Hello, Dear Friends!

Shifty here, again taking pleasure in putting “pen to paw” this month to bring you my own news.

My correspondent, Kim, and I are really “in sync.” We have been dealing with a similar problem this past month—that of irritated eyes! In my case, the irritation was mild and was just a fleeting issue that required no further treatment.

But my friend Kim is not as lucky…

She told me during our last visit that it is tough to get old. We nodded as we commiserated over our eye issues. While my eyes were feeling better, hers were feeling worse, and will now require a shot surgical procedure to correct the problem.  I asked her if she had someone going with her to hold her “paw.” She confirmed that a dear friend was coming along to drive her to and from the procedure. She has been told that she will be able to visit with me again within just a few days, and assured me that in her absence, other faithful volunteers would be checking on me.  I was happy to hear that!

I told her that she must recover quickly so that she is able to see clearly, as together we watch all of the comings and goings around Tabby’s Place.  It is fun to sit together and look out the windows. Our newly-enlarged parking lot allows for additional parking, so there are even more people to watch. The delivery trucks bring us lots of items we will need as we prepare to open Quinn’s Corner, our new wing. That grand opening is now scheduled for early in the spring of next year.

I watch Kim go by on the days the stroller cats walk, and she always looks in the window and waves to me. But the heat here in Central New Jersey has kept this activity at a minimum in the past month. As the team leader of this group, Kim shares her disappointment with me that the cats have not gotten out much lately. I am also proud to share a little secret with you:  I am being introduced to the Stroller Program!  Stay tuned, as we see if we can get my comfort level to a point where I can enjoy the great out-of-doors with her!

As we prepare for a busy fall season here at Tabby’s Place, I hope that you will take a drive into scenic Hunterdon County, NJ, and visit me. Tabby’s Place is now open to the public between the hours of 1-4 daily (holidays may cause this availability to change). It would be lovely to finally meet you and to spend time again with those who have met me on past visits.  It is always a special treat for my correspondent, Kim, to have the opportunity to join us, too, so if you know ahead of time you are visiting, please let us know.

In the meantime, I thank you all for your wonderful generosity that has helped to provide for my needs.  I am a very lucky fellow, indeed, to have so many people who love and care about me.  Your gifts come from the heart (this I know), and I remain truly grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Yours in everything “svelte,”
Shifty
(With help from your correspondent, Kim)