Dear Bacon Supporters,

I’m writing from a bit of a blind spot this month. I went on vacation—to Europe—for almost three weeks in October so I missed several of my usual visits with Bacon (when I come in to volunteer at Tabby’s Place.) So, I had a tiny bit of trepidation when I finally resumed my volunteering and my visits.

Would Bacon remember me, my smell? Would I have to start all over again and win his trust? Would he take one sniff and ask in horror, “who is this person and what does she want?”

Walk in with confidence, I whisper to myself. Of course, he will. After all, it hasn’t been that long, has it? I’ve always wondered how cats view time. Is Bacon aware that days have passed, weeks have passed, since I was last there? Or is time more of a continuum that rolls on by?

Fingers are crossed. I usually arrive early in the morning, and sometimes Bacon is still sleeping in his house. This time, however, as soon as he hears the door open, he meows. Good sign, I think. He’s already up and awake, looking around, ready (I think) for some action.

A bribe is in order. I’m speaking, of course, of his delicious treats. As soon as he hears me wiggle the bag, he comes right out and looks around, sniffing. This is always the fun part. I put a bunch of treats on the floor, and he tries like heck to eat them. They end up going all over the place, sliding along the floor. After I reposition them at least five times, he finally gets most of them in his mouth. A very happy camper. (I’ve tried putting them in a small bowl, but as he tries to eat them, they just slide around in there, too.)

“Hey, buddy, do you remember me?”

After a quick nip on my hand and another quick jaunt around the room, he comes over for some pets. This is always a special time for me, because I remember when I couldn’t even touch him. The best approach with this very fragile boy is to softly caress the side of his face with the back of my hand.

“Does Bacon like this?” I want to know. He does. The trick is to show affection without making him too riled up, and I get a good ten minutes before I have to bow out and get to work.

Bacon has been in good spirits and health this past month. Yes!! And in honor of Thanksgiving, and to help celebrate all the kitties who live here, Tabby’s Place is hosting “Thanksgiving with the Cats” on Saturday, November 23. Please join us between 12-4pm if you can.

As always, I am in awe that you care so much to give to such a worthy cause. Bacon and I both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving with your family and friends and enjoy the lovely weather we’ve been having.

Take care.
Your correspondent,
Kate