Top 25 Cats in Premiership - The Cat Fanciers` Association

Transcription

CFA’s Top 25 Cats in
PREMIERSHIP
by Ronna Colilla & Bethany Clark
T
he Premiership class of 2012 was
an assembly of exhibitors with the
endurance and a camaraderie that supported
and applauded each other, while some had
remarkable adversity to withstand.
four shows had counts in the 60s – National
Capital Cat Show, Illinois Feline Fanciers,
Nashville Cat Club and San Diego Cat
Fanciers. Fifteen exhibitors mostly drove to
shows; five flew once, and one flew twice.
Cars were totaled by both accidents and hail.
Mother Nature tormented exhibitors with
thunderstorms, blizzards, hail and floods;
even an earthquake shook the Washington,
DC area. During the season, a husband died,
a cat crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and others
dealt with the memory of loved ones not
there to share their accolades.
Through it all, the class of 2012 showed
concern and went out of their way to help their
fellow exhibitors. The Premiership group has
always been known for being a “special family”
of exhibitors. They show their cats for the love
of the feline and the love of the experience.
Jobs were lost, purses were stolen, and
exhibitors had injuries to overcome. Some
owners and cats were plagued with health
issues, and some exhibitors worried about
losing their cats in hotels, parking lots and
show halls. One exhibitor fretted that her
“exuberant cat” would hurt himself.
While some exhibitors dealt with work
stress or school schedules, some were
challenged with their judging schedules,
and some struggled finding good counts
within driving distance.
The National Show was the only one with
an official count in the 80s, Garden State
the only one with a count in the 70s, and
Many of the Premiership winners came in
groups of two: two Triple Crown winners (a
cat who has had a National Win as a kitten,
in Championship, and in Premiership),
Abyssinians, American Shorthairs, Exotics,
Longhair Exotics, Maine Coons, Oriental
Shorthairs and Bi-Color Persians. There
were a total of 18 breeds, including Bombay,
Burmese, Korat, Manx, Ragdoll, Siamese,
Sphynx, Somali, Solid Persian, Tabby Persian
and Himalayan Persian.
The neuters outnumbered the spays 13 to 12.
All CFA regions in the US were represented.
The Great Lakes and Southern Regions lead
with six winners each, closely followed by
the North Atlantic Region with five. The
Northwest and Midwest Regions each had
three winners, while the Gulf Shore and
Southwest Regions each had one.
There were many firsts for this class of National
Winners: nine solo exhibitors achieved their
first CFA NW title, and it was a first for two of
the co-owners. Twelve years after being accepted
for Championship competition, a Ragdoll
became the first National Winner of its breed,
and not one, but two Longhair Exotics were
the first to become National Winners, three
years after being accepted for Championship
competition. A Maine Coon became the first
of its breed to have a Triple Crown.
Many of the top spots were claimed early on
in the show season, but six cats granded in
July and after. They were dark horses that
started the competition later on in the season
and finished strong – two didn’t grand until
November and finished in the Top Ten.
Everyone will remember this past show
season for many reasons: their first National
Win, long drives, beating the odds, tragedies
overcome, personal losses, but mostly for the
friendships made and being adopted into
CFA’s greatest assembly of exhibitors – the
Premiership family. Like Cheers in Boston, it
is “where everybody knows your name.”
Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Rhamjoge Better Believe It
Calico Persian Spay
Breeder: Rhonda Fox
Owner: Matthew & DeLinda Pearson
Submitted by Matthew & DeLinda Pearson
T
o a Persian lover, “Billie” is about as close to
perfection as it gets. She has exquisite head
type: large, smooth and round in all directions,
with huge, wide-set, expressive copper eyes
and tiny low-set ears. Her body is super cobby,
broad and balanced, and her legs are so short
they’d be invisible even if she wasn’t covered in
that stunning, brilliantly colored coat so long
it drapes to the floor and flows behind her. To
DeLinda, to see her is to never forget her.
She is not the first cat to have that effect
on DeLinda. The first was “Fire,” GC, GP,
NW Catillak’s Light My Fire of Koi Pond,
DM, Billie’s grandsire and DeLinda’s forever
heart kitty and soul mate – the absolute love
of her life. He was CFA’s Premiership Cat
of the Year in 2009. Fire was lost to a rare
cancer much too young, and DeLinda’s heart
will never mend. To have Billie follow in his
footsteps is extraordinarily special.
But then Billie is extraordinarily special.
Billie’s life story is one filled with great hope
and great heartache every step of the way…
Billie made her indelible impression on
DeLinda when she saw her at Mo-Kan in
2005. DeLinda coveted her then, but she
was Rhonda’s heart kitty, her pride and joy.
That August, Billie was skyrocketing toward
a National Win. However, hormones proved
to be Billie’s nemesis. Cycling heavily, she
was unable to maintain adequate coat and
weight. Rhonda pulled her from the show
scene in January, and she fell out of the
National standings in April.
Of course, Billie’s offspring were eagerly
anticipated, but unfortunately, Billie met
with hardship in this phase of her life.
A few years later, DeLinda endeavored to
develop a breeding program devoted to
preserving the look and personality of her
beloved Fire. The cat she wanted most to
be the foundation queen was Billie. Rhonda
was so generous and selfless; she actually let
a cat of Billie’s quality go to a new breeder.
However, suffice it to say, after maximal
efforts and great angst, motherhood for Billie
was clearly not meant to be.
Although Billie didn’t make a genetic
contribution in the Pearson’s fledgling Koi
Pond cattery, the contribution she did make
in DeLinda’s family was perhaps the greatest
one of all.
DeLinda and her mom, Sharon, were more
than mother and daughter who loved each
other unconditionally; they were the very
best of friends. When her mother was
diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007,
together they went to every chemo session,
taking advantage of every moment they
could to be with each other. They shared
nearly everything, including a love of
Persians. All of her life, Sharon had wanted
a calico Persian.
And then there was Billie. Sharon felt about
Billie the way DeLinda felt about Fire – she
was the most beautiful, wonderful creature
that ever had existed or ever would exist.
Billie reciprocated by following her mom
around like a puppy and curling up on
her feet whenever she was still. After being
spayed, Sharon strongly encouraged DeLinda
to show her, but it was clear that she and the
cat belonged together; instead, Billie became
the treasured pet of Sharon Williams.
Her mother dubbed her “Silly Billie” for all
her peculiar habits: catching her own feet and
obsessing over her toes; spending hours staring
into a lampshade, watching the shadows cast
by the setting sun; “hugging” rather than
scratching her sisal post. Billie was the most
loved (and most laughed at) pet ever.
Not long after Sharon found her perfect
cat, the unthinkable happened. Her cancer
relapsed, and her health deteriorated
quickly. When she became housebound,
every day found the three of them together:
DeLinda, Mom and Billie. The two talked
about everything: past, present and future.
She remained courageous and optimistic.
Billie was always right there by her side,
rarely more than an inch away. Sharon
Gale Williams passed away suddenly on
September 13, 2010.
The world DeLinda had known came to an
end that day. But in a world which seemed
to have lost all color, Billie remained a
bright spot. She wandered around the house
growing longer and longer and LONGER
hair. Late spring, DeLinda decided to try for
that National title. Billie deserved it, Rhonda
had worked so hard for it, and her mom had
wanted her beloved pet to have it. DeLinda
found that spending every waking moment
caring for and conditioning Billie made it feel
like having their threesome together again,
albeit with her mom present only in spirit.
The theme song her mother picked for Billie
seemed quite appropriate: “Hold on Tight”
…to your dreams.
Billie returned to the show hall the first
week of April 2011 at the Mid-Ohio show
in Columbus, Ohio. The response to her was
incredible; so many remembered her. Friends
and fellow exhibitors welcomed her back and
rooted her on. The judges loved her, too.
Billie was Best Cat in 4 rings and Highest
Scoring in Show as an Open. She was a oneshow Grand a week later as Best Premier in
every ring. Expectations were high – this
time she met or exceeded all of them.
The statistics are awesome. She competed in
26 shows. Appearing in 205 rings, she made
204 finals – she was never left benched by a
CFA judge. She was Best Cat in 147 rings
and was Highest Scoring in Show 23 times.
She was “Best Across the Board” thrice.
Without a doubt, her most memorable
show was the CFA National Show. Billie
black-lined in Premiership and was on
stage amongst the “Best of the Best.” Rick
Hoskinson presented her with a flourish and
her coat was breath-taking, but all the cats up
there were spectacular. Words cannot express
the surprise, unbridled joy and pride, and
incomparable thrill of the moment when Kim
Everett-Hirsch declared Billie THE “Best of
the Best.” The Pearson’s felt pure elation.
Other highlights of the year were Abyssinian
Midwest Breeders, Ocicats International,
Phoenix Feline Fanciers, and Southeastern
Persian Society. At these shows, Billie
received Memorial Awards in honor of Beth
Newkirk, Mona Cherrington, Becky Cotter
and Linda Swope. It touched DeLinda
deeply having Billie associated with these
remarkable iconic ladies of CFA. Indeed, to
DeLinda, Billie represents a living memorial
to a most wonderful and special woman: her
mother, Sharon.
The Pearsons would like to thank everyone
for all the support Billie received from
friends, fellow exhibitors and the judges.
“THANK YOU to those who believed in
her right from the start, who saw in her what
Mom did, and who loved her all year long,”
DeLinda wrote. “Rhonda, I will never be able
to adequately express what both Fire and now
Billie mean to me. They are truly blessings in
fur. Thank you for sharing them with me.
“And Mom, if you’re allowed to be proud in
Heaven, I know you are. Billie and I miss you,
and we love you. This one’s for you, Mom!”
Favorite Moment of the Show Season:
“There were many, but absolutely nothing ever
has been such a thrill/shock/total high as Billie
being Best of the Best at the National Show.
Truly a highlight of my whole entire life – as
much as Mom loved and believed in Billie, I
don’t think even she would have guessed that!”
2nd Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Kiomichi’s Amazing Grace
Tortoiseshell & White Shorthair Manx Spay
Breeder: Mark Davis
Owner: Kathy Gumm & Mark Davis
Submitted by Kathy Gumm
that this kitten was coming to live with her in
California to show and breed, she was speechless.
Kathy had to somehow make this prophecy
come true because Mark was so generously
sharing his very best! Kathy had shown three
Ocicats to an NW but never a Manx.
To their utter delight, “Gracie” dispensed
with the “tortitude” theory and decided that
showing was a blast. She enjoyed everyone
she met, traveled wonderfully, and loved
to be up on the judging table. With little
effort, Gracie achieved a Regional Win in
the Northwest Region as 5th Best Kitten in
the 2007-2008 show season. She was also
Best SH Manx Kitten in CFA that year. She
became a Grand Champion quickly and then
settled into motherhood.
I
t all started about five years ago on a little
farm in rural Oklahoma. Breeder Mark
Davis casually told Kathy Gumm that the
best kitten in his 23 years of breeding had
just been born and that she was going to be a
National Winner. Kathy smiled tolerantly at
his prophecy because everyone thinks their
babies are pretty special, right?
Then the pictures arrived, and Kathy was
dumbfounded. Mark had truly created a
spectacular Manx kitten. When he told her
The plan was to bring Gracie back out as
a mature female in Premiership, after her
breeding days were complete, to showcase
a Manx at their most spectacular state of
development. But Gracie was a “heart kitty”
happily sharing Kathy’s pillow at night –
would she still want to show?
In April 2011, after her last pregnancy and
being spayed, Gracie was brought out as an
Open in Premiership. A little more than 4
years old and fully mature, she sashayed out
onto the judging table as if she had never left
the ring. Making several Bests as an Open
that weekend, it appeared the time had come
for Gracie to make her dash for glory.
The beginning of the 2011-2012 show season
started with her as a Grand Premier. After
going Best at Garden State among judges who
had never seen her before, it looked like the
future was promising. She kept the judges,
as well as exhibitors and gate, entertained
with her various antics in the ring. Gracie
continued to perfect her imitation of a dead
tortoiseshell and white cockroach, completely
upside down with all four legs straight up in
the air, while catching her power nap. As soon
as the door to her cage was opened by a judge
anxiously looking for a heartbeat, she sprung
to life and struck her famous Manx pose,
standing tall with perfect posture to peals of
laughter from the onlookers.
