January 26, 1998

Barbara,

I wanted to send a short note and a few photos of our precious kitty. We named her Ishi Kekkelbeck. Ishi is an Amharic word for OK. Kekkelbeck is Africaans for chatterbox. Everyone who has met her thinks she is the best cat ever - and our friends have known a lot of cats. She is absolutely wild when playing and completely cuddley the rest of the time. I bought on of those sling-type baby carriers and she sits in it while I work at the computer. Otherwise she likes to ride on my shoulder while I move around the house. She loves to chatter and play. She plays fetch with her mousie toy and is learning to turn off the light in the laundry room (after she helps me scoop out the litter box, when I put my hand on the light switch, she jumps up and hits my hand.) Our 13-year old Siamese, Charlie, doesn't much like to play, but will on occasion wrestle and box a little. She is very tolerant and just seems to wish that Ishi would jus curl up and sleep next to her instead of wanting to play all the time.

She has now been neutered and goes outside only when I have her on a leash in the backyard. She is into everything, but quickly learns (after a few squirts) what is off limits. She had so many things to investigate over Christmas, but didn't break a single thing. My parents, who don't care much for cats, fought over whose turn in was for Ishi in their lap.

Did I mention how beautiful she is? The chocolate brown coat with green eyes is so striking that everyone wants to know what breed she is. Even the people at the Vet's office are impressed with her looks and disposition - she likes to ride on Dr. Carhart's shoulder too.

Just summarize: she is beautiful, loving, intelligent, fun, friendly, healthy, and happy. Anyhow, you get the picture. We couldn't be happier with our new family member. I'll send pictures periodically so you can see how she's doing. I know its always nice to see how your babies turn out. Thanks for doing such a good job.

Jeannie Niosi

Linda Curtiss