Cricket is a sweet, affectionate cat who has touched many lives. Once a stray, she was taken in by the Vet Tech Institute (VTI), where she became a patient teacher for students learning to care for animals. Cricket’s gentle nature made her the perfect companion for students practicing blood draws and injections, always content as long as she had a Churu treat to nibble on. She was also spayed at VTI, giving students the opportunity to learn how to monitor and assist with surgeries. After her time at VTI, Cricket was adopted by Melissa, one of the instructors, and quickly became the queen of her new home, even winning over Melissa’s two German Shepherds, Neo and Vader. Neo and Cricket are inseparable, often found snuggled together on fuzzy blankets.

Recently, Cricket became very ill and was rushed to PVSEC (Blue Pearl) for emergency care. She is now fighting for her life, receiving treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), including blood transfusions, medication, and warming measures. Melissa, a certified Vet Tech, has always provided the best care for her animals, but the costs of Cricket’s critical care and ongoing FIP medication are quickly exceeding her insurance coverage. The treatment for FIP is intensive and lasts 84 days, requiring specialist visits, in-patient care, and expensive medication. Cricket will also require ongoing monitoring and vet appointments during and after her treatment to ensure her recovery and long-term health.

Melissa and Cricket have both dedicated their lives to teaching and supporting future veterinary professionals. Now, they need help from the community they’ve given so much to. Donations will go directly toward Cricket’s emergency care, specialist visits, ongoing monitoring, and the medication she needs to recover. Any support, no matter the amount, will help Cricket continue her fight and stay in her loving home.