Dear friend of Tux,

Autumn has arrived in Ringoes, New Jersey. As Tux and I look out our windows, we see a beautiful array of orange and golden tones. While some trees are bare and some are sparse, others radiate a solid swatch of fiery color.

Beyond the beauty of autumn, Tux and I savor this season because hearts are glowing with gratitude.

Tux has so much to be grateful for this year, and it all begins with your love and friendship! Tux is grateful for every hand-delivered meal (even if he doesn’t eat it right away). He is grateful for each visit with his human and feline friends. Tux is grateful that his dear friend Patches continues to thrive in her forever foster home. And, this month, Tux is grateful that his beloved Community Room is no longer under ringworm quarantine precautions.

Yes, no one associated with Tabby’s Place enjoys hearing the words ringworm or quarantine uttered, but particularly not together.

While Tux himself avoided an infection with the feared fungus, two of his Community Room friends were not so fortunate. Both Aries and Atari had to move from the Community Room to a quarantined space that we came to affectionately call Ringworm Ranch.

Last month, you learned what a comforting presence Tux provides for his dear friend Aries. I will admit that I was very concerned that Tux’s inclination towards feline fellowship would lead to an infection for him, but thankfully, that was not the case.

I have assured Tux that Aries is doing well in the ringworm ranch. He seems comfortable with his accommodations and has been more accommodating in taking his medications.

We know that Tux never misses a chance to provide comfort to those in need. This month, the recipient of his goodwill was the delicate little lady, Silver. Silver has advanced kidney disease and is partially incontinent. She’s a sweet kitty with people, but she prefers to avoid other cats as much as possible.

Yet there seems to be one exception to Lady Silver’s disdain for fellow felines, and that one exception is the exceptional gentleman, Tux.

While I was not able to get a photo, Silver was spotted curled up, next to Tux, in a plush window seat. The staff who discovered her thought it was Prescott, but then, upon closer inspection, saw that she was mistaken.

Now that the Community Room is once again open for visitation, Tux and I want to invite you to join us on Saturday, November 22, for Thanksgiving with the Cats from noon to 4 p.m. While neither of us is on the planning committee, so we cannot say for certain that Tux will be partaking in the turkey and sweet potato treats, there is always room at his table for one more friendly face.

Whether we get to see you in person or must express our gratitude across the miles, Tux and I hope you take some time to enjoy the beauty of the season with those who bring you comfort and contentment.

Your correspondent,
Lisa