Happy Perseids, TNR stars!

Others may lament the “dog days” of summer, but the cats are counting comets over their solariums. Mid-August brings the zestiest meteor shower of the year to our humble corner of New Jersey. But then, we’re often starstruck at Tabby’s Place.

Just consider Apollo.

Named for the Greek god of sun, this moon-faced little man is nothing short of celestial. Just look at those innocent eyes, swirling with soul.

But Apollo’s sky was dark this summer, and he would need far more than a wish upon a shooting star if he would survive. Living outdoors, the stray sunbeam suffered a neck wound, most likely from another animal. It became infected, and Apollo stumbled through days and nights of agony.

A compassionate man had been feeding the stricken stray, but their bond was star-crossed. A veterinarian told the good Samaritan that Apollo should be euthanized. He was just “too feral” to merit medical intervention, and FIV+ to boot.

Fortunately, Apollo’s angel gave that advice the boot.

In Greek mythology, Apollo is associated with music, truth, and healing. In central New Jersey, an aching little cat would need all three.

Fortunately, the stars aligned to set you in Apollo’s orbit…which meant that we could be here for him.

Let’s pause for a moment and take out our telescopes. Dance across light years to the day you decided, “I think I’ll sponsor the TNR Fund.” You couldn’t glimpse Apollo’s face, but your heart gazed across space and time. You made a choice that has made meteors of mercy shower down on countless cats.

Including anxious Apollo.

There’s no such thing as “too feral” or “too needy” at Tabby’s Place. The sun rose like a smiling promise, and Apollo found the delicate care he’d need to survive. He would never melt into our arms, but summer’s little starman had a place in our family.

We can only trust that, through his weeks of recovery, Apollo understood how much we love him. We sang to him (badly). We crooned the truth: you deserve unconditional love and skies of glittering grace. We helped him to heal.

Apollo survived, grew strong…and shone.

Today, the shaggy little satellite, once dismissed as “not worth it,” feels the full weight of his wonderfulness. (“Weight of Wonderfulness” is also the name of his secret jazz band.) He may never loll in a lap, but Apollo lives in the light of love. Once he’s recovered completely, he will go on to delight in his life with his devoted caregiver. And if ever he should need us again, he’ll be here.

Once a Tabby’s Place comet, always a Tabby’s Place comet.

And all because you, beloved donors, shine like love itself.

Thank you for your selfless generosity. You believe that every Apollo is utterly “worth it,” and so you change the world. It is the greatest honor to serve these precious friends with you.

Love, your correspondent,
Angela