Northern California Angora Guild

Brandy's Valentine Chocolate

2012-02-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Brandy does not need her sweetheart to give her chocolates for Valentine, her English Angora pair have produced three delicious chocolate bunnies for her. What a wonderful Valentine's gift.

Little chocolate boy says, "Be My Valentine".

Brandy's Chocolate Bunnies.

Brandy's chocolate girl.

Brandy's big chocolate boy.

Fawn and Cream

2012-02-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the Angora color guide, Fawn is a non-dilute color that has brown eyes. The color genotype is A---C-D-ee.

In the Netherland Dwarf breed, the comparable non-dilute is called Orange.

Both names are accepted as a part of the ARBA Standard of Perfection.

In the Angora color guide, the dilute of Fawn is called Cream, the eye color is gray. The genotype is A---C-ddee.

In the Netherland Dwarf breed, the dilute is called Fawn.

Both names are accepted as a part of the ARBA Standard of Perfection.

Dilute is recessive to non-dilute; two non-dilute parents may produce a dilute offspring if both parents carry the dilute gene. Two dilute parents cannot produce a non-dilute offspring.

On this page, the Fawn English Angora in the top photo is the mother of the Cream English Angora in the bottom photo.

Brock is More Matured

2012-02-11T01:05:00.000-08:00

Brock moved from Iowa to California in 2011.

Almost a year after moving to California, Brock is enjoying his life here. He is working several jobs including working for KW cages. He has returned to raising Havana that was his breed in Iowa. He sure looks more mature with his new facial hair. He is wearing a campaign button of Randy for ARBA Vice President.

Dolores and Grand Kids

2012-02-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the Big Valley RA shows at Stockton, Dolores shows off her two beautiful grand children. Colby is now a young lady with her little brother Colton at her side. See the photos of her in 2009 and 2007, it's hard to believe how fast she is growing up.

Dolores with grand daughter Colby in 2009.

Colby in 2007.

Kathi's Fancy Show Coat

2012-02-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

This is a very fancy show coat, especially the bunny tail!

Kathi had the coat made and embroidered at the Indy convention then she added the lace, the sparkling buttons and the bunny tail. She sure has the fanciest show coat of all.

Angora Judges at Big Valley Shows

2012-02-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Justin judges Angora in open show A.

In the open show B, judge Troy is checking the pretty colored does on the table. Casey and Troy are having a good time making conversations.

How many juniors is Betty taking to the show table? One? Two? Three?

Zeeva Wins Specialty Best In Show

2012-02-07T01:05:00.000-08:00

Northern California Angora Guild held a specialty show at Stockton in conjunction with the Big Valley RA shows and Betty's English Angora colored senior doe Chu's Zeeva won the specialty Best In Show. In the two open shows, Zeeva were one of the top five finalists for the all breed Best In Show.

Judge Leslie has not been showing or judging for a while due to health reason. We welcome her back into the show circuit. In this photo, Casey is working as the table clerk for judge Leslie during the NCAG specialty show.

Youth Top Winners at Stockton

2012-02-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

Eli and his brothers show Holland Lop in youth. In the Big Valley RA youth show A, their Holland Lop takes Best In Show and in show B, their Holland Lop wins Reserve In Show.

Katy has a great day at the Big Valley RA youth shows too. In youth show B, her Netherland Dwarf is the Best In Show picked by judge Melissa.

Top Winners in the Big Valley Show at Stockton

2012-02-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

In show A, judge Cathy picks Jane's Mini Lop as Best In Show and the Reserve In Show goes to the Netherland Dwarf shown by Megan, Yasmin, Jordan, Joseph & Jeanette.

In show B, judge Justin picks the same Netherland Dwarf shown by Megan, Yasmin, Jordan, Joseph & Jeanette as Best In Show.

Reserve In Show goes to Jane's Mini Lop, she is not in this photo.

