In the evening of Sunday, July 23rd, my cat, Julius Butters, was taken to the University of Illinois Vetmed emergency room due to increased respiratory efforts. Upon evaluation and diagnostics by an ER veterinarian, it was discovered he had fluid buildup around his lungs which was causing him difficult breathing. He was started on an oxygen supplement and medication to express the fluids, and was referred/transferred to the cardiology department at the University the following morning. Unfortunately, Julius Butters has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). While this can be treated, heart failure in cats cannot be cured. His life expectancy on treatment is 1-2 years. The Cardiology doctor on Julius Butters’ case has assured me that despite his decreased life expectancy, if started on lifelong treatment for this condition he can still have a good quality of life. Julius Butters is 8-and-a-half-years-old and, despite being a little chunky, is an otherwise healthy, happy, and extremely loving boy who enjoys eating, napping, and occasionally playing with his favorite lemon catnip toy. His favorite thing in the world though is me, his owner, and he has been a consistent for me through multiple life changes over the years. While I am heartbroken to know the amount of time I have with Julius is now limited, I am so thankful he can be returned to live out the remainder of his life even more loved and spoiled than before. Aside from being a cherished member of my multi-cat household, since being adopted from the facility in 2017, Julius Butters has raised over $8700 in donations for homeless pets at our local humane society, The Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS), and recently won the title of “Top Dog” by becoming the top fundraiser for the annual CCHS Mutt Strut. In doing so, he has advocated for cat adoption and will further cast his reach for pet rescue when he appears on a limited edition Tryptich Brew beer label this fall. While pursuing treatment for Julius Butters was never a question in our minds, the initial costs for overnight emergency medical assistance, x-rays, bloodwork, oxygen, medications, and impeding follow-up diagnostics are overwhelming. While following my passion for animal welfare and adoption by working at an animal shelter longterm myself, I understand the commitment that comes along with pet ownership and the importance of getting Julius the medical assistance he needed. However, others in this field know the pay we receive does not match the tireless work and dedication we put out. Currently, Julius Butters has accumulated over $2300 in veterinary expenses and is scheduled to have follow-up diagnostics over the next month, along with his lifelong medications. If you are able to assist monetarily with these expenses, we will forever be thankful to you. Any donation is appreciated by this extremely stressed, tired, and emotional cat mom. Thank you for considering, and as always, adopt, don’t shop.
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