Happy Autumn to Team Taylor Ham!
Your faithful correspondent, Mary, is away this month, so I’m thrilled to bring the news of Taylor Ham to his devoted followers (you)!
“The Ham” is such a joy to all who enter the lounge, and continues to be his usual happy self these days. He’s taking advantage of watching the autumn season bloom outside his window, while also ensuring he makes good use of other cozy places—cat trees, tops of cabinets, and the like. Napping places abound in the lounge, and he is not one to turn down any opportunity to claim one.
Challenging his general affability, though, Taylor Ham faces two annoyances lately:
1) being identified as a bit too roly-poly, and
2) dealing with Winky
The veterinary team is concerned that Taylor Ham continues to gain weight rather than lose it. This is despite the staff’s attempts to separate the four lounge cats for their meals, so that Taylor does not eat everything within reach.
In spite of his size (over 18 pounds), Taylor Ham is both speedy and sneaky. So, everyone needs to watch that he does not access all that extra food that belongs to the other cats! He is quite offended that he has been labelled as roly-poly and insists that “the only reason I’m fat is because a tiny body couldn’t store all this personality.” He also insists that he is not fat; he is just easy to see!
On to the second annoyance: a sweet-faced brown tabby named Winky. In Taylor Ham’s last update, he noted that Bernard had moved to another room, providing much-needed relief from what can only be called his “very special personality.” At the time, Winky was just being introduced to the lounge.
But here’s the thing: Taylor Ham is not sure this was a good trade, now that he has gotten to know Winky up close.
Winky can get overstimulated quickly and lash out if other cats invade his space. He likes to do his own thing and prefers not to be with others. And so, our mellow boy did his best to give Winky a wide berth to avoid drawing his attention.
Although Winky spends his nights in the staff shower room (which is connected to in the lounge), he is out during the day, and finds fun in cornering others and occasionally attacking them.
Most of Winky’s early aggression was directed at Leo. But a recent report noted that, out of nowhere, Winky jumped on Taylor on top of a crate and started attacking him, pinning him down. Staff and volunteers will keep a close eye on this behavior and take whatever measures are needed to ensure Taylor is safe.
The only other update is that we’ve been able to decrease Taylor’s allergy medication, which is good news.
In general Tabby’s Place news, two major events graced us over the last month. First was the incredibly successful Linda Fund Matching Challenge, which raises funds for cats in medical crisis. This year, thanks to wonderful donors like you, we raised more than ever before, so we will be prepared to provide on-the-spot critical care to save so many felines. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and love.
Our second big event was the 22nd anniversary of Tabby’s Place! So many cats have been saved from hopeless situations over those years that it was a true cause for celebration. Our Executive Director, Jonathan, and his wife, Sharon, had a vision for this sanctuary and then made it happen (a miracle in itself). We are all so grateful for their work, and the work of all the staff, volunteers, and incredible donors like you.
Thank you for all you do for Taylor Ham and for Tabby’s Place. You are a critical part of his wonderful life here at the sanctuary. We hope you enjoy all things Halloween this month.
Your guest correspondent,
Sheila