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The inspiration for the development of our Maine Coon breeding cattery was the very special magical cat "His Magnificence Precious Flash McKenzie Cat of Dairy Flat", a brown classic tabby. He will live in our hearts forever. |
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Precious liked to help his mother gardening - the lazy way, by lying on her back! |
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He came into our lives in May, 1994. A tiny wild kitten arrived in our barn - where did he come from? We don't know, perhaps he was dumped but our barn is half a mile back from a quiet country road. We prefer to think that an angel sent him. For 7 years he enriched our lives, a constant companion, wherever we were there he was. Feeding horses, walking the dogs, gardening, helping with jigsaws, on the computer.... He was terrified of strangers, a legacy of his early start as a wild cat, and also very claustrophobic. He couldn't stay in a room with the door shut, if he had a way out he could relax just like any other cat. With us he was safe and relaxed. He loved music and would sit with his Dad while he played the piano, and dance with his Mum to Rock and Roll! |
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Precious slept in the bed next to his mother |
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Precious was diagnosed with cancer in September 2001 and despite the best care from specialist oncologists, as well as the latest chemotherapy treatment, Precious had to be put to sleep near midnight on Tuesday 23rd October. Precious seemed like a typical Maine Coon even though we were never sure of his true background. He weighed in at 7.5Kg (16-17lbs) had a beautiful long waterproof coat, huge paws, the sweetest face and the most affectionate loving personality you could ever hope to find in a companion. Whenever he saw me he would come running and jump into my arms for a kiss and a cuddle. Then he would happily be carried around for hours, until he got so heavy he had to use his own legs! |
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Another precious soul who left us much too early. Wyatt Chirp, another beautiful brown classic tabby. Wyatt was born in our very first litter and looked so much like Precious that we had to keep him.
We loved him to bits, he was another of those soul kitties, one who touched your heart. A big gentle cat, he loved to run like a greyhound. Wyatt was our trick cat, he was just like a dog. He walked on a harness, he always came when he was called...not like most cats who take the message and get back to you later. he learnt to go wherever you asked by clicking fingers...up on the cat tree, down on the floor, back up on the cat tree. He amazed visitors with his amiability.
Why is it always these ones who go early? |
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For Precious and Wyatt:
Lend Me A Kitten
I will lend to you for a while a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowd’s life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?
My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness; we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever-grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve.
Then in memory of him, who we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.
Author Unknown |
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