The Scratch Sheet - Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association
Transcription
The Scratch Sheet - Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association
The Official Publication of the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association The Scratch Sheet qpritltt, r,. = How Does Your Garden Grow? Laura and Sharon Cunningham's of Coonyham Maine Coons grows very nicely! Inside This lssue Managing Problems in Nursinq Oueens Suggestions from the Membership Nicknames Angus McPherson McCat - In His Own Words The PILUS-ESCH@-TesI (part 2) Ten Years Ago . . . Excerpts from the March, .|987 Scratch Sheet In Tribute to my Helpers, by Connie Seidler Established in 1968 for the Promotion and Protection of the Maine Coon Cat The Scratch Sheet e Only firll Breeder Members may advertise cats or kitlens for sale, stud service, catteries, or any service related to animals. o Any member may submit listings and photos for the "Grand Gallery." r No one may run more thanone ad per *Grand issue (excluding "Cat Link," Gallery," "Lonesome Toms," and "lonely Hearts" listings and merchan- PRESIDENT BREEDER MEMBER SEC'Y SOUTHEAST DIRECTOR Judy Cbappetta Edith Dunford Rebekah Cumbie 5124 August Ln. Marrero, LA70072 9 504-37 1-8391 VICE-PR-ESIDENT Elizabeth Flynn 208 Kings Chapel Rd. Augusta, GA 30907 PROV. BREEDER SECRETARY Girmy Molloy 1274 Uhls Rd. Franklin, KY 42134 502-5864076 706-860-1521 dise ads. r E-mail : charmcat@tcsx.net Payments must be received with ads. o Ads may be sent camera-ready or we will set your ad for you. your ads and payments to the Editor; all checks made payable to MCBFA. Please send CATTERYADRATES l/8 pg. $10.00/one time ll4pg.. $20lonetime ll2pg. Full Pg. $35/yr. $65/yr. $40/onetime/limit2perl'r time/limit I peryr. $85/one MERCHANDISE AD RATES ll4 pg. l/2p9. Full Page Cliffst. Stonington, CT 06378 203-535-2917 $25.00 per issue $50.00 per issue $100.00 per issue 1000 TammyAmeDr. Birmingham, AL35235 205-853-7905 E-mail : rebekah@scott.net MIDWEST DIRECTOR Lynne Sherer 882 Kirk Ave. Elmhurst, n-60126 708-941-3295 TREASTJRER Karen Mclnchak 995 Paloma Rd. Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940-561 408-394-7336 FANCIEER MEMBER SEC'Y 603485-5074 SOI.TTH CENT. DIR.ECTOR Karen Crooke P.O. Box 35407 Houston, TX77215-5407 711-776-8827 RECORDING SECRETARY NORTHEAST DIRECTOR WESTERNDIRECTOR Greg Cada 21437 Lake Road Rocky River, OH 44116 Lynne Boroff Advent Hill Fam, Advent Hill Rd flartland, VT 05048 Helen Johns 216-3334619 .802436-2050 3 CORRI,SPONDING SEC'Y MID-ATLAIYTIC DIRECTOR OVERSEAS DIRECTOR Deborah Hall 4405 Kanol SW Albuquerque, NM 87121 505-873-2704 JoAnn Genovese 541 First Ave. #4 Linthicum, MD 21090 4 1 0-850-0574 Dortemarie Kaplers 1 Wendy McGlynn 39 Broadway St. Pembroke, NH 03275 1404 W. 36rl San Pedro, St. CA 9073 l-6010 l0-548-6896 Rosenoms Alle 16.3. 1634 Copenhagor V. DENMARK 01 145-31-35-87-70 ALL AD PHOTOGRAPHS $10.00 charge per photo. Please NO Laser color copies; they do not reproduce well. Photos will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed envelope (SASE). .GRANDGALLERY" "LONESOMETOMS" "LONELY HEARTS" Please refer to those pages for rates. SCRATCH SHEET ST]BMISSIONS Anyone may submit articles, pictures, and stories to The Scratch Sfteer; however, only a Breeder, Provisional or Fancier member may submit "Grand Gallery" information. Photographs will be returned if accompanied by a SASE). REPRINT PERMISSION Copyright 1997 by MCBFA. No part of The Sc ratch She e t may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or FANCIERMEMBERSHIP: (Payable in U.S. Funds only) U.S.: $20.00/one year; $35.00/2 years; $50.00/3 years. (This includes First Class postage.) CANADA: $15.00 + $6.00 postage per year (total $21.00) ALL OTHER COIJNTRJES: $ 15.00 + $ 16 .00 postage per year (total $3 1.00) lntemational Money Orders Only. NO BANK CHECKS Please send mernbership fees and address changes to the Fancier Membership Secretar-v. DO NOT SEND TO THE TREAST]REROREDITOR Always use a current application/renewal form (available on inside back cover). PROVISIONAL BREEDER MEMBERSHIP: DEADLINE: The Scratch Sheet ispub- o First: Write to the Provisional Breeder Secretary for information and application packet. Do not include any money at this time. . Second: Follow instnrctions in the application packet. Then send dues ($30/first year; $25lsubsequent years), and address changes to the Provisional Breeder Secretary, address above. lished quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). Deadlines for submissions re Feb. BREEDER MEMBERS: Please send dues ($25lyr.) and address changes to the Breeder Member Secretary (address above). A copy of a current litter registration must be included to enable otherwise copied without the written permission of the Editor. 15, May 15, Aug. 15, and Nov. 15. you to stay on the Active Breeder list. $2O.OO SERVICE CHARGE FOR ALL RETURNED CHECKS! The Scratch Sheet GENERAL INFORMATION TIIE BOOKSHELF Make all checks payable to MCBFA, whether they be for dues, brochures, or books. Be sure to send your check to the appropriate secretary if it is for dues, or to Trish Simpson if There are several MCBFA publications available to help you promote our wonderful breed as well as our #1 organization. Some are free; others have a nominal charge. Please avail yourself of these resources. it is for brochures, or any ofour other ORDER THESE FROM TRISH SIMPSON publications. (until a new distributor isfound) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Scratch Sheet will publish letters and articles at the discretion ofthe Editor (no letters or articles defamatory to particular persons or catteries will be published), but reserves the right to edit letters and articles in the interest of clarity. Additionally, names and/or catteries mentioned in letters and/or articles may be withheld at the discretion of the Editor. Letters will be published with authors' names withheld if so requested, but letters must be signed in order to be published. Letters received anonymously will not be published. The opinions expressed in published letters and articles are not necessarily the opinions of MCBFA or the 10149 Oakrvood Chase Court, Oakton, VA22124-2727 phone 7 03-319-2142; e-mail chiapet@erols.com Caring For. Breeding. and Showing Your Maine Coon Cat A manual of basic information necessary to maintain, breed, raise, show, and sell Maine Coons in a manner consistent with MCBFA's Code of Ethics. $8.00 Qncludes shipping and handling) Genetics For The Maine Coon Breeder A research publication explaining in understandable language, the basics of genetics in cats. By Amanda Thomas. 55.00 (Includes shipping and handling) MCBFA Information Booklets Gve one of these booklets to anyone who inquires about a kitten, MCBFA, or buys a kitten from you. They make great promotional tools, and they're FREE! except for postage. Send $3.00 (within the U.S.); $6.00 (overseas); for each bundle of 25 booklets, payable to MCBFA. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE IN U.S. FUNDS ONLY! Editor. MOVING? Send us your new address on the RE- NEWAL/ADDRESS CHANGE form inside the back cover. You don't want to miss a single issue rC).a Prinred on recycled paper by GM Prinring Conpany. I'ienna. l'A !r7 TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLES Managing Problems in Nursing Queens, by Laura Cunninqham.................... 6 ...................... 7 Suggestions from the Membership ............. 9 Where Drd That Nickname Come From? ...... 10 ln Memorium, by Ginny Molloy ...-..........-....... 11 Angus McPherson McCat - ln His Own Words.. .................. 16 The PILUS-ESCH@-TEST, by Sylvia Esch ............ ..................... 21 My Good-bye to Johnny, by "Annie Oak\ey"........ ............... 22 Ten Years Later (Ihe Scratch Sheef in 1987)........... .................... 26 ln Tribute to My Helpers, by Connie Seidler......... REGULAR FEATURES ........-........ 2 Advertising and Subscription Information................ . ............. 3 The Bookshelf ........... ....... .................... 4 From the Mailbox........ ................. Provisional Corner......... ............ Grand Gallery ................ "lmprovisation" by Jody Chinitz.......... ...... Around The Show Circuit.......... ..-....-... "Judie's Zoo" by Judie Voelkel ................... Lonely Hearts Looking For Homes; Lonesome Toms (Stud Service).........,... 13 14 17 18 20 27 The Scratch Sheet FROM THE EDITOR nobody volunteers for this position, this may be the last issue of Zfte Scratch Sheet that you'll see for a while! On a happier note, we're delighted to have "Judie's Zoo" back after an extended absence. Welcome back, Judie - we missed front cover). MCBFA is in desPerate need of a new Editorl Cheryl Gower' who has done a great job for the past 2-l12 years, is movlng on to other things, and we wish her all the best and thank her for her hard work and dedication to the Association' Please, Please, Please - if anY full Breeder Member would be willing to take over this job, please contact the temporary editor, Trish Simpson, at 103-319-2143; e-mail chiapet@ero1s.com, If you! Also in this issue, Carol Holland's Maine Coon, "Angst," continues his story (now under his new name of "Angus McPherson McCat). or MCBFA's the "Letters" page, Laura Cunningham has an excellent article about problems that can arise in nursing queens in the "Breeders' Corner," and Sylvia Esch answers questions arising from her article about the Pilus-Esch@-Test (which appeared in the Summer 1996 issue of The -Scratch Sheet). And of course we have the usual collection of excellent columns and tid-bits ofinterest. Enioy! The vaccination debate continues on President, Judy Chappetta (address inside The Ongoing Vaccination Debate Dear Fellow Maine Coon Lovers,, Ifyou have ever considered sending an (The following letters concerning hesitatel Anyone can submit material, whether a breeder or not, whether an MCBFA member or not The only things restricted to MCBFA breeder members are ads relating to catteries, stud service or kitten sales Merchandise ads which do not involve live animals are welcome from anYone. The Scratch Sheet is only as great as we care to make it! Let's help out our editors, and more importantly, one another. Surely the provisionals would appreciate helpful articles from experienced breeders grooming tips relating to different coat colors and textures, for example (and, are texture and color relat;d?). An article about the CFA standard changes, and what they mean, and why it was felt they were necessary would surely be of broad interest' Maybe something from the Maine Coon clubs in each of the various associations, explaining their history and activities. Any unusual show stowhat riei? How about show travel tips ' to pack in a grooming kit' what to look out for in hotel rooms, etc A lot of what experienced exhibitors take for