I got Ernie when he was 1 month old in 2015 and my whole life has not been the same since. Ernie gives me a purpose in life and a reason to wake up every morning, for this alone, I owe him the best life I'm able to give him. Unfortunately, this year has not been great for me work wise and I have been from job to job looking trying to find something permanent. Due to health, family, and school issues I haven't been doing well financially and unfortunately, I need help more than ever. In the last month Ernie has been declining from his usual self - spunky, active, sweet Ernie. He has slowly become unable to move with ease and recently stopped running on his wheel altogether. He is unable to walk without wobbling or falling over and requires my assistance to even go to the bathroom. His appetite has decreased - from the stress of being unwell and now trying to find medicines that will help him. We went to the vet at the end of January to find the cause of this recent decline in his health, he received a sedated exam, x-ray, and an antibiotic and pain medication in hopes to clear any possible infections and to provide relief for moving - as his doctor found that his left ankle was frozen - whether from an old injury, infection, nerve damage, or developing arthritis we do not know. He now needs further testing as the medicines have not changed his conditions. He will receive a full blood work up ($90), an MRI (around $200), and likely more medications ($50+ depending). The cost of his previous visit was $264, and these new tests are more costly (from previous experience). I am anticipating it would be near $400 if not more, but it's already hard enough asking for help so I'm trying to keep it as low as possible, but for this little man I would beg on the streets to help him live a long, happy, comfortable life. To some he is just a pet, just an animal, but to me, Ernie is my lifesaver. Even just spreading this around would be a tremendous help to me, if you are unable to donate. And if you do donate, I could not thank you enough for the kindness you've shown Ernie and I. Thank you so much.