Hello, Alvin; Goodbye, Alvin

2012-02-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Alvin the harlequin rabbit comes back to visit Betty's pretty does for the third time since December. He chins everything in sight to mark his territory. Betty has the fences ready to corral him and then set up a cage with feed and water for him to jump in. Within 10 minutes of arriving, he jumps in and enjoys the food. Within another 10 minutes of a phone call, Julie and Cole arrive with their friend Matthew.

Should I get in or not?

The food is good, and I like the toy.

I am enjoying this.

I like the bread!

Hi, Brother Cole, how's going?

Mama Julie, Bro Cole and friend Matthew are all babying me, I love that.

All the treats, am I in heaven?

I am getting a ride home.

Mama Julie says, "We are ready to go home".

Brother Cole (left) and friend Matthew (right) are my drivers.

Bakersfield Show Barn

2012-02-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

Happy exhibitors enjoying the sun. Left to right are Cindi and Lori who are holding Betty's two junior English Angora.

Barn scene from the edge. In the middle in yellow jacket is April, to her right are Paul grooming his French Angora and his friends.

Judging stations are in the middle of the barn.

Brock and his Havana. He used to raise Havana but had been out of the breed for a while. Now he is back raising and showing Havana.

Judges, Judges and Judges at Bakersfield

2012-02-02T01:05:00.000-08:00

Adam judges Mini Rex Specialty show.

Judge Ron judges Netherland Dwarf in show B. left is Cheryl whose rabbit won Best of Breed then went on to win Reserve In Show, right is Diego whose Holland Lop won Best of Breed.

Judge Joe is checking the French Angora during the Best In Show judging.

Judge Joe is examining the English Angora on the Best In Show table. This rabbit was chosen as Best In Show.

Judge Ray is checking on the English Angora on the show A Best In Show table while the Giant Angora is waiting to be examined. The English Angora went on to be awarded Reserve In Show.

Cavy judge Sharon is working at the cavy station.

Who's Fluffier, Betty or the Bunnies?

2012-02-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty keeps one of her Angora sweaters in her van just in case the weather turns cold. At Bakersfield the fog and mist made the air chilly so Betty put on her Angora sweater. When taking the two juniors back from the judging table, others commented that the bunnies and the sweater just blended into a fluff ball. So who's fluffier? Betty or the bunnies?

Santana Family's Great Day at Bakersfield

2012-01-31T01:05:00.000-08:00

From left to right are Sky, Cruz, judge Adam and Diego.

Judge Adam flew in from WI to judge in Bakersfield. The Santana family is in luck to get Adam as their judge; and they did very well with their Holland Lop. Dad Diego is so proud of his two boys Sky and Cruz for caring well for their rabbits.

In the background, Betty's English Angora are in the coops waiting to be judged next.

Three Breeds of Angora at Bakersfield

2012-01-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the Kern County RBA all breed shows at Bakersfield, three out of four breeds of Angora were represented. Satin Angora was the only breed missing in action. In the entire all breed show, there were over 20 breeds represented in the shows.

Photos of the three Best of Breed Angora rabbits taken at the show are shown here.

Best of Breed English Angora shown by Betty, went on to win Reserve In Show in show A and Best In Show in show B.

Best of Breed French Angora shown by Paul, received honorable mention as one of the contenders in show A.

Best of Breed Giant Angora shown by Cathy. Judge Joe said, "All three Angoras are very nice" after judging Best In Show in show B.

Zeeva Wins Best In Show and Reserve In Show at Bakerfield

2012-01-29T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the three weekends of showing in January 2012, Zeeva won all breed Best In Show twice and Reserve In Show twice; she is eight months plus 6 days old as of this weekend.

In the Kern County RBA show B, judge Joe picks Betty's English Angora colored senior doe Chu's Zeeva as the Best In Show and Cherly's Netherland Dwarf as the Reserve In Show.

Chu's Zeeva wins Reserve In Show under judge Ray in show A; Best In Show goes to Randy and Allen's otter Netherland Dwarf. Judge Ray is holding "Cannibal", the winner Netherland Dwarf, because Randy and Allen are judging in Oregon.

