Hi Group
Thanks for all the compliments on my "taste" and my successful HUNT for the PERFECT little F1 to join my family.
He eats 4 *yes FOUR* three oz. cans of kitten food each day, supplimented with a little rare to raw beef that has been frozen for at least one week, every OTHER day (along with my other 3 Bengals who do not turn their nose up to RAW (grin)
He and Dagger are BEST buddies, and their playtime sometimes seems ALL the time, except when he has tired himself out and his belly is full -- when he crawls up under my chin and runs that little purr motor, or washes my chin with his somewhat rough little tongue.
The photo of me holding him, and him snuggled against me was about 1 hour AFTER he first met me, at Colette's house!
And actually I've been looking at Early Generations for about a year, talking with different breeders about each litter that comes along.
They all knew I wanted an F1 or F2 BOY - (since all of my cats are altered pets) and one that would mix well with other cats.
Therefore I was approached!!!
I got an e-mail when I least expected it from Alan Brown of Rainforest Bengals - and he told me that Colette Griffiths of Cocoa's Pride had a little boy who he thought would be the perfect addition to my family. The person who had initially planned to purchase him made the mistake of saying he was going to be an "indoor/outdoor" pet - and Colette just could not bear to see him NOT be kept in the loving embrace of someone who would want him inside with them, all the time.
They both said as much as he loves people - he really needed to be in a household where there were other cats for "playmates" (I think my house definately qualifies)
He sent me photos of Zenith (tiny baby photos) at 3 wks, 5 wks and 7 wks - and wondered if I might be interested -- DUH !!!
So, I made arrangements with my son to take care of the cats at home, and FLEW to Portland Oregon from Birmingham Alabama - to pick him up and bring him home "in cabin" - because I couldn't bear to ship him.
Collette welcomed me into her home, and allowed me to meet all of her lovely animals. His "dad" the ALC Simon is magnificant!!! (not as friendly as Zenith - but very attached to Colette)
His mom is a very pretty and social Bengal female - and Colette also has his grandmother, as well.
We were a SENSATION on the flights. I had him in his little blue collar and leash, and when I took him OUT of the carrier at the gate, and allowed him to "stretch" and get some more "luvvies" from me, as well as some cool water -- a crowd gathered!
There was even one lady who took photos of me holding Zenith AT THE AIRPORT in all of the "crowd" with him snuggled against me
He is very playful and affectionate - LOVES to play in the sink - faithful to his litterbox and overall more than I could have DREAMED or HOPED for.
I owe it all to Colette (for socializing him SO well) and Alan - for thinking of me, and contacting me to let me know he was suddenly available!
Don't I have ALL the LUCK !!!
He IS going to be HUGE. He is almost as big as Emma (who will be a year old on Memorial Day.)
He IS my "last" acquisition for a VERY LONG time. It is quite a chore to keep up with 5 Bengals of my own, One Foster Bengal, 3 Domestic Short Hairs who are all INDOORS, and the one DSH rescue who lives on my screened porch. This WAS my dream come true.
He and Dagger have become best buddies and it is so entertaining to watch them chase and play and wrestle... Then he will snuggle up with ANY of the cats who will allow it, at any given time for a nap if my chest isn't available. (like when I'm doing housework) His favorite nap buddy is my solid white male who is 2 years old *Casper* and Casper often allows him to snuggle up for a nap.
I'll have to go through all of the photos and see if there are others which would bring you smiles.
And YES Gavin - I AM nuts
JUST FOR THE RECORD --- there ARE a few breeders out there who do a marvelous job of socializing their Early Generation Bengals... And an Early Generation Bengal CAN be as affectionate and delightful as any of your beautiful SBT Bengals, here
Warmest,
LaVon