Dear Friends,

I’ll admit it. Before ever meeting him and after seeing only a photograph and reading a short history about him, I fell hopelessly, shamelessly, and head-over-heels in love. Yes, in love with Cisco.

What a story this boy has to tell!

Rescued from a dreadful hoarding situation (61 cats in a tiny apartment!), Cisco was a bony old boy with a raging case of ringworm, which left him nearly hairless. He was hungry, anxious and very wary of humans, and who could blame him? Then, after being rescued from this desperate situation, a veterinarian determined that Cisco was FIV+ and didn’t think there was much hope to keep him going.

However, instead of receiving a death sentence, Cisco received admission to Tabby’s Place – and his life will never be the same. It took some time to conquer the ringworm but it’s finally gone and our boy is now growing comfortable in Suite FIV. He is beginning to relax and eating lots of good food and gaining weight quickly!

I ventured into Suite FIV this past Saturday to meet him and was directed by another extremely friendly volunteer. It was a good thing, too, because Cisco has improved so much since his initial picture, I never would have recognized him! Before me, in a cubby, was cuddled one of the cutest cats I have ever seen. I approached Cisco but he initially hissed at me (I’ll admit that I tend to be a bit overbearing when it comes to cats), so I backed off to give him space and a chance to get to know me. I spoke softly to him while the fellow volunteer stroked him and kept him comfortable. After about 20 minutes, Cisco let me pet him! What a treat! He didn’t purr and there are certain areas of his body that he does not like touched (as with most cats), but that’s okay. We spent time getting to know each other; I told him how handsome he is and how happy I am that he is at Tabby’s Place, and that he will always be loved. He looked at me and I truly believe he understood me. This cat has already come a long way but I believe with all my heart that in time, he’s going to be a love bug!

When I meet a cat like Cisco, the first thing I want to do is sit down and scoop him up in my arms and never let him go. I want to take away all the past pain and fear and let him know that he has nothing to worry about anymore, that he will be forever loved and cared for. It is always the cat like Cisco that captures my heart like no other. I’d like to think this means a lot to the cat…but I realize that it is filling a big hole in my soul, as well!

I am the biggest fan of Tabby’s Place but when I meet a cat like Cisco, it makes me love this sanctuary all the more and feel forever grateful that this little cat, and all the others like him, will always have a safe and loving place to call home. Your love and care are making this possible. As we approach the holiday season and with Thanksgiving just a few days away, I hope you realize that because of you, Cisco has a lot to be thankful for!