Dear Team Steven,
Here at Tabby’s Place, we’re nearly knee-deep in snow. The month of January ended with buckets of the wet stuff whitening our landscape. Blustering winds and incredibly frigid temperatures turned snow to ice, dangerously slick in many places.
The world outside our windows slowed to a near halt, and only the most intrepid volunteers and staff made their way to our doors.
After all, the show must go on at our lifesaving facility in all kinds of weather. Twenty-four-seven, ’round the clock, Tabby’s Place offers refuge to cats in need, and there is nothing like this kind of winter weather to test our resolve to meet our mission. A small crew of staff members made sure that all the cats were cared for with a grand sleepover for two nights when others could not come in!
Extra special kudos go out to the dedicated volunteers who bundled up and braved the elements to care for the feral cats in our outdoor colonies. These most at-risk cats depend upon such angels for food, water, shelter, treatment, and safety, and the volunteers do not let them down.
Kitties in our TNR program depend upon tenacious ingenuity. Clever Styrofoam houses lined with straw provide warmth and insulation, while water dishes with freeze-preventing, floating ping pong balls help ferals stay hydrated without burning up much-needed energy to keep warm by eating snow. By shoveling around the sheds and other places where ferals desperately seek shelter, colony caregivers save the lives of those who might otherwise be trapped and not survive. Truly, their dedicated efforts and concern go beyond the pale.
Each of our TNR kitties is truly a Tabby’s Place cat, and we deeply, gratefully thank all their caregivers!
Of course, your sponsorship of Steven means that harsh weather and fragility are a distant personal memory for him. Without your love and financial assistance, a senior cat like Steven would not survive. But at Tabby’s Place, he receives all the life-sustaining food, shelter, and health care he needs to live … and thrive!
In fact, I’m happy to say there are absolutely no medical reports for our big orange fluffball this month. At this time, he is 100 percent A-OK, somewhat large, and very, very much in charge.
He firmly reminded me: it’s his job to be an excellent role model, so he works hard at it. And, as his sponsor, you did schedule that wellness visit he recommended for you last month, right? Right!
Steven is loving life, and he was definitely excited to have an extra helping of visitors during Your Feline Valentine, last weekend’s open house. Staff in the medical suite report that he chirped for the first visitors who came through the lab door to see him. We all know there is no love quite like a cat’s love, and Steven wants to be sure everyone knows it.
He enjoyed all the extra attention he received throughout the day, only occasionally retreating to his cubby to receive visitors from his warm and cozy nook. I hope you were able to visit your special boy that day, but if not, know that you are welcome any time!
Steven also knows special occasions come replete with treats, and as our resident philosopher so wisely opines, “Who am I to turn a good treat down?” This year, he was especially taken with the kitty cat cookies one volunteer made. Although they were baked for human consumption, Steven reported, “So cute. So clever. Their happy little faces made my heart skip a beat.”
No worries, vet techs: it wasn’t A-fib or angina—just one joy-filled and excited Steven waxing rhapsodic about his favorite topic, food! And, desperately dreaming there will be some kitten-faced cookies made just for him next year.
Oh, and while we’re placing food orders, Steven has his eyes and palate on next month: “Is there anyone who can make me a savory Irish stew?”
You can bet he’ll be waiting for it!
Thank you for all your love and generosity to Steven!
Your correspondent,
Tina