Dear Team Steven,

Some things never change, and that there will always be changes is one of them.

In a busy environment like Tabby’s Place, people and cats come and go on a daily basis. Volunteers arrive and depart around the clock. Our adopted felines go to new forever homes, only to be replaced by cats and kittens with stories and yearnings of their own.

Then there are cats who, due to medical needs or simply the way life works out, will always make Tabby’s Place their residence. In the center of it all, in our bustling, first-rate Medical Suite, is a cat who knows all about embracing change: Steven.

Although Steven is pleased that he has no new medical issues to report, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t faced his share of change. Our big orange fluffball has been busy overseeing new additions to the Tabby’s Place medical team. As our longest resident and head of our welcoming committee, Steven onboarded a new part-time veterinarian and a new full-time senior vet tech.

He is thrilled to have two new staff members to love. There is so much important work to do at Tabby’s Place. Fresh hands, fresh eyes, fresh faces—these are a welcome addition to our healing enterprise. And for Steven, it doesn’t hurt that he can put a word in with our newest staffers that one crate in the hospital is to remain clean, cozy, and open at all times just for him!

So, how does Steven cope with so much change on a regular basis?

As you know, he has mastered the art of sticking his tongue out and “blowing the raspberry” with great zeal. It’s a coping mechanism that has worked for him for years. Even the most straight-faced staffer can’t help but chuckle when Steven puckers up and blows. A raspberry from Steven is the great leveler, bringing levity to even the most challenging situations in the medical suite.

Steven knows that keeping your sense of humor even in dark times is key to animal rescue work. Facing the day with your chin up, along with sticking out your tongue, can make the world a whole lot brighter.

Let’s face it, there is a great deal of sorrow in this work, as we can’t save every cat. Nonetheless, as Steven will emphatically tell you, we have far more successes than most. In fact, we frequently nurture felines whose needs were simply too daunting everywhere else. Steven’s big, beautiful heart beats with pride at the dedication of every staffer and volunteer … and you, who so generously support our mission to give life and hope to all our cats.

In his many years as our longest resident, Steven has seen miracles aplenty. And it’s folks like you that help us do our work: fund us, favor us with your ongoing support, and enable us to deliver your love directly to our cats. Thank you so much!

I asked Steven if he had any tender morsels or tasty tidbits of wisdom about how you can embrace the changes in your life. (See how I know just how to speak his language?)

Mulling it over for a moment, he gave me both a raspberry and his best impression of a Cheshire cat smile.

“Don’t forget to breathe,” he mouthed, “and always remember, any time is a good time for a treat.”

“Anything else?” I inquired, prepared with pen in hand to take copious notes.

“Be kind to yourself. Treat others today, the way you would like them to treat you tomorrow. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. And remember, it only takes a moment to say ‘thank you’ and make someone else’s day. We all have so much for which to be grateful.”

Thank you, dear friends, for sharing a bit of Steven’s world, and for your kindness and generosity. You have given our big, mellow fellow one beautiful life!

Your correspondent,
Tina