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Help Tanker get Intravenous Fluid Treatment — Louisville, KY

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Final update · August 30, 2026

At about 12:45 last night we got a call that Tanker was going into respiratory failure. He didn't make it. By all measurements he should have survived. But after about five days in hospital he wasn't able to get his energy back in time. We visited him every day. Sometimes twice a day while he was in there. He got the best round he clock care. I was not ready to let him go. We gave him the best chance. I'm happy I had an opportunity that wasn't just to give up. I wish I could say more. I'm upset. I have a lot to think about. Thank you to everyone who supported us during the hardest week of my life.

About this campaign

Tanker has been my best friend and companion for over sixteen years. I've been with him my entire adult life. I raised him as he watched me grow into an adult. He memorizes my schedule and always demands cuddles at the same time each day.

Tanker was admitted to the hospital with acute kidney failure. He is currently undergoing treatment receiving fluids round the clock to repair his kidneys. It's a process that takes a lot of time in the hospital.

He's being treated at Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Louisville, KY.

He is my family. I haven't been without him as long as I've been on my own. I got together with my wife shortly after I got him, so we've all been together a long time. He helped raise two other cats and one dog. He's still got a lot of life in him. I promised him I would get him a house to live in with his own yard. He has to get through this till we have a home.

I've been job insecure for about two years. I've been going to trade school and picking up various gigs and part time work for a long time, but I've mostly been doing unpaid favors for friends and family. I finally have a professional license, but still haven't found a job.

Updates

  • August 28, 2026

    Friday morning. His creatinine is down to 5.1. That's the biggest leap in progress so far!!

  • August 27, 2026

    He was a lot more active today then when I visited yesterday. He's exhausted, but still fighting. His Creatinine is slowly, but consistently dropping which is progress nonetheless. Hoping he continues to do better. I'll provide updates as they come.

Location
Louisville, KY
Species:
Cat
Breed:
American Shorthair
Age:
16 years old
Sex:
Male