Dushenka Russian Blues

News 2022

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3 December 2022 - a special birthday

Happy Birthday to my precious Yzzykins, who turned 14 today, and enjoyed extra-special cuddles and a special birthday dinner. We enjoyed a lovely purr-filled and cuddle-filled day (not that that is anything unusual!) and I happily marvelled at just how much she doesn't look her age - I hope I age as well as she is!

November 2022 - Cheshire Area CC show

I just had my two boys with me today, grandfather and grandson, and we had a lovely day, winning what we came for!

- UK & OS IGr Ch Dushenka Rafael won his second Gold Olympian certificate and was as happy as ever
- Dushenka Oskar Kokoshka at just 9 months and 1 day old, won his first Challenge certificate, Best of Breed (beating Rafa!) and 1st in both his side classes, clever boy!

October 2022 - The Supreme Show

The highlight of our show year, the GCCF's Supreme Show, the largest show in the UK and always a huge occasion with decorated pens, special classes and ring judging. It felt odd not having Rafa with me, but as he already has his UK title he stayed at home to cheer on his descendents from afar.

- IGr Ch Dushenka Viola Heartsease (Rafa's daughter) won her first UK certificate, only awarded at the Supreme Show, so a very special win. Her granddaughter:
- Imperial Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock was our star today, winning her qualifying Imperial certificate and reserve best of breed too
- Dushenka Oskar Kokoshka (Viola's son) won his breed class and Best of Breed Russian Blue Kitten in strong competition, plus 2nd in the Special Kitten class, judged on temperament
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka and Dushenka Blue Oberon both achieved creditable 2nd placings and OBIGMC Mac placed 3rd in his UK class.

Congratulations again to Laura's lovely baby Lapochka Black Velvet-Rose (also Rafa's granddaughter) who won her breed class and Best of Breed again.

Viola's pen also won Best Russian Pen in the RACCS decorated pen competition, and Rose's pen placed 6th out of an entry of over 550 cats in the GCCF best Decorated Pen competition, and all our cats enjoyed relaxing in their large, luxuriously-decorated pens.

October 2022 - Russian Blue Breeders Association (RBBA) show

It's been 6 years since we have been able to enter the RBBA show, a specialist breed show just for Russians, with a fantastically high quality of competitors, held just outside Northampton. Huge thanks to Laura, who drove us there through horizontal rain on the Friday. We had a lovely day, and had some lovely wins too!

- UK & Olympian Silver IGr Ch Dushenka Rafael did it again, winning his first Gold Olympian certificate against strong competition, Best Male Russian Blue Adult, then Best in Show Russian Blue Adult! Rafa was in sparkling form, so happy and posing so beautifully at Best in Show, as well as bestowing big cuddles on anyone strong enough to lift him!
- Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock also looking so good today - won her fourth Imperial certificate and Best Female Russian Blue Adult
- Dushenka Oskar Kokoshka won his breed class and Best Male Russian Blue Kitten
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won the reserve Imperial certificate
- Dushenka Blue Oberon won the Premier Certificate in another strong class
- OBIGMC Mac got to enter two shows, and won Best in Colour and the reserve Olympian in both.

Congratulations also to Laura's lovely 4 month old baby Lapochka Black Velvet-Rose who won her breed class and two more 1st prizes, again against good competition.

Thank you Laura, Amara and Caryl for making this such a fun trip for all of us x

September 2022 - Edinburgh & East of Scotland Cat Club show

One of our rare local shows, only just over an hour's drive today, and some really lovely results again too!

- UK & Olympian Silver IGr Ch Dushenka Rafael had another splendid day, winning the Olympian, Best of Breed, 1st in both his side classes, being made up to Silver Olympian. I have to confess to getting very, very excited at this win, hopping up and down on the spot and squeaking with excitement! Rafa is very special to me x
- Champion Dushenka Delukiel won his third Challenge certificate and title - so very proud of this handsome boy!
- Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock won her third Imperial certificate
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won the reserve Imperial certificate
- Pr Dushenka Xoriana-Agata was back after a long gap from showing, and won the reserve Grand and Best of Breed neuter

Special congratulations go to all our family connections, Jack and NJ's son Makima Celestite, who won his first Premier Certificate on his show debut; and Laura's trio of 15 week old kittens, the first kittens from my darling Bowie to be shown: Lapochka Bluevelvet Vincentius won his breed class, Lapochka Black Velvet-Rose won Best of Breed (Rose is the first Russian Black to be born in Scotland for over 10 years) and their superstar sister Lapochka Blue-Velvet Skylark who as well as winning Best of Breed kitten, was also Best of Variety Section 4 Kitten and Best in Show Section 4 Exhibit - in the Best in Show pens at just 15 weeks old!!

