Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 February 2011 02:50

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On March 23, 2010 our family went on a trip to Towanda, PA. It was a very special trip for us: we went to pick up a kitten. We couldn't wait and were excited!

Long before that, we started monitoring newspapers and internet ads, and as soon as we see an ad that would catch our attention, we’d call. 99% of the time, the kittens were already spoken for. Why not adopt from a shelter, you’d ask? We’d love to! That was the first place we looked. We even looked in the shelters around, but all the cats were adults and, having three large dogs and small children, we don’t want to take a chance. We wanted to take a kitten and we wanted him to grow up with dogs and kids, and the other way around. 

The one percent: we’ve got a “Yes, we have one left”, drove 2 hours to Penn Yan, NY, and when we knocked on the door, the woman said she had already sold the kitty. She sold the kitten we came to pick up! 2 hours back in complete disappointment. Well, might as well, because as she opened the door, strong cat urine smell almost chocked us. I am wondering in what conditions the cats live in.

So, we kept looking for a cat. We’ve missed having a kitty around the house so much, that when we saw THE AD in a newspaper, we called the breeder, we found out there were still kittens available, so we decided to seize the moment and hurry up go pick one up. We just wanted a kitten! We didn’t need any papers, we didn’t care what breed, sex or color the kitten is. It was no matter to us. I think I even forgot to ask if the kittens had any shots at all. I should’ve.

Well, the kittens were Himalayans and were $375. The house was kept clean and the lady was very nice. No specific smell. Beautiful! As we were there, another cat gave birth to a litter of kittens.  

Meet Maxwell: our beloved cream flame point Himalayan. Isn’t he cute? We’ve never seen such a kitten! He’s simply irresistible! He is playful, full of energy, smart, and sooooo cute! He sleeps on my pillow, and every morning it seems like you actually have to say, ”Good morning, Maxy!” and so I do. Every morning! Did I mention “cute”? He’d look at me with his big blue eyes and my heart’d just melt away… He is great with kids, and just simply amazing! Words can’t describe how perfect that kitten is!

Yesterday evening, on April 13, I noticed that Max became quiet and less active than usual. That’s when I discovered vomit right next to his litter box. He refused to eat and drink, and it looked like he was constipated. Of course, first action – we’ve got to bring him to a doctor! So, we did.

I called the vets today in the morning and they agreed to meet us at noon..

It was 2 PM when Max was gone. He had feline lower urinary tract disease and feline leukemia. He would need a penis-removal surgery at about 1 year old. His life would have been miserable. The doctors came to the conclusion that such a combination doesn’t leave much chance to a little baby like Max. He was in lots of pain. He was crying all morning and was looking at me with his big beautiful blue eyes, almost like saying “Mommy, I don’t feel well…” When I was holding him for the last time, he brushed against my check, and tried to purr… I was already crying and all I could say was “I love you so much, baby.. Please, forgive us…”  

He was just 10 weeks. Three of them he spent with us. I wonder if his brothers and sisters are alright. The breeder wants to replace the kitten, but refuses to refund the money (but of course, she need to unload the kittens that she's got). It's been 10 days since she was supposed to call back after she checks her Queen for leukemia, but guess what? She hasn't called, and I am sure she's hoping we'd forget about her. 

No one can replace our Max. Pets are not disposable! There is not a cat in the world, who can heal my children' hearts. Juliana is 4 and Mark is 8 – how do you think that feels? My son knows the truth, he cried his little eyes out mourning for Max. My daughter still wants to pick up Max from the doctors. I am writing this, and I can't hold tears. I remember how Juliana was saying bye-bye to Max when I said he needed to stay with the doctors because he was sick. Poor girl! Hiding her tears and being all heart-broken. I myself still seem to hear Max’s bell jingling. I did hear it! Maybe he was coming back to say good bye... I don't hear it anymore... Rest in piece, Maxy. We will miss you, baby.

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This is a true story that just happened to me. Due to the negligence of the breeder not only we suffered heart break and the poor kitten lost his life, but we also spent almost $600 ($375- purchase price, and $220 – vet bill) for nothing. Don’t take me wrong, but money is money, and of course, it is secondary, but still it is.

The lady breeds cats with leukemia, and has no idea about it. I wonder why? Because she never tests them, that’s why.

I was wondering – me, of all people?! How could I buy an animal like that?! What’s wrong with me? I could’ve avoided all this horrifying pain! And I understood why I didn’t even concern myself about kitten’s and parents’ health: I do check my breeding dogs for health issues, I do check the sire for health issues, I do check the other two dogs I have for health issues, I even ask about other dogs and any animals on the sire’s side – you can’t have a infected animal when breeding. Anything – fleas, ticks, parasites, wounds, never mind parvo, and other stuff.  When we have puppies I usually instruct the kids not to touch unknown doggies in the park, for example, and wash their hands frequently. So when we went to that woman, I expected all of the above done BY DEFAULT. Like, how can you NOT do that when breeding? I automatically assumed that she knew what she was doing, and the cats were healthy. My trusting nature got me a cruel reality-check.

My word to everyone who “just wants a pet”: no matter whether a pet costs $3000 or $20, ask for a clean bill of health! Don’t ignore this crucial step!.. Even though Max had blessed us with his presence in our lives, this is way too painful. I’d rather see him healthy and all grown-up, even if not with us. He was a beautiful and smart kitten. It's too bad he had to die. If only his housemates were checked for leukemia…

This is a true story that happened to me. Pass it on. In the name of Maxwell.

Sincerely,

Natalia,

An Ethical and Educated Golden Retriever Breeder, and damn proud of it.  

PureGoldPups.com