Ragdoll Tails - Your Stories and Pictures
A story.. It enchants us all. Captivates, emotes and connects.
Tell us a story, let us imagine your visions and let them dance to life in our imaginations.
This section is dedicated to all of you who wish to share your experiences. It can be about anything.
It can be funny, serious, cutesy, informative, interesting , spellbinding, creative, philosophical, political, journalistic, whatever........ it is entirely up to you.
Thank you to all of you who have shared your stories so far......... tell us more...... and long live storytellers!!
Jacqui Richardson
Email Jacqui With Your Ragdoll Story & Pictures
Contents...
Layby is a Great Way To Buy By Cheryl Marshall... Australia
My First Doll By Kylie Whitbread...Australia
Sebastian By Jacqui Richardson...Australia
My Story by Renae Grace... Australia
Singapore Dolls by Mel Ritchie...Singapore
it's tubby time! by Wendy Taker ...Canada
Love at First Sight by Kaline Harmer ...Tasmania
Nan's ragdoll by Audrey Cowlard ..New Zealand
For the love of
(Dollywood Arnold)
Well, I guess I should put in a story too, since I have twisted everyone else's arm to ‘bare’ all.
Our introduction to Ragdolls began many years ago after seeing a program with Dot Graham and her Raggies.
I was always a dog person up till then and had only known semi feral cats that would rip off your arm as soon as look at you!
Then the day came! I think it had something to do with my counseling training at the time ... we were naval gazing about ‘taking care of ourselves’ and not just every other person in our lives. I had the strong message to DO SOMETHING FOR MYSELF and decided that it ain’t going to a hair appointment and a bubble bath! I’m going to get that Ragdoll.
After lots of frustrating phone calls that went along the lines of "Do you know any Ragdoll Breeders?" to hear back "any WHAT breeders" or "This is a joke right?", I finally got onto Tracy Alsop. Thank goodness... finally I speak with a sane person.
Tracy bred Sebastian, and finally the day arrived when I could take him home. He was and still is spoilt rotten and holds a very special place in my heart.
Tracy is totally responsible for launching me into the show scene. Along I fearfully went to none less than the Sydney Royal (talk about a baptism by fire, on ya Trace!).
That darn cat went all out that day. He took out Best in Breed, Best in Section and was placed third in head type against all longhairs...yep, the Persians too!
With David’s unfailing belief in my passion for animals and his loving support and encouragement to begin breeding, I tentatively stuck a toe in the water. I must say, I was literally terrified of other Ragdoll breeders (except Tracy), as I had experienced ‘killer tactics’ in the dog world.
David soon became an intrinsical part of our joint love of cats and has found many avenues to be involved. He has written informative papers and helps with many health issues in ways that are not only innovative, but actually work!
I really don’t think I would be breeding today if it weren’t for David’s knowledge of my secret wish to surround myself with small dependant creatures (This folks, is called a need to be needed! anyone identify?) and Tracy’s help and support in making my wish become a reality.
My family has always bred animals from miniature poodles, to tropical fish and after all... we do have five kids!! It was in the blood........ I was doomed!
Sebastian went on to produce the most magnificent looking babies and only one has been kept entire, Ragajac Bear... and you guessed it... we have kept him.
Sebby was not a happy stud, he always looked longingly to our bedroom and it was breaking my heart to see him so miserable. Sebby had his last litter early this year and was desexed. He has put on 3 kg and lives in our bed again and he is sooooo happy.
I love that cat, and will never part with him...
Thank you Tracy for letting me own Sebby and helping us so much in those early and difficult days...not that it has got much easier mind!!!
Jacqui Richardson.
As far back as I can remember my family and I have had a cat – all outdoor moggys. From Scraps the ferocious cat who would bound out of the bushes latching onto your legs when you walked past – to Twinkie, who insisted the sunny driveway was his and was intent never to move.
After the loss of my dear old friend Becky – I was interested in buying a pedigree, a pretty looking cat. After much research, the Ragdoll was my only choice, with eyes big and blue, and easy maintenance coat and a much-loved temperament. But my research did not prepare me for what I was to embark on, My First Doll.