An Indoor Bunny Nursery

2012-01-28T01:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of an indoor nursery for bunnies. Each cage houses three bunnies, it has a little bed lined with knitted Angora bedding material, clean towels line the cage floor to prevent the bunnies' little feet from getting hurt. There is a water bottle and a crock feeder in each cage. Every morning the bunnies are taken to their mother to be nursed. Bunnies raised this way are very comfortable with people and are used to all sort of noises in a normal household.

Squirrel Appreciation Day 1/21/2012

2012-01-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty says,

On my way to the Santa Rosa show, I heard on the radio that it was the "Squirrel Appreciation Day" that day; then the announcer said, "Take a squirrel to lunch". I thought it was a joke.

I was too curious, I googled it.

Guess what, January 21, 2012 was really the "Squirrel Appreciation Day"! There was even a photo competition for the Squirrel Appreciation Day.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/21/squirrel-appreciation-day-2012_n_1220089.html

There are 450 photos in the contest, some are very cute but some are not that great. I sure have quite a bit of nice squirrel pictures, I guess I'm too late to enter the photo contest.

Here is a photo taken just last week, these two are in the process of making more little squirrels in our yard. Whether they are appreciated or not, they are here to stay.

Dog Show At Santa Rosa

2012-01-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

When the Sonoma Marin RA open and youth shows were going on at Santa Rosa, a dog show was going on in the next building. Casey shows in both dog shows and rabbit shows, it's natural to go visit the dog show and Betty tagged along. Here are some scenes at the dog show at Santa Rosa.

Scenes of Judging at Santa Rosa

2012-01-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Armando judging the English Angora colored senior doe class, Casey is the writer.

Judge Armando judging French Angora, John helps to control the coop cover and Gabrielle does the writing.

Judge Justin judging the English Angora while Casey and Charlie are chatting.

Show A Best In Show judging: judges Allan and Cathy are examining a huge line-up of BOB rabbits.

Show B Best In Show judging: judge Chris Z is examining the English Angora.

Top Winners at Santa Rosa

2012-01-24T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judges Allan and Cathy pick Angel's Jersey Wooly as the Best In Show in Sonoma Marin RA show A. Reserve In Show goes to Tim and Donelle's Netherland Dwarf, see Tim and Donelle and their rabbit in the show B photo.

Twenty seven breeds are represented on the table.

In show B, Judge Chris Z picks Tim and Donelle's Netherland Dwarf as the Best In Show and Betty's English Angora as Reserve In Show in Sonoma Marin RA show B.

There are twenty five breeds on the table competing for the top honors.

Happy Lunar New Year 2012

2012-01-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

Northern California Angora Guild wishes everyone a happy lunar New Year and welcome the Year Of Dragon.

Zeeva Wins All Breed Reserve In Show and Specialty Best In Show

2012-01-22T01:05:00.000-08:00

The annual January Jamboree by Sonoma Marin Rabbit Association was held in Santa Rosa on Saturday. It is one of the major shows of the season with a line-up of 18 judges. There are two open all breed shows, two youth all breed shows and several specialty shows. Betty's English Angora colored senior doe Chu's Zeeva wins the Best In Show in the specialty show and Reserve In Show in the all breed show B. Zeeva just turned 8 months old a few days before the show.

Zeeva wins all breed Reserve In Show to Tim and Donelle's Netherland Dwarf; judge Chris makes the selection.

First ARBA Sanction Show At Big Island In Hawaii

2012-01-21T01:05:00.000-08:00

We received a report from Alfred at Big Island in Hawaii:

"I just wanted to share with you that my Giant Angora Sr doe won Best In Show and my white Jr English Angora doe won Best of Breed and my Solid Jr Buck English Angora won BOSB at the Big Island Rabbit Club Open ARBA Sanctioned Rabbit Show on 16 January 2012. This was the very first ARBA sanctioned show on the Big Island judged by ARBA Judge Travis Finkle. There were 11 exhibitors, 7 breeds and 50 rabbits. Eighteen entries were made up of English Angoras and three entries were Giant Angoras. "

Alfred is a DVM who operates his veterinary service on Big Island; his animal hospital specializes in small animals, avian and exotic animals.

