Cloud Zero is a 1-year-old domestic shorthair in New York, NY, who needs $2,000 for a total hip replacement.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with AML; a blood cancer. After having gone through treatment and reaching remission and the subsequent recovery, my partner and I decided I needed someone to help me through. We walked into our local animal shelter and from our first visit it was love. I knew he was mine and I his. A year later and he sleeps with me most nights and can be found near my feet often.

I have a 12 yr old son who likes to think we have a dog, so we've opted to call him our cat-dog (nickelodeon reference anyone). They play together often with Cloud usually successfully hiding from my kid. My niece has also found a spot for him in her heart although she suffers allergies. He has brought my partner and I closer and brought out a more tender side in ny partner then I've seen.

Right now I'm still not working full time because of the post cancer treatment and while my partner does work and is helping to cover costs, it's still a lot for us to come up with.

We decided to have him groomed and after picking him up he seemed a bit off but we just assumed it was the excitement of having been to the groomers. However, when we arrived home we saw him limping putting no pressure on his hind leg. One emergency room visit and many monies later we found out he has a femoral fracture that requires surgery.

His usual morning routine includes head butting me awake to make sure I know its time for him to eat. We have a little side table with 3 drawers in which one of we keep treats for him. If he hears ANY of those drawers open, you can bet he'll come running from whatever corner he is in in the house hoping its a treat.