Once upon a time, we decided to purchase a Bengal. We were quite intrigued by the Bengals from the photos we saw in the Cats, USA annual magazine. We did hours upon hours of research on what the breed was, cost of kittens, temperament, etc. Okay, now we were getting close to trying to find a breeder with kittens. We decided we would go 2 hours in any direction of our home.

Ah, a breeder with kittens, lots of them! We made an appointment to drive 1 1/2 hours (even in rush hour traffic), and I was just all a twitter! I drove my husband nuts with the, "Are we there yet?" every 2 seconds. No he would say. Finally, we were there in front of the house with the Bengal babies. Could I stand it? Just barely, and I had to use their restroom when I walked in the door. How tacky of me, but better than to make a puddle on the floor.

They had lots of babies to look at, but one really stole my heart. Her name was Rising Star, and was a first pick back from a breeding that was done. A little brown spotted girl, with a face of an angel. She was a little shy, but some thing drew me to her. Maybe destiny, as I thought about naming my kitten Star.......

We paid for our little baby, and started on our 1 1/2 hour journey home. Star was a little nervous about us and the trek, but after a few minutes of me putting her under my shirt (it was winter and a little chilly in the car until the heater got warm), she fell fast asleep. Ah, bonding! What a joyous thing. I was putty in her paw by the time we made it home.

Today, Star is still my sweet baby. She has produced some wonderful kittens, all fat and healthy. She was the start of my Bengal breeding experience, and my cattery name. I live in the desert, and my first baby was Star. Star is the reason why I got hooked on Bengals. She is my very special baby, and a god send to me. I am so thankful for her every day.