Hello, fans of magnificent Max!

I was happy to get back to a regular visitation schedule at Tabby’s Place in the past week. The flu had really taken time to get over; I felt like I had some catching up to do with Max and his suitemates.

I had no clue what I was in for…

When I arrived late in the afternoon, Max and his feline friends had recently been served dinner. They were contentedly washing their faces with their paws, and two of the cats were already snoozing. I spoke to Max with enthusiasm; he greeted me with what looked like a smile and a nod of his head. His green eyes glowed.

I noticed that there was leftover cat food in Max’s dish. As we’re continually concerned about Max’s fluctuating weight, I pushed the remains from his plate into a neat little mound and encouraged him to try again. As he did so, I continued to speak to him, then noticed a sound coming from somewhere in the suite. The sound was muffled, but distinct. A cat-purr coming from somewhere; this is a good thing. But which cat was the “owner” of that purr?

I began to investigate.

I thought the purr was coming from behind me, so I looked and saw senior cat Tux resting on the soft, blanket-covered chair. There was room for me to sit down next to him, so I carefully did so.

The purr increased in volume.

As I spoke to Tux about his purr, I included Max in the conversation. The sound continued to get louder and faster, as if I had started an engine that was just getting warmed up. The more attention I gave this fine feline fellow, the louder Tux’s purr became.

Uh, oh…I am in big trouble here.

Has Cupid been hiding in this suite since last month, waiting for me?

Here at Tabby’s Place, we never know when Cupid will strike. No one is immune to his powers. Staff, volunteers and visitors are all subject to his plots to match the great cats of Tabby’s Place with potential adopters. We have all fallen victim to it.

I felt myself melting….not just a little, but a big, soupy meltdown that leaves you stunned with its urgency and caught up by its intensity.

I think it’s called love at first sight?

I had met Tux previously, when he first joined Max and the other cats in their suite. Tux is a quiet cat, and kept to himself during his first few weeks of residency. I had not had the opportunity to hear that purr, or to appreciate how he had bloomed. Since Tux is a Special Needs senior who had been through tough times, it was good to see that he was feeling better now.

His purr showed me he was truly enjoying my visit. I found him as charming as he apparently found me. I was glad that Max has such a nice roommate.

As Max already understands, my feline family at home is as complete as I can accommodate. Cupid had worked his magic on me before, leading to my adoption of Tabby’s Place alumnus Fuzzy. I know just how strong those magical powers can be.

But just as Max did many moons ago, Tux will join the ranks of my Tabby’s Place “boyfriends.” They are the cats that I love with all of my heart, but cannot adopt. It brings me much joy to visit with each of them. I know at night, when they put their heads down for their evening rest, they understand that they are loved not just by me, but by every staff person and volunteer that graces the halls of Tabby’s Place.

Thank you, dearest sponsors, for helping to provide this kind of security, and the big purrs it creates. We could not do this without your love, kindness and support.