A Breeder (with a capital B) is one who thirsts for knowledge and never really knows it all, one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitment.

A Breeder is one who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, (non-cat) friendships, treasured antiques and other fine belongings as well as luxurious wool carpeting !

A Breeder’s credit cards groan with use, pressed into service over and over to buy all of the latest toys and kitty things, shampoos, the best foods and treats, show/grooming expenses, equipment and accessories and of course veterinary bills to name just a few of the items a house full of treasured Persians “must have” showered on them.

A Breeder gives up the dreams of a long, luxurious cruise or a European tour in favor of turning that all important Silver Specialty Show into this year’s "vacation".

A Breeder goes without sleep (but never without coffee!) in hours spent planning a breeding or holding another Breeder’s hand during a difficult delivery or watching anxiously over the birth process, and afterwards, worrying over every little sneeze, wiggle or cry should a little kitten make and forgoes even more sleep tube feeding the wee one of the litter.

A Breeder skips dinner parties and dates because a litter is due or the babies have to be fed at eight.

A Breeder disregards birth fluids and puts mouth to mouth to save a gasping newborn, literally blowing life into a tiny, helpless creature that may be the culmination of a lifetime of dreams and takes extra time and effort to tenderly nurture a “disabled or imperfect” kitten to make sure it thrives and has an excellent start at life.

A Breeder treasures the health and well-being of his/her cats and refers to them as his/her babies or furry-kids and bristles in anger when some speak of these wondrous beings as “breeding-stock” or “commodities” to be passed about and over-bred by those seeking to “profit” from the offspring.

A Breeder is always sensitive and considerate towards everyone and eschews those that speak badly of others.

A Breeder is wise and shares knowledge, understanding, as well as his/her worldly goods to anyone in need. A Breeder is also very wise in knowing that reputations are earned and it is less costly emotionally and financially to do the right thing in the first place.

Likewise a Breeder understands that respect, honor and integrity are earned and can be counted on to stand by every agreement written or verbal he/she ever made and is sure to always honor and uphold any written agreements created by others.

A Breeder looks forward to every new litter with eagerness, anticipation and joy, wondering what this latest breeding will bring, yet is reduced to a nervous wreck, wondering at which moment this big event will occur, all while busily praying that the birth goes well and all of the babies survive.

When time draws close to place the litter, a Breeder is not in any rush; carefully screening potential homes for his or her babies. When that moment arrives and the four month old kittens leave one by one The Breeder cries softly over and over missing their sweet spirits, eagerly awaiting news of their transition to their new home, and later relishing photos and more news sent over the lifetime of that sweet little baby the Breeder nurtured and raised with much love and care.

A Breeder’s lap and bed is a marvelous place where generations of proud and noble Champions and Grand Champions have napped from kitten-hood until their last moments in old age.

A Breeder’s hands are strong and firm, yet frequently red and chapped from constant kitty baths and over washing, but ever so gentle and sensitive to the thrusts of a kitten’s wet nose.

A Breeder’s back and knees are usually arthritic from lugging, stooping, bending, scooping litter pans or sitting next to the birthing box, but are strong enough to enable the breeder to show the next pick kitten to Grand Championship, and yet agile enough to catch that energetic kitten darting to and fro.

A Breeder’s shoulders are stooped and often heaped with abuse from jealous, rude and surly competitors, but they're wide enough to support the weight of a thousand defeats and frustrations and big enough for hugs of joy, comfort and encouragement.

A Breeder’s arms are always able to wield a mop or a vacuum; support an armful of kittens or lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

A Breeder’s ears are wondrous things, sometimes red (from being talked about) or strangely shaped (from being pressed against a phone receiver), and often deaf to criticism, yet always fine-tuned to the whimper of a sick kitten.

A Breeder’s eyes are blurred from pedigree research and sometimes blind to her own cats faults, but they are ever so keen with regard to the competition and are always searching for that elusive “Perfect” kitty.

A Breeder’s brain is foggy on faces and names, but it can recall pedigrees faster than the latest high end computer. It's so full of knowledge that sometimes it blows a fuse: It catalogues thousands of cobby bodies; fine ear sets; and perfect heads, wide and well domed; as well as many hues of the most coveted eye color; and yet loves and appreciates the beauty of the plainest pet.

The Breeder’s heart is often broken, but it beats strongly with hope everlasting, and it's always in the right place! Oh, yes, there are breeders, and then, there are Breeders !!

Pictured above are Wyndcreste Puttin' on the Ritz, Wyndcreste Top Hat and Tales and Wyndcreste Dazzling in Diamonds, born April 27, 2005, at three and one half weeks of age.