Brownie arrived at Tabby’s Place over 2,000 cats ago.
He was adopted, but he recently boomeranged (came back). Happily for him, the sanctuary’s promises are taken very seriously, and none more than the often spoken, “Once a Tabby’s Place cat, always a Tabby’s Place cat.”
Unquestioningly and wholeheartedly, with open arms and outpourings of unconditional love, Brownie has been welcomed back. For some, it is a joyful reunion, although tinged with concern and sadness for cat and adopters alike. For others, it is an opportunity to make a new friend. The question, though, is, why is Brownie back? The answer begins with that Tabby’s Place promise.
In Brownie’s case, a part of the answer might also lie in his age and diagnosis. Thirteen-year-old Brownie has diabetes. So, the amazing medical team has planned for glucose monitoring and insulin. Without a care as to the details of treatment, the older, black-clad gentleman remains singularly debonair. Jauntily displaying a perfectly white whisker, Brownie also displays something akin to tortietude. This is unexpected in un chat noir, especially for those of us who have lived with their exceptional levels of silliness (zoomies) and gravitational experimentation (knocking anything off of anything else for their own personal gratification – both in the knocking off and in watching the ensuing clean up).
To understand this particularly dark-but-not-chocolate Brownie, a quick read about the brownies of folklore might grant some insight. Or, maybe not. It is highly doubtful that Brownie will ever help with any cleaning or chores at any time of day. As to that pseudo-tortietude, he has been known to swat the helping hand of someone who is actually willing to clean and do chores. Brownie has also been known to flip quickly from, “Ah, yes! Perfect scritching, visitor! Magnificent!,” to a swat of, “Enough, human!”
It is entirely possible that such reactions reflect Brownie’s change of circumstances. It is also plausible that he might be experiencing some discomfort due to his age and diabetes. Either way or neither way, everyone who meets Brownie now, as a well-established adult who defies “senior,” will find a sweet, squeeshy interior melded perfectly with a slightly crispy edge. It is a delight to spend time with this fine gentleman. One just needs to take care – as with all cats and other creatures – to respect his boundaries and bodily autonomy. One also needs to take care to remember that this Brownie is neither a fairy nor a baked treat.
Brownie of Tabby’s Place is a unique individual. He has the complexity of a fine wine and fur as soft as chenille. Although it is wonderful to reconnect with our old friend, it would be even better to wave good-bye to him again. Our hearts can bear the farewells when forever homes are in the mix. And, at Tabby’s Place, not only do we believe in keeping our promises, we also believe in second chances.