Dear Friend of Tux,

April’s showers have come to Ringoes, NJ, but I am pleased to report that the sunshine is here as well! We are in the days that my family calls “brilliant green and yellow.” I love this time of year, except for the one other yellow component:  the pollen. Enough said.

The temperature fluctuations that accompany the alternating rain and sunshine do impact everyone at Tabby’s Place as the sunshine warms up the inside of the building during the day, but the temperatures still drop low enough to require heat at night. This means a bit of extra work for the staff, who need to check the thermostats in the morning and in the evening and adjust accordingly. When we forget to turn the heat on before leaving, it can be quite chilly in the building when the morning team arrives.

What this means for the cats is that Spring is a good time for snuggling!

Over the last few weeks, I have collected photos of cat piles. Of course, Tux is often in the mix, as he’s never one to forego a good pile in. I opted to share two of my favorites that feature Tux and can serve as an introduction to two of Tux’s new roommates.

Like Tux, Bob is a male tuxedo, but he sports more white on his face and neck. Bob also has a distinctive sway to his head that manifests while he walks around the room. We have yet to determine what particular neurological quirk causes Bob to bob, but all he cares about is discovering and making friends.

Meanwhile, Sassy is struggling to feel at home in the Community Room. A reserved calico, Sassy spends much of her time hiding under the access stairs that help the older residents reach the windows and desks. On what seemed to be Sassy’s very first documented adventure beyond the stairs, she found a quiet corner of comfort with none other than Tux. Our elder gentleman cat doesn’t typically sleep in this particular position, but Sassy does have a tendency to “bury her head” when she is visible. Perhaps Tux was just trying to be supportive. It made for a funny photo, whatever the motivation.

Tux has been in good spirits and health this month. He continues to have the occasional day when a meal doesn’t quite agree with him, but these tummy upsets do not dampen his spirit.

Tux and I want to thank you for providing all the comforts he needs to meet each and every new day with sparkle and zest. We are so grateful for good friends like you (and Bob and Sassy).

Your correspondent,
Lisa