Dear Friend,

I hope you’re having a wonderful spring! The weather has finally turned consistent enough for stroller rides and outdoor time.

It is still a bit up and down with the temperatures, but most days it is sunny and warm enough for my favorite volunteers to take me out in a stroller. I love spring (and summer and fall; winter, not so much)!

Since strolling is my favorite activity, I was a little perturbed when I heard that stroller rides were on hold. This happened because one of our residents, Chester, developed ringworm, a highly contagious skin fungus. Chester has a lot of dermatological issues (poor baby), and he is immunocompromised due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), so it was all too easy for this ringworm to find a home with him.

Tabby’s Place is vigilant about ringworm, so if even a single cat tests positive, the staff implements strict containment protocols. For instance, humans must step in and out of pans of disinfectant when moving from room to room, and all of us cats are checked every week, so the fungus will not spread.

But, seriously … stroller rides on hold? Arggghhhh! 

I appreciate the caution and care, but giving up my stroller rides was more than I could handle, especially when the weather was just becoming beautiful.

Fortunately, testing revealed that Chester has a form of ringworm that is less contagious than the common type. A message came out to all the stroller volunteers that I was allowed to go out in a designated stroller … one with my name on it. A special accommodation for just me? Now we’re talking!

Plus, there would be extra precautions to keep me safe. The volunteers would spray my stroller with one of our strong disinfectants after I used it. And, most importantly, no one else can use it!

Other kitties still need to wait until the “all clear” is signaled for the ringworm, but I, the mighty Anka, can enjoy sunbeams without interruption. And, boy, am I loving that!

The last month has generally been good to me. I have been happy and healthy except for one day when I didn’t feel like eating (which is soooo not like me). But by the next day, I was just fine and back to my adorable self.

Guess what? I found a new way of passing the time when I am not snoozing or enjoying the company of my many visitors. Someone called my new hobby “glamping.” Apparently this is a more luxurious version of camping out.

I’ve never been camping, unless you count when I was a street kitty in Turkey.  So here’s a photo of me in my cozy, glamorous glamping setup. It does feel better than just hanging out on a blanket, for sure. I’ll have to try this more often.

My belly is not the only thing that is full, though I do appreciate the meals and the treats. My heart is full of thanks and love for you, my friend, and for all you do to allow me to have such a wonderful life here at Tabby’s Place.

The staff takes such good care of me, and the visitors and volunteers spend oodles of time with me, enriching my life. All of this is due to your kindness.

If ever you would like to visit, I’d be happy to give you whisker kisses and head bonks in person!

With much love,
Anka
(with help from your guest correspondent, Sheila)