Hello, dear sponsors!

I am again putting “pen to paw” to bring you my own update.  I enjoy sharing my news with you each month, and thank my correspondent Kim for helping me to do so.

I remain blessed with good health. My appetite is good. The fresh water that bubbles from the feline fountains and bowls in the room encourages we cats to drink more, and we do! I am still enjoying siesta time in the cat tree near the sunny windows.  Sometimes, I prefer the nice sofa in the room instead.  Kim tells me she never knows where she is going to find me when she visits the suite I call “home!”

However, there is one thing that has the staff and volunteers who visit me regularly a little concerned.  I seemed to be a little grumpy towards my suitemates as of late.  No reason for my behavior is apparent.  We each have strong personalities, and just as with you humans, sometimes that mix of strength in persona causes a bit of a ripple.

I discussed this with Kim at her last visit.  She listened with understanding.  She mentioned something like “sundowner’s syndrome,” but with a different twist.  Perhaps, she said, it is due to the time change?  Once upon a time, it was so pleasant to look outside until the day’s end at Tabby’s Place, watching everyone come and go from my windowsill.  Now when I look out, it is dark and dreary.  She said the time change depresses her; she is not a fan of the winter months, and to her, that time change means they are here…  This, of course, is not quite what sundowner’s is all about, but when you think about it, the sun IS going down and it IS dark out earlier—what’s to be happy about with that?  We chuckled together at her analysis; she reminded me that she is NOT a veterinarian and that I should consult with the expert caregivers at Tabby’s Place.

I did so, and the staff has placed a purple “calming collar” on me.  I have been told that I look handsome, indeed, in this color.  It looks stunning against my grey svelte coat, and many compliments have come my way. Calming collars contain natural ingredients that help to decrease anxiety and promote natural positive responses in behavior. The goal here is to keep we cats that live in the Staff/Volunteer Lounge “lovers, not fighters.”  So far, so good.  I will keep you posted.

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is a time to remember your blessings, both big and small.  I am truly blessed to be a part of the Tabby’s Place “family.”  I hope that you will come and meet me if you are journeying through our scenic area. Kim says the best way to see how far I have come is to meet me in person!  I am a senior cat that never forgets from where he came, and the hardships I endured before making it here.

Thank you so very much, my dear sponsors, for YOUR part in providing everything I need to remain healthy, happy and loved.

Love,
Shifty
(with help from your correspondent, Kim)