My passion for cats began at the age of six (a VERY long time ago) when I had the chicken pox and was given a tiny stray kitten to keep in bed with me so I wouldn't pick at the lesions. Guess what? It worked! This little ball of fluff was a semi-longhair torbie (which of course I didn't know at the time) but with her glorious colors and pattern I decided to name her Paprika.

The first purebred pedigreed cat to own me was a blue point Birman. I totally fell in love with their magnificent blue eyes, golden-hued coat, intelligence and sensitivity to human emotions. I knew this was the breed I wanted to work with and over the years was fortunate enough to be entrusted with six Birmans imported from the United Kingdom.   One of these Birmans was a seal lynx point girl that I believe was the first to come to the States.

Some of the other breeds I have worked with are the Maine Coon, Cornish Rex and longhair Scottish Fold.

One of the reasons for going into the judging program was so that I could have the privilege of handling all the beautiful breeds without them actually being in my home but pretending they are mine if only for the brief moment they are on my table.

Cats and judging are my vocation and passion. They are truly more fulfilling than I ever imagined. Sometimes I'll actually get shivers when a cat reaches into my heart and soul, touching it deeply. I have been truly blessed by them and the human companions that they own.