News - 2009                        

Click here to see current news and links to other years 

 

12 December - West of Scotland Cat Club show

 

We had a pretty good day today at our last show of the year, with Xaria especially pulling out all the stops to make it another show to remember.  Congratulations are due to:

  • Grand Premier Dushenka Xariabella, who won her third and qualifying Grand certificate, along with her seventh Premier Certificate, and 1st prize in every class entered.  Xaria is the fifth Dushenka cat to win a Grand title, and I am very, very proud of her.  Thanks again to Heather and Richard for giving her such a loving home

  • Troika Ivan Tsarevich, who was just an adult at 9 months and 10 days old, won his first Challenge certificate, and another two 1st prizes in side classes.  Well done Teddy-boy!

  • Dushenka Stanislav, making his show debut at the age of 5, who won a 1st and 2 x 2nds.  Thanks to Stan's owner Karen for bringing him along today, and being such a great 'mum'

 

21 November - Supreme Show

 

It was another crazily long day, leaving home at 1.30 in the morning to make the long journey down to the NEC in Birmingham.  The Supreme Show is the feline equivalent of Crufts, with every cat having to qualify by winning at a Championship show before being eligible to enter, so the quality of competition is very high.  I took along two cats, and was happy to see young Teddy at his last kitten show winning 1st in the Russian Blue male kitten class, and little Yzzy coming 2nd in the pre-champion class to Teddy's half-sister.

 

 

7 November 2009 - Ulster Siamese & All Breeds Cat Club show

 

Congratulations to Heather McRae's Premier Dushenka Xariabella, who won her second Grand Premier Certificate, another Premier Certificate, Best of Breed, Best Foreign Neuter and topping it all by winning Best in Show Foreign Exhibit - what a day!  Well done little Xaria, and thanks to Heather for showing her so well. 

 

 

 

 

24 October 2009 - Yorkshire County Cat Club show

 

Congratulations to my darling boy on doing so well today:

 

● Champion & Premier Dushenka Xander, who won his first Grand Premier Certificate in a really competitive class, and his seventh Premier Certificate. 

 

Xander spent most of the day posing happily in his pen - I am so proud of him. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 October 2009 - Cumberland Cat Club show

 

Congratulations to both my boys on their wins today:

 

● Troika Ivan Tsarevich, won 1st in his open class again and Best of Breed Russian Blue kitten, plus 2nd and 3rd in large side classes.  Teddy was also nominated for Best in Show, against very strong competition.

● Champion & Premier Dushenka Xander, who won his second reserve Grand Premier Certificate.

 

Congratulations to my travelling companions and their beautiful Abyssinians - the Pontellos, whose 'baby boy' Rico proved just how grown-up he is now by becoming a Grand Champion and Heather's girl Mina who became a Champion

 

 

26 September 2009 - North West Cat Club show

 

Congratulations are due today to the whole gang on their wins today:

All my babies were in fantastic moods and were showing themselves off beautifully - I am so proud of all of them I have been wearing a huge, silly grin on my face for most of the day!

 

Congratulations also to the Pontello's usual Abyssinian Rico who did so very well today, and Heather's two Aby kittens who are definitely stars in the making. 

 

 

13 September 2009 - Northern Counties Cat Club show

 

Congratulations are due today to both my youngsters on their wins:

Both my babies enjoyed themselves hugely yet again, fussing and purring over everybody they could get their paws on.  I am so very proud of both of them.

 

Congratulations also to the Pontello's  gang of Abyssinians who did so well today, and thanks for the lift to and from the show again!

 

29 August 2009 - Teesside Cat Club show


We had another good day today, with Grand Champion Dushenka Sophia Bella taking home another challenge certificate,  Champion Dushenka Xander winning his fifth Premier Certificate and Troika Ivan Tsarevich winning 3 x 1st prize and two x 2nd prize in his five classes, in between purring and larking about demanding tummy tickles and cuddles.

 

 

 

 

 

Special congratulations go to Premier Dushenka Xariabella on winning Best of Breed Russian Blue neuter in very strong competition (and I don't just mean her brother Xander!) and her first Grand Premier Certificate at her first try.  Well done sweet girl, and thanks again to her owners Heather and Richard for showing her so well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 August 2009 - Chester & North Wales Cat Club show


I just took two cats with me to Chester today, Xander and Yzzy, and both had good days - Yzzy was making her show debut, and did so in quite considerable style!  Many congratulations to both of my babies on their wins:

● Dushenka Ysabella, at her first-ever show won 1st open, Best of Breed Russian Blue kitten, and went on to win Best in Show Foreign kitten against really strong competition!  Yzzy was absolutely in her element, demolishing huge amounts of chicken in-between splashing her water all over her pen, and purring, kissing and licking everyone in reach.

● Champion & Premier Dushenka Xander, who won his fourth Premier Certificate and Best of Breed Russian Blue neuter.  Xander was also in a great mood, eating equally huge quantities of chicken and being full of purrs and kisses all day.

