Random pictures/stories of our furbabies

[AGBF]

My lazy, old (almost 11 years) much loved friend. Wonderful and always happy boy

He looks most content. I suspect that you treat him well!!!

Deb

 

[Matata]

Beautiful Bengals (?) @Matata

They are Savannah cats @Austina. Is your baby a Spinone Italiano?

 

[Matata]

Oops, nevermind, @Austina. I just scrolled farther up and saw that it is a Spinone. Beautiful dog.

 

[Austina]

I've never seen savannah cats before @Matata, they're very striking looking.

Yes, as you've seen. Dottie is a Spinone, they're a relatively rare breed here, but I do know lots of other through FB groups I belong to.

 

[AGBF]

I found this so upsetting...https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/07/10/police-say-they-shot-two-dogs-who-charged-at-an-officer-then-the-homeowner-posted-her-video/?utm_term=.8f02a73f2b46

 

[Matata]

This is not just a picture of my savannah cats. It is irony in the flesh. A few nights ago I lost a fight with insomnia. No problem, I thought, I'll just play with Juba and Maliik who are usually partying hard at 2 a.m. I got out the feather wand. Nothing. I tried the jingly toys. Nada. I played fetch with myself, throwing their favorite ball up and down the hallway. Crickets chirping. Finally went to bed at 3:30 to read aaaand, you guessed it, they started wreaking general havoc until 5:00.

 

[azstonie]

It's not cool to wreck the place with mom

 

[autumngems]

Matata,

Where did you get your cats from, we have been looking and want to find a reputable breeder?

 

[Matata]

Where did you get your cats from, we have been looking and want to find a reputable breeder?

Make sure you do a lot of research before purchasing a savannah to be sure the cat is a good fit for your lifestyle. They are not for the faint of heart. You’ll need a sense of humor, extraordinary patience, and a lot of time to play with the cat. High energy highly intelligent cats such as SVs need a lot of interactive play because they can get into a lot of trouble when they are bored. Learn about the different generations of SVs too. There is a big difference between living with an F1 through F3 versus F4 and lower. They all have high energy and are highly intelligent but the higher generations can be challenging to live with as the degree of their energy and intelligence is like they are amped up on steroids.

Please join us at savannahcatchat.com where I’m an admin (witchywoman) and take advantage of the tons of info there and the stories from our members of what it’s like to share life with a SV. Our staff and members are great people and love to help potential and new owners.

Before you even start your search, check hybridlaw.com to find out if SVs are legal to own in your area. Keep in mind that even if they are legal to own in your state, they may not be legal to own in your city or county. If there’s any question about legality where you live, you’ll need to contact your local fish and wildlife department to get a definitive answer.

Two of the breeders I purchased from are now retired. The two who are still active are Sue Armstrong at Amara Savannahs in Kentucky (where I got my F1) and Christina Goss in Mississippi (where I got my F6).

Here’s a list of legit breeders. Some are better than others.

~ALABAMA

DixieDotz Savannahs - Scott Baumann - https://www.facebook.com/dixiedotz

~ARIZONA
CamelottaSpots - Chris & Arden Morley - http://www.exoticheritagecat.com
Colossal Kitty - Desiray Bartak - http://www.colossalkitty.com
Jasirisana Savannahs - Patti - http://www.jasirisana.com/kittens.htm#savannahs
Kenja Cats - Susan Patterson - http://www.kenjacats.com
The Royal Court Savannahs - Becca Crossley - http://Www.theroyalcourtcattery.com/

~ARKANSAS

~CALIFORNIA
African Image Savannahs - Melissa Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/African-Image-Savannahs-148247491…/
Jua Ini - Sabira Woolley - https://www.facebook.com/JuaIniSavannahs/
Kirembo Savannahs - Brigitte Cowell - http://www.kirembosavananahs.com
Purrfect Geneses - Cindy Del Rosario - https://www.facebook.com/purrfectgeneses/
Storyteller Savannahs - Nikki LaCrosse - https://www.facebook.com/StoryTellerSavannahs/
Simba's Savannahs - Amanda Gerard - https://www.fb.com/SIMBASVS
Suvi Savannahs - Josephine Krokel - http://www.suvisavannahs.com
West Coast Savannahs - Shonnie Sneddon - http://www.westcoastsavannahs.com
Wyldthingz - Kelly Sheppard - http://wyldthingz.net

