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.
02/02/2025
🚨 Cat parents, this one’s for you! 🚨
It’s me, Chicken, your favorite tailless tabby, here with an important message: Your cat deserves better. That old, generic collar? It’s time for an upgrade. 😼
Introducing the PURRFIT Breakaway Paracord Collar—handcrafted by my mom at WhiskerCraft Boutique, just for cats like me (and yours!).
✨ Why Your Cat Will Thank You:
✔ Custom-Fit Comfort – No more one-size-fits-none! This collar is made to fit just right.
✔ Super Soft & Lightweight – Tough enough for adventure, comfy enough for all-day naps.
✔ Breakaway Safety Buckle – Because nothing matters more than keeping us safe!
✔ Stylish & Unique – Pick your cat’s signature colors and show off their personality.
💖 And the best part? Every collar sold helps save pets in need through Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker—a cause that’s literally saved lives (mine included!).
🐾 So, what are you waiting for? Your cat gets a better collar. You get peace of mind. And together, we help save lives. 🐾💙
Check out the post below for all the details and grab yours today! 👇👇👇
Now go on—make your cat proud! 😸
12/08/2024
💙 Because Someone Believed in Me... 💙
Hi friends, it’s me—Chicken! Two years ago, I was in the fight of my life. My health was failing, and my human Alexandra was faced with an impossible choice: the surgery I desperately needed or a bill that felt impossible to pay.
But then YOU came through. You donated bottles and cans, and with every single one, you gave me hope. Thanks to your kindness, I had my life-saving surgery on December 1, 2022. Now, I’m here—healthy, happy, and forever grateful. I get to purr, play, and cuddle every single day because someone believed I deserved a chance.
That’s why my human started Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker—so more pets like me can have their second chance. Together, we’re creating miracles, bottle by bottle, for pets in need.
🐾 Here’s how you can help:
👉 Donate bottles and cans.
👉 Share this post to spread the word.
👉 Follow Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker to see the lives your kindness saves.
Every bottle counts. Every act of kindness matters. Just like you saved me, you can save others, too. ❤️
Thank you for believing in me—and for being the hope that every whisker deserves.
11/12/2023
🐱✨ Every Miracle Has a Story - Here's Ours:
Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker ✨🐱
Dear Friends and Feline Supporters,
You all know me as Chicken, the cat with nine lives and a knack for landing on his paws. But did you know that your love and support have sparked a community movement that's now helping other pets just like me?
🎉 Introducing Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker 🎉
This initiative blossomed from the outpouring of generosity that saved my life. When I needed a critical surgery, it was your bottle donations, your shares, and your contributions that made it possible. Inspired by this, Alex, my human and champion, decided no pet should ever face what I did without a fighting chance.
And Then There Was Pongo:
A little cat with a big heart, facing an uncertain future. The choice was stark, but you proved that hope is never lost. With your continued support, Pongo is now healing and purring, all thanks to the kindness you've shown.
Together We've Grown:
From the streets of St. Albert to the heart of Edmonton, we've seen the spirit of community turn into a wave of compassion. Now, Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker is not just my story—it's our shared mission.
How Can You Keep the Mission Alive?
🐾 Bottle Donations: Your recyclables are more than just bottles; they're lifelines for pets in need.
🐾 Spread the Word: Share our story and help us reach every corner of our community.
🐾 Stay Connected: Like Raise A Bottle To Save A Whisker’s page for updates, and let's keep the chain of kindness going. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552571747838
A Paw-felt Thanks:
Every bottle you've donated, every post you've shared, and every dollar you've contributed has changed lives. Mine was just the beginning. Now, let's continue this beautiful journey together.
🐾 What's your pet's story? Share below and let's spread the love that binds us all.
With all my whiskers and gratitude,
Chicken 🧡
04/22/2023
Thanks to our wonderful community, Chicken, a Young Cat with FLUTD had his surgery on December 1st, 2022. Its been just over 4 months and no complications have been noticed yet. We are very proud but complications can happen even at 6 months so we continue to watch him closely.
We are so greatful to our community for their support.
12/04/2022
Come support pets like Chicken today at the Tudor Glen Veterinary Hospital! The clinic is open from 9am - 5:30pm for technician services and sales. Walk-in nail trims welcome. Call 780-458-6051 to save your spot!
All proceeds from the day will go towards Veterinary care for pets like Chicken, a Young Cat with FLUTD
02/02/2025
12/08/2024
11/12/2023