Maine Coons are just "it" for me. They are so incredibly beautiful, smart, athletic, and very affectionate. You have to scrape Dandi off. All my contractors love her; she leaps into their arms when they come in, and gives kisses. The little neighborhood kids are her fan club. They love to knock on my door and ask if they can pet Dandi. She is quite the ambassador for her breed.
You have to be very careful when acquiring a Maine Coon, as up to 75% of people advertising them are backyard breeders. You need to use a breeder who tests for the Coon-specific genetic diseases, who shows their cats (thereby putting their reputation on the line), who raises the cats underfoot (not in cages) and who socializes them well. Doing that kind of homework will go a long way in you being thrilled you got a Maine Coon instead of experiencing heartbreak with a genetic time bomb or otherwise unhealthy or poor temperament Coon.
Thanks for the tips. If I’m going to spend that kind of money on a pet, I will definitely do my homework!
All of my other house dogs have been pound-found, (though my Basset was a Purebread from a reputable local breeder) and my two current cats (a Tuxedo and a Brown & White Tabby) are from the next farm over. ;)