~COLORADO
Abambu Cattery - DeAnna Lee - http://www.abambucattery.com
African Soul - Shirley Wallace - http://www.africansoulsavannahs.net/
BoutiqueXotiCat - Tammy Rene Crawford - http://www.boutiquexoticat.com
Colorado Savannahs - Catherine Gardner - http://coloradosavannahs.com

~CONNECTICUT
NitroKatz - Heather Jackson - http://www.nitrokatzsavannahs.com

~FLORIDA
Bodhicats Savannahs - http://www.bodhicats.com
Servalhill - Daimy Lara - http://www.savannahcatservalhill.com
Tuminello Exotics - Marc and Kim Tuminello - http://www.tuminelloexotics.com

~IDAHO
Idaho Savannahs - Tricia Doughty - https://www.facebook.com/IdahoSavannahs

~ILLINOIS
Beautiful Exotic Savannah's - Tiffany Smith - Beautifulexoticsavannahs.com
C & C Savannahs - Carol Streit - http://www.candcsavannahs.com
KesSavannah - Olga - https://www.facebook.com/kessavannah/
Select Exotics - Dale & Holly Hummel - http://savannahcatbreed.com
SummerWood Savannahs - Donna Lawver - http://www.summerwoodsavannahs.com

~INDIANA
Savannah Pride - Victoria Johnsonbaugh - http://www.savannahpride.net

~KANSAS
Hidden Spots Savannahs - Catherine Anisha Janssen - http://www.hiddenspotssavannah.com
Iwanna Savannah - Melissa Morris - http://www.iwannasavannah.com

~KENTUCKY
Amara Savannahs - Sue Armstrong - http://www.amarasavannahs.com

~LOUISIANA
AnnsSavannahs - Ann Hilton - http://www.annssavannahs.com/index.html

~MAINE
Damara Exotic Cats - Elizabeth Haver - http://www.damaraexoticcats.com

~MARYLAND
AlottaSpotz Savannahs - Lisa Rawley - http://www.alottaspotz.com

~MASSACHUSETTS
Northeast Savannah - Kathy McGown - https://www.facebook.com/northeastsavannah

~MICHIGAN
A Wild Side Cattery - Rebecca Jensen - http://www.awildsidecattery.com
Clos du Chat Savannah Cats - Pamela Clos Flachs - http://www.closduchat.com
Motown Cats - Aundrea Marchionna - http://www.motowncats.com
Salems Pride Savannah - Lynda Ryskamp - http://salemspridesavannahs.com
Starfell Savannahs - Stacee - http://www.starfellsavannahs.com
Zafarii Savannahs - Karen Betker Webber - https://www.zafarii.com

~MINNESOTA
Lakeshore Savannahs - Michelle - http://www.lakeshoresavannahs.com

~MISSISSIPPI
Lequoia Savannahs - Christina Goss - http://www.lequoiacats.com

~MISSOURI
St. Louis Savannahs - Heather Tarticchio - http://www.stlsavannahs.comandhttps://www.facebook.com/stlsavannahs/

~MONTANA
Rocky Mountain Exotics - Jessica Hurst Ellis -

~NEVADA
All Earz Savannahs - Trish - http://www.allearzsavannahs.com
Exotic Savannahs - Connie - http://www.exoticsavannahs.com
Wesa Savannahs - Margi Cunningham Riddle - http://www.wesasavannah.com

~NEW JERSEY
Agato Savannah Cats - Paige - http://www.agatosavannahs.com

~NEW YORK

~NORTH CAROLINA
A J Savannahs - Adrianne - http://www.ajsavannahs.com
Belle Hollow Farms & Exotics - Betsy and Stan & Amanda Whitlock - http://www.bellehollow.net
Dream Weaver Catz - Shelby Sanford - http://www.dreamweavercatz.com/

~OHIO
Amanukatz - Connie Slagle - http://amanukats.com
Fusionkatz - Jennifer Gray - https://www.facebook.com/fusionkatz/
Moonspire Savannah Cats- Jess Rumancik - https://www.facebook.com/MoonspireSavannahs/
Sunny Savannahs - Meghan Romito - https://sunnysavannahs.com