granted, some newbie might have to learn the hard way if you don't clue them in . . ' Folks across the pond and around the world . . . maybe an article explaining how cats are shown in your association? Which colors and what type of Maine Coon is popular in Your country? What sort of cattery set up is usual where you live? History can be fascinating to those us who weren't there when it vaccina-- tions are published as iterns of interest to all cat owners. However, the inclusion of these ltttsrs d&s not constitute MCBFA sndorsemeut of the opinions txpmsscd article, short story, photo, or whatever, to The Scratch Sheet editor, please don't of happened, thercin.) Dear Editor, especially when it's about a favorite sub- jeit: our Maine Coonsl Why weren't polydactyls accepted . . . was it aesthetics, or is injury to the extra toes really that common? How has the "look" changed in your association over the past 10, 15, 20 years? How has show grooming changed over the to the "old" cats of years ago, there were a lot of different colors why did brown tabbies Pre- years? Looking back dominate on the show bench for so long? There's alwaYs room for humor, too, whether something funny happened at reshome, at the vet's, or at a show Any cue stories? Pet assisted therapy cats? Hero kitties? Anyone ever deal with (blood incompatibility) in M neonates? Raised a litter bY hand? You don't have to be a HemingwaY, nor do you have to present your submission on watermarked stationery' Come as you are. All are welcome to share their experiences and their love of the Maine Coon. SincerelY, Jo$t Chinitz MCBFA Fancier Member I am writing this in response to the article "Vaccination Hazards" which appeared in the Winter 1996 Scratch Sheet' bverall, this excerpt is a very frightening mixture of truth and trash. In several cases one paragraph of good information is fol- in the next bY wild, unfounded speculation. I am sure that some readers lowed were either frightened, confused, or both after reading this Piece. Truth 1: "We (veterinarians) do not know how long each and every vaccine actually produces a high enough titer to prevent or reduce any given disease, with the exception of rabies." According to this article, Dr. Fred Scott at Cornell said that good titers to calici and panleukopenia last 3-4 years in kittens vaccinated after 12 weeks of age. I personally have a great deal of respect for both Dr' Scott and the Cornell Feline Health Center, and find this information very credible' was taught that immunitY from the chlamydia vaccine usually lasts about 6 months; if this is a problem in one's cattery, there are single-agent chlamydia vaccines available that do not contarn panleukopenia, calici or herpes, and this I could be given in between 4-way vaccrnations in adult cats. As more information becomes available about the duration of immunity, it should Spring to reduce the number of target agents that go into booster vaccines. be possible However, the only way to be certain that a specific animal has an adequate antibody titer is to submit its blood to have titers determined for each individual disease. While this is available for many diseases, the cost of checking all of the relevant titers would be vastly more expensive than the cost ofbooster vaccination. Immunity does not mean ABSOLUTE immunity in humans or animals. Some vaccines are excellent at completely preventing a given disease a very high percentage of the time. Many vaccines pro- duce enough immunity to reduce the clinical severity of the disease, which is of course still very valuable. In order to be approved by the FDA' I believe that an animal vaccine is supposed to prevent or significantly reduce clinical signs 80% of the time or more. Yes, that means some will contract a milder, shorter version of some diseases if they are later exposed, and yes, it means that a few animals animals may not be protected at all, but this is the real world that we live in. However, vaccines for all animal species and humans are constantly being improved. This research is both expensive and time-consuming. Truth 2: "It is generally a bad idea to vaccinate an animal that is unhealthy, pregnant' undergoing surgery' or on corticosteroids." However, there are numerous exceptions to this general rule. If you are concerned about a specific situation, consult your veterinarian. Fallacy 1: "Use only killed vaccines." While killed vaccines can be as effective as modified live (emphasis on MODIFIED), they are more likely to produce vaccine failures (allow outbreaks of full-blown disease) and more likely to cause rare allergic/anaphylactic reactions because they generally require adjuvants (added substances which are also foreign to the body, which enhance the immune response). In cats, therefore, killed vaccines are more likely to lead to vaccina- 1997 should be about 3 weeks apart, 4 at most. Closer together than2.5 weeks is a waste of time because it defeats the purpose of getting a "memory" response from the animal's immune system upon booster vaccination. Most feline 3 or 4-way vaccines used by veterinarians have killed panleukopenia and modified live everything else, although all-killed vaccines are available. Panleuko- worst reactions generally occur the most quickly, usually within minutes to a couple of those viruses that fortunately produces good immunity from a killed product. Panleukopenia ("feline FeLV, but need not be vaccinated Also, penia is one distemper") causes very severe and often fatal disease in kittens. Fallacy 2: "Jeffrey Lery' DVM' saYs there is a great deal of evidence that this vaccine [FeLV] is both dangerous and ineffective." Facts: There are many different manufacturers and types of FeLV vaccines. The worst ones are not very effective (about 50%, maybe less), but the best ones are effective (80 to over 90%). Some contain fairly high levels of "extra" protein and adjuvants that can increase the likelihood of anaphylactic reactions (to about 3%o of the time), but others are free of adjuvants, have minimal extraneous protein, and have a low incidence of anaphylaxis. In this article, Dr. John Fudens stated that FeLV vaccinated cats develop severely depressed immune systems and that FUS (feline urological syndrome, now called feline lower urinary tract disease [FLUTD]) is also vaccine-related. However, Dr. Fudens' statement also strongly implied that he hadn't used a FeLV vaccine since "it first came out," about 12 years If this is the case, then he is not well qualified to comment on the variety of improved FeLV vaccines that are available today. His comment that FLUTD is vaccine-related is completely unsubstantiated in the veterinary literature. Finally, FeLV vaccines cannot, do not, and will not cause ago. feline leukemial There was an entire volume of the tion-related sarcomas (which occur some- where between 1.1,000 and 1:10,000 cats). Killed vaccines also absolutely re- studies, and many independent studies did reach some consensus on which were bet- If kittens are placed into new homes having received only one dose of an all-killed vaccine, they are NOT protected against those diseases! The timing of the doses is critical, and of hours. I have always vaccinated my cats and kittens against FeLV, using better and better products as they became available (4 difilerent ones over 11 years). Do I think everyone should do so? NO. People with strictly indoor cats that have no chance of escape and which shown or boarded should be tested for are never people who operate 100% closed catteries and who do not show or board, but who initially tested each and every cat or kitten, also do not need to FeLV vaccinate their cats; however, truly closed catteries are very rare. Sincerely, Mary D. McCauley, DWvI. (Biographical information : Dr. McC au ley began breeding and showing Maine Coons in 1986 under the cattery) name Kenland. In 1993, she received her DW degree with high honors from the University of lllinois at Ur- bana-Champaign. She practices small animal veterinary medicine in the Chorleston, SC area. and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Fel.ine Practitioners.) Dear Editor, I was very pleased to see the reprint of the article "Hazardous Vaccines" tn The Scratch Sheet. We had raised Akitas for l5-plus years and ran into problems with the repeated use of vaccinations and were introduced to the nosodes around 1991 or 1992 After acquiring my first Maine Coon and having litters, I have used nosodes exclusively with 100% efficacy. I find this particularly safe for young kittens, who are developing their immune systems, as well as effective. It has been my experience that repeated vaccinations destroy the body's natural defenses, making it susceptible to disease. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association devoted to FeLV vaccine quire more than one initial dose. 5 ter and which were not. If you use any vaccines (3-way, 4-way or FeLV) in your cattery, you should always keep fresh epinephrine on hand, and watch the cats/ kittens closely for at least several hours. The Enclosed is an article you may already have. Sincerely, Debby Shields (Following is the enclosed article from "Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy )O - 205): Annual Vaccinations "A practice that was started manY yeqrs ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccination. 6 The Scratch Sheet Almost withoul exception there is no immunologic requirement for annuql revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the hfe of the animql. Successful vqccination to most bacterial pathogens produces an immunological memory that remains for years, allowing qn animql to fuvelop a protective anamnestic (secondary) response when exposed to virulent organisms. Only the immune response to toxins requires boosters (e.g. tetanus...