Dear Friends,

As the new year begins, I’m watching the world go by from my big office window—volunteers bustling, visitors visiting, and cats romping around in Quinn’s Corner. Life is good here, and I have you to thank for that.

Things were a bit quiet for me around the holidays, so I had lots of time to rest and contemplate. I haven’t reached any earth-shattering conclusions, but my contemplations validated that there is goodness in this world. Both you and my Tabby’s Place family are clear evidence of that pure goodness.

This year marks the start of my ninth year at Tabby’s Place. Can you believe it? I’m having so much fun that the time has zipped by like a speeding train. Here are just a few highlights over the last nine years:

• I learned English:  I came here from my native Turkey after a bad accident and had no clue what people were saying at first! The first word I learned here at Tabby’s Place was ‘love.’
• I had several opportunities to go on excellent outside adventures, including visiting a classroom of adorable kids, being the special guest at the volunteer picnic, becoming a certified therapy cat, and making senior friends at a nursing home.
• I was one of the first cats that got to enjoy outdoor stroller rides. While the stroller program has grown to accommodate more cats, I like to think I still take precedence over the others. In fact, when it’s too cold to stroll outside, devoted volunteers will put me in a stroller and cruise me around the inside of Tabby’s Place.
• I also have my very own giant pen for outdoors. When the weather is nice, the kind staff or volunteers will set it up and sit with me while I eat grass and smile with joy.
• I graduated from a big, luxury pen in the main lobby to my very own office in Quinn’s Corner. I even got to inspect the plans and the new area before everyone else moved in.

  

• I have worn numerous silly outfits and Halloween costumes over the years. I love them all!
• I’ve been crowned the Mayor of Quinn’s Corner. It’s one of my most proud accomplishments. I’d like to thank all my constituents.
• I enjoy office work, especially if it involves paper, and even more if it involves shredding paper.
• I’m obsessed with bags—I mean, seriously obsessed. If I fit in it, I sit in it, or at least I try! I also really enjoy gifts. The staff were given new hoodies for the holidays … in a BAG! … and I felt it was my duty to inspect the gift before the recipient had a chance to do so. You can watch it in this video.  😊
• Most recently, I was on the local news with Philly Live when they did a sweet segment on Tabby’s Place. You can find that here.

One of my favorite highlights of my time here is you. Your devotion and support mean so much to me. And while I love all people, you hold a very special place in my heart.

I’ll close by inviting you to Tabby’s Place for Your Feline Valentine on Saturday, February 7th. This open house runs from 12-4pm, but the first hour (12-1) is just for sponsors like you. You can look forward to festive refreshments and cozy visiting time with me! We’ll send a reminder about the event later this month, and we hope you can join us.

As we step into the new year together, please know how grateful I am for your kindness and generosity. You make my world bigger, brighter, and full of warmth.

With all my heart,
Anka
(With help from your correspondent, Mary)