For Rikki, home wouldn’t be the same without Felix, her beloved rabbit. Thanks to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation’s LEAP program and its partnership with Lubbock Meals on Wheels, both Rikki and Felix receive support that helps them thrive.

Felix is a California rabbit with striking albino traits—soft white fur, black ears and nose, and bright red eyes. When Rikki first brought Felix home, she believed her new companion was a male, so she chose the name Felix. It wasn’t until Felix’s first annual wellness visit through the LEAP program that she learned otherwise. The discovery brought a good laugh, but the name, and the love behind it, remained.

Felix has a gentle personality and enjoys eating treats directly from Rikki’s hand. Their daily interactions are a reminder of the comfort and companionship pets bring to their owners, especially for older adults who may spend much of their time at home.

Through the LEAP program, the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation provides annual veterinary wellness care for pets belonging to Meals on Wheels clients. These visits help identify health concerns early, ensure pets stay healthy, and give owners peace of mind that their cherished companions are receiving quality care.

For clients like Rikki, that support means everything. Keeping Felix healthy helps preserve a relationship that brings companionship, routine, and joy every day. It’s a simple but meaningful example of how caring for pets also supports the well-being of the people who love them.