Youth Contests And Booths At Chico

2012-01-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

In addition to showing rabbits, youth exhibitors could enter in the breed identification contest.

Two young ladies attempting to identify the breeds in the carriers.

The 4-Hers had the opportunity to do showmanship contest.

KW cages had a booth displaying and selling nice cages, carriers and supplies.

Barbi's booth had good supplies and cute stuff.

This is a closer look at the cute bunny pins.

The bright t-shirsts, rabbit signs and cavy signs are also very popular.

Lindsay Is Back To Shows

2012-01-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Lindsay has been showing dogs instead of rabbits last year. In Lodi last year she came back and felt she still enjoyed the rabbit shows. In the first show of 2012, Lindsay came back to showing her French Angora and did well. Her rabbits won BOB and BOS in show A.

Angora grooming always attracts a lot of attention in shows; it's no exception here. A couple watched Lindsay grooming with great interest.

When Lindsay was showing and grooming, her little Papillon girl patiently waiting for her mom to come back.

Dawn and Jack

2012-01-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's an unusual treat that Dawn drove all the way from Myrtle Point, Oregon to show at Chico. She brought her new Great Pyrenees dog Jack with her. Jack is 7 years old but small in size, got beat up by his own younger brother and Dawn decided to accept him into her family. Now Jack sleeps in the same bed as Dawn and hubby Ron.

We had a great time with Dawn; Dawn's French Angora did very well, received BOB and BOS in show B.

When Dawn is showing, Jack patiently guarding Dawn's truck.

Youth Top Winners At Chico

2012-01-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

At Chico the first youth Best In Show of 2012 was judged by judge Ray. The Best In Show prize went to Eli with his Holland Lop. The Reserve In Show winner is Brittney's Satin; Brittney was not in the showroom so judge Ray is holding the Satin for her in this photo.

Eli and Brittney have had a lot of back and forth alternating the win of Best In Show and Reserve In Show in many shows in 2011, it seems that it won't not any exception in 2012.

Youth show B top winners were selected after the open shows were are completed, thus no photo available. Show B Best In Show unknown, the Reserve In Show went to Katealynn's New Zealand.

Top Winners in Chico Show B

2012-01-16T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the second show of 2012 at Chico, judge Randy picks Lauralee's broken Satin Best In Show and Tim's Netherland Dwarf Reserve In Show. We sure can see Lauralee is happy, look at her big smiles!

English Angora and Mini Rex are honorably mentioned as the two closest contenders.

Zeeva Wins All Breed Best In Show

2012-01-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

Chu's Zeeva is a young senior doe who is less than 8 months old; she has a dense and free flowing coat over a round and solid body.

On Saturday, the first show in No. CA in 2012 was held in Chico, CA. Judge Allen picks Betty's English Angora colored senior doe Zeeva Best In Show and Cathy's broken Rex Reserve In Show.

There were over 30 breeds represented on the Best In Show table.

Four Torts In Same Litter

2012-01-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

It is unusual to have all four torts: (black) tort, blue tort, chocolate tort and lilac tort in the same litter and here it such a litter.

In this litter, from left to right are a chocolate tort, two black torts, a blue tort and a lilac tort. By putting these four tort colors next to each other, it is easy to distinguish their colors on the bodies and on the masks.

Tort, Blue Tort, Chocolate Tort and Lilac Tort

2012-01-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

These two tort bunnies are "black" based: the left is blue tort and right is tort (black tort).

Blue tort is the dilute of black tort, blue tort has gray eyes while tort has brown eyes.
Blue tort has blue face and blue beige wool while tort has black face and tan wool.

The genotype of tort is aaB-C-D-ee

The genotype of blue tort is aaB-C-ddee

aa indicates that both are non-agouti.

B indicates that both are "black" based.

