Saving Gilby
I'm coming to everyone for support in a desperate time of need. I've been in the animal hospital for 8 hours today with my oldest cat, Gilby. Though he's only 18 months old, he suffered some sort of neurological breakdown early this morning that took away all of his body control, leaving him unable to stand, focus, or even move to a comfortable position- and in a lot of confusion and pain. He was rushed to the MSPCA Animal Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA, for emergency care by myself and my amazing roomate Cris, who dropped everything to help.
He's being kept there tonight because I can't take care of him myself- the doctors don't know whats wrong and have him stabilized, but there has been no change in his health and he is still unable to stand or keep balance. He needs to see a neurological specialist and have a ton of tests done. Since he's considered an "exotic breed", the care is a bit different and careful than a normal cat. While I don't know what's wrong, and I pray that he'll be fine, I do know that the cost has already exceeded my savings (even that of my Barter Project project). Gilby has been on my shoulder for many of the wallets I've made in the past year, and he's very much an inspiration for Corter Leather.
I've received an outpouring of thoughts and prayers in just the last 10 minutes from being home, asking if there are ways to help. I've set up a Paypal donation button below, which has no set monetary value. The sale is simple: anything helps. Hit the button, which will accept paypal and the credit cards shown below it. I'm offering Natural Utility Belts and Bracelets, and if you'd like one -or multiples- of either, just put your order in the "Purpose" section along with your address and it will be sent out within a couple weeks. If it's too long, email me with your order and address. I'd request that donations are made at $30 or more per belt, and $10 or more per bracelet. However, you all are the best customers anyone could ever ask for, so any more or less will absolutely be accepted for a belt or bracelet, and very much appreciated. Any money raised from these sales that goes past Gilby's medical bills will be donated back to the MSPCA, as they've been nothing but amazing to us.
I've also added 8 new wallets from back stock to the store, including lots of wallets with grain bag inlays from the 20's and 30's. If you'd like anything from the store you can use the code "Gilby" for 25% off.
I completely understand being dead broke, so if you don't want to grab a belt or bracelet, a simple Tweet, blog mention, or forum post to raise awareness and spread the word would be wonderfully appreciated. Right now, no news is good news from the Hospital. I'll know more tomorrow, and hopefully Gilby will be home safe soon.
Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 04:19PM | Share Article
Reader Comments (6)
Hey Eric, my thoughts go out to you and I really hope things pick up for you. I sent you an email a few days back with regards about the camera case custom and didn't hear back from you. Im assuming that it got to your spam folder since I tried a few times to send you emails, Couldn't DM you on twitter as well.
Anyway let me know the cost of it so I can make my payment first since the money will help you out. We can worry about getting the case done later and getting the details right. Just let me know via email.
Best regards to you.
Sorry Eric, I'm sharing on facebook... my thoughts are with you & Gilby...
I just shot an e-mail to my whole company sharing this with hopes that some people will donate. I'll be donating later today. I have 6 cats of my own so I definitely will cross my fingers for Gilby. Keep your head up.
My heart goes out to you. I love cats and I couldn't imagine what you must be going through.
Take care,
Bonni
placed an order and donated an extra 30, best of luck with Gilby. I will repost this on my fb page. I'm Brian's mom, I work as an emergency Vet tech....hope Gilby does well. Let me know if you need anything
Take care
Cindy
Hey Eric,
I've never met you nor have I had the pleasure of ordering your leather goods. However, from one animal lover to another you have my thoughts, prayers, donation, and full support. I have a pug , Milo, that's a member of my family and I know exactly what you're going through. You have the support of myself and the blog I write for. I hope the post helps generate more support for you and Gilby.
http://thetribunaltoday.com/blog/?p=864