Hi,
 
Thankyou for taking the time to view my campaign. My name is Blake Robinson and in 2011 I was diagnosed with severe Despression and an Anxiety Disorder called OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder) and it was tough - and even now in 2015 it still is tough, but the difference between now and then are the suicidal thoughts and that thinking death was my only option. Never been one to ask for help - even with homework etc. But eventually told my solo father that I needed help - which lead to me seeing a psycologist. I was moved to a supported living environment and had weekly sessions. That worked in helping with the OCD, but the depression was still there. Had nothing in life to look forward to. That was untill, late one night (literally after 12am) I saw a cat across the road in the gutter - just sitting there. Now I have always been a cat person (grew up with them) but for the period between 2009-2012 had been the longest without a cat that lived with me. Called out to the cat and she came over and eventually let me pat her. We then went our seperate ways. About a week later the cat ran out of the bush to me, patted her again, and this time she followed me up the hill to my supported living (single flats - that had a social/support worker come around daily) fed her some luncheon and then she left. During the night I heard meowing at my window, and to my suprise it was the cat! So the next day luckily was 'pay day' as I was/and still am, on the benefit. Got some cat food and well had myself a cat! she was an older cat and I didnt know if she had a family, or been de-sexed etc. But it was like we adopted each other.

I have heard stories of cats adopting another cat to take over if its close to dieing and other amazing stories. And I think this was one of those. She must of sensed - well for one, she had somewhere safe + FOOD. but also that I needed help. She couldnt physically help me, but mentally it gave me something to live for. People with depression will tell you of low motivation and not caring for what happens to yourself. And its exactly how I felt - if anything happened to me, so what? although it was supported living - they are only funded to keep me for so long and then spit you out. It was near that time and seriously i had plans to just live on the street as that way absolutely NOTHING would matter. But this cat gave me new hope - actually something to live for each day. She became the only possession that mattered to me. Before her I had thoughts of doing some crime, and even living on the street. Now I couldnt, who would look after her? where would she go? what would happen to her? I must say I got a little over protective, as my time was nearly up at the accomodation, and I thought that the residential co-ordinator was coming around to say that I had 30days, or worse that pets werent allowed (which they werent)....I litterally had thoughts of grabbing a knife and stabbing her. I told my support worker this later after the co-ordinator had left. Anyway the contract was extended and it had been amended to say 'dogs not allowed'.

I named her Habibi - means, 'My Love' in arabic after overseas friend advised me of the name.

She gave my life purpose, I had to live for her. And so in a way, she saved me from myself....And thats where this campaign comes in. I had to move out in 2014 and now live with family. I am still on the benefit - dont see a psycologist anymore, but take prescription medicine. And if I could, I would fund my idea myself. but $160 a week to spend on board, food, and cat food, there isnt much room for anything extravegant.

Because of Habibi saved me, I want to save her. Not physically, but save her in a spiritual sense - what she was all about. I want to save...CATS! give back to her kind. When someone helps you - then when you are able you generally give back to them/or if not them - there family. Thats what my plan is. 2009 was the year after I graduated High School and ever since then I have had anything great plan of what I want to do, untill Habibi.

What I want to do is, 1. Purchase a lifestyle block or a Animal friendly property. 2. Use this new home as a place to shelter homeless or injured animals (start of with cats, but depends on the property as to what species I can home).

Yes there is a need, I am a friend off the local SPCA facebook fan page, and they are inundated with kittens and Adult cats (whom get homed at much lower rate). And if they cant find them homes, then it becomes cheaper for them to euthanise.

This will serve two purposes - 1.helping the animals through providing care and shelter. 2. Giving me a new lease at life!

If I were to do this myself, it would either never happen or only happen when I am 80years old!

So what I am campaigning for, are the Funds to purchase a property and some initial funds for desexing and various vet treatments for worms and fleas. 

Sorry it was so long, but the background story as to why I feel such a need to do this, I felt, had to be shared. 

Kind Regards

Blake Robinson