August 5, 2024

Dear Friends,

With deep sorrow, we must share the heart-wrenching news that Larry David, our cherished hydro kitten, passed away last night at the emergency hospital. Despite him being in the ICU, receiving the very best care, and the extraordinary generosity and support from all of you, we were unable to save him.

Larry David was battling hydrocephalus, a life-threatening condition. We knew it was a gamble taking on a case like Larry, but we decided we would do everything in our power to try to give him the happiest and healthiest life possible. Your kindness and contributions allowed us to raise over $15,000 for his much-needed surgery, which would have been scheduled for next week. Though he could not make it to his surgery, your support gave us all hope and showed the true strength of our caring community.

Larry's time with us was brief but was filled with love and warmth, thanks to each one of you. Your compassion allowed him to experience a level of care and affection that many animals never know. We are profoundly grateful for your support, which meant the world to Larry and to us.

While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we find solace in knowing that Larry's life, however short, was touched by the kindness of so many. We will continue to honor his memory by helping other vulnerable cats in need, and your contributions will aid us in this mission through the Larry David (The Cat) Emergency Medical Fund.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and compassion during this difficult time.

With deepest gratitude,

Brittany

💜

Hey Kitty Bungalow friends! Brittany here. If you don’t know me, I’m KB’s Director of Lifesaving, and it is my duty and honor to make sure all of our feline students are happy and healthy. I would like to introduce you to Larry David. I took in Larry as a foster at the beginning of June when he came to Kitty Bungalow from a partner rescue when he was just 6 weeks old. He was found on the streets by a Good Samaritan all alone in a parking lot.

It may be obvious by the way he looks, but Larry is very different and special. Larry has a condition called hydrocephalus, also referred to as "water on the brain." Basically, his body does not reabsorb the cerebrospinal fluid that it produces, and it accumulates in his skull. Because of this condition, his prognosis without surgical intervention is terminal. Over the last several weeks, we have been navigating his treatment and potential future, all while knowing that he is just a ticking time bomb until his symptoms get worse. Luckily, Larry is a great candidate for a shunt surgery, which will save his life.

On July 8th, Larry had his first appointment at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital with Dr. Jeremy O’Neill, a talented neurosurgeon who is one of the few specialists equipped to perform the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Once implanted, this device will help regulate the amount of fluid and pressure inside Larry’s skull, taking the stress off of his poor, squashed brain. Larry's only hope of a somewhat normal life depends on his receiving the VP shunt.

Unfortunately, as our team has been navigating his treatment plan and preparing to launch this big fundraiser for his VP shunt surgery, Larry started having neurological episodes and he needed to be admitted to the emergency department at MASH in the middle of the night on July 21st. I was at MASH with him until around 3:30 am and have been on and off the phone with Larry’s amazing neurologist all week. He believed that Larry’s current symptoms were from the increased pressure in his skull and said the best way to move forward right now is to do a small procedure of removing some of the fluid from his and see if he improves.

Well, the good news is that Larry showed improvement and is now walking around and eating on his own.

The bad news? Two days in an emergency hospital has used the last of our emergency veterinary funds, and we still need money for the surgery.

We need your help quickly replenishing our Emergency Medical Fund so that Larry has the chance to have a long, happy life.

We know it's a lot to ask, but Larry was lucky to land in the laps of people who care about him. I am hopeful others will share in our passion for rescue. Although he is a shy street kitten, Larry is full of love and curiosity, and I hope he gets to see more of life.

Thank you all,

Brittany Roman, Director of Lifesaving at Kitty Bungalow

Larry David and Brittany

Kitty Bungalow is a community cat organization and kitten socialization facility. We focus our attention on providing services for the most vulnerable of felines. Our cats and kittens come from the mean streets of Los Angeles, whether it be directly from TNR, pulling from LA Animal Services, or working with our remarkable rescue partners.

Larry David (The Cat) Emergency Medical Fund

By Kitty Bungalow

Larry David (The Cat) Emergency Medical Fund

Providing emergency medical care to vulnerable cats and kittens in need in honor of beloved Larry David who crossed the rainbow bridge