What is love, anyway? It is a question for the ages, not just for Howard Jones. At Tabby’s Place, the answer goes by many names.
Let us call our first example “Mr. Universe.” He is a good Samaritan, and he brought us the gift of love in the form of a rescued stray cat. Doris went directly into foster care with an amazing staff member. And, although she was technically at Tabby’s Place for mere heartbeats, we get to love Doris forever. That’s the way at Tabby’s Place: once a Tabby’s Place cat, always a Tabby’s Place cat, even if that cat’s tenure can be measured in moments. For a brief time, a once-stray cat was a house cat, showered with love in a safe, loving, warm space.
Call them the Darling Duo. They brought catnip toys that were cast freely about the building and received with joy as only cats can express it. In the lobby, one toy was chosen as special by all of the cats despite their being gifted with several. This one was licked, rolled on, batted, and delighted in by all of the lobby-ers. Only they could tell you why that particular toy was superior to all others.
Meanwhile, in Suite E, Coraline watched Elton rolling on another of those toys on the ramp. It was more than she could bear to simply watch. The fearful girl was even caught on video taking Elton’s place. With the ubiquity of these toys in the building, evidence of love peppers every suite, including Pepper’s suite, which is the kitten’s suite.
These are prime examples of the love that flows into, through, and out of Tabby’s Place. There is Murdock climbing the legs of donors, seeking attention as forms are completed and sincerely grateful thanks are expressed in all directions (and watching Hips play with the one toy that they all want). There is Bello overflowing on visitors’ laps at every opportunity, his eagerness for warmth and affection returned in full measure and with infinite patience and kindness. There is Steven. Hard stop.
Steven loves everyone.
Everyone loves Steven.
Love is the foundation that Tabby’s Place was built on.
Tabby’s Place, created to save cats from hopeless situations, began with the love of one man for one cat. It is a sanctuary that overflows its physical boundaries. It is a community that is unbounded by borders. Amazing sponsors, wonderful donors, spectacular volunteers, and a magical staff that is made of shimmering, glittery goodness are all conduits that keep humans and felines connected.
This community makes up the cogs and wheels that keep everything running like clockwork. This community is the adhesive that holds everything together. This community is the bedrock that the foundation rests upon. This community is love. Love is Tabby’s Place.