Thought you would be interested to hear the story of "how we got Tiger". Before that, Aunt Pam lost her Siamese cat Misha, who had lived a long and healthy life. She was interested in getting another Siamese, and heard about a breeder near Sunbury, PA who raised them. She and Grandma went there looking for a kitten, and brought home Wolfie (named after Wolfgang Mozart). This breeder also had Maine Coons, and not long after that Grandma went there to get Jessie - a beautiful calico Maine Coon. You can read more about this interesting, New England breed here: Maine Coon
Sasha, when you were in second grade we unexpectedly lost our kitty Kyle (who you named in pre-school, following a visit to the vet when she informed me that our girl kitten "Clarisse" was actually a boy - what a shock!). When we were ready for a new cat, we took a drive to Sunbury, which is @1 1/2 hours away. You were 8 years old, and Brock was 2.
Dad and I thought we would get a Siamese cat, since we had always had Siamese kitties (first Nicki, then Kyle). But Sasha, you absolutely wanted a cat who looked like a tiger. We got to the breeder's house, at found it was loaded with cats (and smelled like them too). The kittens were upstairs, so we went up and found Siamese kitties of a few varieties..... and several red tabby Maine Coons. You were enthralled and fascinated with one especially active "orange" kitten. Although I encouraged you to check out the Siamese kittens, there was no changing your mind! The breeder noticed you had fallen in love with that kitten and was kind enough to offer a discount if we agreed not to purchase his pedigree "papers". We drove home with him sitting in my lap, yowling most of the way. You immediately named him Tiger. I have been laughing since you texted me that some of his recent nicknames have been:
- Chunks of Love Tigar
- Hunky Chunky
- Tiger my Hunky Monkey
Tiger was sick to his stomach the first night at our house, but then got settled quickly. He has always been big, friendly and loving. He liked being up high from the beginning, and to Dad's dismay caused serious trouble by climbing up stacks of train boxes. He has also been, as typical of his breed, affectionate with both of you unless teased. As a young cat he was very playful, and known to scare little Brock by leaping at him and knocking him over. He has been a wonderful part of your childhood, and I know you are both very attached to him. Here's to many more years with our round, fluffy, handsome Tiger.
With special thanks to photographer and my best friend Steve (who gave us some kitty items that Jean Luc did not need, shopped with me for the rest, and has shared much good advice), here's a great picture taken yesterday:
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