Handale Pixiebobs News Blog

Breeze

2011-09-09T00:17:00.005+01:00

We nearly let this fabulous little female go as a pet! How mad were we!

In her crazy half hour when she's rushing around the house chasing the tiny boys, I may not always think this way, but when she stays still long enough for a photograph or just to admire her, I think we really have got a gem here! She's only four and a half months old and just amazing!

Tooki Retires

2011-06-16T15:04:00.004+01:00

I was devastated that our fabulously wild looking (and equally wild mannered) Tooki only ever fell with one litter, and didn't have the best experience. Over the years we have tried without success to pair her to Hershey, as I'm sure they would have had the most incredible kittens. However it wasn't to be, and as constant heats were taking their toll on her well-being, we decided to do the kind think and have her spayed. Anyone who knows Tooki will know that she is a 'spirited' girl, and after a very eventful half hour of trying to get her into a carrying box, with a heavy heart she was taken to the vets, into the very capable hands of Catriona the vet, Cat Woman as we call her; as she has this very special way with them!

I was so pleased to get my little girl home, and whilst woozy and miserable, I was the only one she wanted to be with. So despite getting no sleep after deciding to stay overnight on the settee with her, I was rewarded with lots of head rubs, taps and kisses! The lack of sleep was worth the display of affection from this 'spooky' girl who frightens most people who meet her! I quite like being the 'chosen one'. (I must remember this when she's hissing and spitting at me when its time to go for her check-up tomorrow!)

Oh No - There's a Briar in the Garden!

2011-05-02T18:50:00.007+01:00

The warm Spring weather has everyone in their gardens, weeding and getting ready for summer. I'm quite sure that Marie and Bill will not be reaching for the garden tools to get rid of this type of Briar! They are more than happy to share their garden with this gorgeous girl!

They aren't the only ones that love Briar - we have a wonderful snap of their grand-daughter Emily making her 'best friend' into a really wild-looking witches cat last halloween! Don't they look just great! I hope they both got lots of treats looking as fab as that! x

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T21:02:00.003+01:00

I just wanted to wish you all a very happy easter! Love to all of our previous Handale babies and their families. We think of you all constantly and look forward to some spring photos so that we can post them here! I hope you're all doing special things over the holiday period!

We had a wonderful trip today to Thorpe Perrow at Bedale. I would highly recommend a visit. Lovely gardens and the birds of prey were fantastic!

It was a welcome rest to the ears, as spring has suddenly made the Pixie Bobs turn into a housefull of hormonal moglets! Its been like the cat chorus with nearly every one of them howling full tilt! The louder the girls call, the louder Shadow becomes! I'm definitely going to have to go out and buy earplugs or earmuffs! So the sound of birds tweeting and branches swaying was sweet music!

However, it was still nice to return home and see our babies, named after the soft winds that were blowing at they were born nearly two weeks ago; Whispering Wind (Whisp) and Spring Breeze (Breeze). I have uploaded their first photographs onto our kitten page. I hope you enjoy them.

Happy Easter!

Claire x

New Arrivals!

2011-04-11T21:20:00.002+01:00

We welcome two new arrivals who were safely delivered on Saturday to Kiri & Spirit. This is Kiri's last litter before being spayed and therefore these are two very important little bundles. We think we have a bob-tailed female (Spring Breeze, aka Breeze) and a long-tailed male (Whispering Wind, aka Whisp). I think Whisp should be 'Whizz' because thats what's he's like; despite being so tiny if you blink you miss him, because he's gone - normally in the direction of the entrance hole in the birthing box! Its a good job Breeze is much quieter.

Both kittens show signs of dad's distinct coat and wonderful face. I will post some photographs shortly. These kittens will be available to pet or breeder homes.

Happy Christmas and a Huge Thank You

2010-12-15T22:47:00.006Z

Through the placement of our kittens we have made some fabulous friendships. Its always lovely to speak, to exchange pixie bob stories and photographs, to visit and just know that we are always there for each other. These are friendships across the miles and provide a very special link back to our Handale babies.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their enquiries about kittens or future litters and the interesting chats that we have in the process. We welcome all calls as its great to share the passion for pixies! We apologise for any problems that may have been experienced with e-mails during October/November, especially in response to phone calls, as we weren't automatically made aware until recently that our sent e-mails had not arrived with the intended recipients.

