Purrvette
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Looking for a Mentor -Showing - BreedingI need to find a Mentor that has similar beliefs as I do, as I go onward with showing, and breeding the classic colors.
NO PKD, not even to get the looks - I'm proud that I pulled my silver-shaded when I found out she had it, 2 weeks before she was due to be bred. My only kitten born was DOA, size of a soda can. The breeder blamed me, even though she admitted she bred her to her own grandfather, after she'd promised not to do that. She blamed me for the kitten's size and death, even though I had an emergency caesarean performed.
I've learned and all my queens suffered from dishonest people in their breeding practices.
As of now, I have a kitten worthy to show, and raise to be a queen!
I wish to do this step with knowledge and dignity, and much love and care. I've listened to many things that can and do go wrong; some is avoidable, some isn't.
I haven't been to a cat show in 15 years, so this is going to be exciting!!
- Julie
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posiepurrs
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There are 2 ways to go about it, I suppose. If you are interested in showing in the CFA there is a mentor program run by them. You could do it the way I have - I suppose it is harder though. Just go to as many shows as you can and network. Join some breeder forums. I think there is one for just about every class of Persian. Good luck. Just a word of caution - beware of the politics. As you are aware there are some not so nice people out there.
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JoaneWing
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I would say start with Cat Shows as well. That's how I met Tracy and went on to buy Binky and Alexus. If I ever decide to breed/show, I already have someone that has offered to help me, thanks to the Cat Show where we met.
And ask questions galore. Read all you can too and join breeder's forums like Lynda said. That's what I would do.
And be prepared to grow some thick skin. That's where I fall short. So for me, I just buy them and admire the pretty cats at the shows for now.
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Carissa
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I agree that going to shows and just talking to people is best. Sometimes you can actually "interview" possible mentors by doing this and that way, find one that shares the same ethics/views/goals as you do. My biggest advice - patience! The right cat(s)/person will come along, but sometimes you just have to wait to find that perfect match. :)
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JoaneWing
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Hi Carissa---are you the Carissa from Cacao? If so, you have very lovely cats. You kindly helped me when I was looking for a Himalayan last year.
I just discovered the himi world and love my Jesse Blue!
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Carissa
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Yup, that's me :) I try to help when I can, though sometimes I end up muddling things! I am so glad you find your baby! Do you have pictures?
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JoaneWing
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You were very nice to me when I asked for help and yes---I have pictures---I even carry photos in my purse. I have no 2 legged children and my 4 persians mean the world to me. I have cardiac problems and lead a very limited life. I spend a lot of time on the computer looking at different websites admiring cats. And you have very beautiful ones Carissa! I hope you enjoy it here and I hope to learn from you as well.
Here is my Jesse Blue.
I am a pet owner and do not show or breed but I sure do love my babies!I've had persians for close to 20 years now.
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Terri Nye
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That's a very pretty kitty. Love those wild whiskers!
Terri
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JoaneWing
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Thank you Terri---does Jesse need a trim--LOL! I never noticed them looking like that in real life. My golden girl Alexus has the longest whiskers ever!
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Carissa
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Wow, Jesse Blue is beautiful! Looks like a show kitty! (Yes, I'm drawn to that sort) Such little, perfectly round ears! Beautiful sweet expression! Blue eyes!
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JoaneWing
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OMG! You just put the biggest smile on my face because I know you are a very famous Himalayan breeder. Thank you so much.
Lyn was keeping him to show but I persuaded her to sell him to me. It took her six months to say yes---LOL! We met at a show and I kept in contact with her until she said yes! I always send photos to my cats' breeders so they feel connected to their past kittens. I just sent this one for Valentine's Day to Lyn and she enjoyed it.
Thank you Carissa for your most generous compliments. :)
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Purrvette
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What an adorable Himmi! You did a great job with him!
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JoaneWing
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Thank you Julie. All I did was buy him---his breeder deserves all of the credit :) Jesse is a love bug and my constant companion. His inner beauty far exceeds his outer beauty. I really am fortunate to have him. Thank you again!
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Purrvette
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Joane, you ever thought of asking the breeder, if you could show him in Premiere Class? I mean, he's like a ringer! 
Hugs & purrs,
Julie
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posiepurrs
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I have been trying to talk her into trying it at least once.
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Purrvette
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And for the record, I don't mind my thread being hijacked - he's soooo adorable! Just needs a tongue like this:  Then, he'd look like my Purrby!
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JoaneWing
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You girls are too funny and thank you! His breeder has been trying to get me into showing but I don't know the first thing about it. But I must confess, I do "dream" about it :)
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Narf_Fran
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Your Jesse is a dream!! Love those tiny ears!!
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Purrvette
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Joane - just bathe him, and try! What's the worst that can happen? Nothing.
So, just do it, you both deserve the fun of it!
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JoaneWing
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Thanks Julie for the vote of confidence. Actually, I have Baby Bear that would be a fantastic show cat as well. He already won second best silver kitten in the CFA International. So he has the potential to really make it big time.
I will keep thinking about it :)
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Purrvette
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Gentle push on both cats towards ring. 
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JoaneWing
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Julie--I just reread your thread. I apologize for getting off topic and discussing my own cats. I am sorry.
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Purrvette
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SHOW JESSE!!Joane - I'm trying to get you to show! So, why would I ever mind you getting me off topic on my own topic?
Wait - isn't this topic about Mentorship, and SHOWING? So - aren't we on topic?
I just gotta know, Joane - when are we going to see Jesse in the ring!? This fall, when his coat is all in nice and thick!?
Purrs, hugs & gentle nudges towards the ring,
Julie, Cheshire, Zofia & our Angels, Purrvette & Tara
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JoaneWing
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Thanks Julie! The only thing stopping me is my health. Even Tracy has offered to get Baby Bear his Championship. How sweet is that! I may not be able to even consider showing until I retire which is a few years down the road. But I can ALWAYS dream :)
How about you? Are you going to show any time soon?
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Purrvette
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Joane, I sure do understand the bit about your health! Hm, I'd consider letting Tracy get Baby Bear his Championship, that would rock!
If I hadn't just gotten embroiled in a lawsuit over being hit by that SUV on my bicycle, I'd show right now (if Zoe's coat hadn't been shredded inside of 2 days, on her tail).
I do intend to at least attend whatever shows I can, and speak directly to the breeders in person. I do find it rather impersonal to email.
To me, kittens need to be brought up in a BALANCED environment, and be exposed to some of the noises that they may encounter in a show room. So, they need to be picked up, played with, taught how to be presented, bathed, etc. Brandy I believe, told me one of the best ideas, that helped with Zoe: put her in the carrier, set her in the living room with people coming in and out, and have them just go about their business, so she just lost her fear; she got used to that environment.
I don't know everything - but I'm sure willing to learn what I can.
Purrs & hugs,
Julie
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