I am having issues sending to private email - so trying via the list. Sorry for the OT!

Hi Chanda -
Try the Hoosier Herp Society for your snake.  http://www.hoosierherpsociety.org/about.html

Shannon B :)

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The apartment I will be moving into next week has 2 abandoned cats and
an abandoned snake in it. (I think it is a python)  I took some food
and litter to the cats, and am thinking I should take a mouse to the
snake, but I wanted to post this in hopes that someone might be able
to take one of the animals.  The cats are a black and white adult and
a gray smaller cat or kitten who was hiding when I was there.  The
black and white is very friendly.  The landlord wants to take the cats
to the shelter and has no clue what to do about the snake.  I'm in
Lafayette IN.
Chanda

Hello,

On Feb. 12th we had a litter of 4 F1 Bambino baby girls.

They are beautiful 2 bllondes, 1 dark brunette and a vanilla with

blonde spots.

GerryRae

A lot can change in 1 year, especially when that year is sad and lonely and filled with regret.  I've dreaded this day for the past 364 days, but I knew sooner or later, I would have to face it, and the memories that come with good-bye.  I write this as a way of honoring Takarra's memory and also to remind each and every person who reads this of a very real danger that awaits each of your cats inside their safe and loving home: the dryer.

Takarra was more than a cat to me.  She was my first Bengal and my loving companion.  I loved her like she was my child, and some days it's harder than others to pull out that memory.  Her story, though rather long and sad, has the potential to save lives if heard though, so I will tell it again and again each year on both her birthday and the anniversary of her death until every single person gets in the habit of looking inside their dryer before starting it to make sure their babies are safe.

I'll never forget the day last year that we lost her.  It was cold and raining ice.  It was also my niece's birthday party.  I was sticky and needed a long hot bath while my clothes dried.  I stopped to toss the clothes in the dryer, and my back was turned only for a few minutes, but just long enough for Takarra to crawl, unseen inside the dryer,  I turned around, thinking Takarra was still sleeping on the cat tree in the other room, and looked to make sure both Gemini and Mew were on the bed.  I got in the shower and never gave a second thought to if Takarra was really on the cat tree or not.  My only concern was using every last drop of hot water that I could.

When I got out, I knew something didn't feel right, but I wasn't sure what.  I looked around and noticed Takarra wasn't around.  I called out to her several times and looked everywhere I could think of.  I figured she must have fallen asleep somewhere and didn't want to get up for my call.  She had been spayed only a few days before and I didn't think she was feeling too good.  I decided to leave her be and fold the clothes.  It was when I opened the dryer door, that I found the body of my beloved angel.  I can't express what went through my head as I held her and my friend drove us to the vet.  I was hysterical and couldn't stop telling her lifeless body how sorry I was and how I didn't mean for this to happen.    The roads were so bad that night, that it was a miracle that we made it to the emergency vet alive ourselves.  It was too late for Takarra, but I knew her body deserved a proper cremation. 

I went home and laid awake crying myself to sleep that night.  My Takarra was gone and I knew she'd never be coming home.  I held and cuddled Mew and Gemini and told them how much I loved them and that I never meant to take away their Takarra.  They seemed to understand that Mommy was hurting, but it would take a few days for them to understand that Takarra was gone and could never come home.  Mew often sat by the door and meowed while Gemini withdrew into herself and you could see she was depressed and missed her Takarra.  We lost Gemini less than 2 months later.  I believe she wanted to be with the Bengal she thought of as a daughter and often nursed and bathed as a kitten.  I also believe that they are together again and as happy as two cats can be at the rainbow bridge.

It's been a hard year for me.  I've accepted my place in Takarra's fate and I believe that the 7 short months of her life were lived to tell others of this innocent danger that is so often overlooked by so many.  Recently, on several cattery web pages, I've seen pictures of cats laying on or in dryers-   I know you took these pictures in good fun, but I also remember the horror of when I found my Takarra dead inside my dryer.   Each time I've seen one of these pictures, I've cried for my baby girl who left way too early, but I've also cried because I couldn't help but think that you were encouraging your cats to develop a deadly habit.  One you may have once thought would make a cute moment or one you may have laughed at.  I assure you, the danger is real.  Cats love warm spaces and soft clothes.  Many Bengals love water and would not  be phased by wet clothing, even if tossed on top of them.  It's our jobs as both owners and for those who breed, breeders, to protect the lives of our cats.  We give them the best food, litter, toys and vet care that money can buy.  We often love them as if they are our children.  Many of our cats have more toys than some kids even.  We spoil our pets rotten because they give us a reason to smile each day even when life seems at the worst.  Now I ask that we give them 1 more thing.  It won't cost a penny, just 30 seconds of our time to bend over and look inside the dryer to make sure our beloved cats are all safe before we hit a button that could end their lives.  Surely our cats are worth 30 seconds of our time?  Please, don't let Takarra's fate be the fate of your cats.

Here is a YouTube video I made in honor of my beloved Takarra.  I hope everyone will watch it and leave a comment so I know her message is out there and that something is being done to save innocent lives from horrible deaths.  Deaths far worse than dying in a pet shelter, deaths that can be prevented with just 30 seconds of your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E171Qgc6BI

Thank you,
Chanda Healton



Cats leave paw prints on your heart,
But Bengals leave love spots on your soul!

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Wow---that's really cool.  Hey that means you are a published writer now!  Patty

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Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

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To: bengalcatlovers@yahoogroups.com; designercats@yahoogroups.com; designermarblebengals@yahoogroups.com; marbledbengals@yahoogroups.com; siamese@yahoogroups.com; fancidots_bengals_and_friends@yahoogroups.com; feline_frenzy@yahoogroups.com; exoticcatbreeds@yahoogroups.com
From: casey_mears_fan25@...
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:30:13 -0800
Subject: [designercats] Kaidyn in the snow part 1 of 3

Kaidyn didn't want to come in!  he rolled around and jumped and had a great time.  He also gave me some great pictures, so I'm splitting them into 3 e-mails since there are so many.  Kaidyn says please don't laugh at his pink harness!  He has outgrown his and the cheap mom makes him wear the one Kianna is too small for!
Chanda


Cats leave paw prints on your heart,
But Bengals leave love spots on your soul!

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