Dearest Friends,
My life at Tabby’s Place is filled with some wonderful “first experiences.” This was my first 4th of July at Tabby’s Place, and I was happy to be surrounded by my fellow cats when the fireworks started. I was not scared because of having my roomies all together, and we looked through the window to the lobby and received comfort from the lobby cats. Fireworks are so scary! My correspondent read an article that there is a city in Europe that uses “silent” fireworks. I think we should have them here to benefit all the fur babies (indoors and outdoors), and people with PTSD.
I have been a bit more adventurous this month. When my correspondent came to visit, I put 2 paws on her leg for a while. I then got up my courage and climbed into her lap! You would have thought she won the lottery because she was smiling ear to ear. She said it reminded her of when you learn to swim, you slowwwly go into the water, and then you jump in! I really enjoyed lap time and can’t wait to do it again.
As with all relationships, my correspondent and I are learning so much about each other. This is a great thing! On Saturday nights my correspondent feeds dinner to the Community Room cats. Another volunteer feeds us in the Suites. After my correspondent finishes feeding (which she loves), she drops by to see me. She also makes a point to pet Lucy and Lost, my sweet roomies. She noticed that I did not finish all my food, so she picked up the dish, held it close to my mouth, and I ate every bit! This has become a weekly tradition.
The hypoallergenic cat treats are back in stock, and I enjoy every treat that I am given. Because I still need to add a tiny bit of weight, the vet staff said I do not have a limit on daily treats. Please don’t tell, but my correspondent visits me several times a day with treats when she is volunteering. She gives treats to Lucy and Lost, too, who are very treat-receptive. Lost ate the treats from her hand.
I enjoy it when my correspondent sings to me and plays songs for me on her cell phone. My favorite songs are Steely Dan’s “Josie,” and “In the Jungle the Mighty Jungle,” by the Tokens. I wish that I was a songwriter and could write you a beautiful thank-you song for being my wonderful sponsor—I love you!
Tabby’s Place has so many programs which make a difference in the community. At the same time, there are internal programs for volunteers to help us cats. I am one of the very lucky cats in the Comfort Buddy program. The program is geared toward newer or shy residents who benefit from one-on-one interaction. I have dedicated volunteers who spend time with me, and I love this time so much! I feel like a princess. I love being a part of the Paws to Read program. Three young men who have read to me created a lemonade and ice cream stand and raised $200. They donated the money to Tabby’s Place! My eyes teared up when I saw them through our lobby window taking a photo with Jon, our Founder and Executive Director. The photo appeared on our Tabby’s Place Facebook page.
Have you ever had one of those days? My correspondent had the idea to lay flat on the floor so that I could lie on her stomach. We both enjoyed the extra snuggle time together. What she did not realize was that the pinched nerve in her lower back would make it extremely tough to get back up. She could not stop laughing as she tried to get up and said she would not trade this time with me for anything, pain, or no pain!
Last month I wished that my future medical updates would be short and sweet. My wish was granted! The amazing staff provided the following update: “Josie has been in good health and spirits this month. It seems that the three ladies (Josie, Lucy, and Lost) have found a good balance of independence and interaction that keeps the emotions very level in their suite.”
I wish you a sunny and wonderful July, and send you a bunch of sweet Josie kisses, filled with love and saltwater taffy (a summer favorite at the Jersey shore).
Love,
Josie
(With help from your correspondent, Ilene)