Dear Friend,

Isn’t summer grand?  I hope yours will be beautiful and full of delights.

And speaking of delights, I have the best news ever to share with you: it’s the season when I get special outdoor privileges!!  Yes, I’m talking about more than just my beloved stroller rides. I’m so excited that this time of year has arrived.

I have my very own outdoor playpen–basically circular plastic fencing that provides a big area for me to play in!  Staff or volunteers can set it up in the grassy area behind Tabby’s Place, near Cherny’s Garden. They put me in my stroller, and stroll me over and lift me into it, and voila! I am free to enjoy the great outdoors in a big area just for me, with grass between my toes, or on a soft blanket. The staff calls this “enrichment,” but I just call it “pure joy!”

Of course, the weather has to cooperate for this special treat. If it is too hot, too windy, or rainy, I can’t go out. And this past week had some wicked hot days, so no playpen. But I’m hopeful we will have long stretches of nice weather this summer and many volunteers who want to spend time with me outdoors.

This month, I had my annual physical exam, which is not great fun, but I know it is for the best to keep track of my health. I did lose a little weight, but I’m generally in great shape, thanks to you and to the great vet team here.

Now onto a somewhat delicate subject… I must say that I find it hard to eat well when I am storing a bit too much, well, there’s no other word for it… poop! I am not a fan of getting it expressed (squeezed) out of me by the wonderful staff, but I feel so relieved, physically lighter, and just plain better when that is done. Then I find eating to be one of the best parts of my day!

Otherwise, life is exceptional here for me. I spend time keeping the Volunteer Department Office running smoothly and enchanting visitors and volunteers alike. There is much going on in the building with renovations of the original suites and a new HVAC system being installed, but none of that touches me in my own personal sanctuary/office. So, peace and quiet abound much of each day.

And all of this wonderfulness is due to your special friendship and kindness to me. You are such a devoted friend that I dream about you often during my numerous naps. If you want some one-on-one cuddles and Anka time, please stop in to visit. And I can show you my stroller and my playpen, too.

Have a glorious summer, and I will catch you up on all the news next month. And Happy Father’s Day to all the kitty and human dads out there.

Love,
Anka
(With help from my guest correspondent, Sheila; Mary will be back next month to help me with my update)