[etc.fl, and no toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs or cats. Furthermore, revaccination wilh most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response qs a resull of inler- ference by exisling antibo$t (similar to maternal antibody interference). The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered ofquestionable fficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination or is required by lctw (i.e. certain states require annual revaccina- tionfor rabies). A Member's Concerns Dear Editor: I imagine my words will not serve to endear me to those involved, I cannot remain silent on this issue any longer. In my mind, this is not simply something that happened to me, but is illustrative of a much larger problem within MCBFA. While BREEDERS'CORNER Concern for our organization and our breed, coupled with encouragement from MCBFA for members to contribute to the association, resulted in myself and another member working together on a project last year. It was designed to obtain voluntary member feedback (breeder, provisional and fancier) as to what was felt were the strengths and weaknesses of the association, cattery husbandry practices, and also where the breed is regarding health and genetic concerns. We individually presented this idea to the Board members by mail late last summer. While we received very warm receptions by some members of the Board, I became the subject of a personal attack by one board member (whom I have never met) who disagreed with our suggestion. Unknown to me, that board member sent what I can only call a "poison pen" letter to each board member, taking information out of my association file and twisting it in order to portray me in a negative light (I to discredit the suggestion). Someone who thought I was getting a raw deal provided me with a copy of the letter. assume I contacted a few of the board members over this, and was told by one that letters between board members were confidential. Others said that they thought the correspondence from the board member was out of line. I have received no apology, and no written feedback on the orisinal proiect. Managing Problems in Nursing Queens By Sharon qnd Lqura Cunningham Coonyham Maine Coons Nursing is very stressful. We thought we would outline some of the things one can do to alleviate the burden on a nursing queen and talk about some of the problems that one can experience so breeders can be more alert to these problems should they experience them personally. Be sure to feed your queen her normal diet, supplemented as necessary with extra Coonyham Cheyenne with her babies (Two ofher own, and two grandbabies she's fostering) vitamins. We add "MegaC Plus" to our queen's diet and mix in powdered Kitty Lac (a milk replacer) for extra calcium. Some queens can successfully nurse eight or more while others can barely feed three. We supplement all litters where there are Whether the idea was a good one or not (and I still believe it was), I strongly feel that certain members of the current MCBFA Board need to adopt a different attitude toward the general membership's contributions and suggestions. Situations like this do nothing but hurt the credibility of the association, and weaken the faith of the general membership. Might I point out that there would be no association at all if it weren't for the individual members? I suppose it is obvious also to point out that the elected members are just that - elected by the general membership There are certain responsibilities which come along with these duties. One would hope that professional aourtesy and positive leadership values would be included therein I believe too strongly in the underlying foundation and ideas of the association to let something like this drive me away, but believe me when I tell you that I thought long and hard about it. Nobody deserves to be hurt in this manner because s/he makes an effort to contribute. It is my wish that our current board will take steps to ensure that future membership suggestions will be dealt with in the spirit in which they are offered - with an eye toward the greater good of MCBFA and the Maine Coon cat. Sincerely, Traci M. Jones Rocsuoone Mqine Coons five or more kittens. In general, we think it is just too hard on the mother to have to feed more than four. Queens can double or even quadruple their normal food intake while pregnant or nursing. This is stressful on the gut. And they are grooming themselves more often and grooming their kittens. More hair swallowed equals more hairballs. Intessuseptions (telescoping bowel) are more likely to happen in a nursing queen than at any other time. Signs of this are vomiting and anorexia. Vomiting is projectile, often violent and the vomit will begin to smell like feces as the bowel is blocked by telescoping. The queen needs immediate vet attention and probably will require surgery as the portion of the bowel which has telescoped must be removed. Some mothers develop diarrhea or a very noxious, yellowy-mousse type of Spring 1997 7 bowel movement (guaranteed to evacuate the room!). Hills C/D will help this but it should not be used beyond clearing up the problem as it is not formulated as a diet for nursing queens. Don't let your queen continue to have diarrhea. Do something about it (either modify her diet, try to wean the kittens or give medicines such as Kaopectate). Diarrhea can cause dehydration, another stress that a nursing queen does not need! would leave her kittens and either go into the closet or under the bed. Normal "I've got to get away from these kittens" behav- Some queens will literally let their kittens nurse them to death. Eclampsia can result from the depletion of essential minerals (calcium and potassium) from the compresses several times a day. The queen was fine in a few days. In the severe cases -- drain tubes were inserted and stitched into place. We flushed around the drain tubes with diluted betadine several times a day and gave antibiotics and hot com- ior would be to lay on the cool surface next to the kitten's bed, laying on the bed or to get above them and watch them from either a shelf or counter. Hiding means you have a problem. Treatment of mastitus varies. We put the mild case on Clavamox, removed half of the litter to be fostered and gave hot body; causing heart failure. Be alert! Eclampsia is preventable and treatable with calcium shots. Of all of the cases of eclampsia I've heard about, only one resulted in death, but in the other situations, the breeders very quickly took action which saved their queens' lives. Mastitus can be mild or severe. We've had one of the former and two of the lat- ter. Two were with first time Every day, we check our queen thorqueens. oughly. Look for lumps, swelling, hot areas, sensitive areas in her nipples and abdomen. Queens should never avoid their kittens or hide from them. Be alert -- this is your warning signal. ln all three of our cases of mastitus, each time, the queen presses. The kittens were all different ages. One litter was 5 days old, another was 7 days old and one was 14 days old. ln the most severe case, the mother started to avoid her kittens. We did not feel any problem areas but suspected mastitus as she was not interested in nursing her week old kittens. We took her to the vet and got clavamox Twenty-four hours later, she was much worse, lying with her head over the water dish and had spiked a very high domen with three drain tubes. It took weeks for her to fully recover from this ordeal. Her kittens were fostered from the start and she was never able to nurse them again. After she regained her health and weight, we had her spayed. Discharge - This may sometimes persist for days; even l-2 weeks after delivery. Don't take chances; if you are worried, please see your vet. It it is bloody, smells bad or is copious; it could indicate a problem. We usually give a 0.25 cc IM shot of Oxytocin after the queen has fin- It helps re-contract the uterus, expell any remaining bits of placenta that may have been retained and it drops the milk down into the nipples. We ished delivery. are not recommending that anyone use oxytocin; just commenting that we do use it and we have found that our queens for the most part do not have noticable discharge 24 hours after delivery. The one queen that did was immediately checked. It was a normal type of discharge and there have not been any problems. We are sure that other breeders will have more suggestions for situations that should be watched for in a nursing queen. temperature. She was hospitalized for a week.. Halfivay through, she ruptured her nipples in two places and ended up with an incision down the entire length of her ab- SUGGFSTIOilIS FRONil THE I'IEMBER$HIF '"\/,,'.:: ... \,__.---\ ..:-'t' '\: -'--:'\ /'--- "Cheat sheet" chart on color genet- There has been an ongoing discussion among Maine Coon people on the lnternet tl regarding how to improve The Scratch Sheet. Some people feel that it is too slanted toward breeders, others, that it's too slanted toward fanciers. Many years ago, "CAI'S! Magazine" was published in two formats, one with and one without a "breeder" pullout called "Cat World" ics o Basic genetics information i Dealing with fungusiFIP,{JR[, etc. I Vaccination protocol - when to, I i i) (which later became a separate magazine). A suggestion was put forth that this might be a viable option for The Scratch Sheet, in which a "breeder pullout" would be included for those who want more technical information. but omitted for those who don't. Suggestions for articles (for either the pullout or T'he Scratch Sheer) included: I Current research on HD/HCM what to, how long to wait after vaccinating to breed a cat Contract do's and don'ts Nutrition and feeding Animal husbandry: 0 What is clean? 0 Birthing problems 0 When to go to the vet 0 supplementing, early weaning, litter training I I t t Pros and cons on early spay/ neuter Maine Coon development Show grooming for Maine Coons Show standards by Association a Show Etiquette o Ethics a Validity and value of alternative medicine Breeding practices: 0 What is line-breeding, what is in-breeding and what are the appropriate uses of each 0 Selecting for health, vitality, and vigor 0 0 The co-efficient of inbreeding How to select a stud or queen. Why titles can be misleading What to keep in a birthing kit Other suggestions for articles (for either the pullout or The Scratch Sheet) include: Serious articles from officers about where MCBFA is going, what issues have been addressed, and how problems are 0 being dealt with; reports from Regional Directors about issues and happenings The Scratch Sheet within their regions, including shows featuring Maine Coons, photos, and show re- sults; articles and updates from breed council secretaries of all the associations; internet connections for Maine Coon and other cat-related issues (legal, vet forums, charitable organizations, etc.); "helpful hints" column for "show and/or go." Fancier Member Jodi Chinitz wrote the following response: "... as much as many breeders feel The Scrqtch Sheet ts a fancier-oriented publication, I've been told on more than one occasion that many fanciers feel that The Scralch Sheetis too breeder-oriented! I do leel that if a breeder insert option were pursued, the insert should be available, at appropriate extra cost if necessary. to anyone, breeder or fancier. To do otherwise would send an even clearer message of second-class citizenship It to fancier organtza- would divide the tion; MCBFA would be left with a basic publication fulI of PR and flufi with matters of real substance or debate confined members. to an "insiders" insert. " it is hard to be all things to all people. Finding that balance must be extremely difiicult for our editors, especially when members don't submit articles that contribute neatly to that balance. 