Dear sponsor,
Have you ever been so deep in sleep that you thought your dream was a reality? This is how my journey began. My sweet human mom who cared for me for the past 13 years recently passed away. My heart hurt and I was very scared because there were no family members able to take me in. A cat my age with special needs would not do well in a regular shelter.
In my dream, I felt like I was riding in a car. Mind you, I have only been in a car once a year to go to the veterinarian for my annual check-up, so this was not a familiar feeling. Slowly I opened my eyes, one at a time. First a slow blink, then wide open. I looked around, and to my surprise, I really was in a car, in my carrier with my favorite toys.
I was able to read a large sign that read “Tabby’s Place.” In the blink of an eye, staff approached the car to welcome me to safety. For the first time in a long time, I could breathe and relax. I could feel the love surrounding me and knew that I was in good hands. I was brought to Intake Suite #3, where new residents go to be evaluated and receive special care. Please don’t worry, as there were plenty of other cats in the suite with me, and the staff gave us all lots of love, attention, and medical care all day long. I did not want you to think that we were locked away in a medieval castle in Ringoes, NJ!
Have you heard the expression, “You only have one chance to make a first impression?” Hi, my name is Josie, and I am truly honored to have you select me to sponsor. Thank you! My permanent Tabby’s Place suite is dedicated to cats with skin allergies. I have a cute little gray roomie named Xena. She has the energy of a kitten and reminds my correspondent of Boom from Suite A. Our suite overlooks the lobby so I can see other cats, visitors, and lots of activities!
I am a Special Needs cat because of my skin allergies. In a blink of an eye, the vet staff created a customized treatment plan, which includes medications and a special diet. They change things as needed. I am one lucky cat!
While in Intake Suite #3, I noticed a volunteer who would walk by my window, wave, and often stopped to talk to me through the window. I always answered back, and that made her giggle. She promised that when I went into my permanent suite, she was going to visit me and be my friend. I smiled at the thought of having a friend.
My new friend was true to her word and visited me every time she volunteered, which was quite often. We made a connection. It turns out that she and her husband adopted a gray-and-white cat from Tabby’s Place in 2020, who was also special needs with skin allergies. Do you believe in destiny? I think that I was meant to be at Tabby’s Place, my new friend was meant to become my special needs correspondent, and you were meant to be my wonderful sponsor. Yay!
For more than a decade my correspondent wrote for Rose, the Southern belle kitty that was so very loved by everyone. Rose received her angel wings in February, and my correspondent did not believe she could ever write for another cat, but I think her heart said differently when we met.
I am getting used to using a computer to create my monthly update, and typing with furry paws is not an easy task. Thank you for joining me on my new and exciting journey, and most of all for being a very special and generous sponsor!
In each update, I will include a “medical update.” Since this is my first update, there is a great deal of medical information to share. You are my sponsor, you are family, and I will always be honest with you. Speaking as “non-medical expert” Josie, I can share that I am feeling so much better than on my arrival day.
MEDICAL UPDATE: I had several notes of vomiting this month. I also had one day where my respiratory rate increased but was fine later in the day. I am underweight and I limp on my right front leg. I have been having episodes of diarrhea, so the vet team discontinued one of my allergy medications in case this was the culprit. The good news is that my stools improved since the allergy medication was discontinued!
The vet staff sent out a GI panel, and there was nothing out of the ordinary. They are modifying my GI medications as I type this, to see if they can continue to improve my stools. I developed some weepy eyes this month with brownish discharge and am being treated with some lubricating eye medications. No complaints, as I am grateful for the love and care that surrounds me. I am an optimist at heart and never take anything or anyone for granted!
Until next month my stellar sponsor, please stay well, and stay happy!
Sending you sweet big Josie kisses!
Love,
Josie
(with help from your correspondent, Ilene)