The day I landed at the Orange County airport, I began my travels to my first and Pixie-Bob stop, Shauna Toller, co-creator of the Pixie-Bob Journal. I rented my car and found myself in freeway conditions that are quite different than where I hail from, Utah. It's a jungle out there on the California freeways. I had good directions and made my way to Shauna's town of Hesperia with only an elevated blood pressure.
I had the pleasure of meeting Shauna's Pixie supportive husband, Kevin, and their beautiful boys, Cody and Jason. I also had a brief glimpse of Pixies before Shauna and I headed out to Marie Callendars for some food. We were both amazed at the end of our lunch at how much time had passed. We both exclaimed, "No way!" when we saw that more than 3 hours had gone by.
We had to hurry back to Shauna's home because we were scheduled to have dinner with Amber, another Journal co-conspirator. Some of you may remember Amber with her famous Pixie, Rocks Star, the survivor. Amber, Shauna, and I had a date for killer sushi near to the veterinarian's office that Amber worked for. We needed to get ready.
We returned to Shauna's where kittens reign supreme. Living first hand with a breeder lets me know that responsible breeding is not to be taken lightly. Full time job, including 2 young boys, is an understatement. Taking care of intact studs, queens, and kittens is more than a full time job and this in addition to mothering. I can tell you from personal experience that being a mom is more than a full time job. What happens when you add a cattery and responsible breeding program to this mix? The answer is,work, work, and more work!
That being said, I had a great time with all of the Pixie-Bobs. I especially liked Buns, of Journal fame. She was the kitten that did not like "naked cats" at a TICA show. Buns had "buns in the oven" and she is extremely cute. I think that she also has a nice feminine Pixie-Bob look. I sadly think that Pixie-Bob girls are underrated. Pixie-Bob girls look different than Pixie-Bob boys. We don't have a different standard for boys vs. girls. I don't necessarily think that we need one. I just think that judges need to be educated on fine Pixie-Bob girls and their merits.
Our dinner with Amber was delicious and lots of fun. After our meal we went back to the veterinary clinic that Amber works for to meet Rock Star. Rock Star is the Pixie who survived a cattery fire last year, despite severe injuries. Amber, Gary, and Rock Star have worked together for his survival and it has not been easy. Many Pixie-Bob enthusiasts have been following the recovery of Rock Star with anxious hearts. I'm pleased to share with you all how well Rock Star is doing!
He's walking around, his hair is filling in, and he looks chipper and happy. He seems happy to be alive and he loves Amber! I had the gift of being able to hold Rock Star and give him some love. I felt very honored.
When Shauna and I returned to her cattery the work was far from over. Kittens needed a bath. Stinky kitties! These thriving and enthusiastic kittens needed to be cleaned from their own messy excursions into food. I got drafted into the kitten bathing line-up. Shauna's family is always helping, too. After baths and drying, Jason helped with kitten confinement!
After all of the excitement, Shauna and I sat like Zombies at the computer and brainstormed, or is that "brain-farted," issues on the Journal. We may have been less that productive that night. Oh, well, that's okay as we are volunteers anyways. If we are tired and out of sorts, it's all-copasetic.
Harmony is the sought quality amongst the Pixie-Bob Journal staff. We want to promote responsible feline ownership and husbandry. We want to see all cats in loving, caring, responsible families. These goals are at the forefront of what we promote in the Pixie-Bob Journal. We also promote the Pixie-Bob breed for select enthusiasts. This does not detract from pets needing homes in rescue. Pure-bred pets are under attack by radical animal activists and we feel that this movement is ultimately irresponsible, unethical, and inhumane.
The end of my time in Pixielandia was a farewell breakfast with Amber, Shauna, Jason, and Cody. I'd like to come back. I found that some of my Journal co-conspirators are fun and full of life. They love felines and Pixie-Bobs in particular. I especially enjoy Jason and Cody, young Jr. Achievers in training, as thoughtful, insightful, and enthusiastic as any adult Pixie-Bob show maven!
| Our Meet-up In the Wilds of Southern California |
By Raven Simons
Submitted Feb. 07'
Submitted Feb. 07'
Click on the picture to enlarge and view captions.
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