Shimmer's Story

CFA's Tenth Best Cat in Premiership 2002-2003, GP, NW Divinity's Shimmer, is a cream and white Persian neuter. "Shimmer" was bred and owned by Donna Dzienisiewski of Middletown, NJ. He is also the North Atlantic Region's Third Best Cat in Premiership this season.

       Shimmer was born in May 2001 to GC Chantilylace Glimmer of Divinity and CH Silverpaws Shake Your Bon-Bon. His brother GC Divinity's Too Kool, was born first and then along came Shimmer, who got stuck on the way out,throwing a wrench into the program, causing his mother to need a cesarean section. The surgery went well but as luck would have it for a little guy with a rough start, his mothers milk dried up. Hand feeding and a surrogate mother who had just weaned a litter, pulled him through.

       Time went on and Donna decided to show Shimmer as a kitten. She thought he was an average-looking kitten-a low white bi-color and she thought he was nothing that awesome,so he was neutered at 5 and a half months. Her goal from there was just a simple GP title in premiership until several judges asked her why this cat was neutered, and what her plans were for him."Plans? What do you mean? He's a low white bi-color Persian. No one is going to use him in their finals" This is when she learned the key phrase. "First build your house, then paint it." Sure enough, Shimmer had alot going for him and he matured into a gorgeous boy-very well balanced, short cobby body, well set ears, lots and lots of coat, an extremely sweet open expression with big beautiful copper eyes,a nd a wonderful personality to top it off. He went on to receive his first best cat as an open and became a two show grand-premier.

       In between, Donna was working full-time and begging for weekends off at the hospital. Shimmer was shown all year long, mainly in region one, along with his traveling companion and half brother GP Divinity's Spumoni, a copper eyed white neuter. Donna didn't start flying with Shimmer until September. From January on, they flew to almost every show and into every region. Shimmer was shown almost every weekend with the exception of two weekends. During this show season, he attained 60 best cats, which was a great accomplishment for Shimmer and Donna. He was highest scoring cat in show several times received two Best Cats at the CFA International Cat Show and all the while, he loved it. His famous position was to lie in the corner of his judging cage on his back like a Buddha. All he needed was a tiny recliner, a beer, and a remote and he was set. No matter where they went or what judges handled him, although he has his favorites, Shimmer never hissed, swatted, growled or raised a paw. He was a very easy cat to handle.

       Although Donna is not new to exhibiting, flying out of her region to shows was a new experience. She met many wonderful people and their cats during the season: "Simba", "Jack", "Kori", "Bailey", "Casey", "Xavier", "James","Prissy","Spruce" and others. SHe also met and started a new friendship with with Susan Burton and her cat GP,NW Kitty Charm Moon Frost,aka "Frosty". Shimmer and Frosty became buddies since they usually ended up at the same shows together and were benched near each other. Once Donna and Susan figured out they lived close to each other, they started traveling to shows together and joined the Garden State Cat Club this year as well. Although they were in direct competition all year long and their share of good and bad moments, they still ended up right behind each other in national placements. All that really matters is the they had fun in the end. Whether they were lost or late going to a show, yelling at each other, chasing cats who escaped from the hotel rooms down the hallway at two in the morning, missing connecting flights,having fun for Donna's Birthday at the CFA International Cat Show at the Hard Rock Cafe`, the crazy party at Leesport, Pennsylvania show, or just hanging out with everyone at shows, drinking those special drinks they named "Hair of The Cat" it was a really special year she wont forget.

       All in all it was a great season with some very excellent quality cats. Many thanks to all the judges who were so consistent with Shimmer throughout the year. Many thanks also to Brenda Owens of Chantilylace Cattery. Without her producing Shimmer's father "Glimmer", there would be no national winner for Donna this year. Donna also wants to thank her mother without her caring for her cats while she was gone, she couldn't have done this either. Finally, she sends a big thank you to everyone else who cheered Shimmer on through the season. Who would have thought this plain ole bi-color Persian would have become her first National winner? Shimmer really loved every minute of his career and is the definition of a true show cat in her eyes. Donna says she had a great time these past 12 months and would do it all over again in a heartbeat!