Happy Holidays, Pepita Devotees!

Pepita is enjoying snuggly time indoors these days as the temperatures drop and recent heavy rains made for days when the solarium was not the first choice for our pretty princess. Nonetheless, she basks in the glow of all the love she receives from the many volunteers and visitors, who show up—rain or shine, warm temps or cold—as who can resist that adorable face? Not me!

Thanksgiving With The Cats in November was a success, with over 150 folks of all ages attending to dote on the fur babies and provide them with a bit of turkey, oodles of pets, and donations of much-needed items. Pepita enjoyed watching everything from the suite and taking well-deserved naps in between the activities.

As my husband and I decorated our Christmas tree this year, we placed two very special ornaments on the branches:  one of Pepita, of course, but also one of Rose, another Tabby’s Place kitty who unfortunately went to the Rainbow Bridge too early a few years ago. Rose and Pepita shared a suite for many years and,  most notably, shared a gentleness and sweetness that was second to none. There are so many wonderful kitties to celebrate at Tabby’s Place and Pepita and Rose will always have a place in our hearts and on our Christmas tree.

Pepita has been in good spirits this month, despite another urinary tract infection, which is a chronic problem for incontinent kitties. Our ace vet team was right on it, though, and the antibiotics are doing the trick.  Otherwise, she remains healthy, for which we are eternally grateful.

I will leave you with several of my favorite quotes about this special season of joy, which I have whispered to Pepita and in return, have received long purrs and multiple head bumps:

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” –Hamilton Wright Mabie
(There is no one we would rather hold hands with in this conspiracy of love for Pepita, dear sponsors.)

“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” –Kahlil Gibran
(Your kindness knows no bounds when it comes to supporting Pepita and Tabby’s Place—and it beautifies our entire world.)

“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” Ruth Carter Stapleton
(You recognize that the felines we serve with you are in truly hopeless situations and need love the most; your light of love is truly magical)

“There always were two ways to live in a world that is often dark and full of tears. We can curse the darkness or we can light a light, and as the Chassidim say, a little light drives out much darkness. May we all help light up the world.”
—Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
(You help us take the darkness our fur babies face and light up their world with loving care.)

“Sometimes, a flame can be utterly extinguished. Sometimes, a flame can shrink and waver, but sometimes a flame refuses to go out. It flares up from the faintest ember to illuminate the darkness, to burn in spite of overwhelming odds.” —Karen Hesse, The Stone Lamp: Eight Stories Of Hanukkah Through History
(So many of our kitties come into Tabby’s Place with their flame almost extinguished, but with our care and your love, they refuse to let their flame go out.  How incredibly powerful is that?)

As our Development Director noted recently, “Our feelings get as big as an abominable snowman this time of year.”  The love and gratitude we feel for you are that big!!!! Our hearts are bursting with gratitude for all you do for Pepita and Tabby’s Place.

We wish for you whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, and whatever brings you happiness this holiday season and throughout the new year.

Your correspondent,
Sheila