Greetings, Rose’s Best Buddies,
Time feels like it is finally moving along at a happy pace. I am over the moon y’all because many of my volunteer friends have been able to return to Tabby’s Place, and I am having lots of quality belly rub time. Between belly rubs and treats, I am one happy li’l black-and-white southern kitty! Guess what? I have a new nickname, and it is very sweet: “Pineapple Rose.” No, I was not caught nibbling pineapple, we have a cat bed in the lobby in the shape of a pineapple, and my correspondent thought I looked so cute napping in the pineapple—we’re happy to share some photos of “Pineapple Rose” with you!
It is not a secret: I love me some stroller rides. Whenever the stroller volunteer comes into the lobby, I leap like an Olympic high jumper onto the top of the stroller. This signals that “I believe it is my turn to stroll.” The staff really safeguards our health and is very strict about not allowing stroller rides if the weather is too hot or raining. It makes purrfect sense to me, but my poor pal Cotton sulks—he is still a youngin’, so he does not yet understand.
Usually, I mention my health update at the end, but I wanted to change it up (as they say) now. I have a temporary change in residence. As you are aware, I have had this darn UTI for several months. It really bothers my bottom, and I have a sore spot, which is probably from urine scalding – common with UTIs. The staff has been so kind and has tried several great antibiotics to make the UTI go away. They apply a healing salve (soothing ointment) to my sore spot as needed; it feels so good.
I am currently residing in Suite A so that I can be diaper-free 24/7 (yay!), which should help with my healing. In the Lobby I need to wear a diaper all day, except when I am sleeping. I am tickled pink because Suite A has been my home for a very long time and my pals Steven, Boom, Pepita, and Adam have welcomed me back, along with the new cats. The other great thing in Suite A is solarium access all day—woo hoo! There are so many things I enjoy doing in the solarium.
Naturally, climbing up the ramp to the top as though it is Mt. Everest is my daily thrill! I love to curl up on a cot and feel fresh air on my furry face. Please do not tell, but I also sample my roommates’ meals—I consider it doing quality control! Of course, from the solarium, I have a beautiful view of Cherny’s Garden and Patty’s Place (named for a volunteer friend who passed away). There are birds, butterflies, and so many beautiful flowers. I really enjoy the stroller cats and curbside volunteers who stop by to say hello. I am back to being the Suite A social butterfly!
Every morning when I open my eyes, I give thanks for my amazing life at Tabby’s Place. I cannot imagine being anywhere else, and not having you in my life as my sponsor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about me. You make me feel so special and fortunate. I hope that when the sanctuary reopens to the public, we have a chance to visit together, that would be wonderful! Enjoy a “Rose 2014” photo that I just found!
Recently Tabby’s Place held the Annual Memorial Service in Cherny’s Garden to honor my feline friends who received their angel wings. Unlike last year, this year a small group of volunteers was able to participate in the service along with the staff. I watched from the solarium, and tears streamed down my furry face when my special roommates were mentioned: Mary (my closest friend), Abe, Cindy, Alice, Walter, and Hobo.
I try to stay on top of happenings at Tabby’s Place and can feel a positive buzz in the air. Doesn’t it feel like the world that turned upside down a year ago is almost back to normal?
One miracle happening is Quinn’s Corner, a new wing at Tabby’s Place housing cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and neonatal kittens. Often FeLV+ cats are euthanized upon diagnosis. Tabby’s Place plans to care for these wonderful cats. Best of all, these cats will be adoptable! And the teeny tiny neonatal kittens will have the best possible care with the new facility designed with them in mind. The groundbreaking ceremony was on June 13, and construction started on June 14. It warms my heart to know these cats will be given the gift of life, just as I was!
Have a Happy Father’s Day, and sending you bunches of whisker kisses!
Love,
Rose
(With help from your correspondent, Ilene)