September 2022 - Wyvern Cat Club show

Another trip down south with four people and six cats all enjoying our weekend break, and our cats bringing home a rather excellent set of prizes too!

- UK & OBI Gr Ch Dushenka Rafael had a splendid day, winning the reserve Olympian, Best of Breed, 1st in both his side classes and Best Section 4 Adult. I am just so very proud of my big gentle teddy-bear x
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won her fourth Imperial certificate and Best of Breed, clever girl Zizi!
- OBIGMC Mac won Best in Colour and two reserve Olympian certificates and was just the happiest chappie too
- Dushenka Blue Oberon won his second Premier certificate and 1st in both his side classes - strong classes too :)
- Dushenka Oskar Kokoschka was his usual happy, cheeky self and won 1st in his breed class

Special congratulations yet again to Laura's beautiful girl Gr Ch Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won her third Imperial certificate as well.

August 2022 - Scottish Rex Cat Club show

As always, this was a lovely little show, and we had a lovely day with two pedigree pets in competition and one cat on exhibition:

- OBIGMC Mac won the reserve Olympian certificate and Best in Colour in very tough competition, and was his usual happy and relaxed self x
- Oski-Poschki was there just to support our favourite little show, but still won Best in Colour, Most Playful Kitten and People's Pick!

My darling Rafa, UK & OBIGr Ch Dushenka Rafael was there on exhibition (ie not in competition) and won quite a few hearts with his cuddliness and purrs x

July 2022 - Scotia Cat Fanciers show

I wasn't entered at this show, but was delighted to see that seven Dushenka cats won certificates on the day.

- Olympian Bronze Imperial Grand MasterCat Mac did it again! He won his fifth Olympian certificate, Best in Colour and 1st in both his side classes too. I am just so proud of this handsome gentleman xxx
- Gr Pr Dushenka Vanda Blue-Orchid won the Imperial certificate
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won a reserve Imperial certificate
- Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock won a reserve Imperial certificate
- Pr Dushenka Zelazny won the Grand Premier certificate
- Dushenka Blue Oberon won his first Premier cerrtificate
- Dushenka Honey-Blossom won her second Premier certificate

Special congratulations yet again to Laura's beautiful girl Gr Ch Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won her second Imperial certificate too x

Thank you all all my lovely kitten owners for showing their cats and for giving them just the very best homes too x

June 2022 - Herts & Middlesex/Kensington shows

Time to pack up the people-carrier again with four of us, and seven cats off to another double show, this one in the Midlands, and yes it was another great day!

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael won his fourth Silver Olympian certificate in one show, and the reserve Olympian in the other, and was on sparkling, purry, cuddly form x
- Rafa's grandson, Dushenka Oskar Kokoschka, won Best of Breed in both shows, and was a disgracefully cute little flirt again too!
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won the Imperial certificate in both shows, clever girl x

Special congratulations again to Laura's beautiful girl, Rafa's granddaughter, Gr Ch Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won the Imperial, and reserve Imperial certificates, Best of Breed in both shows, Best Section 4 Adult and Best in Show Section 4 Exhibit in the Kensington show!

28 May 2022 - Durham / Northern Counties shows, South Shields

Just me, Laura, Amara and five cats at this double show in the north east of England, and another great day!

