As seasoned fans of stellar ferals, you know that spring means one thing: it’s about to get real.
They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but I say unto you that it goes out like a kitten — or, rather, a full season of the little loves. We’ve not yet had our first litter at Tabby’s Place this year, but we’re bracing for the bonanza. It’s a near-guarantee that litters of littles will be born to feral parents — and when they do, we’ll be there for them. I can’t thank you enough for making this possible.
In the meantime, though, you’re making late-winter much warmer for some full-sized ferals.
Last month, you met beautiful Billie Jean, the frostbitten feline from Frenchtown. (Say that five times fast, I dare ya.) I’m elated to report that Billie has made a magnificent recovery on at least two fronts.
First, there’s the tale of the toes: despite our initial fears, Billie (pictured below) didn’t need to have any of her tootsies amputated. Frostbite had caused a few of those toes to fall off, but faithful bandage-changes and wound care saved the rest. Today, Billie Jean is walking comfortably and dancing her way to a full recovery.
Then there’s Billie Jean’s footing with humans. While she’s not yet rolling with rapture into our laps, she’s made massive gains in this area. Not long ago, Billie lunged at us with the wrath of ten thousand tigers (not that we could blame her, after all she’d endured). Today, though she’s still suspicious of our intentions, she lets us tenderly minister to her needs. Can true trust be far behind?
Right next door to Billie Jean in our hospital this month was another former feral…and this one’s downright saintly. I’m talking about Ambrose (pictured above), the most heavenly soul this side of St. Augustine’s mentor. (How many cats do you know who are named after the 4th-century Bishop of Milan?)
Although he made his home in a feral colony, everything about Ambrose sang of sweetness and love. We were delighted to take this darling boy into Tabby’s Place — and, as it turns out, he may have had a few saints and angels on his side in getting him here. Ambrose didn’t arrive a moment too soon.
Shortly after Ambrose joined the Tabby’s Place family, our vet team became concerned that he might have an ear polyp. Upon closer examination, it turned out to be adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer. We swiftly removed this, and the specialists are optimistic that it will not cause Ambrose any lasting problems. (Happily, this is a slow-growing form of cancer that frequently doesn’t recur at all.) Today, Ambrose’s biggest concern is commandeering enough love from humankind. I assure you we’re very much on that case.
Amazing sponsors, thank you for delivering love to our TNR kitties, large and small, friendly and fearful. Day after day, you are their champions and their angels. Have a beautiful start to spring!