Thanks again to Lorraine and Lenny Pontello for taking us to and from the show, and many congratulations to their 'boy wonder' Rico, who was made up to Champion at only 11 months old.


18 July 2009 - Edinburgh & East of Scotland Cat Club show
It was another good day for my cats - many congratulations to:

  • Troika Ivan Tsarevich, who on his Scottish debut won 1st open and Best of breed Russian Blue kitten, plus 1st prizes in all his side classes.  To top it all off, Teddy was also nominated for best in show.  Again, he enjoyed himself hugely, and spent most of his time being cuddled by me and a host of 'aunties and uncles'. 
     

  • Grand Champion Dushenka Sophia Bella, who won 1st in her open class and her tenth Challenge Certificate.

  • Premier Dushenka Xariabella, who won her fourth Premier Certificate and Best of Breed Russian Blue neuter, and a further two 1st prizes in side classes.  Unfortunately Xaria won her title after the closing date for this show so wasn't in the grand class.

Thanks again to Lorraine Pontello of Pontaby Abyssinians for giving us all a lift to and from the show.

 

4 July 2009 - Wiltshire Cat Club show

 At first glance this was an awfully long way to go for a cat show, even by my standards! 

 

However, the main purpose of this trip was for me was to pick up my new boy Teddy (so called because he is a cuddly teddy-bear of a kitten).  Tasha also came along for the ride, and I am delighted to say that both had a very good day, so congratulations to:

 

  • Troika Ivan Tsarevich, who on his show debut at only 4 months and 2 days old, won 1st open and Best of breed Russian Blue kitten, plus two 1st prizes in side classes, including a class with 12 entries, described as the judge as a 'lovely class'.  Teddy was obviously enjoying himself hugely, spending the whole day purring and playing.  Many, many thanks to his breeder Clare Bandy for letting me have this wonderful boy - he is a fantastic lad.

  • Champion Dushenka Tashabella - who won 1st open, her eighth Challenge Certificate, sixth reserve Grand Challenge certificate and Best of Breed Russian Blue adult.  Tasha was in a sunny mood all day as well, having hugely enjoyed spending the previous night with me and her Auntie Lorraine in a hotel.

Many thanks to David and Louise Miskelly of Glendavan Abyssinians for giving us a lift to and from the show, and congratulations to their three cats on their successful day, especially Pinky, Champion Glendavan Getta Mauve-on, who became the first ever lilac Aby Champion at this show.

 

20 June 2009 - Lakeland and District Cat Club show

My precious Snoogles' run of successes continued today, much to my absolute delight.  Special congratulations go to my new title winners:

  • Champion & Premier Dushenka Xander, on winning his qualifying Premier Certificate and second title in the space of little more than four months
     

  • Premier Dushenka Xariabella, who also won her qualifying Premier Certificate in six weeks flat at three consecutive shows, best of breed Russian Blue neuter, plus another 1st prize and two 2nd prizes in her three side classes against some very strong competition.  Many thanks again to her owners Heather and Richard for loving and showing her so well.

Not forgetting the Snoogles' mom, my darling Tasha:

  • Champion Dushenka Tashabella - on winning another reserve Grand Challenge certificate, and challenge certificate.  Tasha was revelling in her role of breed ambassador today, purring and kissing anybody she could get her paws on, bless her pretty soul.

My special thanks to Ian Thomson of Saladin Abyssinians who, despite not taking any cats to this show, gave the Dushenka gang a lift there and back, and looked after us all during the day as well.  Thank you Ian.

 

 

8 June 2009 - Russian Blue Breeders Association (RBBA) annual points awards

 

I am delighted to say that both Xander and Xaria were multiple trophy winners this year with the RBBA with a repeat of their RACCS successes:

 

Champion Dushenka Xander:                        Dushenka Xariabella:

    ● Top kitten                                                ● Top female kitten

    ● Top adolescent                                         ● Top female adolescent

Well done again to my little Snoogles!

 

 

30 May 2009 - Durham County Cat Club

 

A fantastic warm and sunny day in Co Durham to match my sunny mood, with all four Dushenka cats at the show today being winners. 

 

Special congratulations are due to:

  • Grand Champion Dushenka Sophia Bella - who had an absolutely fantastic day, winning  the Challenge Certificate, Best of Breed Russian Blue adult, her qualifying Grand Challenge certificate, and 1st prize in both her side classes, including the breeders class.  It was impossible to see Sophie in the afternoon as her pen was completely covered with rosettes!

Congratulations also to Sophie's daughter:

  • Champion Dushenka Tashabella - on winning the reserve Grand Challenge certificate, and another 1st and 2nd prize;

and to Tasha's son and daughter

  • Champion Dushenka Xander, on winning his second Premier Certificate and winning 1st prize in all his classes
     

  • Dushenka Xariabella, who won her second Premier Certificate, best of breed Russian Blue neuter in very strong competition, plus another two 1st prizes and one 2nd.

