Quilt at the ARBA History Library

In Domestic Rabbits, we have read so much about the ARBA History Library. Bob Whitman spearheaded the project, many people donated money, history items, books, and time to make this room a success. In issues of Domestic Rabbits, we saw black and white photos and many articles about the room, but we have never seen a color photo.

Our Indiana member Candy went to the ARBA office to deliver items that she donated and took some pictures. She is sharing the pictures with us.

The first two pictures showcase the beautiful quilt made by Lorena Ferchuld. Candy reports that the quilt is a lot larger than she thought, it is very well made. Each square is decorated with a patch from a specialty club. At the time of her visit two weeks ago, Angora patch had yet to arrive.

Lorena who so generously donated her time, material cost and skill is our local show exhibitor. She is shown here working on a youth contest in a show. Her Rhinelander "Highwayman" has recently won the breed national. Highwayman is featured on the cover of the current issue of Domestic Rabbits.

From the two top pictures, we see how beautiful the quilt is. It covers the entire conference table. On the wall there are photos and plaques of historical value.

Thanks to Candy for the treat. There will be more pictures to come.

Relaxing At The Fair

Angora exhibitors are usually very busy grooming rabbits in shows.

At the fair last Saturday, Casey at the top and Carol in the second picture are enjoying their breaks from grooming.

Carol is the last one of the Angora Gang to join the spinning craze. She is now more crazy about spinning than most of the others. Carol's breed is French Angora.

Casey has been breeding and showing English Angora for about 15 years. She has been spinning as long as she has rabbits. She also has Angora goats.

Big Bertha Hates Little Piggies

At the Contra Costa Fair, Big Bertha got totally stressed out. In the photo on the left, she is sitting on a chair with a wet chest. It was warm but not really hot. She even had a personal fan blowing at her, but she still got stressed out.

This morning, her mom Cathy says, "I think I figured out why she was so upset. The pigs got to her. I think she was stressed out by the pig noises. She is such a "chicken". I hope that is the case. It is easy to resolve that situation. No pigs!"

The pigs in the next barn was really noisy. It was hard to carry on a conversation among us, and it was hard to hear the judge's comments during the rabbit show.

There is one big plus with the pigs though. Look at the picture on the right. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have that smooth and round behind on our rabbits?

Emilia's Little Brothers and Sisters

Here are two pictures of Eldora's bunnies. Eldora is Emilia's mom. May be there is one or two in the litter that can repeat Emilia's performance on the show table?

Emilia Wins Her 12th All Breed Best In Show

Lots of people, plenty of greasy food and very loud noises from the stubborn pigs in the next barn. It's a day at the fair. Warm but fun.

Judge Brooke has not been too active in the shows lately, we are so happy to see her. She is a wonderful judge and very pleasant to interact with. We really enjoy her company today. Just wish she will come to shows more often.

Emilia wins her 12th all breed Best In Show. Her coat is entering the 16th month, still in prime. Carol G.'s American Fuzzy Lop solid senior doe is the Reserve In Show. From left to right is Betty, Carol G., and judge Brooke.

Sharon and Her Bunny

Sharon has been raising English Angora for quite a while, probably over 10 years. We don't see her in the shows very often, however.

Recently she has started coming to shows with her new litter. It's great to have new blood on the show table. Sharon is a school teacher who has a very busy schedule. Now that school is almost out, we hope to see Sharon more frequently in shows.

Mercedes Is A mom

Chu's Mercedes has been very successful on the show table. During her show career in 2005, she won all breed Best In Show 9 times and Reserve In Show twice.

After she retired from the show table, she took a short rest, then fell in love with Chu's Gentry, a choc tort Grand Champion buck. She successfully gave birth in early May to five beautiful bunnies, now 3 weeks old, healthy and bouncy.

Mercedes has been successful as a top show rabbit and now an excellent mother.