Update for Rufus

Update for Rufus

Happy 2020, sponsors!

It’s a new year and a new decade, my friends! And let me tell you, I just know that this year will be full of surprises. In fact, the surprises have already begun! Hold onto your hats, and brace yourselves… I have big news! You will not believe it, but I recently discovered that I enjoy being brushed! Who knew?! Certainly not me. I mean, I am quite careful about keeping my handsome tiger-striped fur well groomed on my own. But being brushed by a human, well, that is something else entirely. I am sure I have been brushed in the past, but honestly, I can’t remember that far back. I think my kitty brain had to throw out some older memories to make room for all the new skills I’m learning here at Tabby’s Place. In any case, I just wanted you to know that I truly enjoyed my brushing session.

My life is getting better and better every day thanks to you. You are why I have so many humans taking such superb care of me. I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for me! Everything that I am understanding now and the progress that I am making is because of your sponsorship. The humans here keep telling me that all of the work I am doing is continuing to pay off. I know they are all trying their best to help me be a better kitty too.

Have I told you that we have a cat behaviorist who volunteers here? She has spent a ton of time with me, and she truly understands my quirks. She “gets” me. And she has taught other volunteers and staff ways to interact with me that are reinforcing my good behavior. As you know, I adore people and I want all of the human attention I can get my paws on. Learning to control my temper has made people feel safer around me, and I get a ton more love! Did I mention that my life keeps getting better? Even through all of the comings and goings in Suite FIV+ lately, I am doing my best to stay calm.

And I think I not only speak for myself, but also for a few of my suitemates when I say we were quite relieved when Martini Mike left our suite. I was hopeful that he could be a new friend, but he turned out to be a bit of a troublemaker. But life is a series of choices, and I keep trying to choose peace over war. I am by no means perfect, but I am proud of how far I’ve come since I was lucky enough to arrive here. I hope you are proud of me too!

So when my correspondent came by to visit and help me write this month’s update, she kept trying to get my attention but I heard a ruckus in the hallway. I jumped up on top of a pile of crates to try to get a look out the window in our door, but I couldn’t see anything. I was completely convinced that something major was happening out there, but it turned out to be nothing. My correspondent took a picture of me gazing out into the hallway, and you can see here how focused I was.

I am also attaching a picture from a different visit when my correspondent actually found me outside in the solarium. She couldn’t believe that I was braving the chilly weather, but I guess I just needed a bit of fresh air that day, even though winter has definitely arrived here in New Jersey.

Well, I hope 2020 is starting out in spectacular ways for you! Until next month, I love you!
Love,
Rufus
(With help from your correspondent, Florie)