| It was a hot, Florida June day in 2005, when my daughter told me she bought a Maine Coon kitten and did I want to go see it. Needless to say, I was in the car before her. This is the day that changed my life for two reasons. First, I met Cricket, a silver patch tabby and the runt of the litter. She was so little and I fell in love immediately. I talked the breeder into letting me visit the kittens on a weekly basis and by week three, my daughter knew my heart better than me, so she bought me Cricket. Second reason this day is so important, it was when I met my new best friend, Cherryl, the breeder. I spent hours in the closet watching Cricket grow and getting to know Cherryl. Soon it was kittens and breakfast every Sunday after church. Next it was watching the next litter being born and a midnight visit to a vet. Looking back, Cricket was really a bargain since it turned out to be buy a kitten and get a friend for free. Cherryl opened my eyes to these beautiful, loving cats and now she will be here for the birth of Cricket's litter. Life does not get any better than this. Bottom line is this: if you decide to buy a kitten, whether from me or not, spend time with that kitten. It will be one of the best decisions you have ever made. |