A Lifeline for Jupiter

How Access to Care Kept a Family Together

When Marselena noticed something was wrong with Jupiter, she trusted her instincts. Her large tabby cat was usually the first one at the food bowl, always looking for a snack, a cuddle, or a sunny spot for a snooze. “He’s always a hungry boy,” Marselena said. “That’s how I knew he wasn’t feeling well.” 

When Jupiter suddenly stopped eating, drinking, and interacting with the family, Marselena became worried. For several days, he hid in dark places around the house and showed none of his usual playful behavior. “This wasn’t his personality at all,” she said. “He’s usually very fun loving, enjoys looking out the window for birds or sleeping upside down on his back. I knew something was terribly wrong.” 

“I couldn’t wait another day,” Marselena recalled. “I didn’t think I could go to work and spend the whole day worrying about how he was doing.” While checking on Jupiter, who had taken to resting under her son’s bed, Marselena noticed a bathing suit nearby. When she picked it up, she realized part of a strap was missing. Knowing Jupiter’s habit of sometimes chewing on things he shouldn’t, she immediately feared the worst. 

Like many pet owners, Marselena was suddenly faced with two urgent challenges: finding out what was wrong with her pet and figuring out how to pay for emergency veterinary care. 

She explored every option she could think of but could not find any assistance. She wasn’t sure where to turn. Then her sister, a local veterinary technician, suggested contacting Joybound People & Pets. Marselena had adopted Jupiter from Joybound more than two years earlier and was familiar with the organization. She visited Joybound’s website and began looking through available resources. “I was kind of panicking,” she said. “I sent an urgent email to the Joybound Community Solutions team and let them know my cat was very sick.” A member of Joybound’s staff responded the same day and quickly gathered information about Jupiter’s symptoms. 

“I told her he hadn’t eaten, he wasn’t drinking, and he was very lethargic,” Marselena said. “When I explained everything, she told me it definitely sounded like an emergency situation.” Within a short time, Joybound connected Marselena with emergency veterinary care through its partnership with VEG ER for Pets in Pleasant Hill. “They got back to me very, very fast,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.” What happened next surprised her. Not only was Jupiter seriously ill, but he ultimately required surgery and extensive medical treatment. 

“I knew he was sick, but I didn’t think it would be that serious,” Marselena said. “Everything they had to do was a surprise.” She was equally shocked by the cost of care. “When I saw the total amount of the treatment, I knew that I definitely would not have been able to pay for it myself.” For many families’ budgets are being stretched thin due to rising costs and inflation, and unexpected veterinary emergencies can quickly become overwhelming.  

“I don’t think you need to be rich to be able to have a pet,” Marselena said. “As long as you love them and care for them, that’s what matters. But emergencies happen, and not everyone has pet insurance or thousands of dollars available for unexpected veterinary bills. Having access to support made all the difference for our family.” 

Today, Jupiter is thriving. Within about a week of surgery, he was already acting like himself again. He’s back to cuddling with his family, watching birds from the window, and reminding everyone when it’s time for dinner. “He’s 100% back to himself,” Marselena said. The experience left a lasting impression on her. When coworkers learned how Jupiter received the care he needed, they were amazed that the organization she adopted him from years ago was still there to help. “One of my coworkers couldn’t believe it,” she said. “They said, ‘You adopted him two and a half years ago, and they’re still willing to help you?’ It just shows how much they care.” 

The bond between people and pets is profound. Pets are family. They provide comfort, companionship, and unconditional love, enriching our lives in countless ways. When families face unexpected hardships, access to veterinary care can mean the difference between staying together and experiencing a heartbreaking loss. Jupiter’s story is a reminder that a caring community can be a lifeline. Marselena now shares her story whenever she can. She wants other pet owners to know that resources exist and that asking for help can make all the difference. For her family, that support meant everything. 

Joybound People & Pets is a proud partner of VEG ER for Pets, whose medical support, veterinary expertise, and urgent care helps countless shelter animals and community pets like Jupiter every single year.