Dear Team Steven,

The other day, I went into the Medical Suite looking for our boy. Typically, one does not even need to look for him, as he loves visitors and usually comes rushing out!

So, I was surprised when I had to search for him. I looked all around—in the surgery center, in the area where he and Baby hang out, in the Medical Director’s office, under cabinets—and still, no Steven.

Huh?

And then, I finally found him—curled up in one of the empty crates where we keep cats who are recovering from surgery or medical issues.

I mentioned this to one of our vet techs, who noted that this that specific crate (on the lowest level, where Steven can just jump in it) is now “Steven’s crate.” Apparently, he has made himself quite at home there. Once I found him, though, he was all lovey-dovey, of course.

Steven had his annual physical exam this month, and his medications were adjusted accordingly. He also had his blood pressure checked and started on a new medication for that.

The first time, his blood pressure read 192, 196, 198. A week later, he was given some anxiety meds before the check and got much better results: 158, 162, 168. Sometimes kitties get anxious during check-ups (just like people going to the doctor), so anti-anxiety meds can be just enough to result in the “real” blood pressure readings.

It’s been a busy time at Tabby’s Place this month! We opened a community pantry for those who need a little help with their furry families. It’s called Perry’s Pantry and was created in memory of a beloved volunteer, and named for her kitty. This is a way that Tabby’s Place can extend its reach to help even more cats than will ever live under our roof.

We have also been continuing renovations to our 23-year-old cat suites. New floors and walls were much needed, and the suites will be getting new furniture soon—nice cubbies for the cats, and places for volunteers and visitors to sit.

As you might imagine, this renovation required quite a shuffling of the cats to ensure their safety. Everyone is back in their primary suites now, no worse for the shuffling. However, Steven was not impacted, as the renovations were not needed in the Medical Suite.

Our Cherish the Kittens Fund Drive is underway to help ensure the tiny babies we take in, along with their mamas, get the best possible care. Those kittens are so precious and so fragile that they require ’round-the-clock care. We call on many foster families to help in this endeavor, and we also want to upgrade our ability to have a real neonatal nursery in our building.

Your support of Steven and Tabby’s Place is a bright spot in every day for us.  Steven is a happy, loved, and well-cared-for senior because of your devotion and generosity. Thank you from all of us.

Your guest correspondent,
Sheila

PS: Have you ever yearned to care for the cats in a hands-on way? Please consider joining us for our April 25th Volunteer Recruitment Open House. We’d be over the moon to have you with us as a volunteer! But know this: even if you live an ocean away, you are right here with us every day, personally caring for the cats through your generosity. What an honor it is to serve them with you!