October greetings to you and to all my friends!

My usual correspondent, Stephanie, needed some help with her letter to my many supporters this month, so I thought, why not me? No one knows me better! But even though I can speak for myself, I don’t do typing, so they agreed to bring someone in to take care of that. That’s the name you’ll see at the bottom, but don’t be fooled. Remember, not “correspondent” but “typist.”

I was in my usual place next to the front door when the volunteer stenographer walked in. My good friend Walter was napping in a chair behind me in the lobby, but much of the time he’s just as likely to be napping in the sunshine next to me. Walter is pretty old, but he’s real cool and real easy to be with. Good company, in other words.

Unlike my volunteer stenographer, who immediately started in with the “Ooh, Olive, you’re so swe-e-e-et” rot, trying to goochie-goo me from here to Trenton, and believe me I lay down the ground rules straight away.

I talk, you take notes, and I’ll hiss when you’re getting too close. There are plenty of other cats who’ll be happy with that touchy-feely treatment — Jonathan even has a fur-brush with his name on it! — but I walked away, only to be snagged by someone else, and the next thing I know I’m being held over a cat box, which drives me nuts.

Stephanie has told you that staff members will “express” my bladder, and I know why they do it, I understand that it keeps me healthy, and it’s working because I feel great, but I let everyone within earshot know I don’t like it one bit.

What I really enjoy are the little puzzle toys they have here at Tabby’s Place. The faster I figure out the puzzle, the sooner I get a treat, and I don’t mind telling you my times are considerably better than average. The staff calls me “exceptional.” That staff is great to me, too, in spite of those periodic “expressions” of discontent. I’m really glad to be here, and I want to thank you for your generous donations that help them help me.

Just another day in the life of an exceptional cat! I hope you can visit Tabby’s Place sometime, and please stop and say “Hi.” Just no goochie-goo, OK?