After a few frustrating calls – I connected with Ragajac – the wonderful home of Raggies situated in Arcadia - NSW and introduced myself to David and Jacqui. I went to their home to discuss the purchase of a Ragdoll kitten and was greeted by little balls of fluff rolling on the floor playing, jumping from ledges on their elaborate scratching/play post and my heart began to melt. There, was a seal point girl who stole my heart, as she jumped and played with her brothers and sisters I knew she was to be my new baby, Ragajac Molly.
The weeks that led to her coming home were by far the most painful, waiting patiently till each weekend arrived so I could visit my little bundle of joy, until the day came when she would come home and change our lives forever. The toys were spread around the house, with two litter trays, sheepskins, you name it, this little kitten had it waiting as she came through the door to the big wide world called home.
The weeks that followed after her coming home saw me rushing home from work to play with her and spending hours watching her, slowly getting bigger and bolder and our routine started to form. Now seven months old, we play at night with ping pong balls and she is now known as the Windsor Downs Champion Soccer Player as she bats balls of paper from one end of the house to the other, completing the circuit with a summersault at the end. She sleeps curled around my head and purrs in my ear and peddles when I wake in the morning. She sits on the vanity and plays with the water as she watches me getting ready for work and greets me with a purr and request for a tummy tickle when I arrive home. Every part of my daily routine has the sweet charm of Molly as she follows me and talks and our lives flow in harmony. We travel to shows and to visit friends in our busy social life and I wonder how I ever existed without such a special friend. And if you own a Ragdoll, then you will know what I mean, there is something about them which sets them apart as they capture our hearts and shape our lives and we will never be the same. It is true what they say – you can never stop at your First Doll.
Kylie Whitbread
**********
Hi, my name is Cheryl Marshall and I am going to tell you all about how I first came to buy my beautiful neuter boy Kaiwara Hokioi.
It was 1993 and we had owned two Great Danes who we loved dearly but unfortunately both had died 12 months apart from conditions related to old age. It was a great loss and they were sadly missed however about six months after the last one had died a poor starving stray cat wondered in, and yes, you guessed it, we fed her and consequently were presented with three lovely domestic kittens.
After having been "dog people" for years we suddenly realised the joy of owning a cat. They are much easier (most times!!!) to look after and there is none of the puppy training that you have with dogs. You know the newspaper etc. Yuk!
Well it wasn't long before I wanted to investigate the different breeds and at the time "Burkes Backyard" had a program on showing Gerda Stapel and her Ragdolls. Gerda, of course, was not living in Queensland when the show was taped. I had little trouble talking my ex husband into the Ragdoll as they appeared quite "dog like" in their nature and I think he rather liked the idea of the status symbol that a rare breed brings.
We talked about it for quite a few months but not having taken any details down at the time of the program didn't really know where to start.
When we were on holidays in January 1994, I purchased a magazine called the "Thistle Pet Advertiser and Pet Information" which contained an article regarding a NSW Ragdoll breeder. This was avidly read and discussed and we decided to call her and enquire about the Ragdolls. She informed us that there were no breeders in Queensland at the time, but we could buy from her.
We obtained all the details and decided to think about it, as we would be buying sight unseen, never having even seen a Ragdoll.
About two weeks later I was reading a weekend paper and low and behold there was an advertisement about Ragdolls and they were only about 20 minutes drive from us.
Well, you can imagine my excitement. I wanted to go NOW. I phoned the number and spoke to Gerda who told us we could visit anytime and see the cats. It was love at first sight. If I had been allowed to I would have taken one home then.
My husband had decided that he wanted a Seal Bicolour just like the one in the magazine and in our ignorance did not realise that it wasn't that easy, beautifully marked bicolours don't just drop out of the sky.
Money was always a problem but Gerda explained we could place an order and pay by installments and I gladly agreed to this arrangement. I regularly sent a payment to Gerda and she would send me a receipt in return until the day finally arrived that I had paid and we arranged that the next Seal Bicolour born would be ours.
