Dear Friend of Tux,

Summer has most definitely arrived in Ringoes, NJ. Hot and humid days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms make for interesting things to watch out the windows, if you are not alarmed by the loud noises that accompany such events. Tux is not bothered by loud or unusual noises. Tux is bothered by very little, but I’ll get to that shortly.

I am happy to report that Tux has continued to experience good health this month. He did have one unfortunate episode of a very upset stomach that I had the occasion to witness (and clean up). It seemed that he may have overindulged in the non-prescription kibble. This episode was certainly a bother to him (and me), but he recovered quickly and settled down for a good afternoon nap.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good afternoon nap? I know I do. I know Tux does. The loud crashes of thunder, the unfamiliar bark of dogs, the exploding of celebratory fireworks—none of these will bother Tux in the middle of a good nap. It seems that only two things can rouse Tux from a good nap.

Being medicated is bothersome. Fortunately, Tux’s medications are most often given around mealtimes when he is not in the middle of the very best or deepest of naps.

Thunderstorms and fireworks cause great alarm to many furry friends. I have observed Tux during thunderstorms. If he happens to be awake, he will watch, blink, and go about his business. If he happens to be napping, he doesn’t stir—not when the rain pours on the roof, not when the thunder crashes, not when the power goes out and the generator kicks on. For many Community Room kitties, these events cause concern, attention, excessive ear twitching, perhaps a stealthy retreat to a hidden nook or high perch. I haven’t witnessed Tux’s reaction to fireworks, but I can only imagine that this would be of only mild interest.

The barking of dogs is not a sound often heard on the grounds of Tabby’s Place. On rare occasions, dogs do enter the building but are usually in the medical suite at the opposite side of the building from the Community Room. When our Director of Operations came by recently for a brief errand and her two small dogs came in to avoid the heat, a single excited bark sent the Community Room cats into a state of panic. Carley Rose sought high ground in the tallest cat tree. Impy swatted Dani, who scooted to shelter under a desk shelf. Lucinda swayed from one spot to the next, not sure which path was safest. Ears perked up and sets of eyes got big and round. Meanwhile, Tux napped. He didn’t twitch or stir. Not bothered in the least.

It seems that the single most bothersome thing in Tux’s routine, the thing that can rouse him from the deepest nap, is my attempt to take his picture. It is so worth it for such a face!

Your correspondent,
Lisa