Gracie had a following! Kathy was
continually asked by total strangers if she
was “Gracie’s mom.” She always made it a
practice to judge her Judge and would swing
around, stare up into their eyes lovingly,
and flash her best Manx “asset” to the crowd
gathering at the ring. Every judge was
convinced they were her personal favorite.
And they were because Gracie loved
EVERYBODY, but a few even more so!
Several very experienced judges commented
that she was the closest match to the Manx
standard they had ever seen.
Kathy consciously decided that she would
limit the number of times Gracie was shown
because she was not a young cat, and Kathy
wanted her to continue to enjoy herself, as
well as keep her in peak condition. It paid
off, as she only appeared in 18 shows during
the entire show season – this averaged out to
1.5 shows per month. Larger count shows
were selected without much consideration of
the judging lineup, since Gracie seemed to
do well no matter where she was. She was
shown in ten states during the season and
was Highest Scoring in Show seven times.
One particular highlight was being selected
to compete for the Best of the Best at the
National Show.
Today, Gracie still sits on the suitcase and
stares curiously at Kathy. She is ready to go
and is sure that “Mom” has forgotten she is
a showgirl with appearances to make. There
were a lot of wonderful memories made and
special times shared with great friends this
year. A potential was met, and a promise was
kept. She was truly “Amazing Grace.”
Now it is time to “say goodnight, Gracie…”
“Probably being in the Best of the Best
presentation at the National Show.”
3rd Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW INRxS Brave Nude World
Natural Mink & White Sphynx Neuter
Breeder: Joanne Moehlman & Mark & Sharon McKenzie
Owner: Mark & Sharon McKenzie
Submitted by Mark & Sharon McKenzie
W
hat a “cinderfella” season for “Bolt.”
He certainly didn’t have an evil
stepmother, and being neutered, lost
footwear wouldn’t have the same impact.
Other than that, the season was a magical
time for Bolt, as well as his owners.
Coming off a solid kitten career the previous
season where he attained a Regional Win
and CFA’s Best Sphynx Kitten, Bolt started
2011 strong. When June was over, he had
moved into the Top 5 and stayed there for
the rest of the season, with the exception of
a couple short stints.
Bolt’s start in life had some “magic,” too.
First, being a mink, he was born all white
(well, sort of pink), so his color came in as if
by magic. His call name came from the small
white marking on his back that was shaped
like a Harry Potter lightning bolt. As he
grew, the marking became less defined, but
the name had stuck by then.
One factor to consider when showing for
a whole season is the time your cat needs
away from shows to rest. Like magic, Bolt’s
own “schedule” and the McKenzie’s plans
for shows to attend meshed to perfection.
His demeanor stayed steadily pleasing
throughout the season. He truly liked to go
to shows. He showed nicely in the ring but
absolutely shined in the benching area and
while being carried around the show hall.
Bolt never lost that kitten-like personality.
Spectators and fellow exhibitors got double
the pleasure when he was being held and
carried in his blanket.
This cat’s true magic was how he drew people
to him and engaged them. A Siamese and
Oriental breeder friend of Mark and Sharon,
Holly McCreary, took care of 3-week-old
Bolt, his five siblings and mother while they
went to the 2010 Annual. It wasn’t long
until Bolt had a camouflage blanket made by
Holly and a “slinky” breeder friend.
the very touching concept of “Friends of Bolt”
at the end of the season. Bobbie enlisted the
aid of many of his admirers to join together
as a group to donate money in Bolt’s name.
There are numerous fond memories from
last season – many special individual
rings and memorable shows, some were
because of successful points, but more were
because of friendships made or gratifying
occurences. The list of the latter shows is:
Garden State, American Gothic in Peoria,
TGIF Purina Farms, New Year’s Eve in
Nashville, Food & Water Bowl in San
Diego, and America’s Heartland.
Later, Terri Bierrie, Maine Coons and
Norwegian Forest Cats, made another blanket
to save Bolt from the “gender indignity” of
the pink portion of the camouflage material.
She had remained an ardent supporter.
“I Won’t Back Down” is an exemplification
of the “workman” aspect of the season,
especially the weekend of March 31-April 1.
Bolt top-lined the one-day show in Topeka,
Kansas, rode back to St. Louis with Mark,
and Sharon took off with him after midnight
to drive to Columbus, Ohio for the Sunday
show of that 6x6 weekend.
Bobbie Weihrauch, Korats, was won over
early on and carried him around the show
hall as much as his owners did. Bobbie
appreciated Bolt so much that she conceived
The most priceless moment at the shows
would have to be the March TGIF show in
Rick Hoskinson’s ring. There are two things
to keep in mind: Bolt has a true fondness
for Rick, and if not watched closely when
using a cat toy, Bolt will jump with reckless
abandon. With that in mind, Rick was using
a toy to get Bolt to look up. He not only
looked up, but jumped up. As Rick later said,
“About 6 feet in the air.” The priceless part
was the look on Rick’s face. No problem; he
landed in Rick’s arms, purring away.
In Bolt’s case, this win “took a village.” Mark
and Sharon were so fortunate to have the
continuous support of good friends and
acquaintances. They kept the human part of
the team going during the process and were
instrumental in savoring the successes along
the way and especially in the end – Robin
Bryan, Cam Clow, Kevin Richardson, Mark
and Kay Janosik, a big Bolt “love you” for
your extensive support.
Sharon and Mark would like to especially
thank Bolt’s co-breeder, Joanne Moehlman,
for providing them with Bolt’s mother, and to
stud owner Janis Larson, who made it possible
to bring the litter of their vision to fruition.
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “Bolt
liked to put paws on the judges’ shoulders,
sometimes walking across shoulders if not
stopped soon enough. March TGIF he went
WAY beyond on Rick Hoskinson. Jumped what
seemed like 6 feet in the air because of toy action
and landed in Rick’s arms, purring.”
4th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Laureden Bunny of Kittrik
Flame Lynx Point Himalayan-Persian Spay
Breeder: Hope & Lauren Gonano, Bruce & Donna Isenberg
& Jim Warden
Owner: Tom Baugh
Submitted by Tom Baugh
T
his is Tom’s second National Winner.
His first was GC Briar-Brae Mousa of
Chome Chai, a black Manx female who
was 11th Best in the 1973-74 season. Tom
and his wife, CFA allbreed judge Loretta,
have had four National Winners: GC, BW,
NW Kittrik’s Broadway Joe of Fruition (2nd
Best in Championship), GC, NW Richson
Marcel Marceau of Kittrik (3rd Best Kitten),
GC, GP, BW, NW Stedam Singing The Blues
of Kittrik (24th Best in Championship), and
GC, GP, NW Makin’Waves Amasa of Tender
Claws (21st Best in Premiership).
While Tom had never shown a Himalayan, he
realized this was a possibility when he clerked
a show and observed the class, but it had to
be a flame or flame lynx point. Shortly after
that fateful show, one of Bunny’s breeders,
CFA judge Hope Gonano, was looking for
someone to show GC Laureden Bunny in
Premiership. Hope had offered Bunny to
several exhibitors, but each turned her down.
National Win. To achieve this goal, Tom
and Bunny attended 38 shows in 13 states,
traveling by car to all except one.
After posting Bunny’s pictures online, Loretta
showed her picture to Tom. A couple of weeks
later, Hope took the Himalayan to a show
where Tom was exhibiting. He liked her size,
boning and coloring. Because of her boning,
judges often referred to Bunny as a male.
Other than being combed, Bunny’s favorite
part of a show weekend was being let out of
her carrier after a long ride and racing around
the hotel room, leaping from bed to bed.
Tom took her home, but it was not “love
at first sight,” as words were exchanged
between the two during Bunny’s early baths.
Being very vain, she would jump up on the
grooming table to be combed. This behavior
soon led to a special bond developing
between owner and cat.
Since Bunny had been clipped, Tom had to
wait for her coat to grow. He showed her to
the Great Lakes Region’s 2010-2011 13th
Best in Premiership. The goal for the 20112012 show season was for her to be Best in
Premiership in the GLR and earn a Top Ten
Bunny obviously did not read the book on
Persian behavior! Tom’s favorite moment of
the 2011-2012 show season occured at the
Food and Water Bowl show in San Diego,
CA when they were benched across from
Bruce and Donna Isenberg, the co-breeders
and Tom’s grooming mentors.
Prior to this show, if the Isenbergs were at
the same show, Donna would pluck, trim
or fluff Bunny before Tom took her to the
ring. At this show on the way to a ring, Tom
paused to show her to Donna and make sure
every hair was in place. Without touching
Bunny, Donna nodded her approval and
stated, “Go get them!”
When Bunny was awarded Great Lakes
Region’s 2011-2012 Best Cat in Premiership,
Tom chose the song “Memory” from the
Broadway musical Cats to be played, as she is
now retired from the show circuit, living the
life of a house cat and reminiscing about the
past two show seasons.
Tom wishes to thank Bunny’s breeders for
producing her; Hope Gonano for offering
Bunny to him and for her moral support
throughout the show season; Loretta, who
turned down many shows so he could
exhibit; Rosina McGlynn for Barbie Doll’s
comb; and Carol Krzanowski for the
grooming tip.
Being 4th Best in Premiership nationally,
Best Cat in Premiership in the Great Lakes
Region, and the only Himalayan to earn a
National Win of all three divisions this year
is not too shabby for a cat that was turned
down by several others.
5th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Hitails Banjo Mooner
Blue Abyssinian Neuter
Breeder: Lisa-Maria Padilla
Owner: Lisa-Maria Padilla
Submitted by Lisa-Maria Padilla
I
t would be tempting to opine that the
key challenges for “Banjo” to overcome
in his title quest were learning to faithfully
and successfully use the tiny fold-up litter
box in his carrier (he did) and to use his
“quiet Aby voice” in an airplane (he did not).
Fortunately, Banjo is not a very loud cat, and
Lisa-Maria realized that she was not going to
be successful at sneaking her Abyssinian on
airplane flights in order to save money.
Therefore, Lisa-Maria and Banjo came to
an aggreement: she would give him a few
nugget-sized chicken treats before takeoff,
and Banjo would keep his in-flight sound
effects to odd, low, distant-sounding moans
that kept the other passengers thinking there
was an immobilized cat somewhere under
the floor of the jetliner.
All the traveling that Banjo and Lisa-Maria
embarked on was an effort to make up for
lost time. Six months of the season had
already passed before the barely eight-monthold Banjo was able to enter his first show as
an adult, Cotton States, in early November.
She nervously wondered if the generally
favorable reception Banjo met as a kitten
would continue. However, the Cotton States
show proved a convincing bellwether of his
potential – he granded in four rings. She
began hearing from fellow exhibitors that,
“Maybe you might have something there.”
In fact, a highlight of the season came at
Banjo’s very first outing as a Grand – the
National Show in Indianapolis – where he
received, from Kim Everett-Hirsch, Second
Runner-Up in the Best of the Best show finale.
Maybe, Lisa-Maria thought, this little guy
might be National Winning material. After
all, despite being an honest-to-goodness
silly and playful member of his breed, Banjo
was nevertheless always “elegant and well
dressed.” Certainly, with long legs, sleek
balanced body and expressive head, he cut
an elegant image. In addition, his deep
blue color, warm ticking, gloriously peachcolored undercoat and stunning gold eyes
were nothing if not dapper. Best of all, Banjo
always came to a show ready to play. Judges
confident (or tall) enough to let him have a
go at the sisal pole would find themselves
retrieving the reluctant, wiggling feline from
its top after a good “jump.”
The time that Lisa-Maria spent showing Banjo
was indeed a whirlwind. At home, a powder
room became Cat Show Paraphernalia
Central, walls stacked with separate “Flying
To” and “Drive To” show cages, cushions
and show supplies. There was a large carryon for long trips and a small carry-on for
short trips. There were thick coats and thin
coats and clothes that, without traveler
guilt for fashion forward concern, could be
smashed down in order to fit into a carryon. Moreover, there were chicken treats in
various-sized containers, always at the ready.
