Hello, Rose sponsors!
Put on your party hats y’all, because this li’l black and white southern kitty is cel-o-brating her 6th birthday on April 15!
This is probably the most special birthday, because, not long ago, there was a good chance that I would not survive to celebrate my 6th with you. I’ve been told that humans blow out a candle on their birthday cake and make a wish. Well, I don’t have to do this because my wish comes true every day of the year. My wish is to have you as my sponsor!
A year ago, I had no idea what the road ahead was for me. When my correspondent reminds me of all that I’ve been through, I cannot help but believe that I have a guardian angel or two watching over me. As you may remember, when I was a tiny (I mean tiny) kitten, I was hit by the monster (car). My li’l body was left with a broken tail and leg, and I became incontinent. My pain worsened when I overheard the veterinarian in VA say I should be euthanized. That was not my first guardian angel’s plan, and I was rescued by a real angel and brought to Tabby’s Place. Once I settled in at Tabby’s Place, you became my sponsor, as well as my guardian angel. I love sharing the picture my correspondent took of me at right, just shy of my 1st birthday, aww.
I usually see my correspondent weekly, but when it comes closer to writing my monthly sponsor update, we spend more time together. She says we inspire each other. As my sponsor, you also inspire me to make you proud and do good. My heart says I made you proud.
I am enjoying being part of Tabby’s Place’s “Aged to Purrfection” program. Visiting senior living centers and spreading love to residents warms my heart. When they see this lil’l southern black and white cat coming, their spirits are lifted. The first step in the process is to go into a cat carrier, which always has soft blankets and a few toys. Next, the carrier goes into the car, and I am whisked away on my mission. Once I arrive at the senior center I am put into a stroller (I love this!) and make my grand entrance. I tear up because it feels so great to make others happy, especially when I learned that some senior residents do not have family that visit them often. Purr therapy is magical!
Since we are family, I like to share all of my adventures with you. To be honest, I think the reason I was able to “Houdini” out of my diapie was because the diapie was too small. I might have gained some weight since moving into the lobby—or maybe the volunteers who do the laundry are shrinking the diapies. My correspondent is my advocate, and she explains it very simply. I was seriously ill and not able to eat. So, naturally, I am now making up for lost time and enjoying feasts in the lobby. I really like the food better in the lobby than the stuff in Suite A (no offense to the Chef).
When my correspondent visits me at Tabby’s Place, she might be guilty of asking the volunteer feeder to slip me an extra meal. Variety is the spice of life! Who needs room service? In an effort to curtail my diapie removal, the kind staff ordered some really pretty diapies in a larger size. At night, I am diapie-free and love to air out my bottom.
Y’all know how upbeat and positive I am most of the time. But sometimes, just like you, I get very sad. I recently lost my friend Jonathan, the handsome Persian cat. He was the coolest cat I ever met. Although Jonathan was small, he was full of the love of a big cat. I will always remember him drinking in the fountain and wetting his whole face. I say we should all be like Jonathan and make every day count! I shared my favorite photo collage with Jonathan joining me on the lobby chair.
From the sanctuary front doors, I can see the flowers starting to bloom and hear birds chirping, so I know for sure that it is spring. Spring is a happy and busy time at Tabby’s Place. We have had many adoptions in the past few months and have welcomed many new cats from hopeless situations. Tabby’s Place is also “on the road” and will be tabling at a few upcoming community events. If you are thinking of a road trip to Tabby’s Place, our 6th Annual Kitten Shower & Adoption Event will be held on Saturday, June 22, from 12-4 pm. Keep checking our Facebook page for updates, and of course, pictures of many adorable cats.
I want to preface my health update by stating that I am a happy and healthy cat. But, this month I had a bout of diarrhea, which has since resolved with medication. The staff’s greatest concern is my continued coughing and wheezing. Radiographs taken of my neck showed nothing out of the ordinary, but staff is considering a bronchoscopy if these symptoms continue. Paws crossed that this next month is an improvement; after all, I am a big girl—6 years old, in case you haven’t heard!
If you celebrate Passover or Easter, I wish you a very happy holiday! I am sending you some fresh spring whisker kisses!
Love, Rose
(with help from your correspondent, Ilene)