He could have placed even higher -number Two or even number One, but he is smaller than he should be and here's why...
Gus was a normal kitten when he and his two other littermates were born. They were lovely fat kittens who thrived from day one.
Time passed and they continued to grow and slowly develop into 'Little Cats'.
Until one day when little Gus got very ill very quickly and was diagnosed with Bacterial Pneumonia. He had aspirated some fluid at birth and this had lodged in his lungs and become infected. Gus had fought the infection with his Mum's antibodies but little by little the condition got worse and then he could hardly breathe.
All this our vet, Dr Mary Austin told us as she explained that though he was a strong little boy, he was also a very sick one. We put our complete trust in Dr Austin, as we have done for over 3 years. She made no promises, but said she would try her best.
He stayed at the Cat Clinic for the rest of that week. He came home with strict instructions for home nursing - isolation form other cats & kittens, antibiotics twice a day and the final instruction - he was to live in our bathroom for shower-generated steam sessions!
Little Gus, who was very little indeed, was placed in our bathtub (!), given a basket, a blanket, some food, his kitty litter box (as he was already potty trained - a very clean boy), and lots of cuddles whenever we used the bathroom.
Little by little, this wee man got better, being carefully monitored by Dr Austin and us, of course.
Then came the day when he was to be vaccinated. This was a milestone, as we had not expected him to live to be old enough to BE vaccinated. But thanks to Dr Mary Austin (who incidentally, is a CATS ONLY Vet), Little Gus got stronger and stronger.
When he was pronounced fit enough to go to a new home, I had to find a really devoted person or family who would be willing to take very good care of him, give him his antibiotics twice a day (for a long while yet) and always take him to Dr Austin for his veterinary/medical care. Incidentally, there was no charge for this kitten as I never sell kittens who have had problems when they are little, though there have been (thankfully so), not many of these. All that I ask is that they are taken care of, neutered/spayed and with Gus there was one more proviso, there were no guarantees; Gus could live to be 20 years of age or die if he had a relapse. Scary stuff indeed.
I asked at work, as well as to some Hekla Kitten owners if they could recommend someone who would fit the criteria. There were a few ideas but no one I was happy with and there were still others that did not want to take the risk/responsibility.
Then my colleague at work told me that he knew someone who would be interested. I said "Who"? He said "Me."
I was surprised, because he is a very young man. But he is a caring person, who loves cats, so I said OK but if you ever don't think you can take care of him, you are to let me know, so that I can make alternative arrangements.
The deal was made, my workfriend came to get Gus and he promptly fell in love with his brother Nicholas! So instead of only one boy going to his new home, there were now two! (Though Nick was Sold, as he was in perfect health.)
Time passed, lots of time until one day we went to my colleague's house to drop something off. Gus was shown off to us, as was Nicholas and we were so thrilled to see how much both had grown and how beautiful they were, especially Gus.
Asgeir said : "This boy is cat show 'material'. I said was he sure about this? he said "Yes, he would do well in a cat show."
Our friend was very keen to show his boy in the neuter/spay class (they boys had already been neutered), in a cat show. Though it was late in the Season, there was one more big show in our area. Entry forms were filled out, money sent, entries approved.
Gus was made ready with bath, several grooming/combing sessions and the night before a thorough pre-show grooming.
The Big Day came!
A Four Ring Show - a long day for our little man. But he behaved like a professional! He charmed all of the judges and public alike with his cheeky ways, no shy kitten this. He played and talked with all and generally had a great time!
And the result? He won Top Three in all Four Rings. His owner was told that he is just right in all of the standards for a show kitten- Cobby body, deep and round eyes, good boning, tail in proportion; though he is still small. But he will grow! With all the care and love he has been getting (and will keep on getting), in the future, Hekla Gus will catch up. Though I am very superstitious (Like most breeders), with Dr Austin's continued veterinary/ medical care and his owner's deep love and devotion, Gus is in very good hands.
He has gone from this:
To this:
Hekla Gus - one of our Miracle Babies.
Thank YOU Tim, for looking after and loving our little Gus!
