Dear Team Pepita,

Just soaking up the warmth in the solarium … this is what it is all about for Pepita in these late days of summer as fall approaches when the nights bring a bit of crispness to that air.

Tabby’s Place staff discovered that Pepita is particularly fond of Shrimpy Shrimp Temptations treats. So, guess what I stocked up on and am taking in on my very next visit? You got it! If this sweet girl has preferences, I will make some magic happen to appease her. After all, she brings so much joy to so many, why wouldn’t we each bring joy to her?

Pepita and everyone at Tabby’s Place want to remind you: that is exactly what you do each day as her special sponsor. She knows that her good life at Tabby’s Place is thanks to your devotion and kindness.

This special feline has been at Tabby’s Place virtually her whole life. She can count on the daily care she needs, and the deep and frequent love from staff, visitors, and volunteers because one day you decided to be her angel. And for that, we cannot say ‘Thank you!’ enough.

Here is just one example of how your generosity turns into joy for Pepita. Pepita had a flare-up of her skin allergy this month. Her medications were adjusted slightly to treat the irritation and hair loss, and she is now weaning back to her regular dose. She is nothing if not resilient in the face of any medical challenges. This month, there were no other medical items on her list!

And resilient, too, in light of the changes recently made to the suite in which she lives. It was time to remove some deteriorating wooden cubbies, and the ramp to the solarium, in the indoor part of the suite.  Some new cat climbing structures were put in place to ensure all the kitties could find their way up to the plexiglass tube that leads from the indoor suite to the solarium. And new beds and structures to provide for kitty playtime were implemented.

Over time, as funding and contracts permit, the cubbies and the indoor ramp will be replaced with materials that will be easier to maintain and still provide good hiding places for nap time. Pepita spends most of her time in the solarium, so she was less impacted and pretty much shrugged off the changes. She knows the love (and treats) will keep coming and is happy to observe the changes with little worry.

Tabby’s Place had our annual Volunteer Appreciation picnic in early September. Our staff hosts the gathering for all the volunteers who give their time to do so many things that need doing: cleaning the suites and solarium, feeding the cats, washing dishes, doing laundry, socializing the cats, helping with administrative work, stocking supplies, giving stroller rides to cats, taking cats to community events such as Aged to Perfection and Paws to Read programs, and ensuring any cat behavior or medical things they notice are reported to staff or the vet team. With several hundred volunteers on board, I can’t even name all the critical work that volunteers do for the sanctuary, and how many hours this amounts to over the year.

The picnic brings together many volunteers who don’t get to see each other during their regular shifts and celebrates their work. The staff provides service awards, lots of food, and fun games. This year, the picnic was at the end of a rainstorm and provided the group with an amazing double rainbow. It was as if all the Tabby’s Place kitties who had crossed the Rainbow Bridge wanted to thank the volunteers as well.

Pepita and I wish you a beautiful early fall. Know that your sweet girl will be watching the leaves as they fall and scurry across the Memorial Walkway behind her solarium, and dreaming about how lucky she is to have you as her angel.

Your correspondent,
Sheila