The Jessie Strickler Scholarship
Jill and Jessie
After "Jessie," a blond Cocker Spaniel, passed away in May 2009 at
the age of 11 following a hard-fought battle with gastrointestinal
cancer, her owner Jill Strickler wanted to do something to honor
Jessie's memory and give back to those who cared for her.
"I wanted to repay the amazing gift they gave us with a scholarship to
help students follow their dreams and become veterinarians to help pets
like Jessie," said Strickler.
Jill established The Jessie Strickler Scholarship to support WSU
veterinary residents and interns, but as a writer she knew she could do
even more. So, she decided to write a series of books to honor
Jessie and everyone who cared for her at the WSU Veterinary Teaching
Hospital. All the proceeds from the books go to the scholarship.
"Jingle Bell Bride" by Jillian
Hart, Jill Strickler's pen name, came out in late 2012 and is the
first in the series. The sisters in the book were each named for
Jessie's veterinarians at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The
book is also dedicated to Dr. Chelsea Tripp, a former WSU veterinary
resident who is currently on staff at the Animal Medical Center of
Seattle, and there are many other references about WSU to spot in the
book.
"I will never forget the residents and students that took such good care
of her," said Strickler.
For questions about giving to the Jessie Strickler Scholarship,
contact Andrea Farmer, Associate Director of Development, at (509)
335-5389 or
afarmer@vetmed.wsu.edu.
