Hello, Dear Fans of Shifty!

I have to share a funny episode that took place last week.

I serve as a Curbside Volunteer Assistant at Tabby’s Place.  I have the pleasure of bringing cats approved to ride in pet strollers from their indoor suites to their outdoor awaiting “drivers.”  This program is a “win-win” for all cats involved, and surely keeps volunteers smiling, too!

Shifty is not a part of our feline stroller riders (yet).  His doing so requires training, much cooperation on his part, and final approval from the veterinary staff.  At the time of this writing, he had not yet been approved to join us but IS an avid watcher from the Employee/Volunteer Lounge.  He watches from the big picture windows, or from his favorite cat-tree in that room.

The other day, a fellow volunteer asked me if I had seen Shifty looking out the window at the strollers.  I had not seen him in the window earlier when I passed by. She said to be sure I looked in at him when I passed by again.

Later on, while walking my next cat, I stopped in front of Shifty’s big picture window.  He had dozed off in the sunshine.  I called his name, and said, “Hello, my friend!”  His eyes opened slowly, as if unsure he was really hearing his name called.  I repeated it and saw his eyes look up at me in confusion.  He looked at me again, as if shaking his head to clear the sleep; again, the same uncertainty crossed his face.

Then I realized it.

The mask, the sunglasses, the sunny reflection staring in at him.

Who WAS this person?  Was it a person, or some sort of strange “being?”

My poor fellow!

I pulled off my mask (I was outdoors, and far away from others), removed my sunglasses, and called his name again.

Now all was well with Shifty’s world again; he recognized me!

I am happy to report that aside from a few “off” days, Shifty remains in good health.  His friend Simon (it is nice to say that, as it was surely a friendship in the making) was not feeling well for a few days and required medication to get past an upper respiratory infection.  A close eye was kept on other suite members, to make sure no one else came down with the same affliction.  But Shifty was his old self again a few days later, and it was not believed that he had contracted anything from his buddy.

I was a bit tired out the other day when my shift was over and thought I would sit with our friend for just a bit before leaving for the day.  He came up on the sofa and stretched out next to me.  His coat is very soft and plush; another volunteer mentioned his bib and matching kid-gloves, all so very white.  We agreed that Shifty is looking so much better than he did during early spring months.  Perhaps it is the increased activity of the room, with limited volunteers coming and going again, and the additional attention he is receiving.  He sure is receptive to that, as well as his daily treats that he so loves.

Thank you, dearest sponsors, for your part in making this handsome fellow look and feel so great.  We think he looks ready for the prom and can tell he feels like he could “dance the night away,” too!

Our svelte and debonair fellow is sending you his love, with much thanks for your continued support and generosity.

Your correspondent,
Kim