Happy last lap of lovely 2017, Team TNR.

The cry “it’s a Christmas miracle!” became a bit of a cliche many moons ago. But every tired truism started out as a truly true truth, and this one’s no different.

It is, in fact, a Christmas miracle that you’ve made possible for one Maebelle.

As you’ll recall, this time last month, Mae was feeling anything but miraculous back at Tabby’s Place. Our fully feral beauty wanted nothing to do with indoor life, much less all the grabby human hands that were so much less appealing when they appeared indoors. (Outside: You may pet me until Santa gets back to the North Pole. Inside: You may pet me, go right ahead…if you wish to get my Grinch going.)

The only thing keeping Maebelle from the safe outdoor home of her dreams was…well, the fact that such a home didn’t yet exist. We’re unapologetically fussy when it comes to choosing barn homes for our community cats, and we’d keep Mae safe — and surly — indoors until we found her noble nest.

Well, friends, as the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers were consumed, the Christmas miracle started churning like so many snow globe sparkles. Unbeknownst to us, big giant goodness was on the move.

A band of angels surely sent the loving family who arrived at Tabby’s Place right on time. They were seeking an outdoor cat for their barn — but, they explained, they didn’t consider their outdoor cats “just barn cats.” They luuuuuuuuuuved these cats, loved them with the affection of ten thousand Christmas angels. Might we have a cat they could love?

Might jolly old St. Nicholas have a bountiful belly?

When Maebelle’s new family met her, mirth was busting out all over. Yes; this was the cat. Yes; these were the angel-folks. Yes; Maebelle would be home for Christmas.But you didn’t think that was all, did you?

Back at the old barn, Mae had a very special friend. Derek (pictured below left) had weathered at least two winters by Maebelle’s side. They were clearly close companions. Now she’d left him…and we couldn’t bear to leave him behind, not knowing where he would find food and comfort.

After weeks apart, might the two cats rekindle their connection?

The question was on everyone’s hearts as soon as the angel-folks asked, “do you have a second cat who might like Mae?”

Does Rudolph’s nose glow so bright?

With excitement and anxiety (we’re a neurotic lot), we prepared the cats for their reunion. Our brave TNR-focused staff member Jess trapped Derek and whisked him to Mae’s new digs.

And slowly, surely, the miracle and the cats made merry.

Dear sponsors, it’s only thanks to your tenacious love and faithful generosity that Mae and Derek will enjoy a cozy, well-fed, lavishly-loved Christmas together. You made it possible for us to devote our efforts and our affection to two aging cats, of the kind that most of the world might find “challenging.”

Thank you for helping us to challenge that idea — and to love with abandon. May this Christmas, Chanukah and New Year overflow with love, blessings and the merriest of miracles for you and your dear ones.