Here is a sad story with a happy ending about India Rose. The sad part is, her mom, Dulari, died shortly after she gave birth to her one and only litter. I still cry over her loss. The happier part of this story is Dulari's 4 children who are alive, well, and just doing beautifully, with India being one of them.

The morning I found Dulari dead (and we took her to the emergency vet here in town, who said she was in no imminent danger), we needed to find a foster mom or moms for her babies. Thank God we live where there is such a wonderful group of Bengal breeders, who will jump in and help when they can. There was a cat show going on that weekend, so it was easier to ask for help. Our friends who sold us Dulari found 2 breeders who could each take 2 kittens. We brought the kittens down just beforethe end of the first day at the show. I was able to hold it together, until I saw my friend Pam (the breeder who sold us Dulari), and then I fell apart. I just broke down like the flood gates were opened.

Any way, I would get frequent reports on the babies. We made arrangements to visit the kittens after a couple of weeks. They were all doing well. We did make the decision to bring Kajal home with us, as he was just so tiny, and it would give the mom some extra milk for the remaining kitten (which was India). By that time, Diamond had a litter of 2, and had no problem to take on an extra baby.

At 5 weeks old, we got back the remaining 3 kittens. It was such a happy day for us. They were a little smaller than I would have liked, but they were fine. We put all the babies in with Diamond, and on 2 teats, she nursed 6 babies. What a trooper she is! I knew I couldn't keep all 4 babies, so I made the decision to "foster" 2 of the girls out. I found 2 very special people to take Kalani and Pilar. They are close by, so I can go and visit them.

Miss India Rose, well she is so much like her mom. Same face, same body shape, wonderful sweet personality. She has had only 1 live litter, and we lost all but 1 of the kittens. The way India walks, looks so much like Dulari. It's almost a prance.

These Dulari babies are so very special to me. Against all odds, they made it. I thank God daily for the wonderful friends I have, and how they unselfishly came to my rescue. I would, and have done, the same if I could help.