Tiny Paws and Second Chances

Tiny Paws and Second Chances https://topanga-banana.printify.me/

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️ Well, Topangatober is over.Mom says we have to go back to normal now.I’m not sure which ...
11/01/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
Well, Topangatober is over.

Mom says we have to go back to normal now.

I’m not sure which parts she means. I thought the cards and presents and everyone telling me how much they love me were becoming a nice routine.

I had finally gotten used to having a birthday month, and now apparently I have to wait until I’m TWO to do it again.

That feels like something somebody should have explained at the beginning.

As Director of Birthday Operations, I should have been included in that conversation.

I asked Mom what we’re doing in November.

Apparently, we’re raising a stinky bottle baby.

Her name is Josie.

Mom thought she might take a little break from fostering, but then she saw Josie’s picture.

I understand. Mom has shown it to me, and she does have a very small face.

So now there are tiny bottles again, and Mom is saying, “Oh, sweetheart,” in the other room.

I always listen in case she means me.

So far, she mostly means Josie.

I haven’t gotten to meet her yet because she has to stay separate for a two-week quarantine.

This is my least favorite part of getting a new foster.

I know there’s a kitten in there. Mom knows I know there’s a kitten in there. And yet we’re all supposed to go about our day with a door between us.

Mom says it helps keep everybody healthy.

Okay.

But as Head of New Baby Welcoming, I’m finding it difficult to perform my duties from the hallway.

So far, my duties are sitting outside the door and looking up whenever Mom touches the handle.

I’m very reliable.

I would like Josie to know I’m out here.

She arrived right after my birthday month, so she’s missed quite a bit. She doesn’t know about my cards or my party or that so many people love a little cat they’ve never met.

I didn’t know that could happen either, until it happened to me.

I hope someday she gets to find out.

Right now, she just needs her bottle and her blankets and Mom telling her she’s safe.

Mom says that was me once.

A tiny girl who needed somebody to take her home.

Now I’ve had a whole month of people celebrating that I’m here.

That’s a lot for one little banana to think about.

So thank you for my Topangatober, friends. For every card, every present, and every time you took a minute to tell me you love me.

Mom read me so many of your messages.

I hope you’ll stick around for November, too.

There’s a little girl in the other room I’d like to introduce you to.

As soon as Mom lets me introduce myself.

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank
Currently Working From the Hallway 💛🍌

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️ I’m trying to understand Halloween, and so far, I have several questions and a banana ou...
10/31/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
I’m trying to understand Halloween, and so far, I have several questions and a banana outfit.

First of all, am I supposed to wear the banana all day? Or are there banana hours? Mom keeps saying, “You’re going to be so cute,” which is nice, but doesn’t tell me when my shift ends.

Also, I understand people come to our house for treats.

To bring them to me?

Because that sounds wonderful. I will be home.

But Mom says WE give THEM treats. Friends, I’ve been thinking about this, and I’m not sure we’re doing it correctly. They get to walk up, say a few words, and leave with a snack? I’ve been saying words in this house for a year, and sometimes I’m told, “You just had one.”

I would like to know what words these people are using.

Then there’s the decorating situation.

I’ve noticed a lot of little black cats around. Black cats on signs. Black cats on pumpkins. Black cats with their backs all puffed up.

Sebastian.

They have decorated with Sebastian.

He’s already in charge when Mom leaves, and now he apparently has a holiday. I asked him about it, but he was asleep. Which seems to be how he handles most of his responsibilities.

Meanwhile, I’m getting dressed as produce.

Please understand, I love Sebastian. I just didn’t realize we were all coming together as a community to celebrate him.

Anyway, if you come to our house, I’ll be the banana asking to look inside your bag.

Mom says that’s not my job.

Neither is dressing as a banana, Danielle, but here we are. 🍌🎃

Love,
Topanga
Assistant to the Regional Black Cat
Unpaid Banana Intern

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️Some of you have noticed that here recently, I occasionally call my mom “Danielle.”I’d li...
10/30/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
Some of you have noticed that here recently, I occasionally call my mom “Danielle.”

I’d like to explain.

When you’re a baby, you don’t really ask a lot of questions. Someone feeds you, keeps you warm, kisses your head, and you think, “Okay. That’s Mommy.”

Then you get older and start learning things.

Like how the treats come in the mail in the blue Chewy box. And how the little red dot has something to do with Mom. I’m still gathering evidence on that one.

And apparently, Mommy has a name.

Danielle.

I heard someone call her that, and she answered like it was completely normal.

I looked at Lamby. Lamby looked at me.

We had both been calling her Mom.

So I’ve been trying it out here and there. Nothing serious. Just a little “Danielle, come look at this” or “Are you coming to bed, Danielle?”