Well, the day arrived and Gerda called to say that she had two lovely bicolour boys, one blue and one seal. Off we went to choose and of course my husband selected the seal, I would have been happy with any colour or pattern as long as it was one of these beautiful cats.
Well, I have to tell you, I must have driven Gerda mad! I visited my baby most weekends, so that he would know me when I took him home.
My darling Hoki has seen me through many times of sadness and sickness and he has always been there for me. When I work too long at night he tells me to go to bed. If I stay in bed too long he tells me to get up, that is if I am only being lazy, if I am sick he seems to know and lets me stay in bed - and he stays with me. He talks to me and stays by my side constantly when I am home and he never, ever goes mad at me if I am late home. Sometimes he tries to tell visitors to go home because it is my bedtime but they think he wants to go outside, but he knows, and I know, that he never goes outside, he just wants THEM to go outside.
I read an article some time ago by Tanya Vagg in which she stated that Ragdolls were addictive. Well, I'm here to tell you Tanya was right, I now own three Ragdolls, (or do they own me) and yes you've got it, layby is a great way to go. Thanks, Gerda.
Cheryl Marshall
************
"It was the
17.10.97 and I was on my way to visit some friends for dinner
when I was involved in a horrific car accident which left me in a
coma for
3 weeks and then after 2 lots of brain surgery, a pelvis
reconstruction and
intense rehabilitation I was released from hospital in
mid-December, 1997.
Prior to the accident I was a healthy, active and happy-go-lucky
28 year
old women. For years before the accident it was my intent to
purchase a
Ragdoll Cat, it had always been a dream. Since the accident that
dream has
become reality. I wrote to the radio station 2DAYFM for a segment
called
Crew to the Rescue where as a thank you for my parents dedication
and
support during my recovery, I organized a trip away for them. At
the end
of the letter I stipulated I was looking for a Ragdoll Breeder
who could
supply me with a female, seal point Ragdoll Kitten. Instead of
putting me
in touch with a breeder the radio station actually organized my
kitten for
me. Thank you to Coral Mortley I now pick up my dream Ragdoll
Kitten
towards the end of May, 1998. Finally my dream comes true. I
still have
one or two operations to get through but the reward for all of
this is
Chloe, my Ragdoll. As soon as I pick her up I will submit
photographs and
keep you updated with our progress...but not only is my Ragdoll a
dream
come true but it is my light at the end of the tunnel".
It was Easter,
1997, and our annual trip to the Sydney Easter Show. The
oldest daughter, Emma, had seen a tiny article in the newspaper
about a
breed of cats called Ragdolls being exhibited. Laden with sample
bags,
various funny hats and creatures on sticks, we made our way to
the Cat
Pavillion. There in Cathy's arms was the most magnificent Blue
Baron (who I
think won Cat of the Show). Of course, he was in his element,
performing to
his adoring crowd, ragdoll position, a couple of languid turns,
eyes on the
audience and a yawn. We were bitten. We took back to Singapore
Cathy's
handout on Ragdolls. We combed the Net and found volumes on this
unique
breed. We were truly bitten. July, we returned to Sydney, rang
Cathy to go
over and see the kittens. Father (not a cat man) said "We'll
take two!".
We became the proud owners of Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie (aka
Spud and
Binkey). Cathy found time at all times of the day (and night) to
teach us
how to look after "The Boys".
They arrived in Singapore 9.30pm early July of that year.
Quarantine at
Changi Airport shuts at 10.00pm. We had 30 minutes to get them
off the
plane or they would have to stay caged overnight. Father said
"Not our
cats!". The quarantine people were so keen that the boys go
home that
night, they drove like the clappers from the cargo hold of the
Qantas plane
shouting and waving down the runway "We've got them".
Needless to say, our Boys are very happy in a large
airconditioned
apartment. Life is pressing a face against a warm window and
letting our
toes get the draft of the aircon. Finding an empty bed and in the
sunbaking
position, arms up and legs apart, snoozing. Helping Emma and Jess
with their
homework on their desks.
The Boys are loved.
The Singapore Cat Club seems to get judges who who are unable to
judge
Ragdolls. They tell us that it is gradually changing. We can't
wait!
