Dearest sponsors,

I’m sorry for the inevitable scare of a “Special Update.” Boobalah is very much still with us, and having a cozy and peaceful night as you read these words.

But, I’m afraid there is worrisome news for our beloved girl. Since you are Boo’s immediate family, we wanted you to know right away.

On Saturday morning, Boobalah was busy supervising staff and volunteers as we prepared for our open house. We had no reason to believe that anything was amiss, and we couldn’t wait for visitors to meet the most tenderhearted tabby on Earth.

But when our staff went to express Boo’s bladder as usual, they were immediately alarmed. Boobalah’s abdomen was severely distended, making it difficult to express her at all. The vet team brought Boo to our X-ray room, where radiographs indicated fluid in her belly. In addition, Boobalah’s weight was up significantly.

Other than her swollen belly, Boo did not seem to be in distress. She cuddled friends of two species with her usual gentle gusto, happy for every opportunity to give and receive love.

But our vet team was on high alert. Boobalah had an ultrasound today, which confirmed their fears. In addition to a large amount of free fluid in her abdomen, Boobalah has multiple masses on her liver.

There have been many tears at Tabby’s Place today. Later this week, we will receive a cytology report, which will tell us the type of cancer Boo is facing. But our vet team is preparing us all for a word we can barely fathom, “goodbye.” Given the location, number of lesions, and speed with which it appeared, it seems unlikely that Boobalah’s cancer will be treatable. We are committed to doing whatever is most merciful for Boo, even if it breaks our own hearts.

Throughout this difficult day, I have been thinking of you. From New Jersey to Mauritius, you are here beside Boobalah. You have chosen to love one little cinnamon-striped cat, simply because she needed you. You have made her your own. And whatever the days ahead may bring, Boobalah will be enfolded in your love and ours. She will not face a single moment alone.

Dear sponsors, I hope you know what a comfort it is to us at Tabby’s Place knowing that we are not alone, either. You are here beside us as we care for this little cat we love more than words can express. We will move heaven and Earth to keep Boo happy and comfortable for as long as possible. We will lavish her with love. Every day we share will be a gift, and we will make sure Boobalah knows that she is our treasure.

We will all give Boobalah many, many, many kisses for you, her angels.

You will be the first to know as we learn more. Thank you for loving Boobalah so generously, dear ones.

With love and gratitude, your guest correspondent,
Angela (Tabby’s Place’s Development Director)