Hello, dear fans of Shifty!

Our friend Shifty is the overseer of many activities at Tabby’s Place.  He assumes his position of authority from the top perch of the cat tree in the Employee-Volunteer Lounge he calls “home,” and watches the world go by.  His world includes everything from the arrivals and good-nights of employees and volunteers, visitors who arrive by appointment to take a tour of the facility, and potential adopters scheduled to meet with their chosen cat.

Shifty’s busy day also includes watching over the construction of our new addition, Quinn’s Corner.  Quinn’s Corner will provide sanctuary, love, and medical care for the most vulnerable kitties in the world—cats diagnosed with feline leukemia virus and neonatal kittens. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is difficult to diagnose and manage and requires a high level of individualized care. Few shelters have the resources to embrace FeLV+ cats, but Tabby’s Place knows these amazing kitties are full of life and deserve a chance to thrive.

Meanwhile, newborns often arrive without their mothers, making them utterly dependent on our love and expert care. Quinn’s Corner will allow us to care for these tiny wonders, who are underserved by rescue and veterinary communities due to their fragile nature and need for intense nurture.

Shifty and all of us here at Tabby’s Place await its opening later this year!

We are always hopeful that a little romance might be in the air at Tabby’s Place each Valentine’s Day.  We never know when and where Cupid will strike with his bow. As I visited Shifty’s suite this past month, I often wondered if there was any “romance in the air” in his direction, be it from a human or feline admirer.  Sometimes, a deepened feline friendship is nice to see in the month of love.  However, instead, I overheard that Shifty got “smacked” at the water bowl by suitemate Fenek!  So much for my romantic notions!

I would like to take a moment in memory of my own beloved Tabby’s Place alumnus Fuzzy, who was adopted on Valentine’s Day many years ago.  Fuzzy was like Shifty in appearance; a larger fellow with striking good looks and a demeanor to match.  Fuzzy was a special needs cat, too, and I was his correspondent.  I had loved him for a very long time before I was able to offer Fuzzy “heart and home.”  A big “yellow-fellow” with a compromised immune system, diabetes, and urinary tract issues, it took a lot of tender loving care to make sure that Fuzzy was the best boy he could be health-wise.  I miss him more than words can say.

As I admire our Shifty today, I see a gentle smile in his eyes, eyes that are bright with good health and cheer.  I see a beautiful gray coat, white bib, kid gloves on his paws, and a welcoming demeanor.  I thank you for your most gracious sponsorship that has helped so much to make Shifty the cat he is today.

My Fuzzy would have given each of you a “paws-up!”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Your correspondent,
Kim