Greetings, Stafford fans!

I’m pleased to tell you that there is no medical news for Stafford this month; he has enjoyed a month of stable good health.

There is, however, big news in another aspect of Stafford’s life. Our sweet boy has been officially certified as a therapy animal! Stafford is part of our Aged to Purrfection Program, in which he (and a few other carefully selected Tabby’s Place cats) visit senior communities to interact with the residents.

We have had many, many cats come through the doors of Tabby’s Place since we opened in October of 2003, but very few have the right personality to become a therapy animal. It’s no surprise in Stafford’s case, though; our slightly shaggy boy has a wonderfully gentle nature and great tolerance. I predict he’ll be a big hit with the seniors once they get to know him.

One reason that Stafford was chosen to participate in this program involves his roommate. Senior Sherbet, the orange female with whom Stafford shares his quarters, is not doing very well now. She’s lost a good deal of weight, she has serious eye trouble, and over the past month, she’s battled a severe upper respiratory infection.

She treats Stafford as a pillow and mobile space heater. Sherbet will literally lie on top of Stafford to sleep or lean into him when the two are standing close together. And Stafford’s reaction? Not one hiss, not a growl, no moving away.

Stafford appears to realize that Sherbet needs comfort and warmth, and he seems perfectly willing to provide both. He has been astonishingly patient with her, and there is no way these two cats could have known one another before they met at Tabby’s Place. Stafford’s behavior with Sherbet, along with his reactions to our staff overall, made us realize he’d be a great therapy animal.

While we’d much prefer to see Stafford adopted into a “forever” home, he has a home with us for as long as he needs one. That’s due in large part to you and your generosity. Thank you!

Your correspondent,
Stephanie