C indicates that both are full colored.

ee indicates that both are non-extension.

The difference between the two color genotype is D- and dd.

D- indicates that the tort is a dense color, - indicates that there may be another D or there may be a d that is recessive.

dd indicates that blue tort is a dilute version of tort.

These two bunnies are "brown or chocolate" based, the left is chocolate tort and the right is lilac tort.

Chocolate tort is the dense color and lilac tort is the dilute of chocolate tort.

Chocolate tort bunny has brown eyes and lilac tort bunny has gray eyes.

Chocolate tort has chocolate face and orangish tan wool and lilac tort has lilac face and pinkish beige wool.

The genotype of choc tort is aabbC-D-ee

The genotype of lilac tort is aabbC-ddee
aa indicates that both are non-agouti.
bb indicates that both are "brown or chocolate" based.
C indicates that both are full colored.
ee indicates that both are non-extension.

The difference between the two color genotype is D- and dd.

D- indicates that the chocolate tort is a dense color, - indicates that there may be another D or there may be a d that is recessive.

dd indicates that lilac tort is a dilute version of chocolate tort.

Green With Envy

2012-01-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty says,

I dye my Angora yarns. The more popular colors are blue, purple, pink, red and any of these combined together.

Green is a hard to handle color; those who like green just love it, those who do not will not touch it. Recently I had a friend asking whether I would try to dye a couple of green skeins. I said I'd try.

Here are the two different green skeins that I dyed. One skein is light green with a hint of blue and the other is moss green with red.

My friend really likes them, will pick them up in Santa Rosa.

Baby Booties And Ribbon Color

2012-01-11T01:05:00.000-08:00

Maureen has received an order for a pair of baby booties. She knitted a pair, gorgeous. Since the gender of the baby is unknown, she put on neutral white ribbons.

The intended recipient of the baby booties is an Asian family. In Asian culture white is not considered as a color of celebration, red is considered as good luck and a color of celebration.

Red ribbons signify luck and happiness so Maureen changes the ribbons from white to bright red. Don't the booties with red ribbons look warmer and happier?

Randy And Allen's Netherland Dwarf Win Triple Best In Show

2012-01-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

Three peas in a pod? Nope, three Best In Show otter ND on the same day!

On the first show in So. CA in 2012, Randy and Allen's three otter Netherland Dwarf won Best In Show in all three shows. From left to right are:

Stinger, Otter Junior Buck, Misery, Otter Junior Doe and Dark Lady, Otter Senior Doe.

Congratulations to Randy and Allen.

White Rabbit Is Overjoyed

2012-01-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Big White Rabbit is overjoyed with the beginning of 2012. He wishes everyone a joyful and productive year to come.

(Image comes from the Wells Fargo Year of the Rabbit calendar)

Washing Angora Yarn

2012-01-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

A loosely twisted skein of tort yarn, just spun but not yet washed.

Dawn is very good for washing Angora items; any other gentle dishwashing liquid also works.

Pour a little Dawn into the warm water and stir.

Soak the skein of Angora yarn for a few hours, push it a little then change water and rinse until the soap residues are all gone.

Put the wet yarn on a big bath towel and let the towel soak up the moisture.

When the bath towel is saturated with water, take another dry towel and put the Angora skein on it to take out more moisture.

If it's a nice sunny day, hang the skein to dry.

If it's not a dry day and if you have force air heating, put a shelf on top of the vent and spread the skein. The key is to dry thoroughly and quickly without agitating the yarn. If the yarn is not dried thoroughly and quickly, it may smell like a wet dog. If you tumble the yarn in the dryer, it may felt the yarn.

Now the yarn is thoroughly dried, it's twisted into a skein. The washed skein usually does not look as fluffy as the unwashed skein. However, knitting will provide enough handling to fluff up the yarn and wearing the finish hat or scarf will provide further handling to make the finished item way fluffier than the washed yarn.

Mary Jane Wants Attention

2012-01-07T01:05:00.000-08:00

What are they doing? Taking pictures? I want to be in the pictures.

