Happy April, Team TNR!

I hope these words find you as happy as a daisy under bright blueberry skies.

Springtime is a conspiracy of kindness, from the dandelions at our toes to the sunbeams that skritch our shoulders as though we are their favorite cats.

And you, dear sponsors, deserve every blossom and blessing.

But, if this sweet season yields any bitterness in your world, know that you are deeply loved at Tabby’s Place. Day after day, you are love in the lives of our community cats.  Your love is their shelter when there is no stopping the rain.

And your love is the reason Trinket and Tchotchke have peace this April.

Spring got off to a difficult start for our senior siblings. You may remember this timid duo from their stay at Tabby’s Place a few months back, when we treated them for medical issues. No fans of human handling, the bashful brother and sister were relieved to return to their safe outdoor home.

But, whether they are purring puddles of pudding in our laps, or “true ferals” who shrink from our touch, every cat in our care is a true Tabby’s Place cat. Inside the sanctuary or out in one of our feral colonies, you can never roam beyond the reach of our love.

When it comes to devotion, we make no distinction. TNR cats are cherished cats.

So, when both Tchotchke and Trinket appeared unwell, our team swooped into action. You were the strength in their wings.

Trinket, our little maple tabby, had become completely blind over the winter. Meanwhile, her stoic brother, Tchotchke, had dropped a precipitous amount of weight. Our vet team discovered a large mass in his side.

We were heartbroken for the duo, but not in despair. Springtime may be no guarantee of easy living, but love is the promise that perseveres.

Our vet team devised a gentle treatment plan for Tchotchke, whose mass was fortunately operable. Meanwhile, our behavior team strategized how best to make both siblings feel safe, since outdoor life is now out of the question.

As you read these words, Trinket and Tchotchke are nestled in warm blankets and safe from harm. We will never force our kisses on them. But love speaks many languages, and “safety” is one of the best.

And every day, for the rest of their lives, you will be here for Trinket and Tchotchke, making sure they have everything they need to thrive.

I can’t thank you enough for treasuring “invisible” cats who deserve the same dignity and beauty as all others.

Speaking of beauty, allow me to introduce you to four fuzzy blossoms. Meet Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, and Parsley.

The feral-born babies were two just days old when they arrived at our door. A Good Samaritan heard their cries and knew they would not last the night without their mother, who was nowhere to be found.

Fortunately, Tabby’s Place was made for moments like this.

Our trained, tender staff vied for who would have the honor of fostering the orphans. Through many sleepless hours, staff angels Tiff and Tiana nurtured the newborns, and all four revived. There was hope for them, thanks to you.

But one question haunted us: What happened to the babies’ mama?

Unable to rest at the thought of her suffering, our team returned to search for her. And in a miracle more magnificent than the melting of the snow, Marjoram was found.

Today, the mother-and-child reunion is in full swing, and Marjoram and her munchkins are as plump as strawberries! Marjoram will now get to be a “kitten” herself, loved and spared ever having to bear another litter.

Meanwhile, the fab four will grow up free from fear, with just one job: to frolic.

There is no single path for every feral cat. Some thrive in colonies; some come indoors for medical care but need their own sweet space; some grow into snuggle-bugs.

But when you’re a Tabby’s Place cat, all roads lead to love.

This is all because of you, dear sponsors. Thank you for being a living springtime to every cat you touch.

Love, your correspondent,
Angela

PS: Do you yearn to care for the cats hands-on? Consider joining us for our April 25th Volunteer Recruitment Open House. We’d be over-the-moon to have you with us as a volunteer!

But, know this: even if you live an ocean away, you are right here with us every day, personally caring for the cats through your generosity. What an honor it is to serve them with you!