Cathy Judges Satin Angora

Cathy has just returned from judging an ARBA sanctioned show in Japan. She told us that she had a great time but was glad to be back. A fellow Japanese exhibitor has sent Betty some interesting photos in that show. Pictures of Cathy judging English Angora and photos of other activities will be posted tomorrow.

At Sparks, Cathy judged Satin Angora and French Angora.

In the top photo, Cathy is taking a break while waiting for the exhibitors to put their rabbits on the table. Cathy looks radiant, must be from all the relaxation and fun time time in Japan.

In the second photo, Cathy is examining the body of a Satin Angora with Tracy and Franco looking on. In the third photo, Patti is looking at the cards to bring her rabbits on to the table when Cathy is judging the colored classes. On the right side of the photo, one can see the white English Angora on the other judging table while Casey and Sharon were chatting with each other. On the left side of the photo, we see another judge Leslie reaching to get one of the rabbits out of the coop.

Family Affair at Sparks

We had a great time at the Truckee Meadow RC shows at Sparks, NV. There are many hard working volunteers who make rabbit shows possible for exhibitors to show and to enjoy.

One family in particular work the hardest to make the shows at Sparks a success. At the top, Micki(Michelle) is the show secretary. In the second picture, Micki's sister Mandy keeps the show running smoothly, mom Marsha runs the raffle. The cute little puppy Anastasia in this picture is being trained to be a service dog, Marsha is the volunteer handler.

We all appreciate their hard work and hospitality. We'll be back next year!

Doug is Having Fun with the Boys

Our handsome judge Doug is having fun with the English Angora white bucks in these two pictures. He let all of them out on the table when he was judging the white junior buck class in Sparks. Normally judges take out one buck at a time to avoid the bucks from fighting or mounting each other. These five boys came out and just sat there, no fighting, no mounting. This is a good example to show the docile nature of the breed.

Polly, A Wonderful Person

Polly has been the pillar of the Angora world for a long time. The first time Betty met Polly was in the mid 80s. She was in charge of the rabbit part of the Nevada State Fair. Then Polly took over the job of National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club newsletter editor in 1987, held it until well into the 90s. In mid 90s, Polly became the president of the NARBC and served two full terms.

In the other life, Polly has done even more amazing things. She along with her husband John founded the Carson City volunteer fire and paramedic service before the professional ones were available. She housed and paid for all expenses of two young ladies from Hong Kong to receive their high school and college educations. The family of these two young ladies could not afford to provide education for them, asked for help from their church. Polly took on this huge job for over a 6-year period of time. Both of the young ladies now live in San Francisco, have their own families and professional careers.

Polly and John then moved and helped to develop the town of Silver Springs when it was in the middle of nowhere in the desert. Silver Springs is now a booming new town. This is where they now live.

It is impossible to list all Polly's accomplishments. Betty feels so honored to have Polly as a long time friend.

We don't see Polly in rabbit shows as often now. She still goes to two shows a year working as the ARBA Registrar, one of the shows is at Sparks and the other Nevada State Fair. It's so good to see her at least once a year.

At the top, Polly is at her Registrar's desk when the photo was snapped. The second photo is long time friends Polly and Betty. The third photo is not as long but still long time friends Polly and Casey.

Camp Angora under the Trees

Angora people in our area truly like each other. We like to be in the same general area when in shows. It's unlikely that we could find a spot large enough inside the show room for all of us, and that the spot is close to the doors to do blowing. When weather is nice, we tend to go outside so that we could spread out.

At the Sparks show, there is an area outside that has a lot of trees and nicely maintained lawn.

At the top, Casey is spinning with little girl Veronica asking questions. Veronica is little but her conversation with Casey sounds very mature. Betty comments that she is an old lady in disguise. Veronica's mom is the show secretary Micki whose photo will be posted in a couple of days.

In the second picture, Tracy and Cathy are comparing the English Lop and French Angora bunnies.

The third picture shows Lindsay with her beautiful French Angora senior buck. This is the same buck that won Best of Breed at the Contra Costa Fair the week prior.

Then we have Kim and her boyfriend Mark working on her English Angora junior buck. Mark is very supportive of Kim's interest. He is very helpful to all of us. He is definitely a keeper!

Last but not least, Sharon is relaxing with a newspaper after all the grooming. Sharon has her entire family with her. Husband, daughter and grand son. Unfortunately we did not get a picture of them together. Next time.

Tracy wins Best of Breed in French and Satin Angora

Tracy has an excellent day at Sparks.

Her French Angora won Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex in both shows. Pictured here are the two winners. During the Best In Show judging, our handsome judge Doug said that the French Angora had the "perfect body", just needed a little more time to be more mature.

Tracy's Satin Angora also won the Best of Breed in both shows. The Satin Angora had a big turn out, quite a few competition there.

Emilia Wins Her 13th All Breed Best In Show

A fun day in Sparks, NV.

Sparks is well known for glittery casinos, high rise hotels and delicious buffets. We did not go to any of these. A fun day for rabbit breeders is to go to a show and do well in the show.

Emilia wins her 13th all breed Best In Show with her 16th month coat. The Reserve In Show is the same Netherland Dwarf that has taken Reserve to Emilia twice in January. The picture shows familiar faces and rabbits. Pictured from left to right are our handsome judge Doug, Betty, Jennifer P. and her partner Terri M.

A wonderful day, more pictures and reports to come.