~OKLAHOMA
A1 Savannahs - Martin and Amanda Engster - http://www.a1savannahs.com
Lanna's Savannahs - Craig & Lanna Mullens - https://www.facebook.com/Lannassavannahs/
Nightfall - Crystal Lowe - https://www.facebook.com/Savannah-Cats-of-Nightfall-931389…/

~OREGON
Columbia Breeze - Debbie Huffman - http://www.columbiabreeze.com
Urban Jungle Savannahs - Liz Kuyl - http://www.urbanjunglesavannahs.com

~PENNSYLVANIA
Cutting Edge Cats - Chris Shirk - https://www.facebook.com/CuttingEdgeCats

~SOUTH CAROLINA
Debi Do Littles Purrfect Exotics - Debi K Bush - http://debidolittlepurrfectexotics.com
Exotico Savannahs - Donna Pinillos - http://exoticosavannahs.com

~SOUTH DAKOTA
AsiaRoseXotics - Carol Schulte - http://www.asiaroseexotics.com/

~TENNESSEE
Afrikhan - Lorre Smith-Lemire - http://www.afrikhan.net
Cahaba Cats - Lori Greer - http://www.cahabacats.com
East Tennessee Savannahs - Angela Rimmer - https://www.facebook.com/angie.rimmer.56
F1Hybrids Savannahs - Michelle Mills - http://www.f1hybridssavannahcats.com
LT F1 Savannahs - Tanya Crane - https://www.facebook.com/LT-F1-Savannahs-347667325389525/
Memphis Savannahs - Cara Sansone Young - https:/www..facebook.com/MemphisSavannahs/
Victory Lane Savannahs - Darlynne Downey - http://www.victorylanesavannahs.com
SADIES - Rise D. Mikolajewski - http://www.sadiespet.com

TEXAS
SASCatz and Exotics - Maria Peterson - https://www.facebook.com/sascatz
Urban Safari - Teresa Redding - http://www.urbansafaricattery.com

~UTAH
Bellini Savannahs - Mindie Booth - http://www.bellinisavannahs.net
HP Savannahs - Ryan Wismar & Monique Sweeten - http://hpsavannahs.com
Snow Canyon Savannahs - Jannel Rockwell - Snow Canyon Savannahs

~VIRGINIA
Demdar - Kristin Filseth - http://www.demdar.com
Sweetspots Savannahs - Kim Orrell - Sweetspots Savannahs - http://www.sweetspotssavannahs.com

~WASHINGTON
Volbarre Savannahs - Rebecca Cleveland-Diel - [email protected]

~WEST VIRGINIA
River Ridge Savannahs - Josie Mcinturff - http://www.riverridgesavannahs.com

~WISCONSIN
Sunpaw Savannahs - Gina Shaw - http://www.sunpawsavannahs.com
Royal Hybrids - Nicole Shroeder - http://www.royalhybrids.com
Tamarac Exotics - Tamara O'Brien - https://www.facebook.com/tymso

 

[charleston1]

I mostly lurk here but I know there are many animal lovers here who understand the depth of our love for our babies. Three years ago my SO moved in with his 95 pound golden retriever Paris. I have never had a dog before but always had cat and had a cat when they moved in.

On Labour Day (one week ago yesterday) our 12-1/2 year old 95 pound Golden Retriever, Paris had to be carried to the car to the emergency vet. Her back leg collapsed and she could not longer walk, she could not eat and her bowels and bladder had let go. She had been having difficulties with walking and getting up the steps into the house for a while. She had never gone upstairs or in the basement since she moved in three years ago. We had to let our sweet girl go

I retired shortly after they moved in and my SO is still working so Paris and I were together alone a lot. I am not a good enough writer to describe the sweetest big lump of love and how she loved everyone. She would wag her tall as the cat walked by hissing at her.

We are devastated. I have never felt the depths of grief I am feeling. Never. I think IRL no one understands the depth of my grief (only my SO and he has had her since she was an 8 week old bundle of fluff). Sometimes we just look at each other and know we are both thinking about how much we miss her and the tears will fall. I read something about being connected and loving a dog is special but sometimes in life if you are very lucky you will have a soulmate dog. Sweet Paris was our soulmate dog. Love you forever Paris xox

Thank you for reading

 

[Austina]

Oh @charleston1 I'm so sorry for your loss, Paris was very beautiful, and there's nothing worse than when they get old and we have to make the painful decision to let them go. You hope each time it won't be so bad, but it is, and despite telling ourselves we gave them the best life possible, it's still a heart wrenching time when we have to say goodbye.

