Hello to my new sponsors!
My name is Shifty, and I am happy to make your acquaintance! Thank you for your kindness in sponsoring me. I hope that you enjoy the updates that my correspondent Kim and I will bring to you each month.
Kim is a seasoned writer for the cats of Tabby’s Place. It brings her much joy to visit and then share our news. She often allows we cats to put “pen to paw” and write our own update. I am excited about the opportunity to introduce myself.
First of all, that name of mine: Shifty! How did I get that name, you might ask? It seems that my history (or what is known of it) is rather sad. Once upon a time, I was probably someone’s pet. However, I started to show up at a feline feral community that was maintained by a regular group of feeders. They knew I did not belong there, and that my chances of surviving on my own were not good. My teeth were in horrendous condition, and my ability to live life as a feral (semi-wild) cat at my advanced age was not promising. It took time and dedication, but eventually I was brought to the safety and protection of Tabby’s Place.
During my quarantine period, I was treated by our veterinary team for both physical and emotional issues subsequent to my abandonment. I had severe stomatitis, which is an inflammation of the oral cavity. This was a result of dental issues going untreated for a long time. Stomatitis is very painful; I was uncomfortable and did not want to be handled. Some of that feral life must have rubbed off on me; there were times that I had to be handled with towels just to receive my medications! Other times, I allowed more handling. I would look back and forth at those trying to treat me with loving hands, wondering if it was ok to trust them. Somewhere along the line, I was appointed the name of Shifty, and it stuck! However, I am proud to say that I have become more of a “lover, not a fighter” now, as a result of everyone’s love and kindness.
Kim also thinks my name is appropriate due to my unease around new people. When she first met me, it was with a fellow volunteer who knew me well. I responded to her as I responded to him; with affection and ease. When meeting her alone this last time, I was hesitant to befriend her, especially when it came time to be photographed! I was not sure what she was up to, and new things often put me back into my reclusive mood. A definite “shift” back to hiding mode disappointed Kim for our first photo session. She remains hopeful that I will learn to enjoy my stardom in the months to come.
My name is also apropos to my shifts in medical conditions. I am on medications to keep my mouth pain under control. I have no teeth left, but stomatitis can leave its painful trail on gums, cheeks, and even the tongue and throat! One of those medications is a steroid; the use of steroids over a long period can cause diabetes. As Tabby’s Place monitors my blood glucose levels closely now, I am flip-flopping between the need for insulin and the need to keep me pain-free via the use of steroids. A fine balance must be found to keep my insulin level appropriate while managing my pain. I know it will all turn out ok.
As for my emotional well-being, I have been making friends with the cats in the Employee/Volunteer Lounge that I know call “home.” All are beautiful, and we are privy to seeing all staff and volunteers come and go in that room. Everyone must sign-in upon entering Tabby’s Place, so we DO get to see each and every person every day. A definite plus for a new fellow like me when trying to get to know everyone here.
Again, I am grateful to my new sponsors for your support. When I lay my head down at night to rest, I know that I am loved, cared for, and safe. A senior cat should never have had to endure what I did. The sadness, confusion, and loneliness of abandonment took its toll on me. But a SHIFT of events provided a path to all of the blessings that life at Tabby’s Place has to offer a cat like me.
I think they call that a “miracle.”
Love,
Your new friend SHIFTY (with help from your correspondent, Kim)