Bruce and Sharon

Bruce may not be the oldest but definitely the most senior judge in CA based on the number of years actively judging rabbits. Sharon is the junior judge in their house but for sure not junior in the show circuit. They are kind, gentle and knowledgeable, both are experienced and well respected by exhibitors and other judges. In the shows in Chico, Sharon judged Angora. In the top photo, Sharon is examining the chocolate French Angora with Carol taking down her remarks. In the second photo, Bruce is judging a Satin.

It's always nice to see both of them in shows.

Judy and Larry

Those who have been in the show circuit in Northern California all know Judy and Larry, the owners of Carnahan Mfg. They started as 4-H parents over 30 years ago, taking their children to shows. Their rabbits, especially Tan, won Best In Show or Reserve In Show on a regular basis. Their son Derek became one of the youngest judges in the 80s. They helped other exhibitors in making carriers for shows initially. Due to their meticulous work and attention to details, their products were in such high demand that Larry quit his day job and started the Carnahan Mfg full time. Judy takes care of the business details and Larry can make anything to the specification asked by buyers. The cages are sturdy, well made with straight corners and smooth edges. It is a joy to use their equipment.

Derek is no longer in the rabbit show circuit, but once a while he still comes to visit. From a teenage judge to a matured father of two, Derek has come a long way. Over the years, Judy and Larry also make good friends with all the exhibitors. We look forward to many years of association with Judy and Larry.

Manuel and Linda

We have read and seen Manuel's top notch judging in the previous posts. Here in the lower photo, Manuel is examining the rear of a white French Angora in the Chico show. As usual, he is thorough but gentle, he did a great job.

We were able to snap a photo of Manuel with his lovely wife and best friend Linda in the Santa Rosa show. Manuel and Linda are both members of the club, Sonoma Marin Rabbit Association, that put on the show. When Manuel was judging, Linda worked as the hospitality chair tending to the needs of judges and others. Both helped set up and tear down of the show equipment and other tasks. Thanks, Manuel and Linda for your hard work. We all had a wonderful day.

Pom, Pom and Pom

Northern California Angora Guild now can be subtitled as NCDG, Northern California Doggie Guild. We are a little doggie crazy in the year of the dog. Here are photos of three very pretty Pomeranian puppies.

Annie, the love of Joey and Doreen, has been featured on our blog in the past. She is now 6 months old with a very nice coat. Joey and Doreen, needless to say, are crazy about her. On the top photo are two 8-week-old cutie pups wishing our readers an early Happy Valentine. Annie, Marlene and Lily are all bred by our lovely rabbit judge Judy of WA. Judy has the top Pomeranian herd in the nation, these puppies are all going to be show potentials.

French Angora Best Of Breed Winners

We have seen Carol with her winning French Angora on our blog many times. Her rabbitry name is "Laura's French Angora". Finally we got a picture of Laura with Carol. Laura started raising rabbits for her 4-H project. Since she is in college right now, it is hard for her to go to all the shows. In Chico, mother and daughter are together working on the rabbits. Carol does wonderful maintenance and Laura does great show grooming to add on the finish. In show A, the winning French Angora is the colored senior doe pictured in the top photo. In show B, the winner is their white senior doe.

In the Santa Rosa show last week, Lindsay won the Best of Breed French Angora. In the second photo, Lindsay is shown with her beautiful chocolate senior doe.

Joanie's First Major Win

In the beginning of the Year of the Dog, received great news about Joanie, the little French Bull Dog. Our handsome judge Doug reports, "Ms. Joanie's first day in the ring, she was spot on and stole everyone's heart.....especially the judge's!! Won a 4 point major...........first day in the ring!! YAHOO!!"

Wow, first time in the show ring and won, that's some accomplishment. Congratulations to Doug and Joanie, many more winning to come.

Emilia Wins Double All Breed Best In Show

In the all breed double shows sponsored by the Gold Rush RBA in Chico, Emilia won the Best In Show in both shows. Jennifer's Netherland Dwarf won the Reserve In Show in both shows as well. It is quite unusual for the same two rabbits winning BIS and RIS on the same day, but it happened in Chico yesterday.

The first picture on the top is Emilia; the second photo is Betty with Emilia, Judge Manuel and Jennifer with her Netherland Dwarf; the third photo is Betty with Emilia, Judge June and Jennifer with her ND.

A fun day for all, more photos to come.

Happy Lunar New Year

Today is the Lunar New Year. English Angora blue tort junior boy is here with his two stuffed doggie friends wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year. If our readers wonder why he is with his doggie friends in Angora sweaters, this is the Year of the Dog.