Hi, J H, how about taking pictures of a very pretty cat?

I am here, I am here, take my pictures.

That's right, scratch my head and take my pictures.

Hi, Bon Yu, I like that, more head scratching and more picture taking.

I like you, would you take me with you to New York?

Betty says,

My sister-in-law Bon Yu and hubby J H came to visit. Mary Jane had a great time playing up for attentions.

Alice In Winter Wonderland

2012-01-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

At the Great America Park in Santa Clara, CA, there were lots of lanterns on display during the holiday time from Christmas to New Year. The program was named "Winter Wonderland".

Alice and family went and took quite a few photos. She is sharing some of the photos with us.

Alice Goes To Las Vegas

2012-01-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty and Alice have been the best of friends since high school and that's a zillion years ago.

Alice came over to spend the holiday with her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, they went to Las Vegas.

All that glitters in Las Vegas ....

... is not gold but sure shows festivity.

It wouldn't be Las Vegas if there aren't some performers on stage.

Winter Time Is Spinning Time And Knitting Time

2012-01-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty says,

There is a long break of shows during the holiday time. For us California residents, it's not common to have a 5-week period without a show. Even though it's holiday time, it still leaves me a lot of time to spin and knit. Here are some of the skeins of natual and dyed yarns that I spun recently plus two new scarves.

In less than two weeks we'll be back to shows.

Siana Enjoys Being A Young Farmer

2012-01-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

Siana lives along the Monterey Bay with her parents Ryan and Jill.

Siana loves the county fair, she has a Brown Swiss Cow and Angora goats that produce mohair.

Siana and Brown Swiss Cow win lots of champion prizes while the Italian Maremma congratulates Idabelle.

Siana loves to read, and also tries her hand with bull fighting.

Siana and parents travel to various shows.

Siana has chickens and turkeys, and a pheasant too.

Siana is a youth member of Northern California Angora Guild. She showed rabbits frequently but in 2011 she took a break from rabbits and involved in other farm animals. Ryan and Jill moved from city living to countryside for Siana to experience the joy of land and farming.

Siana's Dairy Cow Project

2012-01-02T01:05:00.000-08:00

Siana is a youth member of Northern California Angora Guild. She has a fawn English Angora buck that she loves. She is taking a little time off from rabbits and doing other animal projects. She made a very creative Christmas album as a greeting card for her friends. We will share that album tomorrow. Today we'll share some photos taken in September when Siana and parents Ryan and Jill cared for Siana's Brown Swiss dairy cow Idabelle during the Monterey Fair.

Siana's posted Idabelle's vital statistics.

Siana's states the fact of the Brown Swiss cow milk production.

Siana displays photos of the six breeds of dairy cows.

Siana's Idabelle won the Junior Championship at the Monterey Fair.

Hoppy Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

Northern California Angora Guild wishes everyone a very Hoppy Happy New Year.

Bunnies Celebrate New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T01:05:00.000-08:00

We say Goodbye to 2011 and looking forward to 2012.

Pregnancy Glow

2011-12-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's told that pregnancy makes a woman beautiful; for those who do not breed their does often, a hay mustache is the most beautiful pregnancy glow to be seen!

Maureen is looking forward to being a grandma soon.

White Rabbit Enjoys Foggy Mountain

2011-12-29T01:05:00.000-08:00

Winter brings fog, White Rabbit is enjoying the view of a foggy mountain.

(Graphics come from Wells Fargo The Year of Rabbit Calendar).

Dragon Is Coming

2011-12-28T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Year of Rabbit is winding down, it will officially end on January 22. The Year of Dragon starts on January 23, 2012.

Dragon figurines are popping up in Asian stores.

Fish is always a sign of good luck regardless of what year it is; it symbolizes abundance.

There are abundance of Asian New Year food items in the stores.

Red and gold are the most popular colors for the Asian New Year.

Dominique And Elsa Photos by Dannie Zane

2011-12-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

Dominique is "kissing" Grace.

