Update for the TNR Fund

Update for the TNR Fund

Happy August, Team TNR!

I hope this balmy beach-ball of a month is treating you beautifully.

With apologies to anyone reading this from, say, Argentina or New Zealand (Tabby’s Place does have sponsors on six continents), we’re in a summery state of mind here in the northern hemisphere. Like a kitten leaping for a butterfly, the temperatures have been reaching for the sky, and we’ve done multiple dances with three digits. It feels more like Nairobi than New Jersey, but keeping company with cats has a way of keeping us cool.

Mary Jane and her adoptive sisters

(Humans, “cool”? OK, compared to cats, we will always be hopelessly dorky and dotty and the furthest thing from “cool,” even in our raddest Ray-Bans. Fortunately for us, they are patient with our species. Fortunately for them, we are dorks with opposable thumbs to open their cans of fish mush.)

First, some cooler-than-gelato news: last month‘s TNR treasures, Mary Jane and Morel, have both been adopted. Mary Jane’s new mama, a Tabby’s Place volunteer, sent us this precious photo of MJ — now known as Aryelle — with her sisters, fellow alumnae Iris and Luna. Thank you for making this summer dream come true for our coolest calico!

Every adoption is an open door to a new little friend who needs us, so the “Vacancy” sign at the Hotel Tabby’s Place never stays lit. This month’s TNR travelers included two tinies, and one hard-to-pronounce paragon of pizzazz.

(Yes, I know. If all humans, compared to cats, are dorky, I personally occupy the far extreme of the Dork-o-Meter.)

First, meet our midsummer miniatures. Found at a car dealership, these striped smidgens were motherless, meandering, and much in need of a midsummer miracle. Thanks to you, a new sun dawned on their desperate situation, and today the toddlers are chubby, cherished, and growing like wildflowers in the care of one of our skilled foster families.

Louie and Tallulah

Louie, an old soul in a new wrapper, has us all singing “It’s a Wonderful World.” That’s the thing about kittens, isn’t it? Whatever thunderstorms may roar, out the window or in your heart, these little ones ground us in the glory of simply being alive. When you look into Louie’s eyes, you know: we have so much to be grateful for.

And then there’s his sister.

For a creature smaller than an ear of corn, Tallulah’s courage stands as high as an elephant’s eye. Aptly named and invincibly adorable, she takes her namesake (the iconic, irrepressible early 20th-century actress) quite seriously. Tell me, was it Tallulah Bankhead and/or Tallulah the TNR Triumph who said the following?

“Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it.”

“If I were well behaved, I’d die of boredom.”

“Say anything about me, darling, as long as it isn’t boring.”

Aoife, rolling and rejoicing even during her intake exam!

Neither Louie nor Tallulah would be here, basking in love and blazing forth bravado, if not for you. Instead of starving among the Subarus, they’re summering on the shores of unconditional love. Their bright futures are your doing, and I can’t thank you enough!

Speaking of things humans can’t do: pronounce our newest resident’s name properly on the first try. Ready?

Aoife.

Is it Ay-oh-fay?

Oyfe?

Ay-ee-fee?

If your Gaelic is fresher than mine, you know it’s Ee-fuh.

And if your heart is as big as I know it is, you’re about to be so smitten, you’ll be too speechless to say that beautiful name anyway.

Found on the same farm as eminent, elegant alumnae Agnes, Betty, and Toulouse, Aoife is scarcely larger than a kitten, but several times larger than life. A sweet, swirly girl with a sense of humor (behold her clowning contortion!), Aoife is four and a half pounds of concentrated summer. If ever a cat was gifted with an August heart, we’ve found her.

However you pronounce her name, Aoife is adored

As you know, this farm has been a Tabby’s Place TNR colony for quite some time now. Thanks to you, every member of the colony is a true “Tabby’s Place cat,” from the gals who have galloped inside (due to their friendliness and/or medical needs) to the eight fine ferals who remain at the farm. Your generosity makes it possible for us to monitor each cat in the colony carefully, ensuring they’re safe, healthy, and eating well.

Little Aoife (named by a staff member who loves the Emerald Isle) was a bit too tiny and a lot too love-hungry to stay outside. And so it is that one stripey sparkler is Augusting at Tabby’s Place…and we’re all a-gushing with love.

Sweet sponsors, I hope you’ll take a moment to bask in the sunshine of your love. None of these cats would have a chance at life — much less constant cherishing — without you.

To us, you are an invincible summer.

Now get out there and enjoy August’s meteor showers and merry BBQs and shining surprises in all sorts of guises. And join Louie in singing, “I think to myself, what a wonderful world!”

Love, your correspondent,
Angela