BW, NW Glenlea’s Rolls Royce of Purssynian,
continues to sire beautiful kittens.
Undoubtedly, of enormous help was the
assistance and advice of what Lisa-Maria
came to call the “Team Banjo” of friends
and fellow exhibitors. Monica Zehnder in
Michigan, Jan Chambers in Georgia and
Deborah Curtis right there in Reston were
voices of experience, sound thinking and
sanity. Curtis, Zehnder, Mark Hannon and
Mary Kolencik were the “Banjo Transport”
when she was unable to attend a pair of
shows. There were also neighbors who
uncomplainingly became airport shuttle
services, even when Lisa-Maria may not have
remembered exactly where she was flying to
on any given weekend.
Beth and Darrell Newkirk graciously cared for
GC, RW Hitails LuLu Mooner at their home
for many months while she was there to be bred
and while Lisa-Maria recovered from a series of
orthopaedic surgeries. Once a pregnant LuLu
was home, Beth was excited to hear that LuLu
delivered her first litter and looked forward to
each weekly “Lu Crew” photo update.
Of course, beautiful Banjo reflects the
hard work of breeders who paved the way.
Banjo’s grandmother is none other than the
gregarious GC, GP, RW, AW Zehnder’s Twyla
Mooner of Hitails, whose legacy in agility
competition should not overshadow her
successful breeding career. Banjo’s father, GC,
Perhaps, though, it is appropriate that LisaMaria’s final tip-of-the-hat goes to a woman
who left us too soon. With a true eye for
dilute Abys, the late Beth Newkirk gave
freely of her considerable knowledge.
In her final email to Lisa-Maria, after
evaluating the latest photos of the litter of
five blue kittens, Beth wrote, “These kits have
amazing coat color and terrific heads. I think
you may have something there!”
Indeed, with Banjo, Lisa-Maria did have
something special, and she dedicates her
first National Winning cat to the memory of
Beth Newkirk.
“Receiving Second Best Runner-Up in the Best
of the Best at the National Show.”
6th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Kelloggs King-Of-The Silver Screen
Silver Tabby American Shorthair Neuter
Breeder: Heinrich & Carly Kellogg
Owner: Elizabeth Hamill & Heinrich & Carly Kellogg
Submitted by Elizabeth Hamill
H
e goes affectionately by the call name
“Alex” and came into Elizabeth’s life as a
3-month-old kitten in 2010. She showed him
to a National Kitten Win and was thrilled Alex
took to the show ring like a pro. From his early
beginnings, he was dubbed “Mr. Serious” by
the judges who were fond of his dedication
to “behaving” – his lack of interest in acting
like a kitten and playing was apparent. This
behavior came in handy as he grew up and
started being shown in Premiership. Elizabeth
had no idea how popular Alex’s personality
would become amongst Premiership friends
and judges, as his behavior was the source of a
good laugh during finals.
To get a sense of how he presentd himself,
imagine an actor coming out to give a
monologue and standing by himself on
the stage, looking out at the crowd as he
performed. Well, within 30 seconds of the
judge putting him on the table, Alex would
sit and look out at the crowd, staring as if to
say, “Why are all you people staring at me?”
He would play on occasion if the judge took
the time to find a toy that interested him or if
there was a sisal pole to climb, but mostly he
would just sit there politely. The judge could
often walk away from the table or just let him
“hang out” while they finished their paperwork.
During finals, he would often stare out at the
crowd as he sat on the judging table, like he
was thinking, “I don’t understand what all the
fuss is?” Judges who saw him often would use
his “unflappable” nature as a source of humor
for their finals. Comments like, “Don’t run
away now,” and, “This is America’s working
cat” would get laughs as “The King” would do
his best impression of a model striking a pose.
The funny part is, if you ever saw Alex in the
hotel room, his personality changed into the
normal cat who was happy to play, run over
Elizabeth as she lie in bed, and find things
to get into. She would wake up with toys
laying on or by her in his attempts to entice
some movement from his sleeping human.
Often, he would fall asleep standing up in
the cage because he spent all night harassing
his mother or had slept all the way while
traveling to the show.
Through the entire show season, Alex was
a dream to show. He always had a great
attitude, and Elizabeth credits his breeders
for the awesome temperament he displayed.
Although he IS a cat, he took campaigning in
stride and enjoyed his one-on-one time with
his mom. He lives with his sister, a Pug, at
home, who often nudges him out of the way
when there is snuggle time. “I Gotta Feeling”
going to shows with his mom was his way of
getting all the attention. It that might have
been his trade off for all the planes, shuttles
and automobile rides he tolerated.
Alex and his mom send out their congratulations
to all the Premiership winners and their
families. “The class of Premiership is much like
a family, and we were proud to be included in it
this 2011-12 season,” Elizabeth wrote.
“When Alex was the Highest Scoring Cat in
Premiership at Cat’n on the Fox in Wheaton,
IL with 54 cats present.”
7th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Oyate Elara of Avec Joie
Ebony Patched Spotted Tabby & White Oriental Spay
Breeder: Cindy Crenshaw & Roeann Fulkerson
Owner: Betsy Dark & Cindy Crenshaw
Submitted by Betsy Dark
A
lthough inherently cut from the same
cloth as the owner, her behaviors bear
no similarity to others of her kind, and
her perspectives of the environment are
often complex, strategic and self-serving.
These traits of personailty, although
having restricted a balanced persepctive of
community, have not so much negatively
impacted others’ judgement of her, but have
instead propelled her forward.
She is known as “LauraLaura” – two names
sounding as one. At first glance, one notices
“her coat of Jacob:” iridescent and marked
with many colors. She wears a tail that
flourishes upward, ending in white and tipped
with a subtle oval of red that reminds one of
a tail light, disappearing into the night as she
walks away, either in confusion or simply
because she finished that moment in time.
If one knows her well, one does not think of
her as LauraLaura with the coat of Jacob. Lori
Borealis speaks more to the truth of her, “perhaps
breathtaking when first seen, but nothing upon
which to rely as a constant for she as easily
vanishes in the air as remains at your side.”
Some are born to community, and some
are born “the hard way” to solitude, giving
latitude only to those who in some way please
the sensibilities. It is the differences among us,
as opposed to the similarities, which provide
the richest soil for growth. However, in Elara’s
garden, bees only sting, and subtleties of
plantings and color only bring chaos.
comfort is fostered by the absence of any
other companionship, and in her world of
weekend travels and lodgings, she finds her
greatest joy is that this weekend was just like
the weekend before it.
It is the predictability that comes with the
company of people – meals at the same time
and in the same place, weekend journeys
that begin on Friday and end on Sunday
– that commands Elara’s attention. Her
Betsy wrote, “We all wear different masks, but
there comes a time when we cannot remove
them without damage to our true selves. Elara
is the odd one, the solitary one, possessing a
singularity of purpose while commanding her
own world. She finds her own soil to till, and
she works it the same way, consistently and in
the same pattern. She will never change her
mask, this coat of Jacob. To be cut from the
same cloth, but to be so different, is our life’s
mystery. Still, she is understood, and she is
loved…because she is my sister.”
asked me if that last ring brought feelings of
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “For
Betsy, it’s the last show in Easton, PA. Someone
joy, which is the lesson I will take with me into
relief. My response was, ‘NO – only feelings of
the next season.’”
8th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Tuvets Martha’s Pick of Abizaq, DM
Brown Tabby & White Maine Coon Neuter
Breeder: Gail & Karl Bowman & Martha & Norman Auspitz
Owner: Martha & Norman Auspitz & Mac & Charlene Munro
Submitted by Martha & Norman Auspitz
“P
anda” or “Panda Bear,” named after the
red panda, attained National Wins in
both the Kitten and Championship classes,
and the Auspitz’s thouht that they would like
to show him in Premiership. However, after
standing at stud for several years, they were
not sure he would still like the shows.
He was given a try at a few shows, and it was
like he never left the show bench – always
showed off on the judge’s table and was a real
crowd pleaser. This did not go unnoticed by
the media. The Harrisburg, PA newspaper
did an article on him at the Lebanon show.
After filming and interviewing exhibitors
at the Black Diamond Cat Club show in
Kimberton, PA, the 20/20 producers decided
to choose Panda to be the “show cat” featured
on their show Pet Crazy.
During the season, Panda turned 9 years old
in February. Many judges commented about
his great condition and looks, given his age.
So many remarked, “If you did not know the
age of this cat, you could not believe it just by
looking at him or handling him.” That made
Martha and Norman proud, because he truly
loves to eat.
Panda traveled to many shows with his senior
“girlfriend” Willow, a European Burmese
spay owned by Judy Bemis. They became
best traveling buddies and played together
in the motel rooms. If there had been a
camera available when Panda had a headlock
on Willow for at least 30 seconds, it truly
would have been a “Smile, you’re on Candid
Camera” moment.
Panda’s claim to fame was to make history
this year, as he became the first Maine
Coon to earn a National Win Triple Crown.
During each of his National Wins, Panda was
the Best of Breed in that category. Martha
and Norman understand that there are not
many cats of any breed to achieve this and
are elated that it happened to Panda.
Panda, Norman and Martha would like to
thank all the many judges who helped him
achieve all he did in his show career. “Panda
is a once-in-a-lifetime cat for us,” Martha
and Norman wrote.
Charlene and Mac Munro are now getting
Panda to be the love of their life. Mac waited
nine years to get him and stated at Panda’s
first kitten show, “He is the most beautiful
Maine Coon I have ever seen; could I have
him when you are done showing him?”
So, Mac, here you go, as you now will enjoy
Panda for many years! He did you proud!
Favorite moment of the show season: “When
Panda’s traveling buddy had pestered him, he
put her in a headlock for 30 seconds.”
9th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, BW, NW Inthewind Hollee’Berrie
Blue & White Persian Spay
Breeder: Maurice Ruble & Linda Fisher
Owner: Linda Fisher
Submitted by Linda Fisher
“B
EEP” is a very special cat, as she was
also CFA’s National Tenth Best Kitten,
a National Breed Winner, CFA’s Third
Best Cat, and now a National Premiership
Winner. She was also the first runner-up at
the International Show in San Mateo, CA.
Last fall, Linda felt it was time to have Beep
and her dam, GC, GP, BW, NW Budmar’s
Beyonce’ of Inthewind, DM, spayed for their
health. She was very nervous about taking
this big step but felt it was time for both of
them. They were spayed the same week and
did well through the surgery, blossoming,
gaining weight and growing coat.
Linda was nervous to bring the almost 6-yearold cat back out. Beep was a little apprehensive
but presented herself well and received Best
Cat in her first final. She reminded Linda
about getting her treat when she came back
from the ring. At first, Linda thought she was
trying to get out of the cage but then realized
that she was begging for her promised treat.
during that time. Would it be possible to
achieve a National placement? She felt it
would be an embarrassment to Beep’s other
two wins if she didn’t succeed.
Everyone was getting excited about the
National Show, but Linda didn’t have a cat that
was ready to show. Beep made an appearance
at the TGIF show at Purina Farms with great
results. She was Best Allbreed Premier in nine
of the ten rings, Second Best in the tenth ring
and made several Top 10 placements.
She made a total of eight finals, with two Bests,
and finished 30 points short of being considered
for the Best of the Best. Linda felt it was amazing
that she was able to compete with 85 present
and with the top National Premiership cats.
Sandie and Linda traveled many miles to get
to a show almost every weekend and traveled
between 1,000 to 1,400 miles each one. First
and foremost, Beep is a beloved pet and
companion. Linda was afraid to make the pet
unhappy but was allowed to take her all over
the country to shows. Beep did start to hide
on Fridays when she knew a bath and trip were
involved, and Linda kept promising it would
be over soon. She now surveys her kingdom
from the top of the cat trees in the house.
It was exciting to see her back in the ring, and
she was remembered by many people. The
big question was would she be ready to go to
the National Show. She waltzed around the
house in all her glory, so Linda felt she would
like to show and share her with friends.
