Dear Friends,

Thank you for being here. Sweet little Berry and I are humbled by your love and support and deeply honored to share his Tabby’s Place adventures with you.
Just before Christmas, Animal Control found a mama cat with two tiny babies. They made their way to Tabby’s Place, where they were cared for and showered with love. Mama cat Mistletoe and her 2-week-old kittens, Holly and Berry, would never have to face the harsh streets again.

It was clear from the start that Berry had an unusual deformity. He’s since been diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neurological condition that caused his hind legs to be curved and paralyzed.
When they first arrived, Holly and Berry were still nursing. It wasn’t until they began eating solid food that Drew, one of Tabby’s Place’s amazing veterinary technicians, became concerned that Berry was not going to the bathroom on his own.
Because of his condition, little Berry is incontinent and needs to have his bladder and bowels expressed manually. So Drew took him home and provided the 24-hour care he needed during this early, fragile time.

Fast-forward to today, and Berry is a true 3-month-old kitten in every way. Speak with anyone who’s met him, and the adjectives tumble out: Berry is playful, friendly, chatty, affectionate, curious, outgoing, rambunctious, and cuddly…so very, very cuddly.
He loves to be held and purrs like a diesel engine. Thanks to devoted supporters like you, Berry is thriving in every way and doesn’t let his limitations stop him from scooting around in his tiny diapers and exploring his our Kitten Suite.
The Tabby’s Place staff and volunteers are completely smitten with Berry. We know you will be, too. It’s impossible not to fall for this enthusiastic bundle of love.
I hope you may be able to join us, and meet Berry, at our special Your Feline Valentine event this Saturday, February 15. As a steadfast sponsor, you are one of our VIPs, and the first hour of the event (12-1pm) is just for you. The open house will continue through 4pm, for anyone thinking about sponsoring a kitty. (Of course, you’re welcome anytime you can make it!) If you can attend, Berry has some special hugs reserved just for you.
For this first update, I wanted to share some of his background with you. But going forward, Berry has asked for permission to provide his updates to you directly. So, I will serve as his loyal translator, bringing you adventures from his perspective.
Thank you again for being here. Kittens are fragile to begin with, and even more so when life throws a medical curveball. Your support is truly life-saving and will allow Berry to thrive.
With enormous gratitude,
Mary (Berry’s correspondent)