'I'he Scratch Sheet has done many articles about health, "heritage series" catteries, ethical issues such as the deaf whites, and type. It has the Grand Gallery and the Awards issue. And yes, it has a couple of lighter pieces per issue, too. Can it use more serious, informative articles? Without question, and the suggestions are excellent. While such articles may indeed not appeal as strongly to fanciers, education is important, and it is another way to mentor new breeders and provisionals. And frankly, I don't see why many of these ideas wouldn't be of interest to fanciers. We also feed our cats and provide medical care for them. Surely there rnust be a few fanciers who show their cats. "Breeder-oriented articles can also educate fanciers, if they take but a few moments to at least skim them. In these days of animal rights concerns, I think it's important that fanciers at least have the opportunity to understand what breeding encompasses. It isn't all show glory and lots of cute little kittens, and they aren't going to realize that if they don't see it in The Scrqtch Sheel Pet buyers who pay $500 and $600 for a kitten really can't appreciate that catteries are lucky to cover costs, if they don't have the opportunity to learn what is entailed by proper husbandry and medical care " meeting reports, the association has no discernible pulse. "And if anyone is ever inclined to skip over a lighter story and sniff "fluff," perhaps they should consider the motivation for that "flufl " It is written by people (not all of them fanciers, by the way) who are so besotted with their Maine Coons . . . the kittens YOU have sold them . . . that they just can't stop talking about them! They are so in love with the Maine Coon, that they want everyone to know what wonderfi.rl cats YOU have bred, and they are privileged to own! THIS is your best possible PR. This is also promotion, as much as you promote the breed by exhibiting your cats at shows, and a stated goal of the organization. If your pet buyers didn't want your kits and love them so, you might eventually not have your hobby. "And "fluf is a gentle counterbalance to things like bickering over type, the ethics debates about deaf whites, the untimely memorials. etc. All these topics. every one of them, are necessary, and have their place." Jo$t Chinitz e-mqi I Jchinitz@sol. com why aren't the meeting minutes summarized in The Scratch Sheet? Why isn't there an annual treasurer's report? The other content of The Scrqlch Sheet may reflect the soul ofthe association, but without the administrivia, leadership, and (Ed. note: What do you think? This magazine belongs to all members, qnd endewors to please everyone. Please let the editor hearfromyou! MCBFA Membens with Homepages on the Internet Dohrmann, Helen (Firerose) Homepage. http.//www.nwlink.com/-firerose IIuntley, Paul Homepage: http.//www.lte.com/-paulh/mckats Johnston, Valerie and Richard (Denali) Homepage: http://www.alaska.net/-denalimc/ Molloy, Ginny (Charmalot) Homepage : http://www. fanciers. com/people/charmalot/ Simpson, Trish and Mike (Cheeptrills) Homepage. http :/iwww. geocities. comAl earllandl 7 528 / Oh, sorry - did you need this? Tabbyskins Growltiger, owned by Vance Stroneski l 9 Where Did That Nickname Come From? Ever wonder how certain cats ended up with nicknames that bear no resemblance to thetr registered names? (And ever beenfrustrated 'cause you didn't know who people were talking about when they talked about "Lump" or "Mole"?) Well, we,vefound a.few answersl The prize for the most amusing nickname goes to: Pandomainea Hooked on a Feeling (he almost died, but I had the feeling he really wanted to live land he did]) of"Sputnik" because he was born around the time ofthe anniversary ofthe launching ofthe goes by the call name space probe Sputnik and because when he jumped offhis cat tree he would land with a "sput" right flat on his belly. (Gerrie Buisko, pqictometinea Maine Coons) The prizes for the most appropriate nicknames go to: Yankeecats Teddy Roosevelt is also known as "Mole." Got the name because he loves to burrow under the Baldinger, Yankeecats Maine C oons) GRC cooneyisle rce Breaker is o'Lump" to his friends because he's (Sandy Stirling, Cooneyisle Maine Coons) a covers with me. (Jane lump of love (There's an Elvis song in there somewhere.). The prize for the most esoteric nickname goes to: sGC/Rw Emlu Novecientosvienticinco of catcall is called "sterling." (His Spanish name translates into g25, thestamp on all sterling silver' (christie and Robert catt, catcalt Mqine Coons) (The ectitor would like to htow how show catalogue compilers reqct to having to type Sterling's registered name.) And the prize for the most convoruted nickname goes to: cH Ambar Europa was part of a litter that used Thomas Dolby songs for registered names. However, Europa,s call name became, after much thought, "wendy," which we thought was from 'The Grinch who Stole christmas, (.little wendy Lou who, who was only two')' Then I found that 'wendy Lou who' was really named 'CinfuLou who.' "wendy', stuck anyway (Jean Marie Diaz, Ambqr Cqtterv) I'm worth way more than this bowl! Frolicoon Schoodi c making himse tf comfortab Ie (Kitten and bowl live with pqtricia Bueihng . . . The bowl's insured; the kitten is priceleis.) Natural enemies? We thtnk not! 10 The Scratch Sheet qn gtltenlorhlm SCC The Maine Place Wellington of Charmalot, 1G1[2_years CH Charmalot My Miss Ginny, 15 years CH Charmalot Lena, 1+1Qyears CH Charmalot Lady Rebecca, 14years Shainsa Lady Juliette of Charm alot T years With Lwe From Ginny /tthlloy Long years ago, when dreams were first taking shape I came to you, potential in velvet fur, and yes a glimmer of that dream walked in me, and called to you I was there for you, when times were hard and uncertain. But we two old ones, we knew, that tho' my seed had made my lineage strong, we still shared something special. Something no one else could ever have, ttre U"itaing of a dream that no one else could fully share. I grew strong, and glory walked in my shadow, all knew my name would live forever in the list of my children The glimmer of that dream began to take shape. I was a part of it, a part of you, a song in your heart. But now the sands run quicker from the glass. I grow tired and my sight grows dim. The once strong limbs can't carry .y -igtrty heart, I am tired. I would stay with you forever,-you know I would. Years passed, but I lived on and shared with you, the dream as it matured. Strong sons and daughters I gave to you, their names outshone mine, and all knew the dream had come to fruition. But the time comes to pass the torch, I must rest. Tho'the dream may seern to die with me, it lives on. Quiet times we had together, when the hubbub of the shows was finished, when the last of my children went on, to spread the dream across the world but we had each other and somehow it was enough. I don't want to leave you now, but I must. We've shared too much over the long years, for me to go easily. Won't you guide me on this path that I must take. For I am tired and I must rest. The sands of time ran more quickly then, I grew old, and in our aging together, we shared a different glory, that of memories and good times. You could see the dream in different images, wherever you looked. Let your special scent be the last I smell, your touch the last I feel. Let the sweet sound of your voice guide me on this last journey. For I will wait for you, young and strong, where the rainbow meets the earth. In every kitten of my line, it lives on in you and me. So long as you remember me, the dream will never die. For you were good to me, you were the world to me. Together we built something that will never fade away. I will wait for you, healthy and whole, where the rainbow meets the earth, my friend Copyright l 995, Reva Lampert Schneider. This moy not be usecl CH Charmalot Ladv Rebecca for commercial purposes arul must be approved for charitable fundraising projects SGC The Maine Place Wellineton of Charmalot Angus McPherson McCat - In His Own Words I begin my story with my arrival at my present home. My kittenhood and early cathood seemed long, long ago. I do not deal often with memories, but my person asked me if I had any thoughts on the story of my life. I do. I am an elegant and well marked, though smaller than usual, Maine Coon Cat. I had lived happily with my people and other cats for almost four years Then the evil Blanche arrived. She followed me, jumped on me, hissed at me over meals, woke me with her savage claws and drove me from the best sleeping places I had been proud and confident, but now I was reduced to slinking behind furniture and hiding in small, dark places. She drove me from my food. Worse, she drove me from the laps of my people. Of course I fought back. Not like Blanche, with her sneaky, quiet ways, I howled and charged and attacked in the open. My people misunderstood and protected her My litter box was not safe, because if I paused even a mo_ ment Blanche attacked me from behind She left her hostile scent in the box, and I couldn't bear to go near it. I began to find other places, out in the open, where I could watch for her My people scolded me. They took to locking me in a bedroom all day, only allowing me out in the evening when they were home. As soon as they left for work Blanche came to the door, sniffing and growling and scratching at the doorway. Terrified that she would find a way into the room, I could not eat. When I scratched in my litter she heard and ran to the door, scuffling against it. I used the quieter carpet when I had to. Every morning I was allowed out briefly But too soon my person grabbed me up and pitched me into my prison, quickly closing the door, and I could not run fast enough to escape before the door slammed shut. I endured weeks of prison and terror. I pulled plants over and rolled in the dirt, hoping to dis_ I prayed cat prayers that Blanche would go away. Every moment she guarded my door. One evening my person picked me up and put me in a kennel. I was trapped, taken outdoors to a car and taken miles away. I had heard stories of cats taken to the vet who never returned. Even if I was to re_ turn, I knew I had lost the love of my humans. My person took me to a strange apartment, with a strange person there. Then he left me. I tried to be brave, but my tummy trembled with fear. I couldn,t help it, I peed in the ken_ nel. My once beautiful fur stained and wet, I wanted to die. I waited for the person to yell and scold, to grab me and throw me into the prison. She didn't. She opened the kennel door, and I dashed out. Nothing was familiar I leaped everywhere, looking for a place to hide. Perhaps the room was fulI of other cats, more Blanches, or dogs, The stranger left the room, and guise myselfl closed the door. Nothing scuffled under the door, no hissing, no cat smells. Not knowing who or what was there, I dove under the bed for cover. It was quiet and strange. I could not put a paw anlwhere familiar. Even the air, the