There are definitely ways for Tabby’s Place cats to get an “upgrade.”Yet, unlike with an airline, there are no miles to exchange or any fees. Also, “upgrade” is a less accurate description than “change.” Further, the decisions are made by a group of humans and are based on the cats’ best interest. But…
Recently, Phoebe submitted a transfer request. She was done with the trials and tribulations of being an executive. Mostly, she couldn’t focus on her projects with the frequent, jubilant noise floating into the executive suite from the lobby. Phoebe’s request was honored, and, now, she is thriving in Suite I with Leodis, her mentee.
Meanwhile, former suite J alum Cassandra was delighted to be offered the opportunity to take over following Phoebe’s relinquishment. To her, relocation to the executive suite was a simple matter of taking her proper place and being fully recognized. From Cassandra’s perspective, she has always been executive-level. Her move to Marcia‘s and Jonathan’s (note who is listed first) office is simply a confirmation that Cassandra should have always been flying in the highest style. First Class simply wouldn’t do, although, for the record, every inch of Tabby’s Place is first class. Also for the record, Cassandra insists that the Executive Suite is Executive Class, and, therefore, is fancier and more important than first class (Mmmmm…not exactly). Sometimes one just has to shake one’s head and walk away from such discussions.
Be that as it may, Cassandra is proud to chirp about her Junior Executive Executive Director position. Meanwhile, Marcia is very clear that she has, of course, been promoted to Senior Executive Executive Director. In light of Cassandra’s relocation and Marcia having been gifted with her very own personal solarium, this all makes oodles of sense (No need to remind Marcia that Cassandra shares full access to the solarium.). Further, with all of these promotions being bandied about by the cats (Who better to bandy such things about?), Jonathan remains the regular old Executive Director, which is pretty much precisely where he has been since the cornfield era when Tabby’s Place was just a dream.
Tabby’s Place is still a dream. However, there is a new reporting structure commensurate with the aforementioned bandied-about promotions by the cats to the cats for the cats. So, Jonathan now reports to Cassandra. In turn, albeit reluctantly, Cassandra reports to Marcia. Marcia continues to report to nobody but herself. She is still running Tabby’s Place as a tight ship and assuring that all of her staff (including the very many volunteers) do her bidding to her very exacting particulars…particularly as pertains to feedings, but also cuddling and cleaning.
As to Cassandra, she is finally getting what she really wants: lunch served in executive style. Okay, that isn’t all that she wants or is getting. With only a gate dividing the office from the lobby (providing she and Marcia haven’t had the door closed for confidential discussions), Cassandra has a gloriously large audience. From singing to dancing and playing the diva, Cassandra is delighted to have more observers to observe her. Also, she enjoys having chairs and a desk instead of built-in cubbies and benches.
There are also plenty of cozies and blankies and moveable cubbies, and cat trees, in the executive suite, a situation which suits Cassandra just fine. More importantly, her staff (that definitely includes every volunteer) more regularly come to her for advice. Plus, persons attentively listen to Cassandra as they sit side-by-side with her in the office arm chairs. It seems that everyone has finally realized that she’s more than just a pretty face and swishy tail – although, she is happy to have those attributes recognized too.
In short, the new Junior Executive Executive Director is thriving in her new location. The Senior Executive Executive Director is tolerating the arrival of a new Junior Executive Executive Director in her long-standing location.
In case you’re wondering, Jonathan has yet to accept (or even to be offered) an interview about the new arrangements. Judging from past experience, though, it’s all good for the individual who built a cat sanctuary, later built it bigger, and continues working hard to make it better, better, best.
Maybe it is time the entirety of the sanctum sanctorum gets due recognition for all that it has grown to be. Maybe it is time that every member of the Tabby’s Place family gets the recognition that they deserve. Yes, we have all been upgraded. It’s official! We at Tabby’s Place were flying first class before. But, from now on, it’s Executive Class all the way.