Dear Fans of Our Sweet Little Pumpkin Seed,

Pepita has been in good health and spirits and enjoying the warmer temperatures by spending even more time in her solarium.

She is frequently joined in the solarium by Hazey. Both girls are quite independent and don’t bother with one another, which is exactly how they like it.  They compete for the treats I bring in when I visit.  Rest assured that Pepita gets her fair share and then some!

The last time I visited Pepita, she was inside, as it was a chilly and windy day. She was curled up in a comfy bed and getting her beauty sleep, but woke up when I approached.

Before I could even give her a treat, an all-grey kitty named Paterson appeared out of nowhere and demanded love from me, right in front of Pepita. Our girl was not a happy camper that another fur baby was horning in on her time with me, but I managed to satisfy both of them with lots of pets, chin rubs, and a few treats.

On March 2 we held a special Paws to Read event at Tabby’s Place to celebrate Read Across America Day. This special day celebrates reading and takes place on the birthday of Dr. Seuss!  Many children (and their parents) descended on Tabby’s Place to take part in reading to the cats, enjoying the Cat in The Hat, and taking part in all sorts of fun activities.

So how did Pepita participate in the event? Well, there were times booked for several of the suites, including the kitten suite.

But ALL THE KITTENS HAD BEEN ADOPTED!!

So, Carrot was selected as a stand-in. But, when he got tired, the volunteers had to decide on understudies. Pepita was next, because several of the volunteers agreed she might enjoy some time away from her suitemates.

However, when one of the volunteers went to check on how she was doing in the kitten suite, Pepita darted out shockingly fast and ran straight to her solarium door. Not one kid got to read to her in the kitten suite. It was probably just a little too much change for her to be in a different suite (you know cats are not fond of change!). Back in her suite, all was a-okay!

The next day, Pepita – along with many of the cats – was really enjoying the quiet. She spent some time on self-care. Looking pretty can be hard work!

 

Another sweet story about Pepita came from our Sunday receptionist volunteer, who loves Pepita as I do. She is always sharing great stories with me. On a recent Sunday, Pepita got a first look at her newest Comfort Buddy (volunteers who come in and sit with a kitty to just spend time together) through the window looking into the hallway by the lobby. She looked gobsmacked! Love at first sight for her new, young caller. He was delighted with her, too. His dad also seemed quite charmed with Pepita. Who wouldn’t be?

Did you know that this month celebrates not only St. Patrick, but also the lesser-known St. Gertrude, the patron saint of cats? Here’s a bit to read about her story: St. Gertrude.  This month consider combining your celebration of St. Patty’s Day and St. Gertrude Day by having a Shamrock Shake to toast St. Gertrude!

What makes Tabby’s Place so special, as you all know, is that each feline is treated as an individual, with specific needs, preferences, and personalities. And that is how we care for and interact with them. Whether it is a special diet, placement in the right suite given special needs or personality, enrichment activities that match their energy, working with them to bring out the best in their personalities, or providing the special medical care they need… this is what we do!

A donor recently sent a note that captured what we all feel, so I wanted to share it with you. I am guessing that if you have visited, you may feel the same:

“We loved learning more about Tabby’s Place and meeting so many of your wonderful cats. I have been in many shelters. We were not in a shelter yesterday. We were in a residential community, where each cat was loved and cared for as if they were in a home…because, in fact, they were in a home. We so enjoyed meeting the precious creatures who inhabit Tabby’s Place. Each one was more lovable (and loved) than the next. I woke up many times last night thinking about the experience. It was, for us, spiritual.”

Our ability to care for the fur babies of Tabby’s Place as if they were in a home is because of your generosity. Your love carries our cats each day! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Until next month, Pepita sends her love…

Your correspondent,
Sheila