plants, and the light were different. Time passed; I heard unfamiliar noises. I prayed for my person to return, but somehow I knew that he would not. I had been thrown away. The stranger returned. She set out food and fresh water in new bowls. She sat in a chair, looking in my direction. She dragged a furry toy behind her as she left. In spite of myself I was amused, she was sillier than any other human I had ever seen. The toy eased some of the distress I felt. I huddled in a ball, planning my escape. I would escapel I would find my way back to my family, They would all be so glad to see me. Then I would find Blanche. After this, nothing she could do would frighten me. I would fight to the death to keep my home. I would never run and hide again! Then the dismal truth of my situation struck me. I had been thrown away for fighting. My courageous de_ fense of my home was the reason I was no longer wanted. I curled into a ball and waited to die. Several times the human came into the room. She ran cool water into a bowl, she made the inviting rustle of a food bag. What was she planning? What would happen? Without know_ ing the territory I could not form a strategy to survive. I had to venture out., and I did. Quickly I discovered a pan of clean litter. Fresh, un_ Blanche-tainted, sweet, clean litter. SandJike particles sifted across my toes, bringing memories of wonderful soft scratchy spots. This spot was mine! I marked it as mine in haste. alert to any intruder, my eyes focused on the closed door. mv ears flicking to hear any sound, then I dashed to the safety of the bed. No disaster occurred. A few minutes later I ventured out again. I slipped behind a big chair and there, tucked into that safe haven, discovered a bowl with a little water in it. I smelled no other cat. I was beginning to believe there was no other cat in the area! I exulted in my safety, but my heart broke with loneliness. Nothing I saw was familiar, nothing was mine. Blanche was gone, but so was all else I had known in my life. , It was at this low point that the human returned. She lay down on the floor and lifted the bed-skirt. She looked at me. I stared at her. I might have, had she stayed a moment, said a word, but she got up and walked away. She left the skirt up so that I could see her, and went to sit in the chair. She talked to me. The sound of her voice was soft and comfortine. I fell asleep. The person gave me a new name. ognized immediately It is to her credit she rec_ I am not a female, but a neutered male. The Scratch Sheet 12 I have never person me Angst. called Marthe. This me They called known. She meant it to indicate how fearful and anxious I was. I did like the strong "s" sound, but what did I care what name humans gave to me. I ignored her, although she said the name How this escaped the notice of my dear family often. I do not remember much of the next day or two. I continued to venture out to inspect my prison room. I found comfortable clean boxes and supplies of good food and water. At night the person came and slept in the bed above me. I listened to the sound of her breathing, and learned to know her scent. Brave though I am, I was as grateful as a cat can be for her company. Later the person made a small tunnel that opened up to another, white room. There I found clean litter and water. No one could follow me through the small entry without my knowing it. I relaxed and enjoyed my clean sand. I even began to tidy myself a little. I attempted to clean the dirt from my face and ears. I attempted to smooth my coat. My precious wonderful fur had become coarse and matted. My eyes looked dull so I avoided the mirror. I returned to the safety under the bed and slept many hours. In another day or two the person left my prison door open. I ventured out. I saw her sitting on the sofa, but I ignored her. What was she to me, except a jailer. Even yet my family could return and take me home. I dreamed of their loneliness and imagined their sudden decision to evict the wretched Blanche and come to reclaim me. I needed to learn this new territory so that, when they came in the door, I would know the route to go and greet them, and could appear supremely casual in front of them. Ready to go home, of course, but with my dignity intact. She was eating a bowl of the spoon, the scraping against ice cream. I heard the clink of Before Blanche I like ice cream. the bowl. Nothing else sounds It was the ice cream that did it. had enjoyed many lovely treats with my family. Ice cream was my right. It was mine before Blanche. It represented all I had treasured. My position, my status, my home. I dove for the ice cream. I would die for that creamy cool treat, and my right to be treated as a loved and honored being. I flattened my ears, I leaped on the sofa, and buried my face in the sweet, creamy, cool stufl knowing my punishment might be terrible and swift. The person gave me the bowl. She set it down, and moved back a little. I grabbed several mouthsfull and escaped to my safe room. I heard her steps. I quivered, I shook in fear. I licked the last, sweet drop from my mouth, and I waited. The person set a fresh bowl of ice cream within my reach and left. She talked to me gently, and left. This is the incident that caused me to rethink my situation. Perhaps it was not so bad as I believed. Even in deepest misery a cat has strong instincts. Any cat worthy of his ancestry possesses a strong drive to manipulate humans. A spark of life flared up in me. The scope of the possibilities was amazing. With a person like this, I could get anything!! I inventoried my weapons. My purr was intact, my chirps in good working order. I had long practiced head butts, and had a particularly endearing ro11-over-and-expose-tummy-fluff move- I was well stocked with graceful leaps, and pitiful or endearing expressions. I needed food, I needed to rebuild my coat and posture. I began to eat with a purpose. I began to practice in front of the mirror. This was a war I could win. The person was minell There were set-backs of course. This human didn't recognize a head butt, and inquired about the health of my throat when I chirped. I enlisted her help with my coat. A few pitiful drags with my tongue in sight of her did it. She searched and searched and tried everything until finally she found a method to tidy to me up. Too rough and tangled for a comb, my coat could be gently smoothed with a rough damp washcloth. All in all it went well. The easiest cat tricks worked beautifully. A little disinterest, a little sigh of unhappiness. I turned down five cat beds before I finally nestled on her good sweater. Of course I was allowed to keep it. The sweater was Kelly green, and set off my coloring. I insisted on eating on a high counter and in privacy. (Eating off floors is for dogs and Blanchel) As my desires were satisfied I invented more. This was a great game.. I lived this existence for a more than a year, enjoying the challenge of training the person. Slowly I began to enjoy other things. Still I waited some days in the sun by the window, hoping my humans would return. And some nights I dreamed of the dreaded Blanche and would moan in my sleep and jerk my feet The person would reach over and touch me, and the bad dreams would go away. I began to sleep closer to her. Courteous by nature, I began to greet her at the door. She was by now excellently trained, and I was becoming pleased with her. Though I still cannot bear to be held, remembering too clearly how I was grabbed and pitched into a room to stay alone all day, I have succeeded in teaching her to lift me to high places and back down when I am ready. I did this without uttering a sound. She is quite clever. I believe she became my person gradually, over the time of her training. I felt safe where she was, and warm sleeping against her legs. At first I thought I was developing a little heart problem. I felt just a tiny little pain when the door closed behind her on a work morning, and an occasional rapid heartbeat when she came into a room. One day I felt distress when she did not come to the sofa in the evening, and I went to tell her so. She would not leave her computer, and to relieve the strange discomfort I lay down between her chest and the keyboard. I was happier beside her, and the strange little ache went away. Now I have come to understand that she is my human. She is my family. I could have known sooner, but I suffered such a loss I think my heart was quite frozen for a while. I am a beautiful cat, in the prime of my years. I am a brave and creative cat. Visitors to our home exclaim how beautiful I am and I greet them in a dignified way. If they were to ask I could tell them that here I have found friendship. It is better than being a pet. As a pet I was well sheltered and fed, but no one listened to me. No one heard my small requests for comfort. No one asked me what I wanted and needed We have spent almost two years learning to talk to each other, and now we are companions. I wait for her in the evening and we walk up the stairs and go to bed together. When the ment. Spring 1997 alarm rings in the morning I am there on her bed to say good morning. I sleep on the corner of her desk while she works, and rest beside her when she sits on the sofa. I help with the kitchen chores, and I follow her downstairs with the laundry. I am eight years old now, and have at least that many years ahead to share with my friend. I am content, and safe, and generous with my love. I am brave, devoted, and graceful. I have learned about names. Names are a sound persons make that mean "I know you are there. I mean you and only you." My friend has a name. Her name is Carol. She and I have chosen a new name for me. A friend suggested Angus, which I liked well enough, but I sat silently when Carol spoke 13 it. So she added to it. Angus McCat? I have a special look, it conveys that she hasn't quite got it yet, and by all means to keep trying. Finally she found one I liked. I am "Angus McPherson McCat " Just enough lovely "s" sounds! Such a clever human. My name warms me like my coat, and is as individual as the patterns in my fur. I wake for my name, Ilift my head when I am called. I have ice cream once a month on my favorite glass dish. I am well marked and elegant, a Maine Coon cat of dignity. I live with my human in friendship. This is how it is meant to be. Thank you for listening to my story. s Yours most truly, Angus McPherson McCal Written by Angus and his person, Carol A Holland E-mail Hollca@AOL.com PROVISIONAL CORNER From Ginny Molloy Provisional Breeder Secretary I need the address for: Richelle Godfrey and Rob Gondall Dues this quarter: Kampers, Pettingell, Hill, Ledoux, Mowery, Sereni-Beaulines, Spayde/Genci, Behringer, Fisher, Moser, Stelmachuk, Stonenski/Pettison, Terrault (please send dues to me - address inside front cover. Make checks payable to MCBFA) Changes