Hips’ Happenings #33
Happy September, Dear Friends!
I’m hoping the last month has been kind to you and that your days so far this month have been sprinkled with joy! My correspondent, Mary Anne, will be back to help me next month with my October update, but meanwhile, Sheila has stepped in to help; she’s been asking volunteers and staff about what I’ve been up to (and oh boy, I think she got an earful!).
One volunteer told her that I have a “big personality.” I’m not sure exactly what that means, but I’m thinking it means I’m an active boy who gets into lots of things—both good and bad. I was happy to hear that line followed by “What’s not to love?” So here are a few things that I’ve done to earn those comments.
Yay, me!! I have mastered—with glee—the art of door running!! I’ve managed to escape the lobby through three different doors this past month—ones that lead from the lobby to different places, such as Quinn’s Corner, the Community Room (where my sweet girl, Prescott, now often hangs out; you may recall that she has dual citizenship in the lobby and the Community Room), and the area that leads back to the suites. Some might say I’ve taken this door running to the next level. 🙂
And to be perfectly clear, I do NOT appreciate being kept by staff and volunteers from this favorite activity of mine; sometimes I actually yell at those trying to stop me or bring me back into the lobby! They need to know this is a critical part of my daily activities—to explore, explore, and explore some more. Like the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, who circumnavigated the world in a single expedition, I hope some day soon to circumnavigate ALL (every corner) of Tabby’s Place in a single, continuous door-running adventure.
Sometimes I am lucky enough to travel in first class through the lobby in my own chariot on wheels—see the video below. This elevated bed, with soft blankies and my own personal driver, is not only a safe place to nap and an excellent way to oversee the happenings in the lobby, but also maybe—if no one notices—an ushered escape to another part of Tabby’s Place.
Another thing I really enjoy is napping on the laps of volunteers and visitors. It is so warm, and I get cuddles and scritches galore! I proudly kept a volunteer pegged to the floor for nearly an hour! People say I am such a sweet boy when I am napping; I wonder what they say about me when I’m not napping.
I am still holding a grudge against my volunteer friend, Heidi, because she removed me from a visitor’s lap on a Sunday when that person’s party was ready to leave. Why is it that visitors can’t just hang out all day with me?
And then I raised a paw to smack Heidi just because she was standing near where I was perched on the desk after being prevented from yet another escapade down a forbidden hallway. She told my correspondent that, fortunately, I understand and respond appropriately to “Put that paw down.” So, there’s that positive thing, anyway. And I made up for it by doing my leg lean into Heidi on multiple days to butter her up. She says I’m just too cute, too smart, and way too sassy. I couldn’t agree more!
Last week, some people came and donated a big box of towels to Tabby’s Place. Towels and blankets are always needed, as we love to have fluffy towels to lie on and blankets for snoozing in comfort. The big box was on the counter behind the guest book podium. No big deal, so I ignored it—well, that is, until one of the tour guides (Pat) went over to move it to the laundry room. At that point, it was suddenly imperative to claim ownership of it, so I took up residence there and would not let Pat move me. I want what I want (have you noticed that?)! She had to appeal to the staff to help move me, but then she had to switch gears to pay attention to some visitors, so I snuck right back onto the box to defend my territory! I find that my teeth are a good defense weapon. I try hard not to use them, but sometimes the naughty boy in me comes out and I become a pain in the butt for the kind folks at Tabby’s Place. I promise to do better…
The really good news this month is that my health has been great. Maybe that is where all my extra energy and penchant for shanigans comes from!
Dear sponsors, I am having a blast at Tabby’s Place, and so much of that is because of you! I think about you often and would be happy to show my appreciation in person if you stop by for a visit. I could sit on your shoulder or your lap or your head, peg you to the floor, or show you my exquisite exploring skills. I could introduce you to my girlfriend, Prescott, or my partner-in-crime, Colonel Peabody. Or we could just cuddle, and I could whisper all my love for you right in your ear. I can’t imagine life without you or without Tabby’s Place. Thanks for making all this fun possible for me.
With much love and many whisker kisses,
Hips
(With help from your guest correspondent, Sheila)