13 Jan INTERVIEW WITH DR. NIELS C. PEDERSEN AND FIP ARTICLES WIN CAT WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Interviews with Dr. Niels C. Pedersen on feline infectious peritonitis and feline husbandry, along with other articles on FIP, helped SOCK FIP volunteer Nancy L. Reeves and the United Burmese Cat Fanciers (UBCF) newsletter win four awards from the Cat Writers’ Association at their annual conference in November 2009.
Nancy is a Burmese breeder who joined SOCK FIP in 2008 after losing five kittens and two young cats to the disease. “After experiencing the agony of FIP, I had the choice of feeling sorry for myself, my poor kitties, and my grieving clients or to do something to help find solutions to FIP. It was an easy choice and I’m so grateful to have discovered and joined SOCK FIP.”
As editor of the UBCF newsletter, Nancy wanted to give Burmese and all cat lovers better knowledge of the disease, which is complex and misunderstood. She also wanted to break the cone of silence that has covered FIP for decades. “Breeders have long been reticent to talk about FIP because of the fear of being branded as an FIP cattery. The only way I knew how to help break that silence was to talk about my personal experiences with the disease. It is extremely important for breeders to talk about FIP because there is a known genetic susceptibility. Sharing information between catteries can help prevent FIP deaths through careful pedigree management.”
Nancy believes without question Dr. Pedersen shares these awards. “It is only through Dr. Pedersen’s career long dedication to FIP research, and his generosity of time, information and perspective, that I was able to better undertand FIP and share that with my fellow cat lovers.” In fact, Nancy’s 2008 interview with Dr. Pedersen has formed the basis for the articles on FIP on the SOCK FIP website, which have been and will continue to be updated as research progresses.
The CWA Awards received by Nancy and the UBCF Newsletter were:
Award for Newsletter Column (tie)
Nancy Reeves, UBCF Newsletter Editorials
Judge’s comment: “Organization is fabulous. The topics are well-researched with references to top scientists in feline medicine and genetics. Her honesty is a plus. It took courage to disclose FIP in her cattery but, ultimately, the columnist’s honesty and suggestions will protect future generations of all cats.”
Award for Newsletter Opinion Piece, Essay or Editorial
Nancy Reeves, “The Health of the Breed” UBCF Newsletter
Judge’s comment: “Excellent with great information. This piece concisely explains a very real and pressing situation. It candidly shows a personal – and potentially professionally damaging experience – and ends with a clear call to others.”
SPECIAL AWARD # 4 – FORT DODGE / HEALTHY CATS FOR LIFE TURNING POINT AWARD
Sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health, is for the best published work by a beginning cat writer or photographer. The purpose of this award is to encourage qualifying writers and photographers to strive for the highest professional level of excellence and to provoke a significant change in the recipient’s cat-writing career. This is a “turning point” award.
UBCF Newsletter, Nancy Reeves, editor
SPECIAL AWARD # 12 – PRO PLAN® PEDIGREED CATS AWARD
Sponsored by Purina, this award is presented to the writer or creator of the best entry of the year that focuses on cat breeds, pedigreed cats, and professional breeder issues including (but not limited to) health, care, nutrition, and showing cats.
UBCF Newsletter, Nancy Reeves, editor
For more information about the Cat Writers’ Association, please visit their website: http://www.catwriters.org/
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