THE BIRTH OF CAROONA

As a child I always had a cat,  my fondest memories being of  Sooty my black and white moggie who I had for almost 16 years.  When Ron and I got together in 1972 he had a 24 hour breakdown business so I decided I would like to have another cat for company and decided on a Siamese, a seal point of course.  Sammy as he was known was like a guard dog he protected me no matter what.  I was at work all day so as I had Sammy for company. I thought he too should have a friend for when he was alone, so along came Bimbo a chocolate point.  We took Bimbo to the National in 1975 where he gained 3rd in his open and we were hooked.  At this same show, the National in 1975  we purchased our first Birman  for £25,  he was a blue point named Welly (Smokeyhill Lim Yenkee).  Welly came to join our household of now 4 Siamese and that was it.  The next came a seal point female who became a Champion when there were 14’s and 15s in the class and we were then hooked on the Birmans.  Our first litter of three Birmans - Charlie, Harry and Jo were sired by Champion Shara Soleil Bleu in 1977.  We needed a prefix, what should it be? a combination of Carol and Ron of course, so in 1977 CAROONA was born.

Shortly after this a seal male who I had always admired for his laid back temperament became available as his owner was no longer able to have the time to care for him.  So my relationship with Grand Champion Bartina Tobias began.  Everyone who knew him, admired him and he loved everybody.  Tobias was a joy to show and own.