Mysticleese is a 15-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat in Alhambra, CA, who needs $2,000 for Mandibulectomy.

In college, my husband used to work at a vet's office. One day a kitten was brought in with a heart murmur and a broken tail. Since it had no owner, and we had no pets or children at the time, we decided to take him home. Since day 1 he has been the sweetest, most gentle cat/ He has been there loving on my 3 children since the day they were born.

My husband and I are both local school teachers and we have 3 children at home ages 6, 10, and 12. Although all my kids love the cat, he has a special bond with my 12 year old son. When he was a baby he had to have two eye surgeries, the cat was there to comfort him through it all and now pretty much lives in his room. He waits on the edge of the bed for anyone to enter so he can greet them.

Whenever someone in the family has a bad day, we know that they can be showered with comfort and affection from Mysticleese. He acts more like a dog than a cat. He stands on the edge of my son's bed, which puts him right near the door, and when anyone comes in he meows, reaches out with his pay and rubs his head against them while gently purring. He has been my savior after long days teaching.

Recently, my cat stopped eating i the sense that he was interested in food, but couldn't get it down. His face also became really swollen. After $8000 in testing he was found to have a large mass in his mouth putting so much pressure on his jaw it broke. Thankfully, the tumor is benign and with surgery it can be removed and his jaw repaired.

My husband and I are teachers with 3 little ones. I have recently come down with severe health issues and have many hospital bills and lost wages. This cat has been my comfort and it would mean everything to me to continue to have him by my side as I try to heal.