Claudia, one of the sweetest and most gentle people at the Mansion, got her life like cat today and fell in love instantly.  She named her new cat “Paws.” Thanks to your donations, we raised $1,000 to buy five cats and one teddy bear.

I am going to buy four more, which will cost another $800.

I’ll keep at it, even if it takes a while.  And I’ll share the process, as always, with words and pictures.

Two of the four wanting lifelike animals are men, one wants a lifelike dog, and neither wants anyone else to know. The other two are going to residents in the Memory Care unit. Five are ordered, paid for, and on the way, along with a teddy bear.

It is a gift to be able to bring this joy to people who are vulnerable, in need, and sometimes lonely. These”animals” make a difference; they are transformative, and it is powerful to see the love in the resident’s eyes when they get one.

I want to see it again and again; it is the most beautiful feeling.

Claudia is one of those rare souls who always wants to do good things for everyone. It’s a pleasure to do something good for her. If you wish to donate to the project (small donations add up and help), you can do so via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo, Jon Katz@Jon-Katz-13.

Or by check, Jon Katz, Cat Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

On behalf of the Mansion residents, thank you over and over again.