Raven Jake Dawes

The Cat Fancier's Association Show

Raven Jake at the Cat Show

Now folks, it wasn't my idea to go to the Cat Fancier's Association show, but we were drivin' past and Jane had never been to one o' these do's before. I actually have, but in a professional capacity.

We lost our Mojo a couple of months back, and we aren't ready to break in a new one yet, but it's always nice to see what else is happening out there. The Cat Fancier's Association is poised for action on that front. They know all there is to know about 'em.

Himalayan with Cigar

Now I was expecting more action like the weary lookin' Himalayan with the cigar, but really, he was more the exception than the rule. The judges were moving with superhuman speed and the average cat was more like young Pepsi, the Japanese Bobtail, aka Windchimes Worth Waiting For. He's trying to get enough points to bump him up to the next level of competition, so that when he can start breeding in a few months it'll be worth flying "girlfriends" out to meet him. Pepsi enjoys meeting new people, his hammock, and mylar-and-feather wands. He also won "Best of Breed," so look out!

Pepsi the Japanese Bobtail

Now I've never owned a pure-blood cat before, and I'm not likely to start anytime soon. All my cats have just shown up when the time is right. I kinda favor breeds that are self-sufficient and don't wake up too early. It's a bonus when they aren't all furniture shredd-y or have a propensity for spraying (I consider that "irreconcilable differences.") So I'll leave the technical stuff to the CFA http://www.cfa.org/index.html 

 

Jean Grimm w Sphynx

 

 

Iris Zinck and Contestant

 

 

 

CFA Judge Ed Yurchick

 

 

 

Laura McIntyre and Abyssinian

Robert Culp Memorial

Robert Culp memorial card

Folks, it was busy weekend, and Raven Jake is still recovering! Well, no - not like what you're thinkin'. Robert Culp was a family friend and I was awful sorry when I got that call. On March 24, Bob was headin' out for his morning walk (he had one every day) when he had a massive heart attack and bonked his head a good one on the way down. He was meeting a couple of his sons for lunch and a movie later that afternoon and when he didn't show up, they went lookin'.

It was a good way to go out - he was in fine health for a man his age and had a mighty quick wit - but I regret his loss deeply, and feel mighty sorry for those he left behind, including my friend Josh (his son), Josh's wife Nancy, and their son Morgan. There's never a good time to lose a loved one and when it is so sudden, there ain't no time to say goodbye. At least Bob knew he was loved and had his family around him.

There was a memorial service for Bob Culp at the Egyptian Theater on Saturday and I'm glad I went. It wasn't a bit sad (although I shed a few all the same) as family and friends remembered happier days. Bill Cosby, his co-star from I-Spy, even stopped his current project to send a video eulogy. And so, a bittersweet farewell to Robert Culp, and my deepest sympathy to those he left behind.