yuck, I hate ticks, they're disgusting. There were a lot of them in Illinois when we lived there. Star got one, so I took her to the vet & they removed it, although they said it looked like she had squashed it with her teeth - it was already dead. She did get a hot spot there till it healed, but fortunately no other ailments, and it was many years ago. We'll keep all paws crossed Tikeya is ok. Please hug your pretty girl for me.