not to participate in that way.
So thanks for weighing in. Please keep coming back and enjoying the Corgi Love!
Laurie
I have been Laurie's friend for many years. I know her and Kitten Girl very well. I use the same vet that she does. I've even been there with her for some of KG's recent vet appointments. I will vouch for her integrity and honesty to anyone.
Roxanne Theimer
As a real life friend of Laurie's, I guaranty that she is not living "high on the hog" as they say in the South.
I understand why people could have trepidations about donating to care for her precious Kitten Girl. If that's the case, than don't.
I hope that people will remember all of the things that Laurie has done for Corgis (and their loved ones) worldwide. I know from many conversations with her that the passing, illness or any other hardship experienced by Corgis and their people affects Laurie as deeply as the thought of losing her best friend.
I don't think asking for help from a community of animal lovers and supporters is in anyway unethical or a conflict of interest. Laurie offered full disclosure on KG's bills and expenses. I've made donations towards fund raisers that haven't come to fruition and Laurie asked if I wanted my donation refunded or just donated to Corgi-Aid. She takes her work for Corgis very seriously and wouldn't do anything to jeopardize her very special place in Corgi Nation.
Lauri-We ALL need help now and then whether financial or emotional. Since we can't give hugs some of us can do otherwise. Ignore the hard hearted and look up.
We're told in God's word that those that do not provide for their own are worse than infidels.(I Tim 5:8)You provide a great place for us all and have helped provide for others. I see nothing wrong when you have a need to ask.
YOU give so much to all of us who come and read here and love Corgi's. So why cant you also ask for help here too. If someone cant or does not think its appropo. then no one is holding a gun to their head to give something. I am just glad you feel comfortable enough to ask the people here . That says a lot about all of us. I wish I knew about your board before I went thru my 'hellish time' with PHIL and his illness. I certainly needed financial help and frankly I am stil paying off vet bills and fighting with my vet constantly too about it as I am slow. He wants more, but I cant do more. A stailmate…. (((hugs))) georgie
Laurie – Sending what we can today. It's not much but I hope it helps. KG is a beautiful girl and having been through kidney failure and sub-cu injections with one of my kitties, I understand completely what you are going through.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Losing a pet is always heartbreaking :(( Here's hoping that some good meds and lots of fluids will help KG. We're also sending corgi love and healing vibes from Timmy, one of your online friends for KG. Timmy does like kitties if they don't run away!
Laurie, when you get the prescription for KG are you getting the drugs at the vets? If so you might check out Costco pharmacy. Lots of folks with pets that have chronic conditions use them (inexpensive) compared to other pharmacies and of course the vet's office for sure.
Hi Laurie,
Regarding anonymous' concerns. Kudos on taking the high road and being so gracious. I would not have had it in me, my response would not have been pleasant or understanding.
Frankly for all the joy you've given over the years and amount of charity work you've performed, I think the bulk of your readers would jump at the chance to send a bit of love, money or whatever was needed, your way as a means of finally being able to say "thank you"!
Just had to add my two cents here 🙂
Dear Laurie,
You do so many amazing things to help corgi's, whether you are doing a spotlight on a rescue corgi to help him/her in finding a home, or raising money for corgi's in need. Now you're in the position of needing help, and you deserve to be able to ask for it without discrimination. Even though KG is not a corgi, us corgi people are here for you and her!
There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat. ~Wesley Bates
You and KG are in my prayers! Take care.