We look forward to 2011 and hope that it holds happy and exciting times for each and every one of you. Happy Christmas from us all at Handale. x

My How We've Grown!

2010-12-15T22:05:00.008Z

The last litter born here at Handale were 1 year old in October. Happy birthday celebrations were enoyed from Liverpool to Dumbarton! I am sure you will agree they look a fab four!

Thorn

Briar

Spook

Woody

Really Spooky!

2010-07-13T21:29:00.004+01:00

Can you believe this is really Spook? I am stunned at how much this young man has altered in the space of a couple of months! He is amazing! Whilst the tail isn't breed standard...its a tail to be proud of. I wish I had him around the house to help with the dusting!

Thorn Grows Up

2010-07-13T20:56:00.007+01:00

Thorn is nine months old now and looking every inch as wild as we expected. I can't wait to see what another few months do!

Cherokee Arrives

2010-07-13T20:38:00.005+01:00

We have just had a wonderful weekend with our friends Donna and Bryan from Alsoomse Pixie Bobs. It was great to catch up with them both as we love them to bits and to finally meet Cherokee Rain and bring her home to Handale. She is just fabulous and we are so excited about her joining our brood. Thank you so much Donna and Bryan for making the weekend so special and for trusting your little girl to us.

Claire & Brian xx

Garden Pest

2010-06-28T20:35:00.005+01:00

Most people have greenfly, slugs and snails, but me...no...my garden pest is much bigger but equally as destructive. Here he is caught in action! Don't be fooled, he's certainly not skilled in pruning!

He sits like a garden ornament on other days, but I know what he's up to as soon as my backs turned. The shredded trees and shrubs tell their own story!

Cuddle Puss

2010-06-27T21:23:00.004+01:00

Shimmi is always looking for a cuddle from her mum. She's an adult's version of a teddy bear!

Enjoying the Sun

2010-04-24T19:07:00.002+01:00

Shadow was enjoying the sun, climbing over the rockery stones and chattering at the passing birds. He also made a point of knocking over every lantern in his path! Mind you, with feet that size, is there any wonder!

The Boys Are Looking Good

2010-04-16T19:31:00.003+01:00

We have been thrilled to receive pictures of Woody and Spook in order that we can follow their development from our friends Elena and Sam.

Here's Woody with Willie, his 'big brother'. Woody has received good lessons from Zulu and Peachy, and I think between them, they make sure Willie receives special attention! Despite Woody often doing very mischievous things like turning the kettle on etc, I understand that he is very well behaved for Willie. Woody is also going to be a 'pat cat' so we're hoping his gentle behaviour with Willie is an indication of how he will settle into his role.

Here's Spook showing just how much he's starting to fit the settee! This lad looks as though he's made himself well at home! I was amazed to see this photograph as he looks very much like his dad Spirit, and even hs legs look the same shape and in the same position as he lays down - uncanny!!!! Well Spooky.........

This Thorn wouldn't prickle anyone!

2010-03-24T14:12:00.006Z

To call ''Thorn, would suggest something wild; nasty spikes and prickled hands and arms from wild bramble briars and rose thorns. However our little Thorn may have wild looks, but thats as far as it goes. I just have to call 'Thorny' and she comes bounding to meet me from wherever she is in the house, jumps up and wants a kiss and cuddle. She's definitely a Thorn without the prickle! She's our gentle baby Thorn.

Mam why do you need an ornament when you've got me?

2010-03-24T13:00:00.004Z

Briar seemed to be showing me that she could strike similar poses...............

No I won't say cheese!

2010-03-24T12:43:00.003Z

Shadow didn't want his photograph taken, so he wouldn't open his eyes or smile for the camera. When he eventually did open his eyes, it was more a scowl! All he wanted to do was to be left alone to play with his ball.

Spooky Tooki

2010-03-24T11:48:00.003Z

Tooki is one of our older females and probably the wildest looking girl of the bunch! She loves her human mum and will smack me gently until I give her 100% of my attention - nothing less than that will do! But unusual for a Pixie Bob, she's a Jekyll & Hyde character, and when she's in 'naughty mode', if I go to give her attention when she hasn't asked for it, I get a very different sort of smack! So we nickname her 'Spooky Tooki', respect her always, and absolutely love her to bits!