ofaddress: Priscilla Pettingell, 618 N. Carey, Brockton, MA 12402-1839 Alice Spielhofer, Rancina, CH 6998, Termine, Monteigo, Switzerland Paula Lange-Deegan, 425 Pomeroy Ave., Meriden, CT 06450-9203 Welcome to the new members who have joined since I've been Secretary: Julie Armendola, David Billingsley, Sabine Henke, Hamblin/Smaller, Johnnie Hardee, Marienne Kernes, E/G Lash, Janis Mize, Irina Saparautzki, Roxanne Rokicki, weissenfels/Schutz, Katherine Smith, Sara Wilcox, Cynthia Wilkins, and Margie Wright Dorzskynski, Whittaker, and Camerino have been reinstated. The following have been voted into futl Breeder membership since I've been secretary: Congratulations! Susan Dorey, Susan Edwards, Lilia Golfarelli, Caron Gray, J. & T. Gumino,Laura Heinick, Marianne Kirschner, Minako Kiyomia, Marilyn Lidner, Julie Meehan, C. & R. Robinson, W. & D. Shields, and pat Slater. The following have been dropped for non-payment of dues. These may be reinstated within one year without starting over and with payment of back dues: Lynn Botryl, Marilyn Del-uca, David Francis, F. & G. Gluffrida, J. & C. Hunt, Catherine Letts, Joanne Lynch, Kay Kent, M. & M. Mele, Ellen Rich, Bea Sanderson, Amy Sbarra, and S. & R. Sherman If anyone hasn't received Ver books, please let me know. 586-4076, or email me at: Charmcat@aol.com. If I've shorter. failed to mention anyone, please inform me and If there are any questions from any provisional, please phone me at 502- I'll make corrections. I promise future Provisional Corners will be much 5 14 The Scratch Sheet I rfo 6ecE to 4u t/444 kk477k/4e e""" &to, 44d tt4t 444z/st4 atd, aa'aou NEW GRAND CHAMPIONS CFA GRC Rumblepurr Oliver, Tabby wA\hite Male; BR/OW: Sue Bestwick CFA GRP Beau's Annies Got Your Gun, Brown Classic Tabby with White Spay; BR: Sue YaniVJim Furr; OW: Pat & Jack Amundsen CFA GRP Avicats Todevighrono, Brown Classic Tabby with White Neuter; BR: Julia Cozzarelh; OW: Julia Cozzarelli & Michael Kazmierczak CFA GRP Katz Domaine Sir Charles Barkley, Brown McTabby Neuter; BR/OW: Jean A. & Mark Ward CFA GRP Katz Domaine Tracker J.R., Brown McTabby wiwhite Neuter, BR: Jean & Mark Ward, OW: Philip Potempa CFA GRP Classycoon's Brindle Brickstone, Red Classic Tabby Neuter; BR: David/Judith Harvey; OW: Patricia Randall TICA SGC Willowplace Mountain Explorer, Brown Classic Tabby Sue Bestwick and Judge Veta Beau's Annies Got Your Gun Neuter; BR: Barbara Ray, OW: Kent TaYlor TICA TGC Willowplace windsong Bellsymphony, Blue classic Tabby Female, BR.: Barbara Ray, OW: Masae Shiino Classic Tabby; BR: Jack & Darlenc Sweeney; OW: Darlene Sweeney/Roxanna Young TICA QGC Coonyham Cherokee, Brown Classic Tabby Feemale, BR/OW Sharon TICA DGC Coonsworth's Cupid, Brown &Lawa Cunningham TICA SGC Samnkat's Masquerade of Coonyham, Black *) Female' BR: Andrea ( h. .{/-^..-^,.. .{+r*}g*q;;*etb' ";,.,.Im*gie#. Avicats Todevighrono nrr/. Laura | ^,,-^ /-..-^,-^k-m Cunningham Connelt; OW: Katz Domaine Tracker J.R. Katz Domaine Sir Charles Barkley QGC Coonyham Cherokee Willowplace Mountain Explorer Classicoon's Brindle Brickstone Willowplace Windsong Bellsymphony Coonsworth's Cupid BEST OF THE BEST & BEST IN RING WINS (This listing is ONLyfor First Best Of The Best or First Best In Nng) Samnkat's Masquerade of Coonvham TrcA SGCIf{ainette Apollo, Brown Classic TabbyAWrite Male Best Cat, Patti Andrews (Sp), Jersey State Feline'l/g7 Best Cat, Fate Mays (Sp), Westchester Feline, I l/90 Best Cat, Mark Coleman (AB); Novacat s tlgi &Christmas City 2/97 ilf#tff.I$'i-Jfffiyfil'6fi,"iillTj;Brownc,assic Best Maine Coon Alter, Best Longhair Alter, Best of the Best ter, Great Plains Regional (TICA), tl/B/g6 Al- Pf Mainette Apollo Electricoon's American Thunder Electricoons American Thunder, Brown classic Tabby wnVhite Male, BR/ow: Marnee K. Smith Best Kitren, Caro\m Osier (AB), Salt Lake CF,lll10/96 _ Tabbey--Road Day Tripper, Brown_Classic Tabby Male, BR/oW: Cheryl & John Kominos Best Kitten, Brian pearson.(AB), The Empire Cat CtuO lCfa ) g/l4igri ^Fel B^"..r_C:,, ptt Harding (AB), Westchester ine C rU Oj Ce l, n t ZS,-Z q t S e _TICA DGC coonsworth's cupid, Brown classic iabby; BR: Jack & Darlene Sweeney; ow: Darlene Sweeney'/Roxanna youns Best Alrer, tuchard Bailey (Spl. paws & Claws l0/19i96 Best Alter, pat Smith (Sp), Best Alter. Adriannu Kulon (Sp) and Kalon (AB), Back To The Beach, t2/14/g6 -Inttg_i*u PR Aurora Borealis Alette, Brown Ctassic fafUy __1." ]r Show Alter, B-Herbesthal MC Specially TICA CII/Int CH Aurora Borearis Inuu'Kit, Brown classic Tabby wAVhite Mare, BR/OW: U. Weissenfels f 8^.:,11!1"* Semilonghair & Variety, D_Northeim tl/17/g6 , Jil.::LillH"J;:'J"' Best Cat in O. Dressler's ring, Gelsenkir ct en, ZtiitSZ Capecoon's Brewster of Mainekat, B.o*" c;;;1ibb{ yl:,BR: cheryl & Bob Keams; ow: cindy wilkins HoosiersHi,,..,, ilise; Ron Summers & ^.ff.::i'*1'l!'*,fru;1i"ffi";i*:,"11trtjff';,.'*f#n, Eshley of Handel's Bandits, gro*,, dturri. Tabby wnVhite Male, BR: chervl /--^^^^^-r^ n-r Capecoon's tl { I r Kearns; OW: Dorte & Martin Haendel Best In Show / Best In Varie[,, RVDE.eV, Wentorf, Germanv, l2196 of coonmora, e.o*,' Ciurrt. rabby Female, BR: cheryl [l^l%:H;::m#|e Judy Easrwood, rnt,r & Bob & Bob Keams, TICA Best Kitten, Karen Mclnchak (AB) & Steve Savant (AB), canAm cc, l l/96; vickey Shields (AB), AlineNoel (Sp) Evergreen C.F..2./g7 NEW GRAND LISTING CHARGES New Grand listings are FREE Best in RinglBOfe are-SZ.m phoros Lu"r ,r," bl;; . . Au lnclude STAMPED, io*"t, *. ffi; r* illi.,ilT*n self-addressed *"*fop" fo, pfloto.ato* SUBMISSION DEADLIIIES b€ hqre Uy r.U. ls, rrlay or Nov. t5 r3ceryed.aner those dates will appear in the followine issue "Ttnq Jeno all subnxssrons to the Fditor (address inside rfT[li3 front coier) Capecoon's Brewster of Mainekat The Scratch Sheet 16 The PILUS-ESCH@-TEST Sylvia Esch, Animal Therapist' Germany pILUS-ESCH@ was published. After that issue -TEST myrewrt lbgyt the In the Summer lgg6 issue of rhe scratch sheet detail' more in to answer try now questio* *itlch I will a lot of inquires from ,.uJ"r*. irt"y asked l;"IrTir]ltffffjrTfffi:tTfif:, I received addition, if requested bv other therapists' in mv the moment wiu be conducted personally. In practice. but each be tested for scientificallv deflned norm levels' examination methods, because they win not if they only indicated be will agents pathogenic or tr"utttr. That means that, for example, animal win be tested specifically to its state have a Pathological effect' h. tlXJljii;H:fj:rrional 3. How much hair is needed? Itdependsonthenumberofteststhatmustbemade;normallybetween40and80hairs *", :r:T;1Jl;JilT"t"""ffi"1aT, pru"r"o out. Exceptions from difilerent areas of the body so as to get 5. a are newborns; at this age the hairs can be cut off rhe hairs should be taken whole clinical picture' Can the animal be bathed prior to testing? No, because the hairs get prepared for the test' pendulum: mineral analysis)? or do they get tested with a 6. rs this test similar to that carried out on humans (hair analysis The PILUS-ESCH@-TEST nor has the test anything to ao *ittt the hair mineral The hairs will not be tested with a pendulum, is a totally independent examination method' 7. what examinations will be tested with the PILUs-ESCH@-TEST? oir"ur"t, bacterial diseases' parasitization' fungal diseases parts of the standard examination are e.g. about organic diseases, ,rirui and psychical disorders can also be aira deficiency symptoms. If desired hormonal (mycotic), if there exists an allergy / hypersenJivity iesied. An allergy test must be taken separately' hip 8.IsitpossibletoexamineforbonediseaseswiththePILUS-ESCH@-TEST? connective tissue weakness' damaged discs' yes. The special ..articulation-test,, examines for arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, dysplasia, spondylosis and sinew diseases' (e'g' bacterial disease or viral disease)? it Is it possible to take individual, specified examinations t.rrg some other diseases (immunodeficiency) That is why yes, in principle it is possible. I would tit. to point out that a disease r""v to conduct the standard examination' i, uiruiruUt. und 9. "h"up". 10. How long does a diagnosis take? is known' it takes two to five days until an examination result From the moment tt e e*uriinution material arrives, 11. Can a therapy be combined Yes l" "Jai apy. io. io oiugnoring with this test? ih" di*"ur., medicaments can then be specified as a thermedicaments are tested simultaneously. These 12. How long could a therapy take? i , .7L^- ^ +L^-^-,, Loo koan ,er upon, we glve rec()mmended dosfar it has advanced. when a therapy has been decided how and air"ur" tr type ttre o., depends That but this could be exceeded' age and'estimated duration oftreatment' without hair (i e birds i,t;, X,tffiT'll"o,"tT"'J;'#T,|:T,11'ltrfftfi'"nimars scales' or and reptiles from which we require feathers' claw-clippings). 14. Should a control test be made after the therapy? an infection At this only the positive allergins will be re-examined After After an allergy tr"ut."nt I think a control test is advisable. symptoms' patient is not yet free of treatment, a control test is necessary only if the but if you n*: These hqve been the most common questions, Esch, Kiebitzweg2j; 33129 questions' pt::t:/::t^ft"e '"y!y:'!er 05250-930215 Desbrick-Hagen;G"r-ory; ph: 05250-53909: FAX: to contqct me at qny time at Sylvia Spring 1997 17 1@aoo 8q ke e&tu,, Gracie has the most entertaining table manners. A blend of quality dry foods is available at all times for our cats' grazing pleasure. To Gracie, food is not simply to be eaten; it is as much a source ofrecreation and challense as it is of nourishment. seem to mind sharing though these particular games were rather short. Gracie's crowning achievement is a strange little game that she plays only occasionally. With her left paw she pushes a piece of kibble to the very edge ofthe counter. Crouching down low, she positions her right paw just below the edge ofthe counter and proceeds to push the bit of food offthe edge and into her waiting paw. If she misses, she jumps down and eats it from the floor. If she catches it, she slides the kibble back up to the counter, clasps her left paw together with the right one, sits up, and lifts her catch up to her mouth with both paws. This novel approach to feline dining makes her look very much like Gracie's first and most basic rule about kibble is that it must never be eaten directly from the bowl. From the very beginning she carefully pawed each morsel out onto the counter. It's quite amusing to observe her studied concentration as she retrieves one kibble at a time. Everpatient Max doesn't seem to mind stepping over remnants of half-eaten crunchies though Sophie, admittedly, gets annoyed at times because eating Gracie The Innovative Eater food this way requires that Gracie oacupy more a chipmunk. time and space at the bowl-hampering Sophie's preference to linger and