Dear Team Steven:

Is it possible to have too much sunshine? Here in Southern New Jersey, we are coming to believe it is!  We’re not knocking lazy days catching rays, but the heat and humidity these last few weeks have made solarium sunning nearly unbearable. Even our most intrepid sun worshippers, such as Steven, head indoors by midday for a cooler clime. Stroller walks for our residents, who enjoy such outdoor rendezvous, are offered only on a limited basis.  Good hydration is the rule of the day for staff, volunteers, and cats alike, and we’re just thankful we don’t have to include crates of sunscreen in the Tabby’s Place budget!

We must admit that, for Steven, staying out of the heat is a bit of an inconvenience. As a senior cat, Steven simply doesn’t move around as much as he used to in his younger days. He takes his comfort where he can. Warming his old bones in the sunshine was a good natural remedy for the discomfort arthritis now causes him. Unfortunately, the two different medications we have used to treat his arthritis are no longer being formulated as originally prescribed. We are looking into some new options for him but, for now, Steven must rely on staff and volunteers for the gentle massages he needs to feel a bit more comfortable.  Oh, and he doesn’t seem to mind if a kitten or the right lady cat makes a few “biscuits” on him.

Yes, Steven has become quite the massage and spa treatment aficionado—with wet treatments excluded, of course. No mud masks or seaweed wraps for this boy! Sometimes, when we see him sitting quietly on a bed, we know he’s deeply pondering world affairs. Lately, though, it seems much more likely he’s busy sending telepathic messages to anyone who’ll listen to stop and give him a good rub down.  In a hurry or busy with another task? Well, Steven is very pragmatic: Even a quick little neck rub or scratch behind the ears will do. After all, you really do want to help him, don’t you? Isn’t that what staff and volunteers are here to do?

Certainly, as Steven’s sponsor, you are welcome to visit any time and provide a back rub.  Steven really likes company and, when it comes to gentle hands-on treatment, we’ve rarely known our big orange ball of fluff to say, “No thank you.” Of course, if you live far away and just can’t make the trip—especially in this heat—Steven completely understands. He gratefully appreciates all you do for him and asks only that you send some more good vibes his way. As Steven likes to say, “Long-distance love and healing are a thing.”

Now, who’s to argue with a cat with so much worldly (and otherworldly) experience?

Your correspondent,
Tina