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July 16, 1999:

Dear diary....I sit here contemplating over the past couple of days, trying to find words to describe what I've experienced.

Two days ago I was quietly sitting on the bed in the guest room, which is turned into the kitten room when it is needed for that purpose. I was sitting there next to our very pregnant English girl, Woodi, and it was her 64th day of pregnancy. I sat there with my hand lightly resting on the side of her stomach in order to feel the movement of the life inside her. She slept as I sat there - my hand did not disturb her sleep. But the babies inside her were certainly not sleeping, rather they were moving as never before. Their movements had become so very defined, so that I could clearly feel the distinct movement of a head, and then of the back part, and then the movement of another baby - clearly different than it's sibling beside it.

I sat there in awe at the wonder of this miracle that soon would be part of our world outside of the womb.

For me, as a Christian, this is part of the miracles God has made as part of nature, and it's symbolic to me of His goodness, and His love for even the smallest of creatures. For others who have other beliefs, it's also a miracle of nature. We can all wonder together each time, as breeders, we are privileged enough to be part of something so spectacular as this - and it has only taken a little over 9 weeks for each of these miracles to become ready for the outside world - AMAZING!

It is quiet times like this that I really feel priveleged to be a breeder, and all of the everyday irritations and worries that sharing a home with felines can bring, seem of very little importance. These are the times when the bond between breeder and soon-to-be Mother cat is strenghthened, and becomes even more special - when they let us be part of their miracle...a miracle that started with detailed genetic planning by the choosing of suitable, compatible cats, and then became a miracle of nature.

And now I also think back to earlier today (day 66), when I sat by the kitten box, watching as one by one these miracles of life came into our world. Seeing how nature helps these new babies to KNOW where to search for their first taste of their Mother's milk - the first milk that is so important for their immune system.

It's times like this that it's really good to be alive, being able to experience the miracles of life!

 




 

 





February 20, 1999:

Dear diary....I came across something in a mail that I just have to write down here in my diary.

10 Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I ONLY HAVE YOU!
5. Talk to me so I can listen to the voice I love so much. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I CHOOSE not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old and weak. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me when you are there. Never let me go - alone.

 



 









January 21, 1999:

Dear diary....it's been way too long since I've written. Lot's has happened...both good and bad...as is usual in life.

Just when we thought we were getting off to a good start with our breeding plan, we ended up having a round with the dreaded FIP disease. This happened in the early Spring/Summer '98. We were able to isolate it, and have been given a clean bill of health early in the Fall - but the mental and emotional scarres are still there. I don't think I'll ever get over the heartbreaking days when we had to make fast and vital decisions on what to do, or when I just held our precious Bianca and cried and cried because I felt so helpless and so angry! Luckily, we have the best vet in the world (we're not the only ones who think so either!), and had contact with a vet who has studied these cat diseases in England. They both gave us the same advice, and though I know some think we were radical, we felt we had to go with the professional advice given to us - not what others "thought". Yes, we had sound advice - but that sure doesn't make things easier when you're right in the middle of this type of situation.

And then there's the "hush hush" aspect of this type of disease and situation, which we in no way want to be a part of! I can't think of anything that is more counter-productive than this for breeders - especially new breeders!! The more ignorance - the more fear, which we certainly have experienced and felt from others! Even though the experts are still trying to understand this type of disease, there is so much information available on the general aspect of FIP and the other serious feline diseases. This information is available both on the Internet, and through other chanels. And if one doesn't have acces to these chanels, I'm sure there are others who could find it for them! It's all a question of "interest".

FIP is a very complex disease - there's no way to guarantee that one's cats never will be infected, especially since the Corona virus is a natural part of the feline chemistry. One can only try to be careful and show hygenic sensibility - both at home and at shows.

The bottom line is that the more information we find, the more we can try to understand, and hopefully this will lead to more openness, and the willingness to share one's experience with others. This is definately something we need within the breeding community! And maybe, just maybe, people will think twice before creating a stigma for the poor people who find themselves in such tragic situations. They have enough grief and hardship as it is without others adding to it by labeling them as unclean, or BAD BREEDERS.

We know now that the cats we have here are healthy - which is a lot more than I can say for most breeders. This is one of the reasons we feel we were lucky in such a hearbreaking situation, as there are cat owners who have lost all of their cats to thei terminal disease. I also know that we did nothing to *deserve* what happened, and we are in no way ashamed or feel guilty for our care of our cats. Nature is cruel sometimes, and this is just something we can only control to a certain point. So if other breeders want to stay away from us, than that says a lot more about them as human beings than about us.

We now have a "closed cattery", with our own stud, to iminimize the risk of them coming in contact with disease carriers (some cats can be carriers a long time - even their whole life, and never show a sign of any sickness, but they can pass it on). But there are no guarantees about anything that's a living organism.

I recently (2002) heard someone say something that is so true; " never say it will never happen"!, and yet another golden nugget; "Coronavirus does not mean FIP, FIP means cornavirus". Many people get this mixed up, and think it's that same thing. Sorry folks, you're wrong.

If you (or anyone you know) are interested in hearing more about our experience, or would like links or information relating to FIP, feel free to contact me!