Happy Spring, Devoted Pepita Lovers!
Mother Nature can’t quite decide here in New Jersey what season it is, but Pepita is grateful for any day when she can spend time in her favorite place: her solarium. Taking in the sunset “makes her so happy,” as one of our volunteers told me and you can see it in this picture of our little pumpkin.
When the weather is too windy or a bit too chilly, I’ll find gentle Pepita inside the suite, curled up in a blanket in one of the cubbies, as was the case last Sunday when I visited. She was deep asleep— as is often the case with kitties mid-afternoon— but did perk up when the treats appeared. Some minutes later, after treats and pets and love, she curled right back up to continue that most important activity—beauty sleep (as if she needs it!).
This month was punctuated by two significant events: first, a 4.8 earthquake in New Jersey, about 20 miles from Tabby’s Place, and then the solar eclipse, a bit of a non-event here due to the clouds. In both cases, Pepita was unfazed, and Tabby’s Place suffered no damage from the earthquake, though everyone was a bit surprised and thought for a moment they were living in California.
Strolling season once again has begun at Tabby’s Place. Of course, the rain and temperature are always the barometer of whether it will be a day for strolling. We will have to see if Pepita is up for strolling this season, as I know there were times last year when she just did not seem at all interested. I’m hoping she remembers what fun it can be (for her and the volunteers who push the strollers) and can enjoy the first blooms of spring.
On the health front, Pepita was reported to have strong-smelling urine but her urinalysis was within normal limits. Toward the end of last month, there were two reports of Pepita seeming ADR. ADR stands for “Ain’t Doing Right” and is used to describe a condition that doesn’t have well-defined symptoms. A cat with ADR just seems a bit off and you can’t figure out why. There was no clear report of anything amiss and when I visited with her and from reports of volunteers since then, she is back to her usual happy-go-lucky self.
Kitten season is in full swing at Tabby’s Place, with many pregnant mom cats and orphan kitties coming to us. The tiny babies often need bottle feeding or tube feeding and the constant care of some incredibly devoted foster families. We are so lucky to have a good number of amazing foster families and a stellar vet team to ensure these fragile babies are birthed with love and get the care they need for a good start to life.
Tabby’s Place is holding its annual Cherish the Kittens Fund Drive to help support the care required by these numerous kittens that come through our doors. Our recent newsletter—Tiny Takeover: Cherish the Kittens Newsletter—is filled with heart-warming stories of these newborns and orphans. And you will see just how many kittens got adopted last year (of course, along with many adult cats, seniors, and FIV and FeLV kitties). Amazing!
If you have ever considered volunteering at Tabby’s Place, we will be holding a Volunteer Open House on Saturday, April 27th from 12 – 4 pm. There will be tours and lots of opportunities to learn about the numerous ways to volunteer. Visiting with the cats is, of course, the most important part of the day. Stop by if you can.
Your love for Pepita and support of her needs and of Tabby’s Place are special gifts we are grateful for every day. Know that we could not do what we do without you—our mission stays alive through you!
Your correspondent,
Sheila