Dearest friends of Pepita,

Here comes spring—nature’s rebirth—and all the hope and joy that comes with it!  And there is much joy in Pepita’s world as our sweetheart’s stretch of newsless health continues.  Miss Sweetest Ever Kitty has remained free of urinary tract infections and other issues this month, leaving her free to pursue her main mission: delivering sunshine to all who enter her space.  It never ceases to amaze us how Pepita radiates joy and affection.

On a recent visit, I realized I had not had lap time with Pepita in ages, and it just wasn’t right!  Of course, I found her in the solarium with her buddies Steven, Chewie, and Abe, as the day was warm enough to be out in her favorite location.  And yet it was cold enough for her to want the warmth of a snuggly blue bed, or, after a tiny bit of coaxing (really just sitting in the chair with a blanket on my lap), the warmth of a human being’s lap!

I’d like to believe she wanted my lap, but in reality, she probably would have taken any lap that came her way that day.  Our gentle girl was super ready for some snuggling, petting, and combing, enjoying the lap time as much as I enjoyed having her on my lap. What a delightful way to pass the time.  Naturally, Steven stood on the tower shelf next to me the whole time, so I did have to share my hands: one for Pepita and one for Steven, so that he could enjoy some love as well.

Before I left that day, I mentioned my lap time with Pepita to Tabby’s Place Executive Director, Jonathan.  He noted that, most of the time, the staff who need to express Pepita or give her meds don’t have the chance to sit with her, and the reason is simple.  As soon as she sees them coming, she thinks it’s time to pee and runs into the litter box.  In Jonathan’s opinion, she races to get there before them, almost as if to say, “I can do it…I can do it…you don’t need to squeeze me!”  But, she is ultra-cooperative when they do express her, and then proceeds to go on her merry way, still joyful afterwards. I like a girl with high expectations for herself, especially who also can accept help when she needs it.

It’s been heartwarming to see Chewie hanging out with Pepita lately.  Chewie is our “super scared of humans” kitty who tends to curl up with Mary, the model mother kitty who calms all other kitties with her mere presence. But I did catch him in side-by-side beds with Pepita up on the ramp in the suite, which I had not seen before.  I think that counts as progress!  He has such an adorable face that I wish I could smother him with love. He is now out and about even when humans are present and doesn’t skitter away when you move close to him.  However, getting to pet him is a whole different matter.

I can’t wait for spring to really settle in and the warm, delicious breezes to come wafting into the solarium.  I know Pepita feels the same. It’s one thing to be out there with heated pads and igloos, but ahhh, to sprawl in the sunshine with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers in Cherny’s Garden—that is something to relish!

Thank you, as always, for your devotion to our petite, sweet, and joy-loving kitty.  She can live a life full of love and care that is only possible through your generous support. Wishing you a wonderful spring!

Your correspondent,
Sheila