Meet Chicken. The cat who kicked FLUTD in the butt & sparked a collective effort to help pets & people in need, Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker. Albert, AB.
Hello, I'm Alexandra, the proud mom to a special cat named Chicken. In the summer of 2022, my life took an unexpected turn on what seemed like an ordinary day at the Veterinary Hospital in St. Amidst the hustle and bustle of my workplace, a unique name on a kennel caught my eye—Chicken. Curiosity piqued, I approached the kennel, and as I gently rubbed his shoulder, he did something unforgettable.
He toppled over, stretched into the rub, and purred with such vigor that it felt like the room itself was resonating with his joy. In that instant, a bond was formed, one that would transcend mere companionship and become a tale of survival, unwavering love, and unbreakable spirit. Chicken’s entry into our clinic was born out of desperation. Grappling with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), he was in excruciating pain, unable to pass urine due to strictures in his urethra—a severe complication from a previous surgery. His former owner, heartbroken and unable to afford the necessary treatment, had surrendered him, hoping to spare him from a painful end. As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I knew the professional rule: don’t get attached to patients. But with Chicken, that rule shattered like glass. Our team performed an emergency procedure to unblock his urethra, and a compassionate local veterinarian volunteered to operate, offering Chicken a glimmer of hope. Yet, by fall, his urethra was closing again, threatening his life once more. Faced with the harrowing reality that he might not survive due to financial constraints, I made a life-altering decision: I adopted Chicken in October 2022. What followed was a whirlwind of fear, determination, and community spirit. Every waking moment was spent in a frantic effort to fundraise for Chicken’s final, life-saving surgery. The thought of losing him because of money was unbearable. Despite the mounting anxiety, the kindness of friends, family, and strangers ignited a beacon of hope. Together, we raised enough to cover his surgery and post-operative care. On December 1, 2022, Chicken underwent surgery, and against all odds, he made a full recovery. But true to his spirited nature, his recovery was not without its challenges. He detested confinement and would act out, making every day a test of patience and love. He would flail around, scratch, and dig, determined to be free. Despite his antics, seeing him healthy, playful, and full of life again filled my heart with immeasurable joy and relief. Chicken is no ordinary cat. His unique quirks and habits make him extraordinary. He has an uncanny ability to sense my anxiety and depression, comforting me during panic attacks by grounding me with his presence. His companionship has transformed my life, making me more confident and outgoing. Whether it’s joining me at work, accompanying me on shopping trips, or rolling in the dirt on a sunny day, Chicken is always by my side, a constant source of comfort and joy. One unforgettable adventure involved Chicken locking me out of my running car while I retrieved something from the trunk. As I turned to see him looking at me through the window, I realized everything I needed was locked inside with him. It took me two hours to break back into the car, a memory that now brings laughter and a reminder of his mischievous spirit. Chicken’s bond with me is evident to everyone who knows him. At work, he stays by my side, often inserting himself between me and my tasks to demand cuddles. His presence has also inspired me to start "Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker," an initiative aimed at ending the horrid reality so many Edmonton pet owners face of having to decide between their financial wellbeing and their pet’s life, often never really having a choice because the funds simply are not available to them. Chicken’s story is one of love, struggle, and triumph. His journey from a desperate medical case to a thriving, healthy cat is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and unwavering determination. Today, Chicken’s legacy lives on through the lives we save with "Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker." His story has already helped Pongo, a cat injured in a vehicle accident in October 2023, and now McGee, a dog currently in need of urgent vet care for treatment of his IVDD. Chicken is more than just a pet; he is my confidant, my inspiration, and my hero. His resilience and unwavering spirit remind me every day of the incredible bond we share and the profound impact one small cat can have on the world.
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