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 How long have you been a TICA Judge?
I have been a TICA judge for 21 years.
What made you become interested in becoming a judge?
I became interested in becoming a judge because I had been breeding and showing cats since the late '50s or early '60s. In 1984, I was asked to become regional director for the Great Lakes Region. When I retired from my teaching position in 1987, I wanted something to fill my time. Since I had been involved in the cat fancy as an exhibitor and a Board member, becoming a judge seemed to be a logical step for me to take.
Do you breed cats as well and if so which breed?
I no longer breed cats since I spend so much time away from home due to my judging assignments. I showed my last cat during the 2008 show season. I used to breed Siamese and Orientals.
How many cats do you have at home?
I have 4 cats: a black OS, a silver chocolate spotted Tabby OS, a brown Mackerel Tabby & White OS and a tortie and white Household Pet.
If you can give one tip to aspiring new judges what would it be?
The advice I would give to aspiring new judges would be to be prepared to spend a considerable sum of money and to expect a very rigorous training program. In the end, however, it is well worth the time and effort.
Do you have any hobbies outside of Cats Shows?
I do not have any hobbies outside the cat fancier. After I retired, I did spend several years as Chair of a group of volunteers who sat in the Municipal Court rooms and wrote evaluations of the presiding judges. I had to give that up when funding for the group dried up otherwise I would still be doing that.
Best Cat Show moment?
It is hard to narrow things down to my best Cat Show moment. I guess it would be when at several shows the clubs held a Dewane Barnes cat look alike contest. Cats were dressed up with glasses, a bow tie and a vest. I was then asked to pick the cat that looked the most like me.
Worst Cat Show moment?
I had two worst cat show experiences: I was robbed in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the difficulty I had getting into England for the last show.
Funniest Cat Show moment?
Funniest cat show moment was when several of the exhibitors had their picture taken with me. They were all wearing Groucho Marx glasses, big noses and a Groucho moustache.
Scariest Cat Show moment?
Scariest cat show moment was when I was robbed.
Best part of the Cat Show day?
The best part of the cat show day is when I get a chance to see all of the beautiful cats.
Favourite overseas country to judge in?
I have no favorite overseas country. I have loved every country I have been in. My hosts have always been wonderful and I have met many wonderful people. Yes I even enjoyed judging in Russia, I have judged in Austria, England, Budapest, Germany, Japan, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
Favourite cat breed?
Favorite breed - Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs.
Winter or summer Cat Shows?
I prefer summer shows because flying out of Chicago in the winter can sometimes be very difficult because of the weather.
Any other animals/pets at home?
I have no other pets.
What part of the judging do you enjoy most?
Besides loving cats, I enjoy the people that I meet. I have made many friends in the fancy.
Can you recall ever loving a cat at a show so much that you wanted to put them in your pocket and take them home?
I have often tried to put a cute kitten, especially Household Pet Kittens, in my brief case and tried to smuggle them out of the show hall. I especially loved an adorable straight eared Scottish Fold kitten.
Thank you to Ross and the Oneforall Cat Club for using the Cat Planet Judge Questionnaire at The Impish Lincs Show in March 2009
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