Dearest friends of Pepita,

Our gentle girl has enjoyed a happy, healthy month, with no medical news to report. Pepita is now very much one of our “old timers” at Tabby’s Place. A visitor who had not stopped by in quite some time remarked that the only cats she knew were Pepita, Boom and a small handful of others. Pepita has now been with us over five years, and still finds ways to surprise and delight us with her sweetness.

But the biggest news of all is that Pepita is officially a therapy cat!  A few months back I let you know our sweetie pie was being tested to see if her personality was suited to becoming part of our Aged to Purrfection program, where selected cats are taken to senior homes to visit with and bring smiles to the faces of seniors.   I had no doubt that Pepita would delight the seniors and spread her joy widely.

She went for her first senior home visit and did wonderfully. Her first visit report reads “This was Pepita’s first visit. She was very loving, willing to be held and very affectionate. She was tired at the end of the visit, and it was clear she needed to come home. A very good first visit.”  I’m over the moon knowing that Pepita is able to give so much love not only to all of our staff, volunteers and visitors, but to take that love to the road to delight others!

As part of the program, we officially certify the cats as therapy cats.  I’ve included her badge and certificate and hope to include some pictures of her on future visits with the seniors.  There are only 7 or so kitties at Tabby’s Place that have qualified for this special role. I’m not at all surprised at how well Pepita fits the role.  It is through your kindness and generosity in sponsoring Pepita that we can keep her healthy and happy.  When she s healthy and happy, she can spread the joy to others through her role in the Aged to Purrfection program.  So know that your kindness stretches well beyond the walls of Tabby’s Place in bringing joy.  I’ll bring you more updates as she makes more wonderful visits.

The solarium is still the place to be for Pepita!  I never fail to find her there during these dog days of August, or just about any time of the year.  On my last visit, she and Abe spotted a moth that had gotten trapped inside of the link fence.  There’s some plastic there to keep the rain out and the moth got on the inside of it, causing lots of excitement as Pepita and Abe both tried to catch the little flier.  They didn’t succeed but it did provide about 10 minutes of high energy and natural stalking capability on display.

In addition, Pepita is still enjoying the big paper bags that I bring her. She zips right into them when I place them on the towers and does a quick curl up, hidden from others and enjoying whatever strange appeal a paper has for her.  It’s a mystery and will stay that way, but I’m glad I can play a part in making her happy with the paper grocery bags!

The kittens are still rolling in at Tabby’s Place, but I am happy to say they are being adopted just as quickly.  Dedicated volunteers foster the babies in their first several weeks of life, getting them socialized to humans and caring for them in a loving home environment.

Pepita and I, and everyone at Tabby’s Place wish you a soft slide through the end of summer as you breathe the sweetness that hovers in August.  Until next time, just imagine the purrs and head bonks that Pepita is sending your way.  Or, better yet, if you can, please come to visit our gentle princess in person.

Your correspondent,
Sheila