Kahali Somali Cattery Karen VancePeter Vance Ringworm, poor temperament, heart murmur all in one kitten Quebec and New York Internet

 Years ago a friend purchased a truly wonderful kitten from her and I wanted one of my own. Despite the internet warnings I purchased a kitten from Karen Vance, because I knew the reports were false. After all, I'd met the most amazing Somali from her cattery. She indicated she was located in Quebec. I decided a family road trip to Quebec would be educational and fun. Picking up our new kitten was the perfect excuse for the trip. We were living in MA at the time. My attempts to communicate with Karen about pick up went unanswered. I thought she must just be busy. She did write back to say she had a carrier service that would deliver the kitten for $150.00. I wanted to pick the kitten up myself. I took time off, prepared the kids, and proposed that I would drive to Quebec and forego the carrier service. This happened twice.

As it neared the weekend, Karen was suddenly unavailable, but come Monday she wanted to know when the carrier service could deliver the kitten. I wanted the kitten that I had been given pictures of so I put my concerns aside and decided to pay the $150 for the door to door delivery services. The carrier service turned out to be Karen's ailing husband who delivered a terrified, diarrhea covered kitten. Still, I paid the extra money, made excuses for the kitten's condition and took her home. I told myself she'd come around. Next came the ringworm. Online reports said they had gotten kittens from her with ringworm, but of course I wasn't paying attention to that. Karen's son indicated to me the reports were all the result of one person who had it out for Karen. That was good enough for me. My bad, again! The kitten came with ringworm which I didn't pick up on until I developed the fungus. Two months ago my vet informed me my Charlene has a heart murmur. She has never really become the curious and outgoing cat my friend has. Of course I love her and it will be until death do us part, but if I had it to do over I'd heed the warning signs. I'd insist on visiting the cattery. I'd look elsewhere. Learn from my mistakes.