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael won his third Silver Olympian certificate in one show, and the reserve Olympian in the other, against really good competition too, and was his usual adorable teddy-bearish self x
- Rafa's grandson, Dushenka Oskar Kokoschka, made his show debut, winning Best of Breed in both shows, and had an absolute whale of a time, making up to everyone he could get his little paws on
- IGMC Mac won both his BIC awards, a reserve Olympian and 1st in all his side classes, clever, handsome boy

Special congratulations again to Laura's beautiful girl, Rafa's granddaughter, Grand Champion Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won the Grand Challenge certificate in both shows and her new title, plus a red card day in the Northern Counties - 1st in each of her classes, and Best of Breed too!

My sweet Viola was there too, cheering on her dad and son, and practising her favourite yoga poses!

14 May 2022 - Nor'East of Scotland Cat Club show, Perth

What a day we had at this show! There were thirteen Dushenka cats and two more with a Dushenka mother at the show, and the whole day was just a glorious, big, happy family reunion, with other Dushenka owners also just coming along to visit and catch up with everyone. We had some pretty fantastic show results too! Congratulations to all our winners on the day:

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael had another lovely day, winning the reserve Olympian certificate, getting loads of cuddles, and seeing more good wins for his eight children, granddaughter and three great-grandchildren :)

Special congratulations go to his three daughters from his first-ever litter, who between them received five nominations for BIS!
- IGr Ch Dushenka Viola Heartsease won her first Olympian certificate, Best of Breed, was nominated for BIS by two different judges and was Best Section 4 Adult, then Best in Show Section 4 Exhibit!
- Gr Pr Dushenka Vanda Blue-Orchid won her second Imperial certificate, was nominated for BIS by two different judges and won Best of Variety Section 4 Neuter
- Gr Pr Dushenka Veronica Speedwell won two 1st prizes and was also nominated for BIS!

Their younger relatives also had a good day:
- Gr Pr Dushenka Zelenka won the reserve Imperial
- Dushenka Delukiel won his second Challenge certificate, gorgeous boy
- Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock won her second Imperial certificate
- IGMC Mac was able to enter two shows on the day as a pedigree pet, and won both Olympian certificates and Best in Colour in both his shows, and as usual rolled around for tummy-tickles all day!

Roger, Loki, Robin, Obi and Blossom all achieved some excellent placings too, in some strong competition.

Special congratulations to Jack's daughter and Rafa's granddaughter, Champion Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won her first Grand Challenge certificate and was nominated for best in show by three different judges! Lilly is owned and bred by Laura Still of Lapochka Russian Blues. Congratulations also to Jack and NJ's son Makima Water Sapphire, who won his second Premier Certificate and Best of Breed in an amazing line-up of 12 Russian Blue neuters. Harald is owned and bred by Margaret Mather of Makima Abyssinians and Russian Blues.

Thank you again to all our proud kitten-owners: Laura and Amara; Caryl; Margaret; Heather; Linda; Karen; and Lauren and Shelley - love you all!

2 April 2022 - Shorthair & All Breed Cat Club of Scotland show, Glenrothes

This was the first GCCF show in Scotland in over 2 years and I was so proud to see nine Dushenka cats and two more with a Dushenka mother at the show, with some great wins between them. Congratulations to all our winners on the day:

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael had another lovely day, winning the Olympian certificate, getting loads of cuddles, and seeing more good wins for his son, three daughters, granddaughter and two great-granddaughters :)
- Gr Pr Dushenka Vanda Blue-Orchid won her first Imperial certificate, Best of Breed out of 10 neuters, Best of Variety Section 4 Neuter and Best in Show Section 4 Exhibit!
- Gr Ch Dushenka Hollyhock won her first Imperial certificate
- Gr Pr Dushenka Veronica Speedwell won the reserve Imperial
- Pr Dushenka Zelazny won his first Grand certificate
- Dushenka Honey-Blossom won her first Premier certificate on her show debut
- IGMC Mac won his second Olympian certificate and Best in Colour again, and as always had the very best of times!

Special congratulations to Jack's daughter and Rafa's granddaughter, Champion Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, who won her qualifying Challenge certificate at just 11 months old. Lilly is owned and bred by Laura Still of Lapochka Russian Blues. Congratulations also to Jack and NJ's son Makima Water Sapphire, who won his first Premier Certificate on his show debut. Harald is owned and bred by Margaret Mather of Makima Abyssinians and Russian Blues.