Linda was encouraged to continue showing
her. Sandie Morris had a Manx she was
showing and wanted to finish showing the
season with Linda. She stood by her side
during the nation campaign of GC, BW,
NW Parti Wai Hear Me Roar to Cat of the
Year. Over the Christmas break, the decision
was made to continue.
After being on the waitlist, she finally got in to
the show. Not knowing how Beep would react,
With only four months left of the season,
Linda knew she would miss several weekends
By the end of March, Beep was in 15th place
and was secure in the Top 25, after being ranked
135 following her first show. What a ride.
Linda would like to raise a “Red Solo Cup” in
thanks to all the judges that appreciated Beep.
She is flattered that they and many exhibitors
remembered the cat from her Championship
career, and is amazed at the number of people
who said how much they had admired before
and gave encouragement to complete the goal
of a Premiership National title.
In addition, she also thanks her husband,
Bob, for all the weekends he had to take over
the cat chores and endure some of the long
trips. A special thank you to Sandie Morris,
who was a great travel companion on all
those long weekends and whose efficiency
made sure they had a room to stay in when
they arrived at their destination.
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “It
was a thrill when I realized my cat would earn
her NW in the third category of her show career.
It was exciting to make two Best Cat awards at
the National Show with 85 cats present, and
she was just beginning her Premiership career.”
10th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Bordeaux LTD Enzo Purrari
Seal Point & White Ragdoll Neuter
Breeder: Elizabeth A. Thurman
Owner: James P. Flanik
Submitted by Jim Flanik
S
ince the Ragdoll breed was accepted for
Championship competition on May 1,
2000, Enzo is the first Ragdoll to earn a National
Win. Coming from a strong lineage of Grands,
he is one of 45 Grand Champions bred by Liz
Thurman. His sire is CH Sandollrags Walker of
Bordeaux LTD, and his dam is GC Bordeaux
LTD’s R-U-Ready Made.
At the Great Lakes Regional Awards Banquet
last year, Jim was pulled aside by a judge and
encouraged to consider running Enzo for a
National Win. This began what was to be an
almost life threatening run for the proverbial
roses. At the Garden State show, the same judge
asked how Enxo was doing, and Jim said not so
great, having made only a few finals. The judge
looked at Jim and said with encouragement,
“Look, if you make a final here, you have really
accomplished something.”
With a new outlook and a never-give-up
attitude, Jim kept Enzo in the Top 12, going
to most of the biggest shows in the country,
He believes that, “If you want to be the best,
you have to beat the best.” This was easier
said than done, as the class of Premiers has
always been outstanding, and it was not to
be an easy task for a minority breed with no
history of a National Win.
Enzo wasn’t like the “Ragdoll” of song,
but was a playful and laid back one who
occasionally tried to high five the judges,
except his idea of “high five” was a right to left
swing of the paw. This was always fun for the
spectators but not for the owner. Guess he’ll
have to learn how to give high fives correctly.
Then came the “Infamous February Weekend
Double” when Jim was on his way home from
Kimberton, PA. The unthinkable happened,
and he fell asleep at the wheel.
When Jim came to, the car was up on a
guardrail and totaled. He thought, “Oh my
GOD! Enzo is gone!” His cage had a gaping
hole in the top, and the car windows were
broken out. Jim blacked out again. Coming
to the second time, a maintenance worker
and state trooper were at the car window, with
Enzo sitting in the back window of the car.
The next morning, Camelle and Joel took
Enzo to their vet to be x-rayed. It showed
he had a deep bruise, but he was otherwise
fine. To Jim’s son Greg, daughter Jennifer, Liz
Thurman, Camelle and Joel Chaney, Jim owes
a debt he feels he will never be able to repay.
with Jim; Camelle and Joel Chaney, Enzo’s
second family, travel partners, and especially
Camelle who always seemed to come up
with a solution to show hall problems; and
Craig Glascott, who took care of Jim’s other
Ragdoll while he was on the road.
“A huge thank you to all my friends and
judges in the cat fancy for their get well cards
and well wishes,” Jim writes.
To all the Premiership people who Jim showed
with this season, a great time was had by all
cheering fellow competitors on, whether their
cats were having a good day or a bad one. This
was truly an exceptional group that he will
never forget. “To all the CFA judges who
supported Enzo, a huge THANKS just does
not seem enough,” writes Jim.
A month later with Jim still not up to par,
they returned to the show circuit, where
that wonderful Ragdoll closed out the show
season. In Enzo’s quest for a National Win,
he was at 48 shows in 15 states and Canada.
He finished the season with 242 finals and
was able to keep 12 Best Cats in his top 100
rings. Together, they traveled 25,342 miles
by car, plus 55 in the life-flight helicopter.
None of this would have been possible
without the “Purrari Team:” Liz Thurman,
Enzo’s breeder, coach, mentor and best
friend who had the faith to entrust Enzo
“Cannot remember what show it was, but I
do remember sitting for a final and someone
behind me threw confetti. And I mean a lot of
confetti; it was everywhere. I came home, and it
was in my hair, shirt, pants – just everywhere.
What a great group the Premiership people
were. We had a lot of good times together.”
The maintenance man took Enzo, and Jim
was life-flighted to a trauma center, where he
spent a week after surgery. His breeder was
called, along with his son. Liz then contacted
Joel Chaney in Ohio, who immediately
jumped into his car that Sunday night at 9:00
p.m., driving five hours to pick up Enzo. Joel
waited at the hospital until Jim came out of
surgery on Monday morning.
When Jim woke up, there was Joel sitting at
the foot of his bed. All Jim remembers was
Joel telling him, “Enzo is OK!” He drove
back to Jim’s house in Ohio with the cat and
picked up Jim’s other Ragdoll. The Chaney’s
cared for both boys until Jim was capable.
11th Best Cat in Premiership: CH, GP, NW Quercetin’s Phaedra of Karleton
Sable Burmese Spay
Breeder: Cheryl K. Peck
Submitted by Eve Russell
F
ive-year-old Phaedra made the trip to
Michigan in early May to begin her
Premiership journey at the Anthony Wayne
show in Ann Arbor, MI. Her first flight
experience had her wondering what was
happening. She gave her voal cords a workout
during the 1100-mile trip. Once in Michigan,
Owner: Eve Russell, Cheryl Peck, Sunny Lodge &
Amber Johnson
she made herself at home in Eve’s household
and in Region 4, where she joined her fellow
Premiership friends Enzo and Bunny.
When winter comes, Eve heads south to
Florida for three months of sunshine, leaving
Michigan’s winter behind. This season, she
made long drives to Nashville and Atlanta,
since there were fewer shows in Florida.
In January, Eve and Phaedra returned to
Michigan for two major meetings and two
favorite shows. Back to Florida at the end
of January with a stop at the Birmingham
show, which has become a favorite of Eve’s
because it is an opportunity to spend time
with Region 7 friends. It is a tedious drive
from Birmingham to her condo near Tampa.
Pittsburgh and Indy from Florida using this
game plan, where it worked like a charm.
Both of these trips were highlighted by
joining Region 4 and Region 6 friends.
Eve dislikes flying with a cat after two hip
replacements and one knee replacement.
Security screening becomes a nightmare,
as she cannot walk the cat through the
machines. The new plan was to ask for a
private screening for the cat. They flew to
Returning to Michigan in April meant
returning to club/show work, as well. The
end of April, in St. Louis, was a standout
event. Saturday night, while many exhibitors
were unloading their cars at the motel, a hail
storm hit, following the tornado sirens.
Everyone was grateful that all the exhibitors
were off the interstate and close to shelter.
Eve’s car, among many, took a major hit,
with roof, sunroof and windshield damage.
She limped home to get away from the
thousands of damaged cars in the St. Louis
area. Just part of the drama of exhibiting cats!
Eve thanks her friends for a fun-filled year
and would also like to thank the judges who
enjoyed Phaedra’s beauty. Together, Eve and
Phaedra congratulate Enzo, Bolt and Bunny,
who shared many exciting moments together.
Additionally, Eve thanks friends Jim Flanik,
Julie Collin, Jane Benard and Donna
Andrews for their support, friendship and
“Do Wah Diddy Diddy.” Most of all, Eve
thanks Cheryl Peck and Sunny Lodge for the
opportunity to have Phaedra in her life.
This little brown cat extends congratulations
to all the fellow Premiership clan for a job
well done!
Favorite Moment of the Season: “I enjoyed
showing with the Premiership clan. Lynn
Hofstetter lives about 20 miles from my condo.
We drove to Nashville from Florida for a six-day
weekend. Lynn’s back is good for no more than
seven to eight hours of driving, so we made it
a girls’ weekend. We had dinner with some
Nashville friends. We had brunch with Nashville
friends that I have known for many years. And
we shopped the Container Store in Nashville.”
12th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW KCDancers Dunkin of Dreamers
Silver Tabby & White American Shorthair Neuter
Breeder: Craig & Kathy Miller
Owner: John Colilla & Bethany Clark
Submitted by Ronna Colilla
J
ohn fell in love with Dunkin’s father,
GC, NW KCDancers Eye-Of-The Tiger,
when he first judged him and never failed to
make him Best, so at the 2009 Palm Springs
Annual, John told Kathy he would like to
show one of his sons in Premiership someday.
Kathy sent John an email in March 2011
asking if he was still interested in a kitten
for his daughter, Bethany, and offered to
bring Dunkin to the Oregon show that he
was judging two weekends later. With his
curiosity piqued, he asked Kathy to send him
a picture. The first thing everyone noticed
was his black nostril, which would later
become his trademark.
When John saw the picture, he thought he
was “just OK” and was not sure he would
take him. His wife, Ronna, had to convince
him to take a carrier to Oregon “just in case”
his picture didn’t do him justice. Sunday, on
his way home, John called Ronna and said he
was coming home with a kitten. Dunkin had
the judge’s seal of approval and walked out
of his carrier like he belonged in their house.
Since 1982, the Colillas have been known
for showing their cats as a family and always
driving to shows with kids and cat in tow.
John was the first one of them to ever fly
with a cat. Dunkin was a great little traveler
and didn’t make a sound or have an accident
during the flight – something that continued
during his show career.
Never hissing or growling at the other cats, he
quickly won the hearts of the family, and even
some of the other felines, with his affectionate
personality. That happy personality carried
him through the season. At the TGIF show in
March, he head-butted Lois Jensen and then
turned around and “tail-whipped” her face
with his strong tail, wagging happily.
At the 2011 Annual Meeting, North
Atlantic Regional Director Sharon Roy was
presenting a power point presentation on the
Annual to be held in Boston the following
through April, with four weekends in Ohio.
Dunkin couldn’t go to the Richmond, VA
show in April with 63 present because of “that
damn Colilla judge,” as Ronna called him.
John would like to thank the following: Kathy
and Craig Miller, for his cat; Bethany, for
accepting that she is the owner in “name only”
and for showing him to his National Win in spite
of kidney infections; Ronna, for her grooming
expertise and for juggling classes, homework
and driving Dunkin when he couldn’t be there;
and to Team Dunkin for their emails and text
messages of support and congratulations.
year. As the slide came on that said, “Boston
is home of Dunkin Donuts,” Ronna turned
and looked at John over the top of her glasses.
The next slide said, “CFA runs on Dunkin.”
She leaned in to John and whispered, “It’s
a sign; Dunkin is going to get his National
Win in Boston.” Although not convinced
and determined they weren’t running a cat,
John went to the Sturdi vendor and bought
the star cage and accessories.
judges that “he just wasn’t mature yet,” so he
should wait a year or two.
Dunkin made his debut at the local
Sternwheel Cat Fanciers show with two
Bests, a 3rd Best and 57 Grand points. He
went on to grand at the elite Garden State
Cat Club show. John kept him out for two
shows a month to get him used to traveling,
showing and to “test the water,” but he was
getting advice from exhibitors and fellow
Planning for shows was a challenge between
John’s judging assignments and Ronna’s
college classes. Dunkin was at only two shows
a month until February, when he finally
started to replace rings. Bethany and Ronna
traveled together as far west as St. Louis and
as far east as Connecticut, and kept Dunkin
out almost every weekend from February
John said he had “No Apologies” for not
waiting to show Dunkin because no one
knows what the future holds. Judges and
exhibitors were amazed at how much Dunkin
changed and matured through the season.
