About the Campaign

Flynn Needs Tail Amputation

**UPDATE 3/26/2025: Flynn got his bandaged changed at his previous doctor this week, and then into a new doctor we recommended today. The doctor reports that Flynn is in bad health. His tail is necrotic (dead tissue) and must be amputated ASAP. But he may not be healthy enough for surgery. They are doing tests today and will keep him over night on support. If his test are good enough, he will have his tail amputated tomorrow and dental work at the same time. **

Flynn isn’t just any cat—he’s the one who picked Raissa. Three years ago at the East Valley shelter, he leaned his head on her shoulder, and that was it. A gentle soul with bright eyes and a quiet trust, Flynn made it clear: he’d found his person.

Raissa, a retired Russian interpreter and actress, knew they were meant for each other. She took Flynn home that day, knowing he was a senior—already around 8 years old—but full of life and love to give.

Now Flynn needs help. Around New Year’s, Raissa noticed a small lump on his tail. Then Flynn bit at it, and it turned into a wound that wouldn’t heal. It started to ooze. She tried to clean and care for it herself, but when she saw it worsening, she rushed him to the emergency vet. The news was hard: Flynn’s tail is too damaged to save. The best option is to amputate most of it—soon.

But there’s a complication. Flynn has a stage 3 heart murmur, and at his age, that makes surgery riskier. Before he can go under anesthesia, he needs a full blood analysis and careful monitoring. The vet recommends getting everything done within the next two weeks.

Raissa has done everything she can for Flynn. But she’s struggling financially. She’s retired, living with vertigo, and just starting to apply for disability benefits. After working her whole life—starting in 1977—there’s not much left at the end of the month. She has no savings to cover this unexpected emergency, and Flynn means everything to her.

Flynn is still full of affection. Sweet, social, and endlessly patient, he’s not in pain yet—but without surgery, that won’t last.

We’re raising funds to cover Flynn’s bloodwork, surgical prep, and tail amputation. The sooner we raise the money, the sooner Flynn can be treated safely. All donations are paid to the vet, for Flynn. Estimate below, click to enlarge: