Guinness Record and Professional Photo Shoot, Part I

 

 

 

I had never thought about setting any record before the invitation from Guinness.   During the process I learned that anyone could apply to set a record by going to the website and propose an idea.  It'd take up to 12 weeks to get a reply due to the high volume of people wanting to set or break a record.   Since I was invited to set a record, I had a contact with whom I could ask questions and then receive answers promptly.    During the waiting period, my contact person Jenny told me that several professional photographers would be traveling the world to take photos of the record holders starting in January 2015.    

 

On August 17, 2014 when Franchesca's wool was measured, she was 14 months old.   In January 2015, she would be 19 months old.   Though I'm good at keeping my rabbits in show coat, the chance of my being able to present a finish looking 19-month-old English Angora show coat is very slim.   With this piece of information, Jenny expedited the professional photo shoot to September 1, 2014.   

 

 

 

Professional photographer James Ellerker set up a studio in our garage.
 



James selected a maroon colored background to complement Franchesca's chocolate tort color.
 

I was expecting a 6-week wait to get the Guinness World Record certificate, it was a pleasant surprise that James brought the certificate with him.  He said he received it the day prior, was told to present it to me and Franchesca.



Another shoot of Franchesca, Betty and the Guinness certificate.  

 

 

The photos are uploaded to the computer that James brought with him.   The first photo to this one were taken by Betty's wonderful hubby Albert, while the next two photos were taken by James, copied from the internet.   
 

This is a photo from one of the news media website, taken by James.  







This is the main photo used on the official Guinness website.

 

 

Establishing Franchesca's Guinness World Record

Betty says,

In early August, 2014, I received an e-mail from the Guinness World Records office in UK that said, "... our editor is extremely excited about you, and I am very much hoping you would be interested in working with us..."   "One of the titles we are looking to fill is for 'Longest fur on a rabbit'".

After several exchanges of e-mails, I learned about the procedures from reading a lengthy document of rules.   Among a whole lot of hard-to-understand material, the main points of this challenge are:

(a) to cut 10 strands of my rabbit's wool to be measured, the minimum requirement is 9 inches,

(b) to have two eyewitnesses during the measurement,

(c) to have a veterinarian or an official agent to perform the measurement. 

I would not agree to the cutting of 10 strands of wool as Franchesca was still being shown, I'd rather show her than making an attempt for a record.    After much discussion, it was agreed that the measurement could be done with the wool on her body.    It was required to videotape the entire process, and also required to have still photos of the 10 measurements. 

On August 17, 2014, I prepare Franchesca for the Guinness world record challenge.



The "crew" for the record challenge, from left to right are Jeannie McDevitt, Kathi Groves, Betty Chu and Dr. Pete Keesling.   The videographer/photographer is Betty's wonderful hubby Albert.

 



Dr. Pete starts the measurement of Franchesca's wool.

This is the first recorded measurement, 33.5 cm.





This is the 10th recorded measurement, 41.5 cm. 
In between there are 8 more recorded measurements.   The average of the 10 measurements is 36.5 cm (14.37 inches).



Dr. Pete examines Franchesca to give an assessment of her health.

Here is another shot of Dr. Pete examining Franchesca, Kathi and Jeannie are in the background doing paper work.

Kathi on the left and Jeannie on the right filling out the witness statement.


It took several days to assemble the submission package that includes 13 pages of forms, a video and 12 photos.  Guinness organization's decision on the record could take up to six weeks.   What happens next?   We'll continue tomorrow.

Franchesca Makes World Record

Guinness World Records 2016 has been published in September 2015.

On page 120, there is a familiar face and a familiar rabbit.

Franchesca holds the world record of the "Longest Fur on a Rabbit".

Franchesca's world record was recognized on August 17, 2014.   Due to the lead time it takes to publish the Guinness book, Betty signed an agreement not to post any photo or information until September 10, 2015 when the book is launched worldwide.

After hiding the certificate for more than a year, it finally gets onto the wall at Betty's home.


How did Franchesca get into the Guinness book of records?  More photos and information will be posted in the next few days.


If you go to http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com  the first photo you see is Franchesca's picture, then there is the description following the promotional photos:

A rampaging reptile and a coordinated canine have made their way into the new Guinness World Records book! After researching and scouring the animal kingdom for over a year, today, the global authority on record-breaking achievement, can today announce the best new pet and animal records from the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2016 edition, including a goalkeeping pup and the furriest rabbit around!

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/9/brand-new-record-record-breaking-animals-steal-the-show-in-guinness-world-records-395641

Key highlights from this year’s edition include: 

Longest fur on a rabbit 

The Longest fur on a rabbit is 36.5 cm (14.37 inches) and belongs to 2-year-old English Angora rabbit Franchesca, (pictures above),  from Morgan Hill, California, USA, as measured on August 17, 2014. That is more than double the length of a Subway sandwich! Owner Dr. Betty Chu (USA) is an expert on the English Angora, which is often mistaken for a Pekingese dog and needs a great deal of grooming and care. A multiple ‘Best in Show’ winner, Franchesca gets plenty of attention from onlookers. Common questions Chu hears when people see Franchesca are, “’Is there really a rabbit inside?’ and ‘How do you make it so fluffy?’” Franchesca is now a mother to four beautiful bunnies that look just like her when she was young. 

Ajax Wins Double Best In Show at Monterey Fair

 

 

 

 

Judge Scott W awards Best In Show in show A to Chris Z's Holland Lop buck Ajax.
 

In show B, judge Jennifer also selects Ajax as the Best In Show.



Ajax was shown a year ago in the same Monterey Fair and received double Reserve In Show.   What did Ajax do between the two Monterey Fairs?




He won the Best In Show at the ARBA Convention at Fort Worth, Texas!!!

 

Jovonna Wins Reserve In Show in Show B at Monterey Fair

Monterey Fair holds double open all breed shows at Monterey, CA on Sunday, September 6, 2015. 

Not too long ago, Jovonna was an itsy bitsy little baby girl playing with her Teddy Bear in bunny's hat.

Where did time go? Jovonna is now growing into a pretty girl.

At a little over 6 months old, Jovonna goes on the table as a senior doe for the first time at Monterey Fair and won over the big girls.  In Show B, Judge Jennifer awards her the Reserve In Show.

Donnica Wins Reserve In Show in Show A at Monterey Fair

Monterey Fair holds double open all breed shows at Monterey, CA on Sunday, September 6, 2015.

Donnica is still a beauty after so many months in the shows.

At the Monterey Fair show A, judge Scott W. awards Reserve In Show to Donnica.

Jefferson Wins All Breed Best In Show at Crescent City

 

 

 

California Rabbit and Cavy Shows hold triple open shows at Crescent City on September 5, 2015.

 

 

 

Carol G's French Angora colored junior buck BCG's Jefferson is awarded Best In Show by judge Cathy.

 

Happy breeders: Carol G.'s French Angora wins Best In Show and Don's Rex wins Reserve In Show.





 

Daddies spoken, the Princess is "Mattie"

 

 

 

 

Allen says,

I am sorry to tell the Angora people, but we decided to go with Mattie!  It is short for "Matilda" and sticks with our intent to keep a Scottish name (breed's country of origin).