His ears came down, his chest broadened,
and he built tremendous muscle tone.
A special thank you to Jim Flanik for always
encouraging him to show Dunkin and for one
of the nicest compliments John ever received
as a judge. At the Easton show, Jim told
Ronna that he always had respect for John,
but it increased one thousand percent after the
Richmond show. While Dunkin was forced to
go to a smaller count show, John still finaled
Enzo high, even knowing that Dunkin had
been closing the point gap on him.
Favorite Moment of the Season: “The last
weekend of the season at Easton, PA, John drove
down from Erie, PA, where he judged Saturday,
to show HIS cat at the last show of the season.
We were benched with Tom Baugh and LisaMaria Padilla and laughed the whole weekend.
In the last final, Jeri Zottoli and the other
owners all stood there with combs, grooming
their cats and waiting for Tom Baugh to bring
Bunny to the ring! It was a final full of both
laughter and tears.”
13th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Char-O’s Butterfly
Cream Persian Spay
Breeder: Gerald & Charmayne Phillips
Owner: Charmayne Phillips
Submitted by Charmayne Phillips
I
t all started when Charmayne didn’t have
any kittens to show and hadn’t been to a
show in almost seven months. Missing her
friends, she decided to show her 7-year-old
cat, “Butter,” but had to change her color
class from a cream tabby Grand to a cream
Open. Through the years, her color cleared.
She was a one-show Grand as a Champion
and a one-show Grand as an Open/Premier.
That is when she took Charmayne on this
incredible ride.
They started all over in February 2011 at a
small show in Mansfield, MA. There were only
12 Premiers at the 6/2 show. Butter would have
to make Best Premier in all 8 rings to grand.
Her first show as a Grand was the first
show of the season, Seacoast Cat Club in
New Hampshire. In most of the ten rings,
she was Best Cat. Charmayne felt like a kid
again and couldn’t believe what the cat was
accomplishing.
“This is impossible,” she thought, but ring
after ring, she was Best Premier, and in some of
the rings she was Second and Third Best Cat.
She was definitely a show cat – talking to the
judges, prancing around on the table and just
loving the whole show experience.
Her first big show was Garden State, and she
finished as Second Highest Scoring and the
Best Longhair. Charmayne was proud of her
girl as the competition cheered for Butter.
She also finished as Third Highest at the
National Capital show.
Butter was a very special cat, always following
her person from room to room, sitting by
her chair in the living room and waiting for
her to share what she was eating, even any
flavor of ice cream.
Her personality was like a kitten, always
playing. Debbie Kusy said, “She is such a
happy cat.”
Charmayne wants to thank her friends,
Donna Minarde, Kate Preston and Jacquelyn
Richards, because she could not have
achieved this National Win without them
sharing rides, rooms and long nights on the
road, but it was all worth it. They drove to
only five states because they couldn’t afford
to fly. A special thank you to all the judges
that loved her as much as Charmayne did
and stuck by her at every show she went to.
“Butter took me on the ride of a lifetime,
making new friends and memories I will
never forget,” Charmayne writes. “That
would be the song for Butter, ‘Memory.’”
At the end of March, before the show season
ended, Butter crossed the Rainbow Bridge
because of kidney failure. She only went to
16 shows and replaced rings at two of them.
From the first day she was shown, she was
in the National standings and stayed there,
even after missing many shows. She was
also the North Atlantic Region’s Best Cat
in Premiership.
“I miss you, my beloved Butter.”
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “When
she granded in a 10-ring show, she had to be Best
in every ring to grand (and that is unheard of),
but she did and ended up with 79 points.”
14th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Marcus WTF??
Blue Longhair Exotic Neuter
Breeder: Mark Hannon & David Raynor
Owner: Mark Hannon & David Raynor
Submitted by Mark Hannon
K
nown as Persian breeders, in 2010 Mark
and David decided to breed a litter of
Exotics. It takes an Exotic to create an Exotic
and they did not have one, so they sent a
tortoiseshell Persian to Diane Deibert of
Spellbound Cattery for stud service to her
male, GC, RW Spellbound Boom Boom
Pow, a blue tabby shorthair Exotic.
Sadly, the resulting litter consisted of two
longhair males, a blue and a red. Mark and
David showed both as kittens one time at
four months, and they split the rings. They
left the red at home and continued to show
the blue. While they felt the red was a better
kitten, he was far more extreme, and they
believed the more moderate look of the blue
would be preferred by most judges.
Before “Buddy” was six months old, he had
secured a Regional Kitten Win. Marcus
kittens are rarely competitive at four months,
but this boy was an exception. A National
Kitten Win was a possibility, but that late in
the show season, kitten counts are low and it
would have required the expense and hassle of
flying to shows for any chance of an NW title.
They opted not to try and instead left that boy
at home until he turned eight months old.
The red, GC Marcus OMG!! of Spellbound,
granded at a 6x6 show early in the show
season and then went to live with Diane.
It was hoped that his extremity would
contribute to her breeding program. After
granding Buddy in Championship in May,
he was neutered and became a one-show
Grand in Premiership.
No cat registered as a Longhair Exotic had
ever achieved a National Win, and it was
hoped that this boy might be the first to do
it. Alas, he shared the honor with a lovely
tortoiseshell Longhair Exotic spay who also
achieved a National Win this season.
A question often asked was why Buddy
was given his name of WTF?? First, blue is
not a popular color with many judges and
certainly not with Mark and David. “Don’t
Get Me Wrong,” the last three Marcus
National Winners were blue males. Second,
Mark had been an opponent of Longhair
Exotics on the show bench for decades; while
he eventually changed his mind and publicly
supported their acceptance, there was a
history which made it ironic that Mark was
now campaigning a Longhair Exotic.
What made this cat a top show cat? His head
structure is his best feature. It is smooth
and round in every direction, which allows
his muzzle to fit in beautifully. His eyes are
set wide apart, and the bright copper grabs
attention. His ears are amazingly small. This
boy is very balanced and refined.
Buddy enjoyed the shows and loved the
attention, whether it was from his owners,
judges or spectators. When spectators would
stop by his cage, he came alive.
Mark and David are fortunate to live in a part of
the country where National Wins are possible
without flying to shows. Their cat achieved
a National Win without flying and without
attending some of the high count shows that
were not within a reasonable driving distance.
girl had so much flash with all the colors
in her coat that she had to grab the judges’
attention. He also thought that Lynn’s love
of both her cat and the Maine Coon breed
was so obvious at every show. Mark noted
that Donna had bred and shown Exotics
for many years, and this year she had a cat
that clearly meant a lot to her and the judges
shared her belief in him.
The most memorable of their shows was
National Capital. It was a local show for Mark
and David which happened to have a very high
Premiership count. Buddy did well at this show,
and his highest ring points were achieved there.
Other memorable shows for them were ones
where many of the top Premiership cats
were present, since many of the exhibitors
campaigning in Premiership this season had
formed a bond. It was exciting for them to
see Jim show the first Ragdoll to achieve a
National Win, and it was thrilling to see
Lisa-Maria earn her first National Win after
successes at the Regional level.
Also, watching Tom’s delight in the judges’
reaction to his wonderfully groomed
Himalayan was magic to them, and it was
something to remember seeing DeLinda and
Matt’s calico with her long, flowing Persian
coat that floated in the air as it moved. It takes
a great groomer to work with all that hair.
It was a competitive season for Orientals
in Premiership, but Mark felt that Betsy’s
“Is there anyone who enjoys showing more
than Jon? His Exotic from Hong Kong was
one of two National Winners for him and his
wife, Linda, this season, and both obviously
had a good time,” Mark stated. Charmayne
has worked with dilute Persians for decades,
and her cream spay was the epitome of what
a Persian is all about, with her super short
body, lovely color and “butch” type.
“Yep, it was a great show season chock full of
wonderful memories for us,” Mark writes. “It
showed us CFA at its finest.”
“Attending Steel City Kitties’ first show
(Valentine’s weekend). Many of the top cats
in Premiership were present; it snowed all
weekend, but the club had a great gate. So
many things came together and just seemed to
right that weekend.”
15th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Front Range Leonard H McCoy
Ruddy Somali Neuter
Breeder: Mary Franz & Kelli Griffin
Owner: Gail Dolan & Gary Shubert
Submitted by Gail Dolan
A
nother show season had gone by, and
Gail didn’t start this season off with
planning on another National Win; they
were just going to do some local shows and
visit with friends but then found out “Bones”
was in the Top 25, so they decided to go “On
the Road Again” and give it a try.
They played many CDs on the long drives
and listened to a lot of Gail’s favorite
artists, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks.
“Rhiannon” had special meaning to her.
They went to the National Show and enjoyed
the experience because they had never
attended an international show. Gail felt it
was a wonderful show with great vendors,
great cats and hanging out with friends.
While in San Diego, Gail was able to see
friends that she rarely sees and had fun there.
She made a new cat friend in Martha Auspitz
and wants to thank her for the grooming tips
that helped a lot.
At the Richmond show, her purse, with
everything in it, was stolen. Gail is one of
those women who tend to carry everything
except the kitchen sink and was so upset and
frazzled. The people were wonderful as they
came to her rescue, donating money to assure
she would get home safe.
She doesn’t know who all they were but would
like to thank them from the bottom of her
heart. “Your help was a God send,” Gail writes.
Bones was the first Somali to achieve a
National Kitten win and the first to earn a
National title in two classes.
Additionally, she also would like to thank
all of the judges who stood by Bones
throughout the season.
“Being at the National Show.”
16th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Tigerboy Skip To My Lou
Blue Mackerel Tabby Exotic Spay
Breeder: Shuk “Suki” Man Lee
Submitted by Linda Bartley
Owner: Suki Lee, Kathie von Aswege, Linda, Jon & Jacob
Bartley, Jo Cornwall & Christine Shek
S
he was the Best Shorthair Exotic in
Premiership and the Great Lakes Region’s
Sixth Best Cat. She is five years old and the
Bartley’s fourth National Winner and second
this season.
“LuLu” is really a “China Girl” and started
out her show career as Asia’s Seventh Best Cat
in Championship and Best Exotic in 20072008. She was the first Hong Kong bred
female Exotic to achieve this award.
At the conclusion of her Championship career,
LuLu retired to have babies; unfortunately,
she had to be spayed after a very serious
pyometra. She fully recovered after waking
from a coma to be temporarily blind.
Suki decided to show her in Premiership.
Kathie von Aswege recommended the
Bartleys to Suki, and last year at the CFA
Annual in Reston, VA, they were asked if
they would be interested in showing her a
while. They had just shown GC, GP, RW
Jovan Tickle Me Elmo of Lynzkatz to 27th
Best Cat in Premiership and weren’t sure they
wanted to try again, but they decided they
would show her for Suki.
The Persian and Exotic Cat Club was LuLu’s
first show with Suki, and she was Best Cat
in Show. She had gotten over the required
25 Grand points but had only been in 2
qualifying rings, so she was not yet a Grand
Premier. Then Suki showed her in the Hong
Kong and Macao Cat Club show, and again
she was Best Cat in Show, making all Best
Allbreed Cats. She had her 5 qualifying rings
and 168 of the 25 points needed to grand.
LuLu came over to the US for the Ocicats
International show in Simpsonville, SC and
was shown by Jo and Kathie. She went to her
new home at the Bartleys’ before the National
Capital show, where she made eight of ten
finals with none of the judges seeing her before.
Linda and Jon had been asked by friends as
breeders Kathie and Doug von Aswege if they
wanted to show Dovon Clark of Lynzkatz, an
American Shorthair kitten, that was out of
their female Lynzkatz Truffles of Dovon and
GC, BW, NW Yatfung’s Hulk In Brown!!!
They decided to take him along wherever
they were showing LuLu.
Clark started to take off and was Best in Show
at the National Siamese Cat Club show. The
Bartleys had a tough decision to make: run
LuLu or take Clark, whose kitten season would
be shorter. They decided to take both and hope
neither one was hurt by the show choices.
Both went to the CFA National Show in
November, which was highlighted with Suki
being able to help show her.
After that show, the decision was made that
Clark needed to go to the Midwest TGIF
show in November, so Jon took LuLu to a local
show, where she was Best in Show. It was one
of several times when Jon went to one show
and Linda took the kitten to a different show.
They enjoyed the fun and encouragement of
other Premiership exhibitors, including new
friends Jim Flanik and Donna Wilbanks. LuLu
and Ty both ignored the judges’ toys, but when
they did play, Donna and Linda would look at
each other in disbelief because it always happened
at the same time, as if it had been planned.
Donna and Linda drove each other crazy
figuring out everyone’s points. In February,
LuLu moved into the Top Twenty and stayed
there. It didn’t stop Linda and Donna from
obsessing about points along with lifetime
friend Jeri Zottoli, who also worried about
where they would end up. Jeri was in
Australia for two weeks; during that time,
Linda updated and stressed her with show
updates and point totals.
A highlight for the Bartleys was figuring out
the points down to the last final at Sign of
the Cat, hoping that Natasha got in at 25th.
They were so glad when she did.
Linda and Jon are very thankful for Kathie
and Doug’s understanding through two
campaigns at once and especially for
recommending them to Suki; to co-owners
Christine and Jo for all of their support; and
to Bob Zenda, without whom they wouldn’t
have been fortunate enough to show her.
In addition, thanks are extended to Deborah
Curtis for her support on both campaigns,
and to Jan Chambers for her advice, always
updating points so they could see if LuLu
was at where she needed to be. Special
thanks to Donna and Jeri for all the fun
they had strategizing, and to Betty Kelly for
holding down things at home and delivering
litters so they could show both cats at all the
needed shows.
Linda, Jon and Jacob are so thankful to Suki
and Matthew for trusting them with their
very special LuLu and allowing them to keep
her as a very special part of their family!
They are so glad to have met many great people
and had a fun year showing with old friends
in Premiership this season. Congratulations
to all of the National Winners this year!
“Donna Wilbanks, Jim Flanik, Jon and I doing
the insane drive from Dayton, OH on Saturday
to Kimberton, PA on Sunday and talking to
each other on the way. And a low point was
Jim’s serious accident on his way home from
Kimberton. Probably the best moment was
figuring out the final points in the last two rings
to see if Liz and Natasha got in for a NW at
Sign of the Cat.”
17th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Irishcoons Flying Tiger
Brown Mackerel Tabby Maine Coon Neuter
Breeder: Lynne Hofstetter
Owner: Lynne Hofstetter
Submitted by Lynne Hofstetter
H
e is affectionately known as “Cubby”
and was a one-show Grand at the
Atlanta Phoenix show in March 2011.
Lynn began to hear murmurings of
encouragement from judges. She debated
whether to wait a year to come out with a
more mature cat and if her health would
improve in that time.
She knew she had a competitive cat now
and her general show philosophy has always
been, “You don’t know if you don’t go,”
so she decided to hit the campaign trail.
Camelle Chaney unselfishly offered to
continue showing Cubby if Lynn’s health
issues proved to be too much. With that in
mind and a budget in hand, she committed
to the task. Flying was not an option,
and the reality was that some of the most
prestigious shows in the country would be
out of their reach.
Off to a strong start, they continued to
gain momentum throughout the summer
months. In September, they ventured to
National Capital. It was a thrill for Lynn to
attend and participate with the outstanding
cats there in competition.
November was a roller coaster ride of
emotions. After being closed out of the
National Show and placed on the wait list,
Cubby was the Highest Scoring Cat in
Premiership at the prestigious Cotton States
show. Four days before the National Show,
his entry was accepted.
Lynne drove to Charlotte, NC, met her
friend Nan, and they drove to the National
Show together. Cubby continued to show
completely oblivious to the attention drawn
to him for being a mature Maine Coon, with
impressive size and an endearing personality.
Autumn finished with the Dixieland Silver
and Golden holiday show. Then it was on to
New Year’s Eve in Nashville. He was moving
up in the rankings by the Birmingham show in
January. March was highlighted with a return
to where it really all began – Atlanta Phoenix.
Lynn was filled with bittersweet emotions
because of the anticipation, but also a sadness
knowing the year was drawing to a close.
Toting twenty pounds of Maine Coon
around those last few months took its toll.
Physical therapy for Lynn’s back was needed,
and a procedure on another kidney stone was
long overdue. Although slipping slightly in
the rankings from 13th to 17th, she elected
to take off the month of April. The win was
secured, and the past year was forever etched
in her mind.
Was it worth it? Lynn would say every penny
spent, every hour in the car, the moments of
anxiety, the excitement, the laughter, and most
of all the privilege of being in the presence of
wonderful exhibitors competing with other
awesome cats was indeed “worth it.” “I’ve Had
the Time of My Life,” Lynn said.
Lynn is still pondering a way to properly
express her heartfelt feelings to all because
the words “thank you” don’t seem to be
enough for everyone who made this journey
so special: the judges who supported
Cubby so faithfully; her fellow exhibitors
who encouraged her along the way; her
traveling companion, Linda, who shared
this adventure with her; and her husband,
Chuck, who stayed home, tended to the cats
and helped in every way he could.
Last but not least, Lynn owes an immense
debt of gratitude to Joel and Camelle Chaney
for allowing the breeding of GC, BW, NW
Dewisplear Pierce Mayfair, DM to GC
Irishcoons Legacy, DM, Flying Tiger’s sire
and dam. Without them, there would be
no Pierce and therefore no Cubby to warm
hearts with his “cubbiness,” a word coined by
a friend that truly expresses his essence.
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “Getting
to the show hall to set up and looking for my name
and finding the space allocated to “Cubby,” my
cat’s call name. It brought a smile and a tear to
think that someone would take the time to make a
special effort to welcome me to that show.”
18th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Marleevo’s Bugatti
Tortoiseshell Longhair Exotic Spay
Breeder: Allennia & Jean Voerster
Owner: Allennia & Jean Voerster
Submitted by Allennia Voerster
T
his is the story of the campaign that
almost wasn’t.
Born in a litter of five, Bugatti was one of two
kittens in the litter that Allennia intended to
place as pets. One of those kittens definitely
lacked the quality to show, but the other only
had one fault…she had LONG hair! This
lovely tortoiseshell is a Longhair Exotic. Her
parents, GC, RW Marleevo’s Take It Up A
Notch and CH Marleevo’s Divine Inspiration,
are both shorthairs, like all her littermates.
From that litter, Allennia began showing two
of the kittens, Marleevo’s Corvette, another
tortoiseshell, and Marleevo’s Lamborghini, a
blue and white boy. Corvette made many finals
as a kitten and seemed to be the next season’s
show cat. Bugatti was shown along with her
sister twice as a kitten but made no finals.
After being spayed, Allennia showed Bugatti
“for sale” at a couple of shows at the end of
the previous season. By this time, Bugatti
had blossomed and become very heavily
solid with thick boning and a wonderful
expression. She quickly outshined her sister
Corvette as she matured.
In her first show as a Premier, Bugatti made
half of her grand points, and judges asked
why she was spayed. Bugatti granded in the
next show, and any thoughts of selling her
flew out the window. This was the show cat
for the next season!
At first, there were no thoughts of
campaigning for a National Win. Marleevo
cattery had never had a National Winner
with their Exotics, so Allennia did not expect
to be able to achieve this with a longhair.
The first several months, Bugatti showed
primarily at local shows, usually ones that
her owners always attended. There was no
strategy or looking for count, just having fun
and hoping for finals. It wasn’t long before
it was apparent that Bugatti was going to do
very well in the region. She started off in the
Top Five and steadily climbed to number one
by the beginning of August.
Still, her owner was not thinking about a
potential National Win. It wasn’t until a friend
sent her an email titled, “Congratulations!!”
that told her Bugatti was ranked 24th
nationally after the last weekend of August,
when she thought it might be possible to
pull off this thing. Other exhibitors and
even judges told Allennia that she needed
to get to higher count shows. With this
encouragement, she vowed she would do as
much as she was able.
Many miles were logged in her trusty Kia,
but not a single flight was ever booked. This
was a drive-only campaign, sometimes with
travel buddies Janis Walkingstick and Kathryn
Queen, but most of the time Allennia traveled
with only her audio books for company.
Bugatti’s placement in the standings rose
and dipped several times over the months,
but she never fell out of the Top 25. She
was Highest Scoring in ten shows and
Second Highest in three others. The only
“big” show she attended was the National.
Bugatti didn’t go to any of the usual “make
it or break it” shows like Garden State,
National Capital or Cotton States.
In the ring, Bugatti was greatly admired
for her short and unexpectedly heavy body,
huge wide open eyes, strikingly rich color
and playful personality. No “tortitude” for
this girl; she thought the show ring was fun!
She entertained the spectators, as well, by
either bouncing around in her Zippy Cage
or going into her signature “slouch” position.
Any time spectators gathered in front of her
cage, she was sure to be leaning back and
sitting like a sports fan in need of a Bud and
a remote, with an expression of, “What are
you looking at?!”
In conclusion, Allennia writes, “I would like
to thank my mother, Jean, for holding down
the fort at work in Fridays and occasionally
Monday mornings so I couls make some of
those long drives. Also, a big thank you to Jan
Chambers for sharing your knowledge and
experience with campaign strategy, and of
course your spreadsheets! This achievement
would never have happened without the
support and encouragement of Jean, Jan,
Kathryn, Janis, Pam DeGolyer, Sharon
Rogers and many, many others.”
Thank you all for helping me to see what can
happen “When You Believe!”
“I went to a show that had a present and
competing count of 50, and one of those was a
cat in the Top Five in the standings. We were in
this other cat’s own region, but Bugatti ended
up Highest Scoring in Show.”
19th Best Cat: CH, GP, NW Starbourne’s Eye-Of-The Tiger
Brown Mackerel Tabby Exotic Neuter
Breeder: Donna Willbanks, Barb Leffler & Jean Dugger
Owner: Donna Willbanks & Barb Leffler
Submitted by Donna Willbanks
T
he story starts with his birth by
C-section on March 31, 2008. “Ty” was
sired by CH EZLuvin Simba of Wiccacats
out of GC Starbourne’s I Hope You Dance,
DM. Not long after birth, he and his sister
were found to be PKD positive through
DNA testing, so neither was destined to be
used in Donna’s breeding program.
After he was shown successfully as a
kitten, Donna took Ty to his first show in
Championship for his winners ribbons. After
the show, Donna noticed, to her horror,
that he has a large black speck mark on his
left eye. His eye was not bothering him or
irritated, however, when she took him to the
vet Monday, it was confirmed that he had
developed a corneal sequestrum.
With the spproval of Donna’s vet, she chose
to medicate rather than have an operation
performed, and she patiently treated his eye
for the next three and a half to four months.
During this time, he had already gotten a girl
bred in the house, so Donna had to make the
decision to have him neutered, knowing that
she would never have the shot to grand him
in Championship.
In April, even the vet could find no residual
scarring on his eye (he really did have the
“Eye of the Tiger”), so Donna took him
out to grand him in Premiership, hoping he
would not suffer another setback. He quickly
achieved his Grand but them promptly blew
his coat. While Donna waited for his coat to
come back, she decided that since his eye still
seemed fine, she would at least try to achieve
a Regional Win on him, so off they went.
In the end, Ty did so well that he ended up
at the 2010 Southern Region’s Tenth Best
Cat, as well as being 34th Highest Scoring
in Premiership nationally. Donna began to
hope that someday in the future there would
be a possibility of something more and
waited for a year.
She brought Ty out at the Rebel Rousers
show in May 2011 to begin their quest. Of
course, two months later, as was always her
luck, Donna was laid off from her job due
to a company purchase. If it hadn’t been for
her best friend Barbara Leffler of Purrstar
Himalayans taking over the expenses, Ty
would have had to stop his quest right there.
As the weeks progressed, he did well enough
for Donna to actually dare to hope her
dream would come true. In July, he won
the Georgette Melotik Memorial Award for
Best Cat in Premiership at the Platinum
Coast Cat Club and continued doing well
into the fall. He held his own in the Top 25
throughout the season.
The most harrowing moment for owner
and cat occured at the National Norwegian
Forest Cat Show in front of the Red Roof
where she was staying. While Donna tried to
put something in Ty’s carrier before she took
him into the hotel room, Ty bolted out of
his carrier, out of the car and ran into the
night! Horrified, she chased after him. Fellow
exhibitor Donna Ensor and her husband just
happened to open their door, and Ty charged
straight into their room. They were quite
startled by the streaking figure! Very shaken,
Donna and Ty were consoled by the Ensors,
and thankfully they returned to their room
none the worse for wear. If it hadn’t been for
the very timely door opening of the Ensors,
he quite probably would have been lost to
the night or the highway, leaving Donna
heartbroken forever.
Ty was accompanied to the shows by
his cattery mate, GC, RW Starbourne’s
Moonlight Serenade, who also had a great
show year before being retired at the end
of March. Although they were both very
jealous of one another and constantly vying
for the lion’s share of attention, when they
weren’t at a show together, it was obvious
that they missed each other! Ty is living the
high life now was a permanent resident of the
Starbourne household.
Donna and Ty made many new friends
this season and wish to thank all the fans
and judges that gave their support, as well
as congratulate all their fellow National
Winners on a job well done!
A special thank you goes to Jean Dugger.
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “Too
many to name; we enjoyed ourselves from start
to finish. Made new friends and new fans
everywhere we went.”
20th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, BW, NW Kiriki Thai’m Will Tell
Korat Spay
Breeder: Ann Segrest
Owner: Ann Segrest
Submitted by Ann Segrest
C
ampaigning this Korat spay to a
successful National Win and the
Northwest Region’s Third Best Cat boiled
down to making choices.
Although the Kiriki cattery has produced
three Breed Winners and two Distinguished
Merit cats in its 22-year history along with
numerous Regional Winners, this was Ann’s
first National Winner.
“Twilly” started her show career in the
2003-2004 season when she was shown
as a kitten and young adult. In the fall
of 2009, Ann decided to show Twilly in
Championship and try for a Regional Win.
She earned almost 2500 points in 54 rings
and finished the 2009-2010 season as CFA’s
Best Korat and the Northwest Region’s
Tenth Best Cat in Championship. She was
7 1/2 years old.
The following year, Twilly was shown
as a Veteran until February, when she
was spayed in anticipation of a national
campaign in Premiership.
The show season started out slowly with a
6x6 show in Reno, where Twilly made 9/12
finals. At the end of June, Twilly was ranked
21st nationally.
July was one of those points where a serious
decision was needed, and an expensive option
had to be considered. Ann decided to stay
in Oregon with Twilly instead of taking her
to Garden State. A number of factors went
into the decision, one being that the show in
Oregon was at a great beach resort where Ann’s
friends usually rent a large beach house and
have an extended party. So instead of going
to compete against 76 cats in Premiership,
Twilly went 8/8 against 25 cats on the beach.
It turned out to be a good choice because
when Ann arrived home that Sunday night,
the first disaster of the show season had
struck. Twilly was operated on that Monday
to repair a ruptured anal gland. This involved
shaving a significant area of her back side,
causing them to stay home until September.
Another choice was needed for Twilly’s
return to competition: either the Pacific Rim
show in Longview, WA or National Capital.
Since Twilly’s fur hadn’t grown completely in,
Ann decided to opt for the Longview show,
which had 26 cats in Premiership. At the end
of September, Twilly was ranked 32nd, her
lowest position in the National standings for
the rest of the season.
Twilly wasn’t burning up the campaign trail.
After the Lewis & Clark show in Portland,
it came time to make an important decision
that probably changed the show season
into a serious campaign. Ann flew Twilly
to Phoenix with Wendy Heidt and Kathy
Miller and competed against many of the
National campaigners. She was Seventh Best
Cat in the show, completing her 100 rings
and ranked 24th.
The week before Christmas, Ann’s husband,
Fred, had a heart attack. He passed away the
day after Christmas, following an unendurable
five days and nights in Salem Hospital. Ann
and Fred had been married for 51 years.
On January 7, Ann resumed the National
campaign by attending a local show. Although
Twilly finished the show as Best Cat in
Premiership, there were more hugs than points.
Ann woke up one morning at the beginning
of April with severe positional vertigo, which
wasn’t resolved for three weeks. After a weekend
recovering, she set out again on the show circuit.
They flew and celebrated the end of the show
season in St. Louis with another good show.
In summary, Twilly went to 32 shows during
the season and was in 235 finals. Even
though she is still “Young at Heart,” at 9 1/2
years old, she is done being a show cat.
Ann wants to thank those judges who
supported Twilly from the first of May
through the end of April. She also wants to
thank those judges who had never seen Twilly
before they put her on the judging table and
decided to include her in their finals. She
wants to express her appreciation to all CFA
exhibitors who made her and Twilly feel
welcome at every single show they attended.
“Premiership has to be the best category in
which to compete in CFA,” Ann writes.
“Wendy Heidt and I decided to go for it by
flying to Glendale, CA for the Malibu CC show
on Saturday, February 12, and flew home that
night and attended the Pacific Rim ABCC show
in Longview, WA on Sunday, February 13. The
shows were 1009 miles apart. The look on the
faces of our friends at the Sunday show when we
walked into the show hall was priceless.”
21st Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Ameusin Dream Chaser
Ebony & White Oriental Neuter
Breeder: Lynne Von Egidy, Terrie Smith & Elizabeth Powell
Owner: Elizabeth Powell
Submitted by Elizabeth Powell
Chase was good looking and met the breed
standards for the Oriental Shorthair cat,
but Elizabeth didn’t think he was anything
extraordinary. She felt, however, that his
personality and calm demeanor would be
well suited for the show and decided to enter
him into a local show.
“C
hase” was the only surviving kitten
out of three born to CH Leggs
Rose Tattoo of Ameusin and GC Felichaun
Pied Piper, owned by Lori Tollison of
Pennsylvania. When he was five weeks old, it
was discovered that Chase was severly anemic
and had an excess amount of lipids in his
blood, a condition known as hyperlipidemia.
With the recommendation of two
veterinarians and the consent of his caregiver,
Chase was subjected to numerous blood
drawings to monitor his anemia and lipid
levels. In addition, his diet was constantly
being fine-tuned to provide him with the
proper amounts of vitamins, fat and protein.
After several months, the day finally arrived
when Chase’s blood parameters were normal,
and his weight was appropriate for his age. It
was truly a blessing that he had successfully
gotten through his tumultuous beginnings.
Now what to do?
In the first several rings of that first show,
Chase did little or nothing. In the last ring,
however, Gary Veach was impressed with
him and acted accordingly. Elizabeth had
always held Judge Veach in high esteem, and
his opinion was proof to her that she may
indeed have something very special in her
care. Chase’s kitten career was a successful
one, and he would often be Best Kitten
across the board.
Chase’s success as a kitten followed him
into his adult career. As a Premier, Chase
participated in 27 weekends of shows in
nine different states and sometimes required
six days for the trip by car. It was a thrilling
experience when Chase became a one-show
Grand at his first show as a Premier. It was
even more so since it was Elizabeth’s own
cat club’s show – Garden State. Equally
as thrilling was the first time he was Best
Cat in Premiership across the board. There
were other shows where Chase was the Best
Premier in Show but none more thrilling
than the first time. The support that he
and Elizabeth received from their fellow
exhibitors was nothing short of amazing.
There were so many moments with Chase
that will always be remembered. One is when
a judge tried every teaser available to get him
to climb “the pole,” and he ignored her. He
just sat there looking out at the audience.
The judge gave up and said, “Well, I guess
you don’t really have to; you can just sit there
and look pretty.” As she reached out to put
him back into the judge’s cage, he turned and
climbed “the pole.” Sometimes, Chase would
be a little stubborn because he believed you
“Make Your Own Kind of Music,” but then
again, he had earned the right.
He is a constant reminder that dreams do
come true – you just have to believe.
Today, Chase is relaxing at home, wondering
why he’s not in the show hall with his friends.
“When Chase granded in one show.”
Elizabeth writes, “Chase and I made our own
kind of music this past year and loved every
note played. Thank you for all the support
and friendship you extended to us.”
22nd Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Meow My Mugsy Malone of Morganhill
Brown Mackerel Tabby Persian Neuter
Breeder: Zayda Stephens
Owner: Lisa Morgan
Submitted by Lisa Morgan
a one-show Grand, however, there were only
72 points available. They had to wait for the
next show for the few points he needed.
As a Grand Premier, they were off to see how
he could do. Mugsy came into his own at the
Peoria, IL Midwest Region Awards show in
June. He was the Second Highest Scoring
Cat in Premiership behind the beautiful
Rhamjoge Better Believe It.
With encouragement from fellow exhibitors,
especially Matt Pearson and Kevin Weber,
the decided to try for a Regional Win. The
stage was set, and a game plan was put into
place, mapping out the shows they would go
to. The number of shows they could attend
was limited because she wanted to stay
within an eight-hour drive.
T
heir journey began several years before
Mugsy was born. It started with a
special tabby named Morganhill Tabboo
Subject, a brown mackerel tabby Persian.
Unfortunately, his time with her was short,
as he developed lymphoma was passed away
just after his eighth birthday.
Jan knew Lisa was hoping to get another
brown tabby Persian to honor “Tab” and told
her about the beautiful brown tabby Persians
that a breeder from Michigan had at the
show. She gave her the website of the breeder,
and Lisa knew she had found the place where
she would find her special kitty.
Lisa had been going to shows to visit friends,
and someone suggested, since she goes to
shows anyway, “Why don’t you get a kitty
to show?” She was not ready for another
cat but kept it in the back of her mind and
figured, when the time and kitty were right,
it would happen.
She emailed the breeder immediately to inquire
on whether she had a kitty that Lisa could have
fun with in Premiership. After several months,
Zayda said she had the kitten for her. Once
Lisa saw the pictures, she fell in love and could
not wait until she and Jan could make the trip
to Michigan to pick him up.
Her friend, Jan Aeschlimann, was at a show in
Palatine, IL in February 2010 that Lisa could
not attend. Jan called Lisa after the show and
told her it was a good thing she didn’t go because
she would have come home with a kitty.
Mugsy was taken out as a kitten to get used
to showing. Once neutered, he blossomed
into the beautiful cat he is now. They went
to the Saintly City show in Minneapolis,
MN to grand him, and he would have been
Mugsy stayed in the Top 25 most of the season.
Lisa is proud to say they stuck to their game
plan and attained much more than they had
hoped for, with a Regional and National Win.
They went to 28 shows in seven states and
stayed within the Midwest and Great Lakes
Regions, and he was never double-entered
in shows. There was only one show in early
December that they entered but did not attend.
She chose to rest up and hit the ground running
in January for the last part of the season.
They had fun and met many great exhibitors
and spectators – Mugsy was a spectator
magnet – and they made new friends while
catching up with some old ones.
Lisa writes, “I would like to thank my husband,
Conrad, for enduring all of the weekends
Mugsy and I were away and for taking care
of things at home; Zayda for allowing me to
have such a special boy; Bob Ruigh for being
Mugsy’s Manager/Statistician; Jan for being a
good friend and helping me to find my special
tabby cat; Kim Sieving and Carol Fengel
for their help and encouragement along the
way; fellow exhibitors, especially Sharon, Jim
and Eve; and all of the judges for helping us
achieve our goal and more. After all is said
and done, Mugsy is first and foremost a very
special, loved and spoiled pet.
“Best of all, we did it ‘My Way.’”
“Realizing we would finish in the Top 25.”
