Dear Friends of Tux,

I am happy to report that Tux has been in good health and spirits during this final season of Winter.

While it has been a mild winter here in Ringoes, NJ, Tux and I are both ready for the arrival of Spring (and an extra hour of evening daylight).

After many months of transformations at Tabby’s Place, new routines are finally feeling like routines again. Well, at least that’s the case for Tux.

If I could sum up Tux’s month in three words, those three would be snuggles, stretches, and supervision.

Snuggles because seventy percent of all the times that I enter the Community Room, Tux is snuggled up with his friend Shelley in a warm cozy bed.

Ask any staff member and they will probably pull out their personal collection of Tux and Shelly snuggling photos. We all have them, and we all share them with one another. It has gotten to be so common that now I am more likely to take note when Tux is actually napping in a bed by himself.

This brings me to stretches.

Tux is always happy to enjoy a visit from a human friend. His typical greeting these days is to make eye contact and then stretch to engage his muscles and take full advantage of whatever pets are about to come his way. Tux stretches, I smile, and then I find myself standing a bit taller as if he is a wise yogi reminding me to stretch, slow down, and breathe.

Tux’s supervisory role has been two fold this month: he has overseen many meetings, and he has welcomed several newcomers to the Community Room.

Tux has always enjoyed Community Room meetings, but it seems that as he ages, he is overwhelmed by large gatherings (like the morning volunteer meeting) and prefers smaller committee meetings. For several Sunday afternoons in a row, Tux got to join in on meetings to discuss the many wonderful things that will be happening at Tabby’s Place in 2023.

He was particularly excited to join me for a Development Committee meeting in the Community Room in early March. It had been months since I had set up my computer to work in that room, but Tux wasted no time in coming over to inspect and curl up on my computer bag. He made me feel very welcome and appreciated.

New residents in the Community Room include Walker and Pickles.

Walker came to us as a TNR in need. When found, he was unable to stand or walk, and he was unable to see. His remarkable recovery (he’s perfectly happy, healthy, and fully mobile now with at least some vision), was just the thing to warm our hearts and spirits after a series of feline losses in the Tabby’s Place family. Walker walked into the Community Room and hasn’t looked back. He seems to befriend every cat he encounters and has an insatiable appetite for food and affection. Tux approves.

Pickles is a small and spicy little thing. She’s still under a year old and is playful with her peers and with her toys. She’s still assessing the human situation. She moved into the Community Room to get more intensive socialization from our staff and volunteers. She seems to be enjoying the company of her feline companions but seeks safety under a cat tree or cubby when humans approach.

Tux hopes that you are recovering from the loss of an hour of sleep and can enjoy a catnap (maybe with a good friend) if needed. He is grateful for your love and support!

Your correspondent,
Lisa