Happy September, Team TNR!

I hope this update finds you feeling as fresh as new school supplies and as cozy as a childhood friend. Life among cats is a constant reminder that the world is just as wondrous as we believe it to be, and even fall is bright with beginnings.

That’s certainly the case for the two newest “kids in school” here at Tabby’s Place. Mr. Brown and Wilhelmina were too busy to celebrate New Year’s Day, so September marks their fresh start.

Until recently, Wilhelmina and Mr. B were members of a feral colony near an apartment complex. They knew the syllabus. Kind caregivers created a cozy campus of cat houses. Their “lunch ladies” always showed up on time.

But the apartment’s management forgot to read love’s lesson plan. Without warning, they announced that the cats either had to disappear, or they would be rounded up for a fate worse than detention. There was nowhere for them to go, and seconds until the bell.

Fortunately, dear sponsors, you are the superintendents of mercy. And, thanks to you, compassion is our core curriculum.

Mr. B and Wilhelmina transferred their credits to Tabby’s Place, where every cat’s GPA is goodness and mercy. Mr. Brown, with a name better suited to a principal than a pupil, gazed at us with shy, studious eyes. His snow-and-cinnamon sister, Wilhelmina the Beautiful, was nervous but not terrified.

And now, we have the honor of teaching them the truth of who they are: beloved, safe, ours.

 

But the start of the school year isn’t just about new friends. Is there anything sweeter than the sight of last year’s bestie, beaming across the playground at the sight of your face?

Well, yes, there is one thing sweeter: Trinket and Tchotchke.

As you know, these shy scholars are not entirely sweet on humans. If they ran the school, they would still be at recess, running free and feral under the sun.

But Trinket and Tchotchke are seniors, with heavy backpacks of advanced needs. Trinket had gone completely blind, while Tchotchke developed a life-threatening cancerous mass. Love would not leave them dangling on the monkey bars. And so, several months ago, these longtime members of a Tabby’s Place colony took the bus indoors.

We tenderly treated their medical issues. We promised their permanent position on the honor roll, whether or not they ever rolled into our arms.

And, although they skipped the seminar on snuggling, they seem to be grading us on the wry curve of their smiles.

For we have given them their greatest joy: each other.

Colony caregivers tell us that Trinket and Tchotchke were always friends. But, since coming to Tabby’s Place, their bond has blossomed into soulmate strength. Morning by morning, they gaze at each other with wonder. Evening by evening, they cuddle into a purring cannoli of comfort.

Every day is a gift. September is their favorite month since August, because they are in it together.

And thanks to you, there are no more tough tests for Trinket, Tchotchke, Wilhelmina, or Mr. B.

You, sweet sponsors, have aced this thing called love.

So as we settle into September, may you know that you are teaching four innocent cats (and many, many more) the lessons of a lifetime. They are worthy and wanted, exactly as they are. They never need to be afraid again. They will have everything they need to thrive, no matter what.

These are the best days of their lives.

Thank you for making this possible, dear ones. May autumn enfold you in wonders and miracles. We love you so much at Tabby’s Place.

Big hug, your correspondent,
Angela