pick Gracie's companions regard their meals much more seriously, though they wouldn't win any elegant dining awards either. SoSimply pawing out phie doesn't like her whiskers to touch the bowl, so when it's no individual bits of longer full she delicately slides the kibble up and out of the bowl a food got boring piece at a time-and eats it if it happens to be a flavor she likes. very quickly. Gra(If it isn't, she adds it to her discard pile next to the bowl.) Max cie's next accomplishment was learning to scoop out a piece offood and eat it directly from her paw. Blessed with long, adroit toes, this proved, after a little practice, to be no problem at all. For a change of pace she wraps claw as well as toe around the kibble. has no finesse at all. He usually just puts his face in the bowl and munches. Sometimes for no apparent reason he'll methodically scoop out a whole pile of food and then simply walk away. Not that we're complaining. Not at all. We just hope they don't begin to explore the artistic possibilities of wet food . . . Efforts to retrieve a dropped crunchy occasionally lead to engrossing sessions of food hockey. Sister Sophie watches with expressions that vary from incredulous to "I'11-claw-your-sofa-toribbons-if-you-tell-anyone-we' re-related. " Sometimes a piece of kibble goes flying to the floor with Gracie in close pursuit. At first an inconvenience, this evolved into a whole new game. Push a piece offood over the edge ofthe counter. Jump down and eat it. Leap back up to the counter. Repeat fortunately, not ad nauseam. This exciting sport has some ad hoc variations. Sometimes Sophie sits on the counter and pushes food down to Gracie piece by piece. The look on Sophie's face makes it quite plain that she thinks this a stupid game and that she regards Gracie as a rather simpleminded creature for enjoying it so. When Natasha, our elderly Keeshond, was still with us, she became wise to this pastime and also waited below for these treats from heaven. Gracie didn't Now that's one rockin'baby! Kitten bred by Sharon and Laura Cunningham 1R The Scratch Sheet z<=\re qJ (D {J t€ 2-Jr c € TICA & Tokvo Cat Club Cat Show Tokyo, Japan, January 26,1997 Photos by Masae Shiino Yumi Nagai with Mainclyhill Prime Sugar L to R: Atuko Obata with Syonan Cats Mrckl: Ryoko Doi with Willowptace Crystal Queen; Michiko Sasamoto with Cosmicoon Vanessa; Tomomi Hidaka with Mainelyhill Daquiri; Barbara Ra-v (TICA Allbreed Judge, Mamiko Kawahito with Herby-katzMuga; Masae Shiino; Yumiko Yoshimura. Nobuko Chiba Yoshie Isihara with Mainelyhill Angelique Yuriko Honma with Mainelyhill Happy-Go-Luctry Herbykatz Rita Kyoko Okano wtth Blazers Silver Bullet Michiko Sasamoto rvrth Cosmicoon Angelique of Williamina Hiromi Monjiyama with Groorycoon Sonia Atsuko Obata with Shonan Cats Mickey Yoko Gunni with Bellslmphony Eroica Spring 1997 Mamiko Kawahito with Takehisa Senda with Herbykatz Muga and Mandomainea Dune of Herbvkatz Mainell hill Midnight Angel Masako Mizuno wrth Capecoon Wrangler Masako Mizuno wrth Capecoon Wrangler 19 Tomomi Hidaka with Mainl-vhill Daqutri Nobuko Chiba and her husband with Snow Drop Jasmine (L) and Bellslrnphony Uranus (R) Satoshi Yamade with Mainelyhill lmagination Thanks to Masae Shiino for sharing these photo- grophs! The Scratch Sheet welcomes show photos, so get out those camerqs! Yumiko Yoshimura with Ponta House Yuu The Scratch Sheet 20 /a.dcz,'o 8? fu W?ac//t/ "The Zoo Keeper Retunls" Although I retired this column We need people as well as several years ago, I found that I missed you all and felt the need to write again and to share. felines (Particularly Maine Coons!) in our lives. We need to have the very special someone to love and with whom to share our most intimate moments. We need that closeness, that warmth, that sense of being needed and wanted. It is the "caretaker" in us. Although it is for different reasons, we feel that same need for our furry puffsons; they need us, they give us comfort and warmth; we are "caretakers." Some of you are married and you may know what I mean. Some of you are not married by choice or by chance but can possibly understand what I mean Jack will live on in my heart forever, no one can First and foremost, on August 2, 1996 | quite suddenly lost my beloved Jack, my husband of less than four and one half years. The anguish is something that only those of you who have experienced the same thing could understand. I would wish this on no one. After Jack's death, I needed a reason to get up in the mornings - to face the day. Both before and after we moved to the country, we had lost several of our Maine Coons who had been the focus of some of my columns in 7fre Scrotch Sheet over the years, among them Jean Valjean Beethoven, Matagot and several of our "Common Garden Variety'' pulrsons. If you were the "Zoo Keeper," what would do? (There is no prize for the correct answer!) You're all right! I adopted several more kittens from my veterinarian. Guess what? one of them was a Maine Coon, born on July 19, 1996 (the fifth anniversary of our move from the city into this wonderful home in the country, thereby providing the cats with ample window space to languish lazily about and to spend hours watching birds of all descriptions, squirrels, lizards, snakes, and other disreputable creatures lolling about outside). So as my last column in the summer of 1994 was "From Arthur to Jorgan," this new column is your introduction to Jean Valjean-whataprize! Does he take first prize? Well, no; first prizes go to all of my furry little people! Is he a character? Yes, of course - he is a MAINE COON! Is he bright, handsome, funny, and bad? You know the answer to that; all of you own Maine Coon cats and kittens. He is now six and a half months old and almost as big as Jorgan, who will be four years old at the end of February. I found it necessary to go into therapy for several months after Jack died, and found myself sharing with the therapist many of the thoughts which I had put on paper when writing for The Scratch Sheet, and many of my innermost feelings. I am in no way comparing the death of a very much loved mate to the loss of a very much loved pet, but indeed there are similar feelings which many ofus find hard to comprehend. at six months obviously all we were meant to have. Even before my therapy, it seemed the most normal and natural thing to go out and adopt some new kittens to help fill an empty space. To have found a Maine Coon among them was whatever one chooses to call it. providence; coincidence; fate; but there was Jean Valjean in all of his brown classic tabby glory; sweet and ready to love and be loved. Connie Condit's quote, "Before I had cats I never had anyone I had Jean Valjean, I had cats who peeked over the side of the bathtub at me or stuck their noses around the shower curtain, but who never got into the tub with me. I have had cats who took over my chair and helped themselves to my coffee and rolls and who hogged the bed. I have never, however, had a cat (excuse me - kitten) who slept on my pillow and chewed my hair. I have always worn my hair short, but I would rather not wake up in the middle of the night (when I have trouble sleeping anyway) having the hair on the top of my head chewed on. It makes for a funny looking hairdo, and gives new meaning to the word "hairballs." I would rather awaken to the sound of the man who used to sleep beside me and awaken me with his turning or snoring, but God sent me Jean Valjean for comfort and I have a reason to get up each morning to care for my new purrson. The rest of the Zoo is incapable of doing it; that is why they still live in "The Zoo." fall into a sink full of dishwater," tickled me. Before Jwl,re V rr(lr( Jornwo,r,6 ever take that away from me. Our time together was far too short, but it was 25 /997 The Scratch Sheet My Good-bye to Johnny By Annie This is a personal good-bye, Johnny, since I never had the chance to say one before you were taken away from me. Until we meet again, I hope you are happy wherever you are, and sometimes remember me with fondness, as I remember you. This story starts almost ayear ago, when my fnst people sent me from Denver, USA to Belgium to live there with my new people. (I guess at this point I should introduce myself to the readers; my name is Annie and I consider myself a pretty foxy little fur-person.) A few months after my trans-Atlantic travel adventure, my new people came home very excited about a young tom-kitten they had met, whose name they told me was Johnny. At this point, I was much too young to be interested at all in cats of the other sexual persuasion, so I did not know what the fuss was all about. However, my people were very excited about something called a "breeding," and they took several trips to this male's home. When they got back, they would spend a lot of time talking about him, telling me (and each other) how nice he looked and how he would be a perfect mate for me. Finally at a show in Germany, we were introduced to each other, and I have to confess that I kinda liked the little guy's style. He looked around the showcage as if it belonged to him, and settled in straight away. I moved over to him, took a long sniff and gave him a friendly lick on his forehead. After all, he was only a baby and I was already 7 months old. I told him I didn't care much for shows, but that there was nothing to worry about. A week later, Johnny moved into my house, and we had a wonderful time romping together. In the surlmer, my people built a lovely big outside run, and Johnny and I got to spend our days playing outside. I tell you, there are birds here that are totally stupid. They would sit on a branch so close to us, we could swat at them and get a bit of feather on our claws. I also enjoyed stalking the chickens. So did my new friend. We would take turns playing with the chickens and had them running from left to right. With all this fun we were having, Johnny and I became very close ... too close for my people's liking I guess, because one day they moved my buddy up to their bedroom. We only got chaperoned visits together after that. The next big change happened once I acquired my international champion title and my people decided I had seen enough of the show circuit. I got to stay home and my friend now went to the shows by himself. He always did very well and usually returned home with a trophy. One day, our people took both of us to the vet and he took pictures of our lower halves. Even though that seemed silly, (after all, I'm a typical girl and try to smile for a good picture, and here was the vet just aiming for my lower half --- go figure) I didn't make any fuss, and neither did Johnny But then about two weeks ago, my boyfriend got all quiet and wasn't playful any more. He lost his appetite and my people got very worried. They took him back to the vet and my Mrs. came back crying. She was really upset