Dear Team Regina,

What do you do to beat the scorching summer heat or wait out a Hurricane Debby-induced downpour? How do you stay safe in turbulent tornado weather?

Ahh, when you’re Regina, you ask a Tabby’s Place staff member to turn on a TV or live stream the Summer Olympics on a computer directly in your line of sight.  Laser-focused as she is on Olympic athletic competition (as well as the success of Team USA), Regina really doesn’t mind giving up a stroller ride to stay out of the elements. Always in training and ready to embrace any obstacle in her path, our Regina epitomizes the Olympic spirit. She is one gold-medal cat!

Alas, our junior jockette’s much-anticipated trip to Paris did not come to pass.  During the final hours before her departure, the Tabby’s Place med staff discovered Regina’s urinary tract infection had not abated. We agonized about making a difficult decision.

Breaking the disappointing news that Regina would not be going to the Games was a task no one wanted. Our wonder girl would continue with antibiotics and a daily cleansing ritual to keep her clean, healthy, and comfortable. Top-notch medical care for all our cats is the number one priority at Tabby’s place. For now, Regina’s Olympic dreams would have to wait.

Of course, we all face disappointments in life, but this one seemed particularly harsh. Frankly, we were devastated for her. Every cat, every kitten, every staffer and all the Tabby’s Place volunteers held their collective breath.  How would Regina react to such heartbreaking news?

Tabby’s Place senior elder and wizened old philosopher, Steven, courageously stepped up to speak with Regina. Softly, sweetly, gently, he explained the medical team’s decision. Blinking back a tear, Regina swallowed hard as she woefully absorbed his words.

And then, wonder of wonders, it happened. Our indefatigable, indomitable little girl lifted her head and, with true Olympic spirit, said, “That’s all right.  It gives me four more years to practice and go for the Gold, just when I’m hitting my prime.”

For but a moment, you could hear a pin drop inside Tabby’s Place four walls. And then, sheer pandemonium broke out: hoots, hollers, and huzzahs from staff and volunteers and great meows and howls from all the cats.  How exactly Regina found her way to Steven’s shoulders and how he found the stamina to bear her around our facility in true Olympic fashion, I cannot tell you. It was Tabby’s Place very first Olympic parade … and it was a doozy! Even the tiniest kittens joined in. (Sorry, no pictures! We were all having a moment.)

That’s our Regina—determination personified—proof positive you can never keep a good cat down, despite any disabilities or limitations. You see, Tabby’s Place and the Olympics have a great deal in common: the quest for excellence and the burning desire to let every individual live their best life and pursue their dreams. Like you, who continue to offer Regina your support, she is and always will be our champion.

And, like both Regina and Tabby’s Place, never give up your dreams! Thank you for your generosity to our extraordinary girl.

Your correspondent,
Tina