by Deborah-Ann Milette
(New York, USA)
The Jaguar symbol in NE
Last year by complete accident as I was doing my usual walk around the hotel with Motzie on his leash, a photographer and her husband asked me about Motzie. I talked with them for almost an hour. Patty, the photographer was very surprised at how calm Motzie was while he waited patiently on the couch in the lounge area of the hotel we exchanged contact information, hugged and went our ways.
The next day she called me on my cell and asked if Motzie could pose on some collector's Jaguars (the vehicle folks!). I asked her to hold a second and I asked my Regional Director and show manager permission to leave the show with Motzie for this photo op. Someone would take Dorzie to the rings if need be. We were also celebrating our Regional Cat Show where Motzie is the only PNB (at that time his breed was Preliminary New Breed) to ever get an award "Specator's Choice."
This year Motzie was supposed to return for the second season of Jaguar shoots and be paid this time. Instead a week before the show, I called Patty and said Motzie was in protective care and I hope by next year we would be resettled and able to do the 2010 concours of the NE. She asked me to stop by anyway. I did and a CD presentation was played with Motzie on it and the President of the group stood up and asked for the people to vote that Motzie be their official Jaguar mascot for the NE. The vote was unanimous! Tears were falling from my face with joy and sadness. My boy was not able to share this special moment and this year he was going to share the light with Peanut as well.
Motzie being here in NY, he left one heck of a trail of good will for a beautiful, gentle feline in spite of being here for 4 years. Motzie was doing pet therapy, my personal therapy, animal certified by my doctors and vet for being a Vietnam Veteran, reading programs for children, which I have 4 very upset children that don't want to read now. BUT I know education is the key to changing laws.
The prime concern has always been, Motzie's safety and with the help of wonderful, loving, and caring people Motzie was flown to safety. People from all around the world wrote me asking and voicing loving concern both overseas and here in the USA.
Motzie and I have helped to push the breed forward, changed many judges' thoughts about the "big" gentle giants, and he even met with more Senators and Legislators in many states to help them remember when the time comes to vote.
Deborah-Ann Milette
From Jaguar Club Accepts "Motzie" as Jaguar Symbol to Savannah Cat