Happy October, friends of Faye!

Sometimes, we’re rendered speechless. We don’t know when it’s going to happen. We’re going about our day as usual, so immersed in our routine that we leave no room for the unexpected. And then, suddenly, something shifts, and we have no idea what to make of it. Time slows down to a crawl, and we become aware of every microsecond as it passes. We can neither react nor respond; we can only be in that space for as long as it lasts. I’ve experienced this a few times in my life — one of them being at the end of my junior year of high school, a time I used to refer to as “Event: Breakup 1994.” The title should pretty much convey the gist of things, though it was what happened afterwards that still leaves me puzzled. I woke up one day without a voice. Couldn’t talk. Couldn’t even whisper. A visit to the doctor would acquaint me with the term “psychosomatic response.” Simply put, I was rendered speechless.

Such is the case with the events in Suite C this month, where there has been drama and then some. Although Hemingway (the most beautiful bully you ever saw) was happily adopted this month, Archer is more than happy to step in to fill the void.

It’s become so rough in Suite C that we’ve moved Bebe and Candace elsewhere, as they seemed to be Archer’s special “favorites.” And while Faye has generally avoided Archer’s wrath, she has responded — or rather not responded — in her own way. Faye has been rendered speechless.

It was observed that Faye’s very particular meow was somehow different. Since she has had some dental issues in the past, our wonderful veterinary team checked her immediately to make sure there wasn’t a problem. There was some inflammation of the gum tissue in her cheeks, but more concerning was her larynx, which was very inflamed. To be on the safe side, we collected a tissue sample and sent it to the lab to be evaluated. We are hopeful that it is just inflammation and that our glamour girl will find her voice again soon. Until then, though, Faye will be communicating silently.

Faye and I (quietly) send you love this month. We hope that you take some time to observe the chill in the air, the earlier and more colorful sunsets, and the crisp smell of the autumn mornings. Faye thanks you for choosing her as your friend, and we thank you for the generous gift of your sponsorship that helps us care for Faye. Until next month, friends. . .

PS: Breaking news: as you can see in these photos, Faye has just received a rather dramatic haircut. It was necessary to remove some major mats in her long fur, and I think you’ll agree it suits her beautifully. 🙂