Tooki has the wild look that really does haunt your heart forever!

Face of Innocence - I Think Not!

2010-03-24T11:38:00.004Z

Look below and you'll know why!

Bug Catcher

2010-03-24T11:01:00.002Z

Briar decided there wasn't room on the window for her and the tiny bug.....so she ate it! Awful girl! It obviously didn't taste too nice from the look on her face. But it was soon forgotten and she was watching much bigger morsels....the poor birds who were enjoying their fat balls just outside the window.

The Baby Girls are Growing Fast

2010-03-07T23:06:00.004Z

Thorn and Briar are growing fast now and like toddlers they are constantly into michief. Its not unusual for the phone not to be working because Briar's knocked the handset off, or Briar to have jumped into the bath, or Briar to have opened the drawers in the bedroom and scattered the contents over the floor. Oh... did I say 'they' are constantly into mischief....I should correct that to Briar's constantly into mischief....Thorn is still the sweet little girl that she always has been!

Beauty & the Beast

2010-03-07T22:47:00.009Z

Thorn was only wanting to watch birds out of the window, but it was enough to make Yana scowl and become a real mean looking girl!

Knitting Kittens

2010-02-05T17:34:00.011Z

Briar couldn't get to grips with the knitting needles so she thought she would use her claws instead. She was determined to have completed her blanket in time for bed!

She decided that it was almost the right length......

Briar was pleased with those extra inches, but just as she was snuggling down, her sister Thorn came to see what this knitting lark was all about...oh dear

Thorn thought she could knit much better and was soon getting the hand of slip stitches!

It wasn't long before the fighting started over the same ball of wool.......naughty kittens!!!

How Spooky's that!

2010-02-01T18:38:00.004Z

Spooks's move to his new home was easy - he went from our son Callum to another when he joined Richard & Sam's family. Here's Callum Number 2, looking proud of his baby Spook!

I would have loved to have put a photo of Richard on here, as he looks to have been adopted by Spook and equally smitten by him, but I'd better not as Richard's bigger than me and he knows where I live! Did you really get him for yourself Sam?

We are looking forward to keeping contact with Sam and Richard and we we are keen to see if Spook matures to be like his dad Spirit. Spook is so much like Spirit was at that age. Its also interesting to see that he's taken over the house just like his dad too!

Thorn's Special Visit

2010-01-31T20:57:00.004Z

Thorn was required to undertake a very special visit this week to a local care home to see an elderly lady. We got a call for help as one of the residents had become very distressed. This isn't the first time that we've been asked if we can take one of the Pixie Bobs in to help cheer someone up, and previously Ember and Shadow have visited. Its important that we choose a gentle Pixie Bob, and this time there was no second thought - little Thorn's such a gentle soul and she would make anyone smile!

An hour later we had a happier lady and a tired baby Pixie Bob!

MacWoody

2010-01-31T19:49:00.022Z

We are so pleased to see that Woody has settled in well in Scotland with his new family - he looks so chilled! Elena, his wonderful new mum keeps us updated with stories and photographs, which is really appreciated. We've been able to see how Woody has gone from the 'new kid on the block' all on his lonesome, to being accepted by both Zulu and Peachy, his new brother and sister;

Hershey's Shadow

2010-01-31T18:39:00.011Z

Here's Hershey's son Shadow looking every inch the shadow image of his dad! He's inherited the beautiful amber glowing eyes of mum Shimmi - and together those characteristics make him just an awesome looking boy!

Shadow has just turned 8 months and already weighing in at a whopping 6.5kg! He doesn't seem to realise this when he runs round the house skidding into doors, legs etc as he chases the younger kittens. There's no wonder that I'm always covered in bruises and the doors sound as though they're coming off their hinges!

The Boys!!!

2009-12-20T22:13:00.005Z

I thought I would just share a couple of photos of these two handsome little guys; Spook and Woody. I bet their new mums are as proud of them as we are!

