Dear Sponsor of Tux,

Back to school season is underway in many households. Whether kids are returning to their classrooms wearing masks or settling in for a series of Zoom sessions and electronic assignments, the “back to school” frenzy is upon us. One of the common rituals that accompanies the return to school is Picture Day. In our district, which has begun the year entirely online, the annual Fall Picture Day is postponed indefinitely. But, dear friends, I am happy to report that our very own Tux washed up his whiskers and “sat” for some lovely portraits this month, courtesy of one of our talented volunteers.

I must say that I was just as excited to get the digital previews of Tux’s “back to school” photos as I was of my own kids. Tux does not often cooperate for photography and wasn’t providing a whole lot of content for me this month. He clearly enjoyed being flattered by someone else for a change. When I tried to take Tux’s photo this month with a beautiful blue sky backdrop, he slunk off and glared at me as if I had brought on a rainstorm to spoil his picnic.

This has been a good month for Tux. We have expanded our “Curbside Volunteering” program this month at Tabby’s Place. Curbside Volunteers come to Tabby’s Place at a scheduled time each week to take “stroller approved” cats for a stroll outside to enjoy the grounds and gardens of Tabby’s Place. This month Tux has been treated to some outdoor stroller stimulation. From my perspective, it has done him good.

For several weeks Tux seemed to be distancing himself from the other kitties of the Community Room and finding solitary beds in which to nap. During times of quarantine, you need a little space to yourself every now and then. But in the last weeks, Tux and Sammy have once again become frequent window buddies. While the photos don’t do the scene full justice, the pair was napping in identical positions just last week and I was able to capture a quick shot before Tux lifted his head to glare at my “rude” disturbance.

The start of every new school year brings new kids to the mix. The same is true in the Community Room. Our newest resident is a little black-and-white youngster named Paige. She was part of a litter of three, but her siblings were adopted and she was the least socialized of the bunch. She has joined the Community Room to get a bit more comfortable around people. I have yet to see her interact with Tux, but he’s always been good with the young ones. If Tux were a school kid, he’d be one of the ones to invite the new kid to join him for lunch to help them feel comfortable and welcome. That’s our Tux—a handsome gentlecat at heart.

Tux and I wish to thank you personally for sticking by during this unusual period of time. We at Tabby’s Place would never be able to provide everything needed for the care of these wonderful felines without the wonderful humans that support us each month. Thank you and we wish you health and joy!

Your Correspondent,
Lisa