It makes me feel very grown up. Like I might have plans tomorrow.

I don’t. I need her to open my breakfast.

And when I get sleepy, or something scares me, or I need to tuck my face under her chin, she’s right back to being Mommy.

But every now and then, we’re just Topanga and Danielle. Two girls hanging out. One of us licking her foot.

Besides, she calls me “Topanga Banana Frank” when she wants my full attention.

I think it’s only fair that I know her full name too, Danielle Mommy Frank

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank 🍌
Danielle’s Unemployed Best Friend
Mommy’s Very Grown-Up Baby

Happy National Cat Day! Apparently, there is a whole day dedicated to appreciating cats. I thought that was what we were...
10/29/2026

Happy National Cat Day!
Apparently, there is a whole day dedicated to appreciating cats. I thought that was what we were doing every day, but I’m happy to see it on the calendar.

I asked Mom what she had planned. So far, she has kissed my tiny banana head and told me she loves me. A lovely opening ceremony, but I’m going to need her to bring out the Churus.

To all my kitty friends, I hope your sunbeams are warm, your boxes are empty, and your humans stay seated until YOU are finished sleeping on them.

And to the kitties still waiting for a family, I hope your person finds you soon. Every cat deserves someone who thinks they hung the moon. Even when they’re knocking something off the counter.

Please leave a picture of your kitty in the comments. I’d like to see who else we’re celebrating.

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank
National Cat Day Activities Director 🍌

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️ There’s something happening in this house that I don’t think is fair, and I’ve been very...
10/29/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
There’s something happening in this house that I don’t think is fair, and I’ve been very patient about it.

Every time Mom leaves, she tells Sebastian he’s in charge.

Every. Single. Time.

What about me, Danielle?

Yes, Sebastian is thirteen. Yes, he’s the most mature out of all of us. But he also takes the most naps, and I feel like that should be part of this discussion.

You can’t patrol the house if you’re asleep. You can’t know what everyone is doing if your face is tucked into a blanket.

Sometimes I don’t even think he knows he’s in charge. Mom announces it, and he doesn’t open one eye.

Meanwhile, I am ONE whole year old. I’m full of energy. I’m curious. If something makes a noise, I go look at it. Sometimes I make something fall just so I can investigate the noise.

I like to stay informed.

I know where the snacks are kept. I know when the birds visit. I can tell you immediately if somebody is eating something they haven’t offered me.

These are useful skills in a leadership position.

And I already have experience supervising Mom. She can barely go to the bathroom without me checking on her.

You’re welcome, Mom.

So I tried discussing a shared management position with Sebastian.

He was asleep.

I waited a little while and tried again.

He stretched, switched sides, and went back to sleep.

Apparently the meeting was over.

I think we could divide the responsibilities fairly. Sebastian can handle naps, blankets, and finding a sunny spot. I’ll handle patrol, snack inspections, and greeting Mom when she gets home so I can tell her everything that happened.

Because somebody should be keeping track.

Mom says Sebastian has earned a little peace and quiet at his age.

Then why did she put him in charge of me?

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank
Assistant to the Cat in Charge 🍌

10/28/2026

I’d explain the ending, but I’m just as confused as you are 🍌

From Topanga’s mom: I’m writing this with tears in my eyes and a very heavy heart, and I wish more than anything that I ...
10/27/2026

From Topanga’s mom:

I’m writing this with tears in my eyes and a very heavy heart, and I wish more than anything that I had a different update to share with you about Joey.

Late last night, I received messages from Joey’s foster mom letting me know that he wasn’t doing well. His condition had taken a turn for the worse, and he was transported to emergency care in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This morning, the veterinary team advised that Joey needed an emergency procedure to try to dilate his esophagus and make it easier for him to eat and breathe. I was able to call the hospital to pay for his care over the phone so that he could have the fighting chance he deserved.

I wish with all my heart that I could tell you he made it through. Unfortunately, Joey passed away during his surgery. His little body was just too weak to recover from everything it had been through.

My heart is broken. I know so many of you were following his journey, praying for him, and looking forward to seeing him come to Ohio. I was, too. I had already imagined bringing him home and watching him grow stronger, with Topanga by his side.

Even though so many of us never got the chance to meet Joey, he touched our hearts. And because of you, he received the emergency care he needed and every possible chance we could give him. Your generosity made that possible, and I cannot thank you enough.

This isn’t the outcome any of us hoped for. We wanted so much more time for Joey and a chance to show him all the love waiting for him here. But I hope it brings a little comfort to know that people near and far were thinking of him, praying for him, and doing everything they could to help him.

