Happy autumn, dear sponsors!

Is there anything on this Earth more beautiful than September? The world becomes a concerto of “cozy,” and the sun drops golden, maple-y kisses on the tops of our heads. There is good reason that this month shares its name with one of the happiest songs ever sung.

But I must admit: my September swoon is a bit biased this year. This September is second to none. This is the September in which you saved one hundred nine cats.

One hundred nine.

That is just about the human population of Ringoes, New Jersey, Tabby’s Place’s home town. (OK, I’m exaggerating. Ringoes has at least one hundred twenty humans.)

That is a full Congress-and-then-some of lives loved and saved (and every one of these long-tailed “legislators” fully deserves our vote).

That is the power of love. And now begins the tender task of lighting candles.

As you know, this summer, your generosity enabled Tabby’s Place to take on two large, sickly cat colonies. When this odyssey began, we could not know for certain how many cats were involved. But, with you by our side, and with the courage born of love, we said “yes.”

The early days were often heart-shattering. The sight of innocent kittens trembling with hunger, eyes gummed shut with infection, left us weeping … and determined to save every life. Working with rescue partners, neighbors, and a vast choir of unheralded angels, we have saved the hundred nine.

I’m including even those who tragically breathed their last in our care. For what does it mean to be saved if not to be loved? And what greater gift can any of us dream of than to leave this earth knowing we are adored?

But happily, the overwhelming majority of the cats have healed and begun to thrive … which brings me back to the candles.

Most of the cats and kittens have been, or will be, adopted. Several will go to safe, outdoor settings or other rescue partners. But over fifty are here at Tabby’s Place, trying to figure out what sort of story they’ve fallen into.

Dear sponsors, you know that trust does not always come easily. But loving feral cats as much as you do, you know that they deserve all the tenderness we have to give. I am proud to share that we have quite literally rearranged Tabby’s Place on behalf of these brave newcomers.

I’m not exaggerating. In late August, we embarked on an ambitious “musical cats” project, reassigning residents to different suites so that two rooms could be devoted entirely to our colony survivors. This will enable our trained volunteers and devoted staff to socialize these sweethearts gently.

It will also allow the cats to stay with their longtime friends/neighbors/kinfolk. They have been through so much together, it’s only right that the happiest days of their lives be spent in the same cuddle pile.

As of this writing, we know it will be slow going.

And every day, we know it will be worth it.

Our goal is not that every one of these beautiful friends should become a lap cat or even get adopted. The dream is simply that they know they are loved, feel safe in their brave spirits, and thrive for the rest of their long lives.

This is all possible only because of you.

This is what September is all about.

Dear sponsors, thank you for your selfless love and generosity for the historic hundred nine … and every cat we cherish together.

With love and deepest gratitude,
Angela