Shadow on Snow Patrol

2009-12-20T15:05:00.004Z

Its clear to see that Shadow likes the snow - but he never did find out who snowballed him!

Maybe those footprints would give him a clue!

Spook (Handale Phantom Warrior)

2009-11-23T20:57:00.002Z

Best wishes and many thanks go to Samantha and Richard for adopting adorable Spook.

This little man is the image of his dad at this age so he was always going to melt my heart - however he's now melted someone elses!

Spook will be a New Year arrival for Sam, Richards and their boys. I am delighted that he's going to this lovely couple and I cannot wait to share their excitement and experiences. I am sure Sam will keep him topped up on all of the kisses he demands!

Claire x

Woody (Handale Wood Whisperer)

2009-11-23T20:40:00.003Z

Congratulations and many thanks to Elena for adopting Woody. I think he practically grabbed Elena's attention with that massive paw!

I know this fabulous little man is going to a great home with a wonderful family who seem to care for animals (of all varieties) as much as we do!

I am confident that Woody is going to be showered with the love and attention he deserves when he joins Elena and his new furry playmates in January 2010. I look forward to exchanging stories and watching this special baby Pixie Bob develop and mature in his new home.

Claire x

Moggie Mayhem

2009-11-19T20:29:00.005Z

The house is chaotic with the kittens. They're now at that age where is you blink they've disappeared somewhere they shouldn't be...into the nearest plant, behind the settee, under the wardrobes...... Brian would tell you that its normally up his trouser legs, but believe me they're everywhere. At a speed of light, or it feels like it, as I'm getting ready for work, they have shot off in every direction. As quickly as I find one and put him/her back in with mum, the one I've deposited previously has gone again! While I'm dashing round like a woman possessed, what is real mum doing?......examining and licking her toenails! What a life!

Spirit meets Kiri

2009-08-11T20:36:00.014+01:00

Poor Spirit, no-one had told him about the birds and the bees!

Kiri is quite formidable when she wants a man, and I don't think that she could believe that someone as attractive and as experienced as herself could be passed over by the new man on the block! So when the 'butt in the air' didn't do the trick, she decided to thump him in the face until she made her point! Lovely girl!

However it worked and a day later the pair were inseperable, so lets wait and see what October brings!

Spirit is here!

2009-06-16T22:16:00.005+01:00

Spirit finally arrived in the UK!

He is absolutely stunning, and whilst his eyes are not standard colour, they are the most striking clear aqua. He is truely beautiful! Spirit is also very talkative, wanting cuddles and attention all of the time. If you take your hand off him for a minute, he's wailing at you or pushing himself under your arm to make sure you don't leave him or put him on another plane! He needn't worry though, because he's loved to bits and he won't be going anywhere!

Many thanks to Stacey for this awesome boyo and for all of the help and support provided by Maryan in getting him here! It will never be forgotten!

Introducing Shadow

2009-06-16T21:12:00.011+01:00

I know people have been waiting to hear news about Hershey and Shimmi and I'm so sorry to have kept everyone waiting.

Shimmi's gorgeous baby boy 'Shadow Stalker' arrived safe and sound on 13/05/09. Mum and baby are doing really well. Shadow is a huge, handsome chap for 4 weeks old and we have so much pleasure introducing you to him..........

He is such an imp and is always tugging at your trouser legs and tapping you to get attention, just like a puppy would. I love the bottom picture where he is zonked out after playing with his toys and stalking his 'human dad' all evening, and is snuggled in with Leah, the 'Cat Whisperer' (as Donna Cox calls her). I won't inflict you with the pictures of the human dad zonked out too! Ha ha!

Mansell Update

2009-05-04T18:26:00.007+01:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who has enquired about Mansell (Mansey). Mansey, born August 08 was a 'special needs' baby after her chest appeared to collapse at only a few days old following a very stressful delivery. At that stage we sat with her through the nights, shook her very gently, blew on her, all of the things you do to encourage a little one to breathe, so hence she was predominantly hand reared. I say, predominantly, as Tooki her mum, would lay down upon our request to feed her away from her brother and sisters, as Mansey was much too weak to compete for milk. It was difficult as we often had to remind her to breathe and drink together!