Thank you to his foster mom for caring for him and getting him to emergency care, to the veterinary team who tried to save him, and to every one of you who loved and supported this sweet little boy.

Rest peacefully, Joey. You were so loved, and we will never forget you. ❤️

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️ I’ve been sitting here thinking about something, and I was hoping maybe one of you could...
10/27/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
I’ve been sitting here thinking about something, and I was hoping maybe one of you could help me figure it out.

Where do all the toys go?

Because I know Mom buys them. I’ve seen the bags. I’ve personally inspected the bags. And I remember playing with a little mouse just the other day.

I was having a wonderful time. I tossed it in the air, chased it across the floor, and gave it a few good kicks. Then I pushed it under the couch.

And that was the last time I saw it.

I stuck my paw under there and felt around, but all I found was something fuzzy that I don’t think was the mouse. I’m choosing not to think too hard about that.

I asked Mom to look, but she said she would get it later. Later was a very long time ago, Mom.

I’m starting to think there might be another family living under our couch. A family with all of my mice, several balls, and that little spring I liked.

Honestly, I hope they’re enjoying themselves, because I’d like my toys back.

I’m going to sit here and wait for Mom to walk by again. Maybe if I look at her like this, she’ll understand that the situation is urgent.

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank 🍌
Director of Missing Toys
Head of Under-the-Couch Investigations

Hi Topanga’s friends, it’s me, Topanga’s mom. ❤️I’m borrowing her page for a moment because I wanted to say thank you my...
10/26/2026

Hi Topanga’s friends, it’s me, Topanga’s mom. ❤️
I’m borrowing her page for a moment because I wanted to say thank you myself.

I wish those two words could hold everything I’m feeling right now. I am overwhelmed by your generosity and the love you have already shown a little kitten most of you have never met.

I keep thinking back to a year ago, when we were trying so hard to save Topanga’s life. I remember looking at that tiny baby and wanting so desperately for her to have a future. More mornings in the sunshine. More chances to play. More time to be loved.

Back then, I was just hoping we could save her. I never imagined how many other lives she would help us reach.

And now, because of this little cat and the beautiful community she has brought together, Joey is getting his chance, too.

Tomorrow, I’ll be flying from Columbus, Ohio, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On Wednesday, I’ll be coming home with Joey. I keep thinking about the moment I’ll finally get to hold him and how much love will already be waiting for him here. He has no idea how many people are rooting for him.

We already have vet appointments scheduled for later this week, and we promise to get him all of the specialized care he needs. We know this journey won’t be easy. There will be uncertainty, worry, and probably some tears along the way. But we also know he will be worth it. He already is.

Thank you to the rescue that got him out of the shelter and gave him the chance to make it this far. And thank you to every person helping us take the next step. Whether you donated, shared his story, or simply wished with us that this little boy could have a better life, you are part of what happens next.

A year ago, I couldn’t see beyond getting Topanga through another day. Now I get to watch her live the life I was so afraid she would never have, while the people who love her help give another baby that same chance.

I wish I could go back and tell myself that while I was holding her and worrying about tomorrow.

We had so much more ahead of us than I knew. ❤️

https://gofund.me/84d699b74

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2796680185380864384&created=1793038474

(Last 4: 4996)

CashApp: DFrank825

Zelle: [email protected]

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️Mom has a habit of saying, “I’ll be right back,” without providing enough information.Rig...
10/26/2026

Hi friends. It’s me, Topanga ♥️
Mom has a habit of saying, “I’ll be right back,” without providing enough information.

Right back from where? The kitchen? The bathroom? Somewhere with shoes involved?

These are very different situations.

Today, she said it while I was lying on the floor beside her.

I lifted my head.

She took three steps. I got up.

“Topanga, you don’t have to follow me.”

I understand that. And yet, here we both are.

She went into the kitchen, opened a drawer, closed it, and walked back out. I turned around and went with her.

Then she stopped because she’d forgotten something.

Mother. Please decide where we’re going. Some of us are doing this on four very short legs.

Back to the kitchen. Back down the hallway. Into the bedroom.

At this point, I was beginning to understand why she’s always tired. There is very little planning involved.

Finally, she sat down.

I settled beside her and let out a little sigh. We’d been to three rooms, opened two drawers, and accomplished something with a sock. I was ready for a break.

Mom reached down to rub my cheek.

“You don’t have to follow me everywhere, you know.”

I know.

But you talk to yourself, forget why you entered rooms, and occasionally leave without a Banana.

You’re doing your best, Mother. I just like to be nearby.

Then she got up again.

I looked at the ceiling for a moment before following her.

I do love that woman. But she is very difficult to get settled.

Love,
Topanga Banana Frank
Director of Where Are We Going

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