May greetings to you and to all Olive’s friends!
(And Taylor Swift, if you’re among them, hey, Congrats on the new cat! )

Li’l Salty Olive is as feisty and full of life as ever. As I opened the front door at Tabby’s Place one day not long ago, she hurried up to me and determined that I was friend, not foe, and accepted some petting before turning and heading back into the lobby. Before following her, I said a few words to her old friend, Walter, who was resting on a pillow just inside the front door.

After giving Walter a couple of skritches, I turned around and spotted Olive under a table next to Rose’s cage. She wasn’t resting, though, she was reaching a paw into the cage and pulling out crunchies from the bowl attached to the inner side of the cage.  This little lady cat has a special talent for finding the food intended for others and helping herself to it!!

Before long, I heard some women down the hall, talking about whose turn it was to express Olive. None of them sounded enthusiastic, and there didn’t seem to be anyone stepping up to volunteer for the task. You’ve likely read about how this spunky tuxedo is always miffed at diaper-change/bladder-expression time, but this month I’m told she went beyond even her customary high dudgeon.

While one of the brave staff members attempted to express her bladder, Olive became so angry she began screaming and flailing, flinging herself at Anka’s pen and attempting to attack its highly territorial resident. We all know this is a very bad idea—although Anka himself didn’t mind, instantly showing himself ready to meet any challenge from her. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, as the saying goes. Nothing quite that dramatic occurred while I watched, but I was tempted to cover my ears when the screeching started.

After the squalling passed, a FedEx truck pulled up, and the driver brought in several boxes, all of which Olive saw as her duty to inspect. While she sniffed around the boxes, the driver petted Cheela for a few minutes and told a story about his old cat, who would fetch for him. (Yes, I had one like that, Nicky so I believe it.)

So, while you couldn’t call it a quiet day in greater metropolitan Ringoes, NJ, it was a good day for Olive. As always, thank you so much for all you do to support her.

Wishing you all good things!
Your correspondent,

John