Emma, Jess, Fran and Mel Ritchie.
Singapore, March 31, 1998.
I first laid eyes on the Ragdoll in a cat's magazine sometime in the1970's. It was love at first sight. It wasn't just the gorgeous blue eyes, or fur like a bunny, but their endearing personality. I promised myself that someday I too would be owned by a Ragdoll. Little did I realize that it would be twenty five years before I did.
In 1995 we adopted a retired breeder.. a beautiful two year old bi-colour we named Emma. Breeders say the Ragdoll is addictive
and that one is never enough - of course I totally agree and two
months later we adopted a lovely blue mitted kitten with the hour
glass on her face. Her name is Maya. I can't say exactly why we
adopted our third, except to say she's an Angel - Jessica, another
mitted, but this time a seal mitted. The rich colour of her coat
is beautiful.
Although their beauty is what attracted me initially, the real
joy of being loved by a Ragdoll is their devoted personalities. My husband calls me the Pied Piper.. for where ever I go the girls
are sure to follow.
My favourite time of the day is evening. I enjoy relaxing in the
tub and have found myself joined each night by these wonderful
purries. Although they don't get in the water I think they enjoy
the time together as much as I do. Around 10PM Jessica will come
to me and start complaining with her funny little chirping
sounds.. I realize it's tubby time!
Although I love all cats, there's really no baby like a Ragdoll
baby.
Wendy Taker
I have felt surrounded by love and joy since these girls came
into my life.
"A Ragdoll by any other Name".
Submitted by Audrey Cowlard, New Zealand.
This is just a short true story about Jacqui Richardson’s Great Granma who will be 96 on 6 February.
She has always loved animals and has had many cats. She is now in a resthome and has a grey cuddly cat (toy).
This was given to her when her miniature poodle died just over a year ago. Wherever Great Granma goes around the resthome the puss is tucked under her arm, even takes it to the dining room.
To her, the puss she calls Janie is real. She even tries to feed it with tidbits which makes Janie rather sticky. So a replica cat had to be made so that one is in the wash and the other with Great Granma.
She loves to see the photos of the Ragdoll cats, not realising that she really owns "2 Ragdoll Cats"!!
Editor’s note.
Nan sadly passed away last week. My Nan was one of those gorgeous "nannys" who spoilt you rotten, no amount of sweets were ‘too many’ and she always remembered what kind of veggies you hated and made sure you didn’t get them!
And her chocolate malt logs were deadly!
She was a truly remarkable lady who I loved dearly.
Good-bye Nan, see you in heaven with the chocolate malt log.
Hi,
I remember the first time last year when I first went to see a cat show, it was then that I had seen the lovely Ragdolls and wanted to have one of my own to love and show.
The Ragdoll captivated me from that moment and I just fell in love with them, their big blue eyes and something very special about them, just a cuddle or even a look and I was love struck.
When a breeder rang and said that she had a three week old kitten that could be mine and said that I could come down and have a look, I knew from then that this little baby doll was to be mine to adore and love.
The time I spent waiting for him to grow and be ready to take home was unbearable I must of rang the breeder so many times just to see how he was and drove her up the wall. We named him Onslow because the breeder said all he dose is lie around and he reminded her of Onslow in "Keeping up Appearances" on the ABC TV.
Nine weeks went very slowly but did come around and it was wonderful to be able to bring my little man home and the joy and excitement was great and he settled in very well, paddling and purring when ever he could sometimes he paddles so much I call him "Paddle pops"!
But, like the breeders of Ragdolls say thay are addictive and I had to get one more to love. My new boy arrived on a plane and that was very exciting picking him up from the airport and he is wonderful too and was not fussed by the trip at all, even in his carry case he purred and purred. They make my life so happy and it is wonderful to come home to relax with my very spoilt , loving boys.
My new boy Sylvestire got on well with Onslow and settled in and made him self right at home, they are very funny to watch together and often sleep next to each other and groom one another.
Where ever I am they are with me and always follow me from room to room and I would never be with out my two happy Ragdoll boys.
They are really a treasure to behold.
Kaline Harmer
From Tassie.