23rd Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Caricature Shemar Moore of Euphoria
Bombay Neuter
Breeder: Sig & Sharyn Hauck & Dianne Ewing
Owner: Jeri & Dan Zottoli
Submitted by Jeri Zottoli
S
hemar’s story began even before he was
born, when Jeri hinted to Sharyn that she’s
like a new kitten she could name after the
handsome black actor, Shemar Moore, from
her favorite TV show, “Criminal Minds.”
He and his syster Yaya were born to the much
laid back Nat King Cole and Odetta, the
inquisitive big-eyed girl from Dianne Ewing.
Yaya was born “the regular way” in the
master bedroom in the Hauck’s Brookfield,
CT home. After several hours of labor with
no results, Odetta went to the vet for a digital
exam that indicated “there is one kitten, and
it is a boy.” Via C’section, out came Shemar,
purring, with the vet declaring, “This one is
a real live wire.”
inquisitive youngster with his mom’s huge
copper eyes, even as a tiny tot. He came to
live with Jeri and Dan right after he turned
4 months old and went on to be the 20102011 North Atlantic Region’s Eigth Best
Kitten. May 2011, he came out as an adult
and granded in Premiership.
This is where Shemar’s story of manipulation
and doing things “his way” really begins.
Dad Dan’s first thoughts were, “Oh no, here
we go again,” on another roller coaster ride
with a small, strong willed, shiny black cat.
If they thought that “Tookie” (2008 CFA’s
23rd Cat in Best Premiership – must be
a lucky number!) was a handful with his
antics, they had yet to experience Shemar’s
ability to charm and manipulate…sort of
made Tookie look like an amateur. There
is nothing of Papa Nat’s laid back spirit in
Shemar, but he is very much his monkeylike mother Odetta’s son.
Sharyn always seems to know exactly when
it is that Jeri needs a special black cat in her
life, and Shemar certainly was a perfect fit.
Early baby pictures of Shemar showed an
With the plan being “we’ll go where we
go and see what happens,” they were soon
moving right along – racking up those
points, getting a feel for who was “out” in
Premiership, renewing friendships, making
some new friends along the way, and coming
to love this year’s group of Top 25 cats.
Shemar has always been “mama’s boy” and
would behave himself just fine…as long as
Jeri was showing him. Anyone could watch
Shemar glow as he looked at her with loving
eyes, and she stared back at her boy the same
way. She was wrapped around his little black
paw for life. As usual, Jeri’s judging schedule
put a monkey wrench into the show plans,
as she judged some of the better count “close
and local shows.”
They figured since Tookie could be shown
by other people, maybe this would work for
Shemar, too. NOT! Woe be it to poor “Aunt
Nancy” (Lescavage) who took Shemar to a few
shows for Jeri – he would pout like a petulant,
spoiled child when his beloved mama was not
around. At one show, Nana Sharyn dubbed
him “the master manipulator;” it was a name
that stuck as the gospel truth.
The enjoyment of the show ring for Shemar
was as diverse as the many judges who
handled him. For the judges he didn’t know
very well or was rather casual about, he
would do “his job” but not much more. But
for the judges he adored, he would flirt and
perform, rolling to his side, looking adorably
cute, batting his eye lashes to show off those
huge copper eyes, as if to say, “I’m Sexy and
I Know It.” This earned him the “trouble
in a black fur suit” nickname by one of his
favorite judges, who always chuckled when
she would go up to his judging cage and
watch him perform.
Shemar steadily chugged along, only falling
out of the Top 25 once or twice and then
coming back up into the Top 25 rankings.
They put a lot of miles on the “Tookiemobile,” the 2007 Hyundai Tucson Jeri
purchased when Tookie refused to ride in
the sports car.
Probably the highlight of the show season
for Jeri was the very last show in Easton, PA,
where she was surrounded by most of their
friends, both in and out of the Premiership
family, and they knew Shemar was “in.”
Jeri says thank you so much to Sig and Sharyn
Hauck for knowing just when she needed
this special boy in her life and for being there
the whole journey. She also thanks all who
were smitten with this charming black imp!
Furthermore, Shemar sends “big props” to
Billie, Bunny, Banjo, Enzo, Buddy, Dunkin,
LuLu, Chase and Natasha.
Jeri writes, “And tears for Charmayne and
our favorite blonde, Butter – we miss you!
“Thanks to all for joining us on the 20112012’s big Premiership roller coaster ride.”
“The final show of the season, celebrating with
friends and Shemar’s breeders and knowing
he was in.”
24th Best Cat in Premiership: GC, GP, NW Abyzona’s Sparkler of Temecku
Ruddy Abyssinian Spay
Breeder: Angeline Watanabe
Owner: Julie Onstott & Angeline Watanabe
Submitted by Julie Onstott
S
he was the Southwest Region’s Best Cat
in Premiership.
Sparkler and Premiership was not in anyone’s
plan. After all, she was a National Winner
in Championship in 2009. Therefore, she
was supposed to be retired, living the life of
luxury, taking care of beautiful babies, and
eating whatever she wanted. However, this
was not this cat’s destiny.
It was a sad day when Ange and Julie found
out that Sparkler was not able to conceive,
and she had to be spayed. They decided it
would be fun for Sparkler to be in the show
ring again after several years at home because
she always loved the shows, the judges
enjoyed handling her, and she was a good
traveler. So the next logical step was to try
their hand in Premiership.
– cat against technology. For an unknown
reason, Sparkler’s microchip began to become
an irritant. Suddenly, overnight, she scratched
a quarter-sized hole between her shoulder
blades, and the fight was on to keep her on
the show circuit without losing her standings.
Needless to say, Ange and Julie were sick over
this development and became obsessed with
hair growth, or the lack thereof, and even
their “will” couldn’t make Sparkler’s beautiful
ruddy coat grow more rapidly. She was
checked daily, almost hourly, for any of the
telltale “fuzz” that would prove regeneration
was happening, albeit at a snail’s pace.
She was taken to shows and not put in rings
because they had hoped she could be shown,
but once there, they could see it was not
possible. Patience was tried, disappointment
high, prayers to the cat gods fervent, and a
small fortune was spent on knitted sweaters,
little kitty jackets and Elizabethan collars
– all weapons used in the battle to staunch
On May 1, 2011, she came out of the
starting gate as a Premier and, surprisingly,
took off like a race horse, garnering Highest
Scoring Allbreed Premier in show after show.
Exhibiting in Premiership was not only a lark
for the cat, but it was gratifying for Ange and
Julie to experience such success so early in
the season. For the first time, they were not
having to claw their way up the point chart
for a Regional Win but leaped right to the
top to indicate that Sparkler was, once again,
National potential.
As they continued to show, it became
apparent that Sparkler was headed for a very
successful year. Excitement was running high
like a Fourth of July “Firework;” Sparkler was
in the best show form she had ever been in
and charmed her way into final after final.
Then the setback came that was to plague
Ange and Julie for the balance of the season
© Chanan
any further scratching. Sometimes they were
successful, and sometimes not.
With the missing fur, Sparkler was absent
from shows for almost three months. Her
two-legged owners did a lot of sweating and
hand wringing during this time. She had
come so far, and to miss the coveted National
award was never overtly discussed for fear of
jinxing her for the rest of the season.
Finally, her coat came back, but there was a
lot of ground to make up since some other
lovely cats were hot to win, too. Although
some of the momentum was lost, Sparkler
once again began to leave her mark at the few
remaining shows of the season.
her retirement, the troublesome microchip
removed, even though she loved the shows
and the personal attention,” Julie writes.
“Ange and I are delighted, albeit exhausted
and frazzled, that even with all of the season’s
obstacles, we were able to stay in the running
for a National Win. Sparkler has clearly earned
Favorite Moment of the Show Season: “At
one show in Palm Springs, Sparkler went Best
Across the Board, except for one ring where she
was 2nd Best.”
Sparkler is content to be at home, sleeping
on the bed, baby sitting the next generation.
25th Best Cat in Premiership: GP, NW Pharoahsgems Natasha of Seasweep
Blue Point Siamese Spay
Breeder: Melissa Wedel
Owner: Elizabeth L. Jennings
Submitted by Elizabeth Jennings
I
t was the perfect script…an incredible
journey with a storybook ending.
Natasha needed one more final to move into
25th for a National award. It all came down
to the last ring, on the last day of the last
show for the season.
Ironically, it was exactly seven years ago
to the day that Elizabeth’s lilac point boy,
GP, RW Geishagoll Wondrous Heart (aka
“Wonder”), fell out of the Top 25 national
standings. Then, in that last final, there stood
Wonder’s very favorite judge – Ellyn Honey.
Elizabeth whole-heartedly believes it was
truly meant to come down to that last ring. It
was only fitting and truly special for Ellyn to
be the one to award Natasha the final points
she needed for her National Win.
Late fall of 2010, Elizabeth was offered a little
blue point girl named Lotus, a kitten related
to her treasured heart kitty GP Geishagoll
Gillian, a beautiful blue point girl whom she
recently lost. Fatefully, Gillian’s dad, GC,
RW Geishagoll Wild Blue Yonder, was in
Natasha’s pedigree.
After seeing photos and having some lengthy
discussions, Elizabeth maintained a very
instinctual feeling about the new kitten and
finally asked about the date she was born. It
was September 1 – the day after she lost Gillian.
It was at that exact moment Elizabeth knew
she was meant to be her “mom.”
Natasha, which means “Child of Christmas,”
was originally scheduled to meet her “mom”
in Nashville, TN on Christmas Eve. That
is how she came up with her new name.
Instead, it was a frigid day in January when
Elizabeth awaited her arrival at the Newark
airport. As they brought her out from the
flight, she saw one of the most beautiful
kittens she had ever seen.
There was no adjustment period at all; it was
as if Natasha had always lived with them. Her
likeness to Gillian was uncanny: she chewed
on Elizabeth’s necklace, played with the brim
of her baseball cap when she wore one, loved
to eat sandwiches (bread and all), and relished
anything with real fur – all traits of Gillian.
“I fell in love with her immediately, and she
quickly became my heart,” Elizabeth said.
that really matters is your love for Natasha
and hers for you.”
Natasha granded at eight months old in one
show and one ring. She was Fourth Highest
Scoring Cat in Premiership at Garden
State and remained in the Top 25 National
Premiership standings nearly the entire year.
Nothing could have been more true.
All was going well until January.
Due to illness, Elizabeth had to remain
home for several weeks. Sadly, she realized
the ill-fated and likely implications of this
consequence.
In her darkest hour, as Natasha dropped in
the standings, a friend sent her a message. He
said, “The shows are nice, but the only thing
By mid-March, Natasha had fallen to 28th. At
that time, the head navigator of “Team Nat”
and a good friend of Elizabeth’s suggested she
begin flying again. Off they flew to Topeka,
KS, for a slate of almost all unknown judges.
That’s when “The Prayer” was answered, and
Natasha began her comeback.
Natasha is the first Siamese spay to earn a
National Win in 17 years and the fourth ever
in CFA’s history. Elizabeth loves her boys
dearly, but the girls have always held a special
place in her heart.
Elizabeth writes: We are truly honored to show
among so many amazing cats this year. I am
very grateful for my wonderful friends, both old
and new. They believed in us and encouraged
us to continue…no matter what. My heartfelt
thanks to the judges who supported Natasha.
And finally, my eternal thanks to Melissa Wedel
for allowing me to be Nat’s ‘mom.’”
The final chapter of the show season is
written with many fond memories etched
in her heart. In the end, after all the shows
are said and done, the best part is having
Natasha to shar her life.
“Natasha was named Best of the Best Siamese
at the National Siamese Cat Club show in
Brockport, NY.”

Top 25 Cats in Premiership - The Cat Fanciers` Association

Transcription

Similar documents

pbskids.org/catinthehat

kinder 2015 16 public - Fulton County Schools

Cat. No. 410 Reversion Accelerator For DA20 / CP65 - Film-Tech

Alterra 500 XT » Arctic Cat

read a sample chapter

517 Track Skidder

CAT 797 Transmission Hoist

View in Full Screen Mode - The Wapakoneta Daily News

“People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life