Dear Team Steven,

Had enough heat? Enough humidity? Aren’t you actually just a little bit grateful for the days it rains?  Almost all of the cats at Tabby’s Place are happy when they hear the pitter-patter of raindrops outside the solariums. Ahhh … blessed relief from the swelter of a 21st-century summer in New Jersey!  And, of course, a gray and overcast rainy day is the perfect time for a cat nap or a little philosophical contemplation. We think we’ve even heard a few of our feline friends just “Singin’ In The Rain!”

As an older gentleman or, as we think of him, “a Tabby’s Place elder statesman,” Steven truly enjoys quiet, rainy days of meditation and reflection.  It is in these moments that he is at his most astute.  The many gems of wisdom with which he mentors both other cats and the staff are gleaned at these times.  Ever the perceptive ponderer, he is a keen observer and deep thinker about all things Tabby’s Place. He often doesn’t have a lot to say but, when he does share, it pays to listen. Steven generally prefers to lead by example, and we’re certain that following in his learned footsteps is always a good idea.

Our wise and wonderful boy made his grand re-debut this month at two of our most popular outreach programs: Aged To Perfection (visiting senior homes) and Paws To Read (having youngsters read to cats). While he did a great job, he also made it clear that he is ready for retirement. He was a bit tired and antsy at the last sessions and is ready to say goodbye to the hubbub.  We will be removing him from the rosters for these programs. Although we know he’ll be missed, we’re sure everyone recognizes that serving as our all-seeing, all-knowing (yet ever-humble) resident philosopher requires all his energies. It isn’t easy being Tabby’s Place resident Yoda, you know. It really is a full-time job.

Steven’s physical mobility has declined over the last month, so he is starting two new medications to help with arthritis discomfort. Patient and uncomplaining, Steven is stoically accepting slowing down at this stage of his life. He maintains it gives him more time to count his blessings and ruminate on the many ways we can expand our reach to help as many cats, kittens – his kith and kin – as possible.

And, of course, he slyly realizes how much we help people, too! Just how to bring even more special people like you into our wonderful world, Steven thinks, is a subject for deep contemplation.

As always, we thank you for your support and encourage you to visit.  You’ll find Steven lost in thought but, as always, eager to greet you!

Your correspondent,
Tina