Daniel and his family have moved; we will miss their love for the cats and Dan’s one-of-a-kind humor. Next month you’ll hear from Ana’s brand new correspondent, Liz, who has already fallen for our marvelous tabby.
I’m delighted to share that little Ana is doing beautifully this month. Don’t mention this to our other residents at Tabby’s Place, but Ana has quickly become one of my dearest favorites for her sweet nature and her tender bond with Desi. While we can’t guarantee that her inflammatory bowel disease will not worsen at some point, I know that she would be a precious treasure for the lucky family willing to care for her. As an animal lover, I’m sure you would agree that animals are beautiful channels of care for their people, too. I know Ana would be a splendid instrument of love in the life of a special adopter.
The one minor medical concern that seems to pop up from time to time for Anastasia is her weight. While many cats require diets to keep from becoming overweight, in Ana’s case it is a tendency to drop weight that brings us concern. Ana is rather petite, and doesn’t need to lose an ounce – indeed, it would be wonderful if she might gain a bit. Fortunately, after dropping last month, Ana’s weight appears to have stabilized.
The steroids with which Ana is treated help to prevent unwanted weight loss, while controlling the symptoms of her IBD. However, we like to keep her steroid dosage as low as possible, since long-term use can lead to renal problems in a cat’s “golden years.” We know that little Ana is looking forward to some joyful, high-energy golden years (I can almost picture her RVing back and forth across the country with Desi…). So I’m happy to say that, given Ana’s recent weight stability, we were able to lower her steroid dosage. We’ll keep a close watch on her health in every way, of course.
In other news, Ana puzzled me one recent morning. Once each week, Ana and all of her roommates are put in cat carriers while their suite is thoroughly sanitized. I peeked into the crates to say hello to Ana and her friends. Disco meowed hello; Sardi blinked at me hopefully; Star and Venice were content cuddled together in a single carrier; Desi’s serious meow somehow suited his big, earnest eyes. I knew I heard a deep purr – in fact, the one and only “best purr at Tabby’s Place” – coming from…somewhere. But where was Ana? Further investigation revealed that she was peacefully curled up behind Desi, in the same carrier. I was astonished, but delighted, by their love for one another even in close quarters.
Thank you, dear sponsors, for helping us to keep Anastasia purring and well.