About the Campaign
Tristan is a 6-year-old male Domestic Shorthair cat who needs dental cleaning and likely extractions. Haleh has noticed he’s been acting abnormal, more isolated, eating less, and when she tried brushing his teeth, his gums bled, a sign that can point to significant dental disease and mouth pain. Cats often hide pain until it becomes severe, and when eating starts to drop off, it’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
Haleh first noticed Tristan pulling away and not finishing meals. She’s always tried to be proactive with dental care, but the last time she brushed his teeth she saw bleeding along the gumline, and his teeth looked like they were in rough shape. Now Tristan needs a proper veterinary dental exam under anesthesia, plus a cleaning and extractions of any infected or loose teeth so he can eat comfortably again.
Tristan came into Haleh’s life five years ago in New Jersey, in a moment that felt like fate. Haleh went to a shelter to donate prescription pet food and wasn’t planning to adopt. But Tristan, about a year old at the time, caught her attention immediately. And the feeling was mutual! Haleh waited until he was chipped, then returned three days later to bring him home. The adoption fee was only $50, but Tristan quickly became priceless.
The barrier is finances. Haleh is an artist and songwriter and is currently between jobs. Her boyfriend, Chandler, is a combat Army veteran (E-5) who is now in school full-time for music, living on a tight budget supported by veteran benefits and school grants. Their income is limited and inconsistent, and they’re struggling to keep up with basics. Chandler’s FAFSA resources have been exhausted for months, and Haleh shared they are having a very difficult time surviving financially right now. Even their transportation is unstable—Haleh’s car has over 200,000 miles and is barely running, but replacing it isn’t possible.
Despite the hardship, Haleh is trying to do the responsible thing before Tristan gets worse. Dental disease doesn’t improve on its own, and when a cat starts eating less, it can quickly spiral into serious health problems.
Donations will help cover Tristan’s veterinary dental procedure—anesthesia, cleaning, X-rays if needed, and extractions—so he can be out of pain and eating normally again. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge:
