A Tribute to Those That Have Gone Before Us!

    It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our beloved Sheltie, By Design Crystal Blue Persuasion. "Crystal" was born on October 11, 1992 and passed away May 16, 2006 -- she was 13 1/2 years old. She will always be remembered for her loving nature, her gentle assistance in rearing our Maine Coon kittens, and her love of playing 'fetch'. And, of course, with any Sheltie, she loved to use her instincts in herding us, the cats and kittens. There is a very big void in our lives. Until we see you again at the Rainbow Bridge, watch over our other children who have gone before you. Remember, we love you Crystal.

        Pinecoon's Tiffany of SmokeyCoons was helped to the Rainbow Bridge on October 13, 2005 after a short (but deadly) battle of mouth cancer. It was just three weeks prior that we noticed she was having a hard time drinking water. We took her in to Dr. Joe to find out she had a growth attached to the bottom of her tongue. It was inoperable. For three weeks we nursed her along, gave her lots of love and attention, but she soon told us it was time to let her go -- she couldn't eat or drink anymore. It still doesn't seem possible that she is gone. She was 13 years old when we said goodbye. She loved playing mother to our kittens over the years. She loved everyone -- human and furry alike.

    SmokeyCoons Day Tripper's short stay with us ended at 4:30pm on September 20, 2005. He was out of RW, SGC Antarcin Ahnold of Katzpur and CH SmokeyCoons Flamenco. He peacefully went to be with Smokey and our other departed children waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.

    Our beloved Dar Morev Chantilly Lace "Lacey" passed away on August 6, 2005 and will be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. She has gone to be with her son, SmokeyCoons Lionheart "AriBoy" -- he must have been lonely. Lacey was our very first queen and although she had a short career as a breeder, we were extremely pleased with what she produced -- Mel, Jackie, AriBoy, Duchess and Foxy -- all of which have obtained, as a minimum, their Championships. Lacey was a brown torbie-white. Her parents were CH Cooncreole Skagit of DarMorev and DarMorev's Norma Jean. She was just 10 1/2 years young. We did get nearly two extra years with her though, which we will always treasure. In October 2003 she was diagnosed with liver cancer AND hyperthyroidism. We, along with Dr. Joe, believe that the hyperthyroidism was a blessing in disguise because with that condition it made her want to eat while the cancer discouraged eating. So, for nearly two years we fed her anything and everything she wanted. Her favorite was Gerber's Turkey baby food. Unfortunately, the night before we had to say goodbye to her, she must have had a stroke and threw a blood clot which left her paralyzed. We will miss you sweet girl ... until we see each other at the Rainbow Bridge, play with your son, AriBoy and remember we love you.

    SmokeyCoons Lionheart "AriBoy" was the first kitten that we had ever placed (along with his buddy and lifelong friend, SmokeyCoons Luna). He had a wonderful life with Steve and Kim Williamson and then later with Kim's sister, Terra McGlenn when Steve and Kim moved to Australia. He was full of life and energy -- always happy with that quiet purr and playfully mischievious when the mood struck him. For reasons only god knows, Lionheart was taken from this earth on March 18, 2004. The necropsy indicated dilated cardiomyopathy. Our hearts go out to Luna (his lifetime companion), Terra, Steve and Kim.

    Coonyham Dralion of SmokeyCoons was a black smoke male kitten that we acquired in July, 2002 from our good friends Sharon and Laura Cunningham. We had high hopes that he would be our next show boy and ultimately, our stud boy if all went well. We were thoroughly enjoying him. He was an absolute sweet heart. He loved going to shows. We could pull him out of the benching cage and carry him up upside-down to the judging rings. He was that relaxed. And, he was even getting some finals -- even for a minority color -- black smoke. Everything about him was perfect!

    Then, on November 2, 2002 he developed pneumonia and died in our arms the very next day. To this day it hurts to even think about him. To be alive and well one day and then be gone the next is almost unbearable at times. We will always love you, our Dralion, our lion, our dragon.
 

Dralion (picture taken in August, 2002)
 

     SmokeyCoons Lady Emma was a silver classic tabby Maine Coon, born on March 9, 1998 and sadly lost to her owners, Diane Green and Philip Akers on September 1, 2002. It was a tragic accident that could happen to anyone. A contractor left THREE doors open late one afternoon. Lady Emma, being the brave, curious cat she was decided to venture outside for a little walk. Little did she know the dangers of the outside world. After hours of searching, Diane and Philip found their beloved Emma beside the road. She had been hit by a passing car.

     Emma was not a show cat - but was probably the smartest cat they have ever known. She really did seem to understand a great many words and knew how to attract Diane and Philip's attention by turning on a light, especially when she wanted food! She liked to be kissed on her nose and insisted on having this done several times a day! She was a real sweetheart and we all miss her terribly.
 

Lady Emma
 

    On September 10, 1998 one of our precious children, SmokeyCoons Ahlbe Bach "Beau"  lost his fight against a rare form of pneumonia. He passed away at 3:32am. He was only 5 1/2 months old. He was a gentle soul. . . you know the kind. A quiet kitty who patiently waited his turn for loves and cuddles. Oh, but when given the opportunity, he could turn on the charm. He is now with our Smokey romping in kitty heaven. We miss them both!