and when she told her mate what had happened, he was upset too. Apparently, my boyfriend got some big disease with a little name. He came home after three days, and my people and I thought there was still a little bit of hope. But unfortunately, a few days ago he got worse, and finally he left me to go to Rainbow Bridge. He will always be a member of our family in our hearts, and I hope to see him again one day when I make that same trip. In his short life, he managed to make an impression on everybody who got to know him. I didn't get a chance to say good-bye, Johnny, since they took you away to quarantine, so here it is . . . Good_bye, Johnny, we will always love you. Annie oaklev 21 Spring 1997 22 Ten Years Later Presented herewith is a selection of articles and photographs from the March, 1987 issue of The Scratch Sheef (We apologize for the quality of the photos, but they were scanned from old, faded pages) THIS ISSUE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF BETTY LJOSTAD Betty Ljostad, one of the six original members of the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association, died on February 2nd, L987. She vas fifty-six years old. At an annual physical in August, doctors discovered lung cancer. Radiation treatments failed to stop the spread of the disease. Betty vas Secretary of MCBFA from its beginning in 1958 until L973. She and her husband, Rod, operated Jostad Kittery j-n Port Chester, Nev York. President's Message (Sue Serviesr Suzeran lulaine Coons) As the present shov season is just about good vinners, also. Remember - YOU didn't to gnd, I vant to vish each competitor the vin, your cat did. best of 1uck. I hope that, vhile ve have Congratulations to all the vinners in al1 all learned to be good losers, \{e viII be Associations and to MCBFA for the year 1986-1987 | KITTY LITTER HINTS By Katrinka Cats have smaller sized lungs and hearts for their body size than many other ani.mals. As a result, cigarette smoke (or smoke of any sort) affects them more than it vould animals vith larger cardiopulmonary systems. If you permit smoking around your cats. an easy \^ray to clear the air of toxins is to have several large spider pLants. These easy-to-grov vonders reaI1y absorb pollution. Hor+everr once toxins have been soaked up by the plants' leaves, the leaves themselves become toxic. Cats love spider plants. but don't let the kitties nibble on the leaves if the plants have been j-n a smoky envJ-ronment. You have to hang the plants high enough that feline acrobats can't get to them vith a viev tovard ingesting their " salad" for the day. TcC Charmalot King Arthur Pendragon t{hat do you get with a Maine? MacKittens! Thanks to Lydia Hynds and BilI Westcott for this charming picture. CooNYHAM SGC CooruvHAM Moyeve SInE: SGC TneppEus C. or DorurueHucrl IW SGC Cooruyuauts Serurexau IW MEuNEnTE Dau: Our congratulations to: SGC/GRC/GC Coonyham's Sundance,IW - TICA Outstanding Sire Sundance's son GRP Ambar Astronaut on his CFA Grand Navarro's daughter SGC Samnkats Masquerade of Coonyham, RW on her TICA Supreme Navarrofs son GRC Coonyham Don Quixote of Beau on his two show CFA Grand Cheyenne's daughter GRC Coonyham Surfer Girl of XTC on her two show CFA Grand (special thanks to R.C. and Mary Smith for showing "Smerflrso beautifully) Sharon and Laura Cunningham P.O. Box 11.626 Pleasanton, CA 94588 U.S.A. Tel (5j.0) g46-3g5g Fax (5j.0) 846-4249 coonyham@best.com www.best.com/_coonyhaml 24 SPring 1997 CAPECOON MAINE COON CATS CFA Cattery of Excellence TICA Outstanding Cattery Frolicoon Moonshadozu - Silaer Tabby F. (CFA GRC M'Coon's Argentino of Frolicoon X Frolicoon Ruffian) FROLICOON MAINE COONS CHERYL & BOB KEARNS 171 WEIR RD. YARMOUTHPORT, MA 02675 PH: 508-362-8826 FAX: 508-362-5244 capecoon@capecod. net www.capecod.neVcapecoon Evelyn Rae 11 Central Powers Dr Nanuel NY 10954 Phone 914-627-741,4 Fax 91'4-627-7419 Beau Maine Coons GC, RW Coonyham Butch Catsidy of Beau CFA's Fifth Best of Breed Maine Coon i996 CFA N\f Region's Seventh Best Cat and Best Maine Coon Cat Sue Yanik and Jim Furr Salt Lake City, Utah Tel: 801-484-5790 Fax: 801-463-ll4l 'Welcome to our new baby GC Coonyham Don Quixote of Beau A two-show CFA Grand Champion Dre anth L''r,i:,e r / 5l<yw,o"Ll<,e rs Kurt and Ingeborg Vlach Fraungrubergasse 41 5 I 12 A-I120 Wien Austria Tel/ Fax +43-1-810-6492 Fax available from 8pm-7am dreamhunter@ma gnet. at TGC Coonyham Sonoma of Dreamhunter pictured at 7 months of age A dream come true.... Sonoma was Best Maine Coon in show at the Vienna TICA show May 11.,1996 (out of 82 Maine Coons competing), 3rd Best Cat in Show and winner of the Female Maine Coon Congress. At the FiFE Vienna Oberlaa show May 12,1996, Sonoma was Best Maine Coon in show and Best of the Best L in show (out of 100 Maine Coons and252 cats competing). 26 SPring 1997 TGC Seascape Sabrina (toP) Seascape Reba CODYCATS MAINE COON CATS TICA Outstanding Cattery CFA Cattery of Excellence Breeder Member MCBFA Bred from Supreme Grand Champion Lines MAINE COONS Producing Award-Winning Cats from Supreme Grand Champions Dorothy & Gary Robinson P.O. Box 28L Warren, ME 04864 Maryrose & Greg Sanchez 59 Arrowhead Rd. Marshfield MA 02050 617-834-6567 207-273-2527 In Tribute to My Helpers ago, no one had prepared me for the good times and the bad times I would face, but my husband and a family who have helped with any problem that has arisen have made the adjustment into breeding a lot easier. When I first started breeding three years My husband has always been there to help me with cleaning and birthing, supporting me through shows, and watching the cats when I him am away at a show he could not attend. There are times when it gets tough and I feel that it would be easier to quit, but having every day my blessings I count lot thinking. a of gets me to do way sure reasonable in and a calm there to tatk with about everything that I have a husband who is as l5OYo committed to the cats as I am. help am also very fortunate to have a family that understands the need that I have to show and breed. I can always count on them to kittens' when we n""i h"lp, baby-sit when we are away at a show and to be there to talk to. They are always there to enjoy wins and and to pick me up during the bad times. I I would be remiss if I did not mention my friend and mentor who helped me get into breeding. She is always there to give me advice and guidance, and to listen and pick me up during the bad times. I husband Alex am very lucky to have so much support from my husband Garry, my mom Christine, my dad Orest, my sister Tanya, her and my friend and mentor Laurel Gru.r of Wyndhaven Maine Coons. I would like to take this opportunity everything that you have done and will continue to do to help with this hobby that I love. Thank you. Connie Seidler to thank you all for Spring 1997 FANCIER RENEWALS: If you have already paid, St.. Pembroke NH 03275. please disregard this notice. Send Fancier dues to: Wendy McGlvnn 39 Broadwav MARCH: Rev. & Mrs. Maurice J. Allaire; Joan Y. Anderson; Wanda Sue Bare; Stephanie Bartlett; Shirley Bartram; Lil Borg; Cynthia Boweq Julie Chavez; Mr. & Mrs. Roddy Dowd, Sr.; Danne M. Foss; Catherine Gerber; Dr. Mary Krempa Gllespie; Jeanne Ginnety; Kathy H-ansen; Johnnie Hardee; Christine Agnes Heylik; Mark Hirschman; Elva & Ralph Hubbard; Brian & Kathy Isaac; Sherryl Jackson; Jeanne Kiefer; Elizabeth Woodard Kreamer; Lee & Pam Larson; Iora Ludwig; Hillary McGlynn; Yumi Nagai; Hidenori & Maki Nakamura; Mrs. Helen Nixon; Rebecca pierce H*.y; Herlihy; Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Pottorff, Andrea Scherb; Lynda Seidl; Hannalore Spahn; Mr. & Mrs. Lee Spence; Judith Stevens; Jacque Thompson; Ms. Lorie P. Truemner; Carleen Bea Vantine; Ursula Weissenfels; Florence A. Westholm; Carla Yetter; Ray/Pegry youngkin APRIL: Resa Bauer DeMeyere; Kylin & Dudley Bierau; Daphne Butters; Nayda Cole; Emily W. Cox; Virginia Cgllen; Elizabeth & Michael Dannenberger; Pamela A. Damond; Kenneth Gregory Gass, MD; Barbara J. Grishaber; A{a Kivi; Uschi 6idig; Miss Barbara Lorsrmg; Janis Mize; Linda Perisits; Therese s. simmons; Barbara & Leonard svetich; Debbie Tipsword; Kay watts MAY: Illma & Joe Acello; Gerri Augustine; Karen V. Barr; Megan Port Clark; Charlotte Colman; Charlotle L. Desilets; Robert Edwards; George C. Ellis, Jr.; Larry Evans; Ester Feder; Manette Grewenig; Koji & Misako Hanyuda; Winda Hayes; Jerry Henderson; Sarah E. Hennings; patricia Hong; Janet L. Jane; Sean R. Jones; Rifva Jouhtinen; Linda Kramer; Kristine Kuzenski; Sarah A. Lankford; Steve Levine; Linda Lewis; Julie Mathers; Ladona Mordecai; Bobbie North; Jonathan E. Ostroff; Barbara & Mark Peterson; Melanie Rand; Bernice Seldney; Arrah Sue Simpson; Andre & Renski Souverein; Kevin & Janet Stockbwger; Jane & Alain Thery; Mrs. Judith Waters; Dr. & Mrs. Donald Wcbb; Jane Whitney; Karen Wolfe Everybody listed above must renew now to insure Non-Stop delivery. L otuely 1{ ea.rtv Looki,ng, T or 1{ omn* Electricoons Maine Coon Cats has the following kitties available: Lorna, a brown patched tabby with white spayed female born on 9123192. She is very sweet with adults, but does not care for children or other young pets. An older cat as a companion would be fine. Frankie, a red tabby with white spayed female born on 9ll4/94. Lorna is a very gentle, sweet cat who loves to play, but does not care for children. Other pets in the household would not be a problem for her. If you're interested in Lorna or Frankie, please contact Marnee K. Smith of Electricoons Maine Coon Cats at303-443-3443. L orc-*ome T orn y ( Sfi,cd, S e,n tnez) (No listings this issue) Ad Rates: Each Listing - $2.00 ($8.00 / yr.) - $E- - - - $r- - r - $s- - - #- - - *- - - -&E - - - &E - r - AE - - - h, MEMBERSHIP APPLICAIION (or Change of Address Form) NEW FANCIER MEMBERSHIPS, RENEWALS ADDRESSCHANGES Wendy McGlynn 39 Broadway Pembroke NH 03275 BREEDER MEMBER ADDRESS CHANGES Edith Dunford Cliff St. Stoninston, CT 06378 9 PROVISIONAL BREEDER MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION/ ADDRESS CHANGES Ginny Molloy tZZa'Unts Rd Franklin. KY 42734 NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ztP l--l PHONE xEw FANCIER MEMBER npnxcrER RENEWAL l-lnEEoER MEMBER RENEWAL Please send me inf'ormation on how to become a Breeder M-ember of MCBFA. [--l I nu,r" included the extra postage required to mail Thc Scrnlcfu S/lccl to my overseas l--l fnis l-l i:; a NEW ADDRESS. Please change it on the MCBFA urailing list. country. '\ Moving? Be sure to give us your nerv uddress! pcperumStmm MAINE COON CATS BRED FOR QUALITY TICA-CFA-CFF-ACFA 207-642-4937 MCBFA Corol Pedley Tom & Job Rood, P.O. Box lO Stondlsh, ME 04084 Maine Coon Breeders & Fanciers Association Patricia Simpson, Editor 10149 Oakrvood Chase Court Oakton, VA22124 FORWARDING AND ADDRESS CORRT,CTION REQUESTED First Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid Merrifield, VA Permit 1928