Zizi and Obi were both there too, looking as lovely as ever x With thanks again to Laura, Caryl and Heather for bringing their Dushenka cats to the show.

Special congratulations also go to our family connections competing in a show in W Australia the following day, these cats owned and bred by Corinne Page of Bluebebop Russians. This included Bowie's mother Sadie, who qualified as an Emerald Double Grand Champion; and Jack's daughter Bliss who qualified as a Sapphire Grand Champion, and his son Dennis who won a Best Entire cat in Show, making it a grand total of six Jack-babies who won during this weekend!

12 March 2022 - Lancashire show

Another great day, with me, Laura and Caryl taking the same five cats as at our previous show. Congratulations to all our winners on the day:

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael had another lovely day, winning the reserve Olympian certificate, eating three tins of his favourite chicken, and seeing more good wins for his daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter :)
Caryl's girls both had another great day:
- Grand Premier Dushenka Zelenka won her first Imperial certificate at her first try - ZiZi was definitely channelling her daddy Rafa today!
- Grand Champion Dushenka Hollyhock won her third Grand certificate and new title - Holly is Rafa's great-granddaughter and Big Jac's first kitten to win a GCCF grand title
And Laura's cats did well again too:
- Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, won her second Challenge certificate and Best of Breed in a lovely line-up of adults, including her own grandfather Rafa!
- IGMC Mac won Best in Colour again, and as usual had the very best of times!

5 February 2022 - Shropshire show

Our first show of 2022, and what a great day we had! I just took the one cat, and Laura & Amara, and Caryl took two each. Huge congratulations to all our winners on the day:

- UK & OBIGrCh Dushenka Rafael had a lovely day, winning his first Silver Olympian certificate, Best of Breed, and 1st in both his side classes. So very proud of my big cuddly lump! Rafa also saw good wins for his daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter :)
Caryl's girls both had a great day:
- Grand Premier Dushenka Zelenka won her third Grand certificate, her new title, and Best of Breed - ZiZi is Rafa's daughter
- Ch Dushenka Hollyhock won her second Grand certificate - Holly is Rafa's great-granddaughter and Big Jack's daughter
And Laura and Amara had a fabulous day with their two cats too! Huge congratulations on the first Lapochka certificate to Laura and Lapochka Alyana-Lilly, just 9 months old.
But the wins that had me in total happy-tears were for Mac:
- Imperial Grand MasterCat Mac who won everything!! 'Everything' being his fifth Imperial certificate, his new title, Best in Colour, 1st in both his side classes, Best Pedigree Pet .... and Overall Best in Show Pet! I am beyond proud of this sweet boy, competing purely on temperament and condition and winning over the hearts of the pet judges against the most amazing competition x

1 January 2022 - Happy New Year!

With special hugs to all my wonderful kitten owners and their beloved pets x

Looking back over 2021…

Even though there were only three show days for us last year it was still a great show year for Dushenka cats who won 6 new titles; 22 certificates; and 5 best in show/best of variety wins.
Special congratulations again to my new title winners:
- UK & Olympian Bronze IGrCh Dushenka Rafael
- Imperial Grand Champion Dushenka Viola Heartsease
- Grand Premier Dushenka Veronica Speedwell (Veronica also won her first Imperial certificate)
- Pr Dushenka Zelenka (Zizi also won her first two grand certificates)
- Champion Dushenka Hollyhock (Holly also won her first Grand certificate)
- Champion Bluebebop Blackstar Bowie

Congratulations also to Dushenka Delukiel who won his first Challenge Certificate at his first try and GMC Mac who won 4 Imperial certificates, clever boys!

Many thanks to Laura, Caryl, Amara, Karen and Darren for showing their lovely cats so well, giving them the perfect homes and also helping me so much x

2021 was another hard year in so many ways, but hardest of all for me was losing Xander, my 'heart and soul' cat, my very best boy, and proud ancestor of all my cats and kittens. My heart aches for him. He would always sit at the side of my keyboard when I was updating my website, purring away happily, resting one paw delicately on my hand, leaving it there even as I typed: doing this update without him at my side is so hard. The gap he leaves is enormous.