For a long time, Mansey looked as though may not make it as her chest was deformed and her breathing laboured, but she fought every step of the way, and had a will to live! When we went into the room with her bottles during the night, she was at the door to meet us and would scramble up my dressing gown faster than I could scoop her up.

As a tiny tot she fought, ran and played with her siblings, and when she was a little tired she would hide in a plant pot. We are so pleased to say that she has gone from strength to strength, and is now a stunning healthy 8 month old kitten. She has learned to breathe slightly differently, and will occasionally take a few seconds out after she has whizzed round the house, just to recharge her batteries. She is the most 'in your face' kitten ever and never misses anything!

Mansey is no longer a 'special needs' baby just an amazing, truly special girl!

Double Trouble!

2009-05-04T15:43:00.043+01:00

Its always special to hear news about our pixie placements. They're the little bundles that we have carefully and lovingly cared for, and shed a tear or two (or many) when we've prepared them for their new homes and families. Parting with Echo was no exception, however it was exciting knowing he was going to join his uncle Kimi with Suzanne and Yohan in Sweden. Kimi had travelled from Handale previously. So to hear about the duo was doubly special!

Suzanne describes Kimi as a 'special boy'

He certainly seems to be living the life of luxury - tucked up the duvet! When he's not under the duvet, apparently he's a water baby, taking baths in the sink under running water!

Suzanne says Echo is also special, stating "He is a big piece of cuddle! He sleeps, eats and cuddles!"

"Echo loves to be with people and follows us around everywhere. He loves to sleep with Kimi and let him wash him. He loves to cuddle and with him it doesn't matter who it is he's cuddling with = He loves everybody!"

We think that they look double the amount of mischief, love and fun! Its great to see that they are getting as many cuddles as they did here and are utterly adored by Suzanne and Johan! Thank you both for loving them as much as we could wish for! xx

One Happy Wood Sprite!

2009-05-04T15:05:00.018+01:00

We were thrilled to receive these pictures of Sprite from Donna Cox. Look at that smile in the first picture! Sprite is clearly quite chuffed with his new mum and new home - almost smug! Obviously we were quickly forgotten! LOL!

He is a fabulous looking boy! We look forward to many more photos and to see this young man develop.

Hershey - New Photos!

2009-05-04T14:24:00.010+01:00

Check out the website for Hershey's new photos - I couldn't wait to share these with you all. He is a fantastic little guy and just loves hugs and attention. Hopefully the love that's been showered on him, shows in these photographs. We hope you enjoy them!

The Love Bugs

2009-03-24T20:31:00.007Z

Hershey (the prisoner) was finally released from quarantine! Yipee! Fancy our gorgeous 'Supreme' ending up behind bars....well wires actually! Poor lad!

However, he soon settled in to his new home with us - he looked delighted to have so much space again and fellow pixie-bobs for company. In fact, I think he thought he'd come to a moggie brothel with all of the girls here! He didn't know where to go first!

Here he is chilling with his new friend Shimmi....watch this space for gorgeous babies in May 09.

A Handale baby is joining Alsoomse Pixie Bobs!

2009-02-27T21:50:00.032Z

Our good friend Donna Cox squealed that much when she saw Ember, our huge home-bred boyo...well I won't begin to tell you what she said, but it was something along the lines of "Oh gosh, it's a bobcat" (mmm, slight moderation..ha ha).....that I thought all of the hotel guests were going to be vacating their rooms pronto! Wild animal on the loose and all!

Well, I think if we'd turned our backs she would have run to Somerset with him to add him to her winning collection of gorgeous felines. However if I'd let him go, I think my mam would have run twice as fast after her, as anyone who knows us will realise that Ember has the status of 'my precious' at her house! He get's better looked after than my poor dad!

So I promised Donna that as soon as Ember had a son, he would be on his way to Alsoomse.....

Hope he makes her proud!.....Claire x

Handale Wood Echo going to Sweden

2009-02-27T21:19:00.004Z

We are really pleased to announce that Echo is going to join his uncle Kimi in Sweden. We know that Susanne and Johan are going to love their latest addition to the family...and we are going to miss him dreadfully! He is going to a fantastic loving home, and we thank Susanne and Johan for giving him this wonderful opportunity....Claire x