    

 

Thanks again to Clan Pontello, of Pontaby Abyssinians, for getting us to and from the show, and congratulations to their Boy Wonder, Rico, on winning his first challenge certificate.

 

9 May 2009 - Nor' East of Scotland Cat Club

 

Congratulations to our winning girls:

  • Champion Dushenka Sophia Bella - who on her return from maternity leave won the Challenge Certificate, Best of Breed Russian Blue adult, the reserve Grand Challenge certificate, and another 1st and 2nd in her two side classes. On top of all that Sophie was nominated for Best in Show! This was Sophie's first show in well over a year and I am delighted that she still has her winning touch.
     

  • Dushenka Xariabella - at her first show as a neuter Xaria won her first Premier Certificate, plus another 1st and 3rd prize in side classes.  Well done to my 'little Snoogle'!

Thanks again to Lorraine for the lift to and from the show, and congratulations to all the successful Pontaby cats on their wins.

 

 

11 April 2009 - Shorthair Cat Club of Scotland

 

Today it was the turn of the Snoogles' mom, Tasha, to be the winner.  Congratulations to Champion Dushenka Tashabella on winning the reserve grand Challenge certificate and one x 1st and three x 2nd prizes in her four side classes. 

 

This was Tasha's first show in 6 months, but it was as if she had never been away, spending her day happily purring.

 

 

 

28 March - Preston & Blackpool Cat Club show

 

Congratulations again to my 'Senior Snoogle', Champion Dushenka Xander, who won his first Premier Certificate at his first show as a neuter - well done to my darling boy!

 

Xander greatly enjoyed his day, hoovering up large quantities of his favourite treats, including chicken and dried prawns.

 

 

 

 

22 March - RACCS AGM

Today was the AGM for RACCS - the Russian and Abyssinian Cat Club of Scotland - with both my Snoogles picking up major awards in the annual points competition for 2008:

 

Champion Dushenka Xander:                        Dushenka Xariabella:

    ● Top kitten                                                ● Top female Russian kitten

    ● Top adolescent                                         ● Top female Russian adolescent

    ● Top Russian exhibit

 

Not forgetting the photograph of their great-grandmother Baby Belle, which was the overall winner of the photo competition as well!                                                                  

Posing Baby Belle


14 February 2009 - Scottish Cat Club show

 

This was our first show of the year, with both Xander and Xaria up against tough competition.  Xaria managed a very reasonable haul of 1 x 1st, 1 x 2nd and 1 x 3rd prize, but my star of the day was definitely her brother.  Special congratulations are due to

 

CHAMPION Dushenka Xander

on winning his third challenge certificate and his title, plus a further two 1st prizes.  Well done to my darling boy.

Xander - King of Smug!                                                             Sweet Xaria

 

Congratulations also to the Pontello's sorrel Abyssinian Berry on becoming the first female Imperial Grand Champion Abyssinian!

 

 

1 January 2009

 

A Happy New Year to everyone!  We enjoyed a very quiet New Year with Sophie's babies beginning to take solid food, and the grown-up family persuading me to watch far too much TV by the simple expedient of piling onto my knee, purring and refusing to budge - very cosy.

 

 

2008 was a good year for the Dushenka Russian Blue cats….

 

...starting and finishing with beautiful new kittens, plus a new titled cat and two best in show winners!

 

The year was book-ended by new kittens, with Tasha producing five little stunners on 5 January and Sophie having three babies on 3 December.  On the show front, 2008 started with three kittens from Tasha's litter making their debut at the Short-hair Cat Club of Scotland show at the 'grand old age' of 15 weeks, taking home 12 prizes between them, including Best of Breed and two trophies - many congratulations to Xander, Xariabella and Xarek. 

 

My crazy baby Tasha-the-Crasher - now more formally known as Champion Dushenka Tashabella - had a great year, winning her third Challenge Certificate and title in May, and going on to win a further three Challenge Certificates, one Grand Challenge and two reserve Grand Challenges over the year. 

 

Xander and Xaria also had a fantastic year, each of them winning Best in Show Foreign Kitten at shows during the summer as well as numerous 1st prizes and best of breed wins.  They graduated to the adult classes in October, Xander winning two Challenge Certificates (including one at the Supreme Show, the 'feline Crufts') and Xaria winning one Challenge certificate. 

 

After a break of nearly 18 months Tasha's litter brother Premier Dushenka Technetium Star also came out for one show - thanks to his owners, my brother and his wife on letting me borrow him for the day.  Congratulations to beautiful Techs on winning his fourth Premier Certificate and Best of Breed Russian Blue neuter.

 

In-between all of this we also moved house, and for the first time ever my cats discovered the joys of staircases!  Despite still living amongst semi-chaos, and a lot of cardboard boxes, my feline family is obviously highly delighted with the change of scenery, and within 24 hours of moving it was as if we had always lived here.

 

Many thanks again to Lorraine, Maureen and Lenny Pontello of Pontaby Abyssinians and my cats' Auntie Ellen for helping us to get to and from shows.