Everything will be a reminder of her, and I know you can't think beyond the grief at the moment, but there will eventually come a time when you will be able to think of her without feeling that acute loss.

 

[Matata]

i've given a lot of thought to what makes a connection with an animal so strong. I believe it's perfect love and perfect trust. They love us no matter what we look like, smell like, and even if we don't spend as much time with them as they want us to. They trust us unconditionally. We provide for their physical and emotional well-being and in return we get unconditional love and trust. It's a two way street. We love and trust them unconditionally also. I've suspected for a long while that there is actual physical, at the cellular level, processes that bond us together. They live life much more gracefully than humans do, having no fear of death or worry about what may come after. They are all about the here and now. I think we need them to ground us in our humanity.

 

[AGBF]

I do not have time to do Paris justice tonight, but I can see from her pictures that she was an angel even while she was on earth. I had a Golden Retriever , a gentle girl who also died at 12 1/2 or 13, when my daughter was one year old. I can imagine your loss. I am sorry I have no words to help you tonight. May she rest in peace.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[autumngems]

Matata,
Thank you so much for the info. I am glad you sent it as I know now a Savannah would not have been for our house, we both work and wouldn't get to give the cat the time needed for it's breed.

 

[autumngems]

My daughter wanted to save a life so we visited the local shelter and she adopted a lovely kitten. Her name is Arya

 

[YadaYadaYada]

My daughter wanted to save a life so we visited the local shelter and she adopted a lovely kitten. Her name is Arya

OMG! She is adorable and so great that she is a rescue too. Kittens are so cute and so much fun.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Carly and Fiona hanging out one night while we were watching tv. They are both really sweet souls.

 

[autumngems]

StephanieLynn,
Thank you, she is the most precious little thing, weighs only 1lb 3 oz, she found her voice today and starting meowing, she had only been opening her mouth and nothing was coming out and then this morning she was meowing like crazy, she is a character and a snuggle bug

 

[charleston1]

Austin - thank you for the kind words. The house is so empty now and it is especially hard when I come home and there is no one to greet me.

AGBF. I have always admired your thoughtfull posts and your kindness. I have read about your beloved Griffin and am so sorry. He was such a handsome big boy. May he rest in peace and maybe he is with Paris.

 

[Calliecake]

I'm so sorry @charleston1 I can only imagine how heartbroken you are. Your post brought me to tears. I know at times like this words don't help much. Your post is filled with love for Paris and you gave her a wonderful life. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that she knew she was truly loved. Many people here have been thru this an we all understand how hard this is. Please don't feel like no one understands. We do.
Hugs, Callie

I retired early a few years ago and my husband and I got our first dog. She is the light of our life and we can't imagine our life without her. I knew I would love her but I never knew I would love her so deeply.

 

[AGBF]

Carly and Fiona hanging out one night while we were watching tv. They are both really sweet souls.

...and beautiful animals, too. Not that it would matter to me. I cuddle anybody who doesn't bite me. But they are adorable.

Deb

 

[AGBF]

My daughter wanted to save a life so we visited the local shelter and she adopted a lovely kitten. Her name is Arya

Thank God that kitten was saved! I want to grab it and squeeze it. (But I never do that with cats, which is probably why they like me!)

So happy for your daughter!

Deb

 

[Calliecake]

Autumn Gems, Your new furbaby is so adorable! What a sweet little face.

 

[AGBF]

charleston,

I wanted to let you know I have been thinking about your posting. Something about it really touches me. I don't know if it what you wrote or the photos of Paris or the combination. She seems to be a bit lighter in color than my girl, Brit, was but when Brit got older she was no longer as red ( deep golden) as she had been because she had gotten so white. She had the same very soft appearance Paris had. And, by then, her weight was exactly the same: 95 pounds. I remember because, back then, before I had owned a 110 pound Lab or a 140 pound Newfoundland, that seemed very heavy to me! I was about to adopt a new baby and people had advised me to get a Jeep because the seats were high and it would be easier to get the infant in and out of a higher car seat. Well (as I told everyone who would listen), no one told me I would have to lift a 95 pound arthritic Golden retriever into the Jeep every day. Not even just once a day, either! I took Brit to daycare over at my parents' house when I went to work! (Because I worked before my daughter was born.) I had to lift her for every car ride! When my daughter came home from Colombia, Brit went to live with my parents which made her very, very happy. She did have to put up with my daily visits with the baby, but she was a darling girl and gladly shared the baby's wool knit blanket with her on the living room floor. They would lie side by side.

