Death of a Cat; Birth of a Dream:
In 1999, after their beloved cat, Tabby, died of cancer, Jonathan Rosenberg and his wife found their lives taking on a whole new direction, one they had never dreamed of. Because he wanted to honor the memory of Tabby, and because he wanted to make a difference, Jonathan was driven to devote his life to saving homeless cats.
His dream was to help those cats who found themselves on "death's row," cats who are classed as "unadoptable," because of severe illness, physical "defects," advanced age, or temperament. The goal was to nurture and care for those cats that might eventually become adoptable, but also to provide a home for life, if adoption wasn't possible. Jonathan quit his job and his real life's work began in earnest. It was not an easy task, and there were many legal and financial obstacles along the way.
Dream Becomes Reality:
It took years for Jonathan's dream to become reality, and finally, in October, 2003, Tabby's Place began its mission to save castaway cats. The initial facility was designed to house 100 cats, in separate rooms. Tabby's Place is "cageless," and the only cages are in three holding rooms, where cats are kept separate for a short time only, for certain medical reasons. Five spacious interior cat suites offer open space, along with climbing structures, and sleep areas (one suite holds FIV+ cats.)
Four solariums provide a safe "outdoors" experience with the back walls covered with mesh, allowing the cats fresh air and sunshine. A bonus comes by way of overhead walkways from each suite to a solarium, to provide free access. The floorplan of Tabby's Place also discloses a surgery, atrium reception, a sizeable community training room, and an apartment for an attendant, to provide 24/7 care for these fragile but valued feline residents.
Future Plans:
Jonathan Rosenberg's ultimate dream is a facility of three buildings, with the capability of caring for 500 special needs cats, an awesome goal. Although he personally provided the funds to make the first part of his dream a reality, the remainder will only be possible through donations.
How You Can Help:
I was personally introduced to Tabby's Place in September of 2003, by a member of About Cats Forum who had sponsored one of the special needs cats at the sanctuary. I was so impressed and excited about the wonderful, selfless work of Tabby's Place's founders and volunteers, that I also sponsored a cat, Charlie, who is semi-feral and has FIV. After Charlie was adopted, I transferred my sponsorship to a general one, and now have a small part in sponsoring all the special needs cats.
For only $50 a month, I get the knowledge that I'm helping several of the special needs cats, cats that I will never see in person. My small donation helps provide a high quality food for these cats, who deserve no less, or it pays for specialized treatment. Once a month, I receive an email update on the progress of one of the special needs cats, which gives me the kind of pleasure that money usually cannot buy.
I highly recommend the experience; much more rewarding and long-lasting than anything else I could buy for the same amount. There are any number of ways you can help:
- Sponsor a Special Needs Cat
Just a few are pictured in the slide-show above, but you can view all the cats on Tabby's Place web site. Each cat has his or her own special page, as well as special needs. The cats pictured in this article were all special needs cats at the time this article was first written. They may have been adopted or passed on by now, but there are always plenty of special needs cats needing sponsors. The monthly donation can be as low as $14, about the cost of a fast food meal for a family of four. - One-time Donation
You can be as generous as your heart inspires and your checkbook can handle. - "In Memory Donation"
A fine way to honor the memory of a special cat or human, for $25 or more. A $500 donation will fund a brick in the Tabby Place Memorial Walkway, as well as support the rescue and care of Tabby's Place's very special feline residents. - Donate in Honor
A minimum donation of $25 in honor of a living person or cat would make a very nice birthday gift for a friend. - Volunteer
If you are in New Jersey, you might consider volunteering at Tabby's Place. Volunteering for socializing the cats is obviously a favorite activity, but volunteers are also needed for the reception desk, for feeding, cleaning, and for adoption assistance. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. - Adopt a Cat!
This may be the most personally rewarding way of helping. By opening up your heart or your home to a special needs cat, you'll help make room for others at Tabby's Place, and you'll reap rewards beyond measure. You'll need to fill out an Adoption Form (PDF file), which will help the adoption counselors analyze your abilities to care for a special needs cat, and to match you with the best candidate for your family and home. Don't forget, you are making a lifetime commitment!
Founded on a dream, managed with sound principles, by selfless staff members and volunteers, and a dedicated board of trustees, Tabby's Place is truly the epitome of a cat sanctuary. Jonathan Rosenberg could not have chosen a higher tribute to his Tabby, and Tabby's legacy of love will live on forever in Tabby's Place.
