Dear Team Steven,

I dropped by Tabby’s Place the other day to visit with Steven.  As usual, it was a truly edifying experience.  Our resident sage was in a philosophical mood—eager to share his personal thoughts and keen observations with me.  Communicating with Steven is a subtle art.  To do so requires giving him your full attention.  However, there is a great deal to be learned from such a professorial cat.  Each insightful tidbit of wisdom is to be savored, rolled around on one’s mental palate, and then tucked away for safekeeping.

At first, Steven’s deep knowledge of “all things cat” threw me a bit off kilter.  I wasn’t quite ready when he threw out his first feline vocabulary word: ailurophile.  Quickly, I grabbed a pencil to take some notes. As is Steven’s way, he assured me there was no need to be embarrassed about any lapses in my knowledge of cat lingo.  An ailurophile is simply a cat lover and the word he likes to use to describe his terrific fans … like you!

Steven is an avid student of daily life at Tabby’s Place.  Let’s just say that, with so many cats in this unique community, there are bound to be some issues. With four cats and two kittens at home, I assured him I fully understood.  Steven, kindly but emphatically reminded me that, operating in the world of cats, human understanding only goes so far. That’s when he pulled out one of his very favorite tomes, Cat Problems (by Jory John and Lane Smith).

Wow!  Did Steven open my mind!  A humorous look at the world from a cat’s eye view, this book explores all the things that matter most to them.  (Hint: You are in my spot.  No … that’s my other spot.) Stephen insists this book should be required reading for all adopters, pet caregivers, and even our Paws to Read program. It’s as entertaining and informative as Steven is wise.  We think you might enjoy it.

When our conversation turned to the topic of Steven himself, our little professor admitted he’d been feeling a bit off for a few days.  Not one to complain, he hesitated to mention he’d had diarrhea and vomiting on at least one occasion this month.  As always, the staff observed him closely.  Steven assured me—and you—not to worry. He seems to be feeling better once again without any further intervention. And just in time for Thanksgiving, right? We all know Steven never likes to miss a meal!

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday, Steven and I would like to share our gratitude for all you do on his behalf.

Your correspondent,
Tina