Happy July, Team Moo Moo!
I’m happy to report that I’m feeling healthy and rather content this month.
I have a new favorite spot in the lobby that I just love. It’s the top of the new wooden hideaway crate. The location is great. I have a perfect view of the wondrous door that the volunteers come through when they bring our delicious wet food. I used to sit just outside the door to see the food coming.
Now I only need to open one eye from my nap and look down the hallway. Many people refer to me as the queen of napping. I like being thought of as royalty. This will help me retain my title. I can also keep an eye on the reception desk, which I also like to spend time on. As if this isn’t enough, there’s always a soft blanket and toys.
I figured out that the surest way to get played with is to lie on top of the wand toys. Someone has to wriggle them out from under me, and that’s when I can pounce! Even dignified girls like me like to have some fun.
In my continuing quest to become a more cultured cat and explore the world around me, I keep my ears open to lobby chatter. People were talking about Independence Day this month. They were saying they were going to watch fireworks on TV, and they would be set to music like The Stars and Stripes Forever, and Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Moo. Moo is my nickname! Wow. Another song with my name in it. The Stars and Stripes Forever must be a special nod to tabbies. Cats are very independent by nature. With that in mind, and the great songs, I assumed this was a cat holiday.
It turned out not to be what I expected. My cultural exploration became about history this month. I learned that Independence Day was a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, against which America fought a war. War? I thought it was going to be like a cat Thanksgiving, honoring how our independence makes us a pleasure to live with. Acknowledging how we self-clean, use a litter box, that kind of thing. I was shocked.
There was also a reference about space aliens laying waste to Earth, and a war with them, too. I have no words.
It never occurred to me what a disadvantage it is that human people aren’t physically equipped to handle conflict like cats. When cats have a territorial dispute, we usually just sing-song yowl at each other. If that isn’t enough, we might add in some hissing to get the message across that it’s best to walk away.
If that isn’t sufficient to dissuade an aggressor, we retract our ears, arch our backs, and puff out our tails. This level of posturing usually gets the job done, and we go our separate ways. If escalation does occur, swatting, biting, and or chasing can be deployed, hopefully briefly, and only as a last resort. I suppose because stationary-eared humans don’t have claws, fur to raise, or a tail, they have to use guns and bombs to settle a dispute. So unfortunate.
Although not officially asked to do so, I’m proud to say that cats played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War. They independently took it upon themselves to help protect valuable food supplies from rodents and prevent the spread of disease in military barracks and on ships. Their hunting skills made them valuable allies. In this way, cats saved many soldiers’ lives.
Ultimately, Independence Day seems to be a festive holiday. There are celebrations with parades (we should have one!), fireworks (not a fan!), and barbecues (a fan!).
Remember last month, I told you that I discovered I was quite famous? It just keeps getting better and better. I found out that there are two different BBQ restaurants named after me! One serves meats and the other is a grilled cheesery. Wow. I wonder if they would consider sending samples from their menus to me and my Tabby’s Place friends. After all, it’s pretty nice of me not to mind that they use my name for their businesses.
Circling back to parades, maybe next 4th of July we can celebrate at Tabby’s Place with a stroller parade around the building! There are a good number of cat strollers available, and a long list of cats who enjoy when kind volunteers give them a ride outside.
The volunteers could wear “red, white, and Moo” T-shirts, and the strollers could be decorated with streamers and balloons. They could circle the building so everyone could see. The cats who have solariums could gather outside, and others can sit by the door and windows. Afterwards, staff, volunteers, and all cats could enjoy BBQ meats and cheese. We could even invite our sponsors!
As for celebrating independence, I got in a little trouble this month. As you know, I have a job as a Medication Dispensing Assistant. I usually act in a supervisory capacity and closely monitor the medications binder. One day, I took it upon myself to act independently and rifle through the staff’s Greenies pill pocket treats container to pick out my own pill pocket flavor. OK, maybe a few extras.
I thought it might be nice to eat a few that didn’t contain medicine for a change. If any fell to the floor for my friends, that would be a bonus. Instead of being applauded for being self-reliant, I was picked up and unceremoniously removed from my endeavor. I had a little something to say about it. I’m ashamed to admit that I growled at one of my favorite volunteers. I promptly apologized, and thankfully, all was forgiven.
On a positive note, I do take my medicine very graciously. I don’t make a fuss about it. I like the pill pockets, which is a good thing because I’d be coughing and coughing without medication. Not being able to catch my breath is very scary. Thank you so much, dear sponsor, for helping to keep me healthy. Maybe being cared about is the best medicine of all.
I wish you a happy summer full of sunshine days and BBQ meats.
Love,
Moo Moo
(With help from your correspondent, Nancy)