Choosing the Right Ragdoll: Rose & Dallas' Search for the Perfect Long‑Haired Companion

In the Fall of 2007, I finally lived in a house where I could have pets and so
I started looking for a cat. I always had short haired cats growing up and so
now I wanted a long haired cat. After examining the different breeds I decided I
would get either a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll, whichever I encountered first.
Looking through the ads for pets on a local classified website I saw an ad for
Ragdolls for sale from a breeder who was getting out of the business. Along with
the ad I saw this picture:

The picture wasn’t that clear but I was struck by how sweet the two cats looked.
I made an appointment and went to visit them. The woman who had the cats was
selling them for her father and only a female cat named Rose and her male kitten
were left. As soon as I saw them I knew I wouldn’t be leaving without having
struck a deal for both of them. We made a deal and arranged for me to pick them
up in a few weeks.

When I brought them home they were quite skittish but settled in within a few
weeks. I named the kitten, Dallas, because I have always loved that name.

He was born in September of 2007.  No one knew when Rose was born but she seemed rather young when I first met her, I would estimate she was born in 2005.

In the 2 years that I have had them Rose and Dallas continue to find more ways
to endear me to them. Dallas likes to be mischievous as all boys do, Rose enjoys
being ladylike and well behaved. Rose doesn’t like to play rough but sometimes
she doesn’t have a choice.

Rose and Dallas are atypical in a couple of ways. Neither likes wet food very much, they strongly prefer dry. Dallas loves kitty treats, Rose completely ignores them. I have bought them a couple of pet beds which they ignore.

Rose loves sleeping and hanging out in cardboard boxes so there are always a couple
of them in the house.

Her Catchannel buddy Oliver does too.

She also likes my old suitcase.

Dallas likes exploring containers and tight spaces.

He prefers to lay down on chairs and tables, even when he is too big for them.

Rose and Dallas have truly made my life more joyous and complete. I thank God
everyday for bringing them to me and hope they live long, happy lives.