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While an artist all of my life having graduated with a B.S in Environmental Design and a Masters in Art Education from the University California, Irvine; my early years were spent raising and showing Quarter horses and breeding and showing English Springer Spaniels. Later I bred and showed Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese throughout the west coast.
In 1980 my husband and I moved to the Florida Keys where I became interested in wildlife rehabilitation with Dr. Robert Foley, receiving a National Wildlife Permit. At this same time I started breeding and hand raising several species of parrots. In 1984 I started studying feline genetics and began a small Persian breeding program. The following year I joined CFA (Cat Fanciers Association, Inc.) receiving a cattery registration in the name of Hapajo Persians to practice feline husbandry under their strict guidelines.
As a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 while in Kendall, Florida, I aided in a cat rescue emergency program to help resolve the tragedy of the loose cats rounded up after the storm.
In 1992 I moved from Miami to Deland, Florida, joined the West Volusia Humane Society volunteering to do whatever needed doing. In 1994 I was elected to the Board of Directors and to-date remain a member supporting their no-kill shelter.
In 1995 under CFA guidelines I started a cat show club called Tropical Cats Inc. The club has produced an all breed show each year at the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Our shows throughout the years have attracted some of the top-winning cats in the country. Proceeds from our shows provide funds for private shelters and rescue groups.
Now a widow I continue the hobby of raising and showing award winning Sphynx cats, exclusively, having in past years also bred and shown American Shorthairs, Manx, and Persians.
The newly formed National Interest Alliance of Florida has named me funds raising chairperson. Also I am on the Board of Directors of a feline rescue group known as KitnHevn.
Recently the State of Florida created a Commission called the Gertrude Maxwell “Save A Pet.” I was appointed to this highly esteemed board to represent The Cat Fancy Association.
After sixty years of the breeding, showing, and the care of the finest animals in America, I am aware of the problems and joys of being a responsible and ethical hobby breeder.
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