Sp Pr Valkyrie Jelly Bean
Over the past six years as a Maine Coon breeder, I've often pondered the rationale behind keeping a neutered cat within our fold. It seemed like an enigma, that is, until a little miracle named Jelly Bean entered my life and changed my perspective entirely.
Jelly Bean's journey began under precarious circumstances. At birth, she was a mere 76 grams, nearly half the size of her siblings, embarking on a battle for survival from her very first breath. Her initial days were challenging, with her mother showing fleeting interest in nurturing her litter, prompting us to undertake a round-the-clock feeding regimen starting on June 30, 2014. This period marked the beginning of what would become a labor of love and dedication.
Armed with Royal Canin Babycat milk, my husband Johann and I divided the caregiving duties; he took the daytime shifts, allowing me to focus on the nighttime feedings. Despite our efforts, Jelly Bean's weight gain was minimal in her first week, a concerning sign for such a fragile kitten. Compounding her struggles, she often found herself overshadowed by her stronger siblings at feeding times.
In a pivotal moment, another breeder's advice led us to explore antibiotic treatment for a suspected bacterial infection, a decision met with skepticism by our vet. Nonetheless, driven by a resolve to give Jelly Bean every chance at life, we pursued this course, witnessing a gradual but inspiring improvement in her health and weight.
Jelly Bean's physical challenges didn't end there; her unique posture and the peculiar curvature of her legs were noticeable from the start. Through consistent care and gentle massages, her resilience shone through, gradually overcoming these hurdles to move and feed with more ease.
As weeks passed, Jelly Bean's distinct appearance became more pronounced, from her sparse fur to her inward-bending front legs. Despite these differences, her spirit remained undeterred, a testament to her incredible will to thrive.
A virus at 6½ weeks posed yet another threat to Jelly Bean's health, but with prompt medical intervention, she and her littermates bounced back, full of life and vigor. During this time, a vet's grim prognosis for Jelly Bean's future due to her leg deformities only strengthened my resolve. Her desire to live was palpable, and the thought of ending her journey was unfathomable.
Jelly Bean defied all odds, not only thriving in our care but also leaving an indelible mark on the Maine Coon community. She became Valkyrie Maine Coons' first homebred Supreme Premier, a title that held profound sentimental value and shattered all preconceived notions about her potential.
For over five years, Jelly Bean was a source of boundless joy and affection in our lives, until a heartbreaking diagnosis of kidney failure in December 2019. Despite our exhaustive efforts to reverse her decline, it became clear that her time with us was drawing to a close. In her final moments, Jelly Bean's enduring spirit and love were evident, leaving us with memories filled with gratitude and love.
Jelly Bean's journey began under precarious circumstances. At birth, she was a mere 76 grams, nearly half the size of her siblings, embarking on a battle for survival from her very first breath. Her initial days were challenging, with her mother showing fleeting interest in nurturing her litter, prompting us to undertake a round-the-clock feeding regimen starting on June 30, 2014. This period marked the beginning of what would become a labor of love and dedication.
Armed with Royal Canin Babycat milk, my husband Johann and I divided the caregiving duties; he took the daytime shifts, allowing me to focus on the nighttime feedings. Despite our efforts, Jelly Bean's weight gain was minimal in her first week, a concerning sign for such a fragile kitten. Compounding her struggles, she often found herself overshadowed by her stronger siblings at feeding times.
In a pivotal moment, another breeder's advice led us to explore antibiotic treatment for a suspected bacterial infection, a decision met with skepticism by our vet. Nonetheless, driven by a resolve to give Jelly Bean every chance at life, we pursued this course, witnessing a gradual but inspiring improvement in her health and weight.
Jelly Bean's physical challenges didn't end there; her unique posture and the peculiar curvature of her legs were noticeable from the start. Through consistent care and gentle massages, her resilience shone through, gradually overcoming these hurdles to move and feed with more ease.
As weeks passed, Jelly Bean's distinct appearance became more pronounced, from her sparse fur to her inward-bending front legs. Despite these differences, her spirit remained undeterred, a testament to her incredible will to thrive.
A virus at 6½ weeks posed yet another threat to Jelly Bean's health, but with prompt medical intervention, she and her littermates bounced back, full of life and vigor. During this time, a vet's grim prognosis for Jelly Bean's future due to her leg deformities only strengthened my resolve. Her desire to live was palpable, and the thought of ending her journey was unfathomable.
Jelly Bean defied all odds, not only thriving in our care but also leaving an indelible mark on the Maine Coon community. She became Valkyrie Maine Coons' first homebred Supreme Premier, a title that held profound sentimental value and shattered all preconceived notions about her potential.
For over five years, Jelly Bean was a source of boundless joy and affection in our lives, until a heartbreaking diagnosis of kidney failure in December 2019. Despite our exhaustive efforts to reverse her decline, it became clear that her time with us was drawing to a close. In her final moments, Jelly Bean's enduring spirit and love were evident, leaving us with memories filled with gratitude and love.
I am eternally thankful for the support and guidance from many individuals throughout Jelly Bean's remarkable journey:
Carol Middleton, Roxanne Lezar, Simone Masters, Estelle Fourie, Ninnette du Plessis, Monika Bouwer, Kim Pitol, Connie Hazel, Ewa Szczucka, Christina Maraziotis, Gerda van Eys, Dr. Frans De Graaff, Dr. Daniel Venter, Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Facebook Group.
Your collective wisdom and encouragement were pillars of strength for both Jelly Bean and us, her family.
Carol Middleton, Roxanne Lezar, Simone Masters, Estelle Fourie, Ninnette du Plessis, Monika Bouwer, Kim Pitol, Connie Hazel, Ewa Szczucka, Christina Maraziotis, Gerda van Eys, Dr. Frans De Graaff, Dr. Daniel Venter, Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Facebook Group.
Your collective wisdom and encouragement were pillars of strength for both Jelly Bean and us, her family.
Heavenly Nap
by Ron Tranmer
You lived your nine lives here with me
my loyal, loving friend,
Then God took you up to Paradise
to live life number ten.
I’ll bet you’re peacefully lying
upon an angel’s lap.
Purring there, without a care
having a heavenly nap.
I'll miss you for a little while,
but our friendship will not end.
Time will pass, and then at last
you’ll be on my lap again.
by Ron Tranmer
You lived your nine lives here with me
my loyal, loving friend,
Then God took you up to Paradise
to live life number ten.
I’ll bet you’re peacefully lying
upon an angel’s lap.
Purring there, without a care
having a heavenly nap.
I'll miss you for a little while,
but our friendship will not end.
Time will pass, and then at last
you’ll be on my lap again.