I do not know if you are aware of The Golden Retriever forum or if you would want to read it, but they have a special area for people who have lost their dogs. If you think you might like to visit the forum, here is the link. Even though I had not had a Golden for many years I used to go there every day because I really, really love Goldens and Newfies.

Big Hugs,
(((charleston)))
Deb

The Golden Retriever Forum...http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/
The Golden Retriever Forum's Rainbow Bridge Section (to help grieving pet owners)...http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/golden-retriever-rainbow-bridge/

 

[autumngems]

Charleston,
I feel your pain, we lost both our dogs within 2 months this year, one due to old age and one we had to put down due to health issues. This devastated our family, especially my daughter. It hurt to even think about another pet and it turns out getting the new kitten has helped my daughter a lot, she's like a new person and I can't help but be happy that she is happy

 

[december-fire]

@charleston1 , I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. Paris was such a beautiful girl. Your photos and words paint a picture of a very special, gentle, loving dog who was blessed to have two wonderful people in her life. I know you and your SO must feel blessed to have had Paris in your lives. We form such strong bonds with our pets and, sometimes, there are pets with whom the bond is even stronger and more special. Something about their personality that clicks so well with our own. The bond between you and Paris was the extra special kind. I'm heartbroken for you.

Hugs

 

[charleston1]

Calliecake: Yes I do talk with my husband that Paris did live a life full of love and attention I am thankful he did a hip plate for Paris about 5 years ago which allowed her to have one good back leg. Without the surgery she would not been able to walk the last few years and certainly she would have never lived to 12-1/2 and grown to be a big strong girl. When he went to get her after the hip surgery she came tearing out of the back room so excited with the vet being dragged and bounced down the hall

AGBF: I can't imagine lifting a 95 pound dog every day! The last year or two I made quite a few trips to the vet when my husband was at work. I would throw a cookie into the back seat then Paris would try to jump in but I would have to help her back end in.
Yes I lurk over on the Golden forum but haven't posted but thank you for the link and your stories about your dogs.

Autumngems: I am so sorry you lost two dogs and then to lose them in a short period of time, I cannot imagine. That is wonderful a new kitten is helping your daughter

December-fire: Yes sometimes there is a special bond. My husband has had dogs most of his life and he says he has never felt this empty.

We try to think of our big lump of love is now in place where she is no longer struggling to get up but instead she is running and jumping and playing and her legs don't hurt anymore.
-------
Thank you to all for your kind words and most of all for understanding

 

[junebug17]

Charleston, I am so very sorry about the loss of your sweet and beautiful Paris - she sounds so similar in personality and temperament to our lab Cowboy, who we lost to 6 years ago - so I have some inkling as to what you're going through. It is very painful. Sending lots of comfort and support to you as you make your way through this really tough time, my heart goes out to you.

 

[junebug17]

Autemngems, I am so happy that your cute new kitty is bringing your daughter joy and comfort! As a mom I totally get that the best part for you is seeing your daughter feeling better; if our kids are happy, we're happy. And a kitty who needed a home now has one - a win-win situation! Arya is so precious!

 

[lyra]

Charleston1, I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost our Bouvier 8 years ago. This past weekend I got to pet another one at a Pet Expo, and it really brought the positive feelings back. When he got sick in his last year, I couldn't lift him into the car myself, as he was over 100 lbs. After that, we decided to switch to Chihuahuas only--they are portable at least. Now as our oldest turns 10 next year, I'm thinking a bird will be a better fit for the retirement years. We've had many dogs, and many losses. But it's true, they each had as good a life as we could give them. Eventually, you only remember the good, and forgive the very bad. My dog ate $400 in cash once, lol. And all the raw cinnamon buns on a Christmas morning. A birthday cake that he got off the table somehow, and endless tickets to endless events because who knows why? Lol. I cherish the memories. Take care.