Adam, Soon-To-Be MD

Adam took a break from medical school for Thanksgiving. This is one of the rare occasions that he gets to go to a rabbit show with mom Carol G.

Even at a rabbit show, Adam has to study, study and study.

It's not easy to be in medical school indeed.

Allen Guest Blogs from Africa II

I am excited to hear that friends and breeders back home are interested in my study in Africa. It occurred to me this morning that I never explained exactly WHY I am studying in Senegal!

In 2005, I heard of a scholarship through Rotary International, offering opportunities to study foreign language worldwide. Since high school, I have had an affinity for the French language. After having traveled to France several years ago, the language became a hobby, and ultimately a major in college. When I moved to California, I added “Animal Science” to my majors, and thus the reason I am still in college!

Scholarships offered to college students through Rotary seek students who wish to study foreign language while consecutively researching and advocating humanitarian acts. I was awarded my scholarship after writing a lengthy proposal to introduce rabbit farming in developing Africa in efforts to combat hunger. With attempts to amalgamate, for the first time, my two interests, I requested study in French-speaking Senegal in West Africa. Two panel interviews and eight months later, I was called with the news, “You’re going to Senegal as a Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar for Rotary International!” Travel, tuition, meals, homestay board, and cultural trips are covered under my scholarship.

Five days each week, for 5 hours per day, I attend a language school called the Baobab Center in Dakar, Senegal’s capitol city. I receive one on one language instruction in French with a professor, a true luxury few could afford (including me) in the United States. The Baobab Center is run by Africa Consultants International (ACI), an NGO promoting rapid language comprehension for foreign volunteers. ACI offers classes in French, as well as three native Senegalese languages. My first week of study at ACI included intense training in Wolof (more of a survival class), the native language of Senegal. Now, I am studying French only.

The French language was introduced during French colonialism in the 19th Century, and today serves as an official as well as business language of the country. Senegal was granted independence from France in 1960, and has been a rather stable, peaceful country since. Senegal is often described as the most “western” country in Africa (both geographically and socially). Nevertheless, Senegal, like all countries in Africa, is considered “developing”, or “third world”.

Pictures include Muhamet, my host father, and I at Senegal's SECOND EVER Livestock Expo; my classroom and my individual professor, Ismiala; exchanging flags with the Rotary Club of Dakar, a tradition of Rotary Scholars.

In a later blog, I will elaborate more on my rabbit project and dream in Senegal, including pictures of my recent rabbit discoveries.

Lindsay and Friends

Lindsay has very nice French Angora and she makes beautiful craft items.


In the top picture, Lindsay is seen with her Best of Breed white French Angora next to her friend Marie. Both Lindsay and Marie are wearing the Angora items that Lindsay made.


In the second picture, Lindsay and Tracy are knitting. Angora people are very busy in shows. If they are not grooming or showing, they are working on some craft project. The scarf Tracy wears was made on the same day.

Tracy and Her Beautiful Satin Angora

Tracy is improving on the Satin Angora's type and wool; in addition, she is working hard on improving the red color in Satin Angora.

The top picture is Tracy with her Best of Breed in the CRCS shows in Lodi. In the second picture, Tracy shows off her new red bunny. The color of that bunny is so intense that it is truly red. Can't wait for this little one to grow up, it's going to be red hot on the show table.

Keelyn and Courtney Are Youth Best In Show Winners

In the California Rabbit and Cavy Shows in Lodi, there are two different rabbits winning the youth Best In Show.

In Show A, Keelyn's Florida White won the Best In Show. This is also the same rabbit that won Best In Show the week prior in Stockton. Keelyn is the youngest judge in the show circuit. Her rabbits are competing in the youth shows but Keelyn herself is judging open rabbits regularly.

Three out of the four Best In Show winners in Lodi are the same as the winners in Stockton; Keelyn's beautiful Florida White is one of the three.

In Show B, Courtney's Mini Lop won the Best In Show. Here is a very happy winner in deed.

Randy and Allen Win All Breed Best In Show with Mini Rex

The Best In Show in California Rabbit and Cavy shows show A is the Mini Rex shown by Randy and Allen, the same gorgeous doe. Once again, Allen is still in Africa and Randy is with the beauty all by himself in this photo.


As we know yesterday, English Angora took Best In Show in show B. It's also the same rabbit that won Best In Show in show B last week.


It's déjà vu from the previous week; the same rabbit won show A and the same rabbit won show B.

Check back tomorrow; there is another déjà vu happening.

Sevenah Wins All Breed Best In Show Again

It was a fun day at the double shows at Lodi, CA.

Sevenah wins all breed Best In Show again in show B. The top photo is a well posed picture and the second picture is Betty with Sevenah and the two Best In Show judges Keelyn at the left and Carol G. at the right.