First the background story. Casey the elder cat was owned by a woman in an abusive relationship. One day, her husband shot Casey with a bb gun and she dissapeared into the woods. Once the abusive husband was out of the picture this woman got another cat and also named her Casey. The first Casey must have sensed that the abuser was gone and shortly thereafter returned. Hence the two Caseys. Within a couple of years this womans entire life changed - ultimately culminating in the loss of her house - she was forced to give her cats up in order to give herself a roof over her head in a pet free apartment. On short notice she found a home for the Caseys with a mutual aqauntance. HE had the cats for only three months before he lost his corporate job and was in the process of being evicted from his home. HE had three days to place the cats or they would have to go to the only shelter who would take them which was a kill shelter. Being older cats they likely would be put down. I read of thier situation on a music message board within a community of people I am part of. I was interested, my only concern was their health. Financially I was not in the position to put out hundreds of dollars for their care - sight unseen. I was looking for healthy kitties who needed a home. I was told that all these kitties needed were some booster shots and that there were no other health issues.So I responded saying that if he could get me the cats I would take them. One of the online 'boardies' even pledged $200 toward thier initial vet bills to get them up to date on their shots. The cats were brought to me and I promptly fell in love with them - they are so sweet and loving and clearly were grateful for a new home. They fit right in. Friday they went to the vet - and to my dismay they did not just need a few boosters. They have several health issues - One has such dental deterioration that her tooth literally was hanging from a thread and the vet pulled it there on the spot. The other had BB shot embedded into her side from the bleeep that shot her - something that can cause heavy metal poisoning and will kill her if not removed. They both need to be rid of fleas and worms but there are so many other issues. The vet estimates a couple thousand dollars to get them everything they need - of course not everything may be feasable but that is best case scenario. The boardies are chipping in what they can but it wont be enough to cover it all. I certainly dont want to give these kitties up - but they need more than my help.