Dear fans of Olive,

I’m happily filling in for Stephanie this month to bring you news of your quirky girl!  First and foremost, though, we hope that you are safe and healthy and, by now, expertly navigating the ins and outs and ups and downs of the emotional rollercoaster called COVID-19.  I alternate between up days and down days, between days that seem to drag on and days that seem to fly by. I always wonder how the furry babies deal with the major changes in their world. So let’s get back to Olive…

I have to say that Olive is one of the most interesting cats at Tabby’s Place. But then you already knew that, didn’t you? She apparently found a special place in your heart because of her unusual antics and fascinating personality.  There is always a new adventure with Olive.  This month it is her fascination with two things: 1) cardboard boxes and 2) a nook she has found behind the reception desk in the lobby.  She is a huge fan of cardboard boxes all of a sudden. The staff has been providing more boxes to the kitties as deliveries come in. Without visitors coming into the lobby, there is more room for boxes, which just delights Miss Olive.

Her Majesty has found a new spot that is, in her opinion, all her own and meant for a queen.  It is an area underneath the back corner of the reception desk. Of course, the staff has outfitted it with a cozy blanket that she views as an open invitation to snooze in comfort, away from the other kitties with whom she shares the lobby and finds annoying.  It is her ‘nook.’  Angela, Tabby’s Place Development Director, reminds us that we all have our nooks in this blog: Know Your Nooks.

Olive has been in good health and spirits this month.  She, Cotton, Rose and Walter take turns watching out the wide, glass front door. With next to no traffic coming and going, the cats have taken to sprawling out so that the staff has to step over them to go out and retrieve the mail.  Olive has been spotted also sharing bed space with Rose near the door, anxiously awaiting the visitors and volunteers for when they can return.  She gets her fair share of stroller rides outside as well. I love when a staff member posted the picture of Olive in the stroller and labelled it, “Don’t try this at home!” I can’t imagine what a feat it was to get her into the stroller!

Meanwhile, the kitties at Tabby’s Place are in the best care possible.  The wonderful Tabby’s Place staff continues at their labor of love:  feeding the fur babies, cleaning their rooms, laundering their blankets and beds, administering their medications, completing other essential work, and providing much petting, loving, and playtime.  Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about all they are doing in the absence of volunteers to share the work. Knowing each of the staff members, however, this comes as no surprise. Their hearts are overflowing with love for the cats and they are willing to do anything and everything to provide the best care and home for these furry creatures.

And then there is the chore (and I do mean chore) of expressing Olive’s bladder.  Olive is one of the most difficult Tabby’s Place cats to express. Not only does she verbally and physically protest these interactions, but she tenses herself up which makes the job extra challenging.  One of the staff members shared that her right arm and hand are perpetually sore on the days she’s on duty and gets the job of expressing Olive.

Tabby’s Place has been experimenting with video adoptions! So far it is going quite well. The prospective adopters meet some of the adoptable cats and figure out which beautiful baby will fit their home and family best.  So far several adoptions have been happening this way and we hope the adoptions stick. Of course, any cat is always welcomed back if things don’t work out–they always have a home at Tabby’s Place.

Thank you for your ongoing devotion to Olive.  We appreciate you continuing to support her and Tabby’s Place during this strange time.  Your love of Olive touches our hearts.

Your Correspondent,
Sheila