I started my search for my first Russian Blue on the internet. I did not have much luck, because I wanted to find one locally and they just did not exist. Russian Blues were rare - not too many website existed, especially in Texas. If you did find someone, they were usually out of kittens and there was a waiting lists. Like many others, I was not willing to wait. Hackel surprised me when I came home from work one day. He had found an ad for purebred Russian Blues that were CFA and TICA registered in our local newspaper. He had called the breeder and had a long talk with the breeder all about her kittens. Hackel had showed me the ad and said if I wanted one, give the breeder a call. I jumped at the opportunity. I phoned the breeder and had a wonderful conversation. I could tell they were a loving family environment. She told me she had received several calls about the kittens, but she only returned our phone call. She liked our excitement and our history of cats in our family. I did not hesitate in setting up an appointment for the next day to visit the breeder's home. When I arrived, I was overwhelmed. The whole kitty family, dam and sire and two babies sat on the couch together. I was filled with so much joy. I stayed for awhile letting the female kitten get used to me. I could only have one and I knew I wanted a female. But something kept telling me the male, is the one I should take. Still I took the female home... I named her Sasha on the way home.

Photo copyright © Larry Johnson

There was a movie I remember I really liked. It was called "Zoya". One of Danielle Steele's movies and novel about a Russian heiress. It was so good. That is plan for my first female I keep from the my own litter -I will name her Zoya. In the movie, Zoya had a daughter, a rather pretentious daughter named, Sasha. I always loved that name. So Sasha was it! We were home taking care of her and getting her used to her new home... but I still kept thinking about the male. He was so cute.

Two weeks later my husband said, "Ok, Ok. Go get him". I called the breeder back and asked if she still had him. She did! She even had a feeling I would be calling but by then they were so attached to him she had to talk her husband and son into releasing him.

Two days later they called and said YES. I felt so bad like I was breaking up a family. So that is how Saba Vladmir came to be so special to us.

The moment I brought Saba home, it was like Sasha knew... she was ecstatic about her brother coming to live with us.

PR Mr Saba Vladimir of Valnika

Sire: Justtheblus First Knight Lancelet
Dam: Justtheblus Kaushia Bella
Breeder: Jan Beard

Pedigree
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Saba is our first show cat. I had long wanted to show a special purebred… there was so much to learn, so we jumped in after all the research on showing from the CFA website. First we visited the CFA International Cat Show in Houston, November 2001. I was able to have discussions with other Russian Blue Exhibitors. So it was at this show I made my commitment to enter the show in January with the help of an exhibitor.

Show Record: January 2002, his first competition was at The Houston Cat Show (CFA). Saba won all 6 of his winners ribbons. He also received ribbons for 2nd Best in Breed and 2nd Best in Color.

At the CFA International Show 2003, the largest cat show in the world, Saba was Second Best Russian Blue in Premiership... and earned his first rosette. It is huge and gorgeous... and we are very proud of our first show kitty.

Saba had a late start in show life (he was 14 months) as I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue that, but my first experience was truly exciting and rewarding. Saba's first experience … he was very nervous but actually never jumped off any of the judges tables. That was my fear.

What I have learned is it is always best to start your show cat out as early as possible in Kitten Class. That way he/she has been completely socialized for the shows and is used to being handled by judges and being around lots of different breeds. Saba is now competing in other CFA shows for points towards Grand Premier. Since we will be concentrating on our new litter coming this month, Saba will not be shown again until later this year.

Photo copyright © Larry Johnson

Personality: How can I describe the personality of Saba? His personality is exceptional. Hackel claims him as his cat, but he has no problem loving both of us…fully devoted he is. He has no problem accepting visitors for that matter. One thing I notice about my Russians is they love high elevations. I highly recommend tall condo trees to play on. They love them. They cannot get high enough. They love to be on top of the kitchen counters…especially checking out what is cooking for dinner. Saying No does not make a difference. They are a definite part of the family and they demand that. Water pistols work pretty well, but not for long, it becomes a game. They love jumping on top of the refrigerator and then on top of my cupboards. Nothing is off limits to Saba in his eyes. I have a corn plant that has his name on it with all the times he has climbed to the top. Saba often sits in Hackel's lunch kit hoping to go to work with him. He tries to help him make his sandwich for a nibble or too of that good deli ham.

When people come to visit, he is right there wanting to be noticed. It is exciting for him to have guests. Saba's latest thing is he loves to jump on the towel rack and lay his body the full length and roll around. Since he was a kitten he jumped on top of the shower stall when we would take a shower. He also used to watch me take bubble baths. So intrigued by the bubbles for to make sure I would not drown. Saba is very lovable and loves attention. He stays pretty active and when it is bedtime he knows it. After the lights go out he is on the bed and comes between us to crawl under the covers.