Every day at Tabby’s Place is eventful. This is especially true when the cats host big events for the public. This is also especially true when Nerf is involved. In the case of one particular event, “Nerf” refers to both a spectacular little grey guy and a donated gift basket of fun.
At the recent Volunteer Open House, we were thrilled to greet and meet many individuals who are interested in joining in the hands-on work at Tabby’s Place. As always, love for the cats flowed throughout the building connecting us all with the invisible threads of a majestic tapestry. The love poured in from prospective volunteers and from generous donors too.
Some donations came from long-time members of the Tabby’s Place family. The cats were overwhelmed with the arrival of more catnip pouches than they could possibly bat around at one time. They were feted with a mass of crocheted kitties (available for sale at events with proceeds providing amplitudes of fish mush and everything else the cats need). Food items and linens aplenty were gifted for kitty comforts.
And, then there was Nerf. Lots of Nerf. In fact, there was so much Nerf that it was total Nerfmaggedon.
First and foremost, there was Nerf the cat (because the cats are always first and foremost). Nerf is a very shy cat and a resident of the Suite of Undersocialized Kitties that are Slowly Becoming Suitably Socialized (AKA Suite A).
On the day of the big event, in the aftermath, Nerf had a second visit in 2 days from a volunteer who adores him utterly (Full disclosure: c’est moi!). Nerf can barely control his pint-sized body when he is happily receiving oodles of attention (as long as he isn’t unintentionally scared into hiding). Day 2 of 2 in a row had him rollicking and rolling and falling onto Susan and Tetris at turns. Neither was best pleased with this bit of a Nerfpocalypse. Susan was especially displeased with incidental contact with human fingers.
Susan hissed, but did not run away (well, not at that point). This is actually not a terrible thing. Communication is always good. Clearly communicating boundaries with neither tooth nor claws is greatly appreciated. Both Susan and Tetris tolerated all of the Nerf-ness in their faces. And, for the record, attempts were made to encourage Nerf to move farther away from his emotional support pals in order to provide them with more peace.
It was with the excited entrance of additional humans not bearing food that Susan and Tetris exited the immediate locale. Nerf, though daunted, stayed close. It was worthy to be silently SQUEEEED over. Shortly, a blue-tray bearer bringing dinner arrived, and the visit had to end.
But, that wasn’t the end.
More Nerf was about to come from a wonderful donor. Kind enough to think of Tabby’s Place at an unrelated fundraiser, this donor placed every raffle ticket in the box for a basket of cat toys…and won! As it happens, the toys are all Nerf brand. We know more than one feline who will be delighted to test out each and every one (Umm, hi, Hips).
All-in-all, it was a totally Nerftacular day from start to finish! And, until all the toys have been loved into oblivion and Nerf the cat has been loved into his forever home, every day will continue to be Nerfmaggedon.
BUT WAIT!! HOLD EVERYTHING!!!
Shortly before publication, Nerf was whisked off into his forever home. He will have the company of people and feline siblings along all the adoration he can stand. So, Nerfmaggedon continues…just not entirely at Tabby’s Place.