Dear Friends of Tux,

Autumn weather has arrived and Tux is pleased that the cooler temperatures lead to more frequent stroller rides.

The last few weeks have been busy with activity outside the Community Room windows. The construction of Quinn’s Corner is becoming more and more visible to all. In a short span of time, concrete foundations were poured and structural support beams were raised. This will form the solid foundation and framework for the new portion of our building.

For the first time, Tux had more than just a window view of the activities. Since the new construction is attaching to the current building where the Community Room is located, all the felines (and humans) were asked to “evacuate” the Community Room for a day. This was all in an abundance of caution just in case something when wrong with the installation of the heavy steel structural beams. Happily, nothing went wrong.

Tux was “evacuated” to the Intake room in our holding area. He was the lucky kitty that got to free roam in the small room, while his more “nervous” roommates were crated in the room overnight. While Tux appreciated the freedom, he did not enjoy being away from his routine and familiar space. Tux has always been an easy-going sort of guy, but it seems that as he ages, he is more a creature of routine. Routine provides security, just like humans provide comforting pets.

Tux has been a little blue in terms of his day-to-day spirits. We keep a very close eye on him. There have been several days in the last weeks when his appetite was down and just the sight and smell of food seemed to make him turn away. Such behavior is always of concern, particularly in an older kitty. Since Tux is a lean older gentleman, he doesn’t have excess weight to spare. He asks that you keep him close in your thoughts as it is human love that keeps his spirits soaring.

Our administrative assistant has been away recently and Tux misses her terribly. He loves to share the corner desk in the Community Room, so our Wednesday visits have been extra special of late. Tux even took the opportunity to assist me with morning medication rounds. I entered the Community Room, placed the medical book on the conference table, and left to get some needed supplies. When I returned just a few minutes later, Tux was waiting for me and keeping my place in the book (see photo).

On a separate afternoon, Tux made it quite clear that I was not paying proper attention to him. He spent a length of time walking back and forth across my laptop. In addition to typing a fair deal of nonsense, I kept my fingers crossed that he wouldn’t decide to pee on it. We know he has urinated on the desktop computer at that workstation, so all the computers remain covered when not in use. Thankfully, he was purely seeking some extra pets and settled down after I took the hint.

Tux is so grateful for you and your faithful support. It is love that keeps Tux strong, and it is your support that keeps him healthy. He sends you a loud and loving purr!

Your Correspondent,

Lisa