Elsa is cuddling Peter.

We saw professional photographer Dannie Zane's photo sessions were used for the Best In Show and Reserve In Show prizes on Saturday at the Red Bluff shows. Here are two photos that she took of Dominique and Elsa with their French Angora. These photos were displayed at Dannie's booth at Red Bluff.

Nice Prizes For Best In Show And Reserve In Show At Red Bluff

2011-12-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

Usually the winners of Best In Show and Reserve In Show get a chair, a blanket, a carrier or a trophy as prizes in rabbit shows. On Saturday at Red Bluff, the top winners were treated to a professional photo session by Dannie Zane http://www.dzphoto.net/

Allen and "Misery" sat for the photo session by Dannie for the Best In Show prize; Misery won another Best In Show on Sunday then the Best of Best In Show at the end of the three-day show weekend.

Dannie handed Betty the framed/matted photo for her Reserve In Show win.

Judy was delighted with the framed picture of her Best In Show Mini Rex.

Austin displays the framed photo of him and his Flemish Giant on the grooming table. This prize is for the Reserve In Show win on Saturday. On Sunday the same Flemish Giant won Best In Show and Austin received a embroidery bag as the prize.

Dannie's website http://www.dzphoto.net/ also includes a page of other rabbits in the shows at Red Bluff. Take a look at her other photos.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Northern California Angora Guild wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

Chloeanna Is A Sleeping Beauty

2011-12-24T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's toward the end of the Red Bluff 3-day weekend shows, people are tired and so are the rabbits. Betty sits down for a rest and Chloeanna takes a nap at Betty's lap.

Betty tends to her knitting while Chloeanna snoozes.

A close up shot of Chloeanna sleeping.

Even at sleep, Chloeanna is a beauty.

Working Time For Jersey Wooly Breeders

2011-12-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

At the Red Bluff show, Jersey Wooly had a great showing of over 50 rabbits. Sandra drove all the way from So. CA to attend the shows and to transport free of charge Jersey Wooly rabbits from the north to the south. Her van was packed full to the ceiling. Sandra also did very well in the breed, winning Best of Breed in two shows. Sandra is the layout and graphic designer for Domestic Rabbits. If you wonder why DR looks so good in the recent years, Sandra has a lot to do with it.

Angel is very active in Jersey Wooly in the No. CA area as well as on the national level. Angel at the left and Sandra at the right are working the Jersey Wooly website together at the Red Bluff show. Angel's Jersey Wooly won Best of Breed in one of the shows at Red Bluff.

Boo Is A Kissing Fool

2011-12-22T01:05:00.000-08:00

Are you going to kiss me or not?

NOT!

Are you going to kiss me or not?

If you don't like kissing, how about teething?

Or I can kiss you hand.

Molly and Boo are wearing matching outfit.

Oh, mom, kiss me, kiss me!

This is where I love to be, in my mama Tomi's arms.

The Biggest Possum

2011-12-21T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty says, at the corner of our rabbit barn, Nikki and Mary Jane share a favorite bed regularly.

The next day after Harlie/Alvin went home, just after dark I saw Nikki and Mary Jane meowing unhappily. There was a very big very fat possum sitting in their bed. Sorry, no picture; possums are not known to be fond of photo ops. I immediately picked up a fish net that hangs on our fence and started chasing the possum. After a major struggle, I got it half in and half out hanging at the edge of the fish net. I tried my best to keep it under control, and ...

I got the possum in the trap! It is a very big one, the biggest possum that we have ever caught either by trap or by net; and we have caught a lot of possums over the last 30+ years. It's estimated to be around 15 pounds, way bigger than Nikki or Mary Jane.

Look at this massive head, it got to be a male. Female possums tend to have more pointed heads.

Possum wants us to see his teeth.

"I have beautiful white teeth!"

After a ride in the special limousine service, we arrived at the county park.

"Do I have to go? Let me stay."

"Please, I like your cat bed, I like your cat food, I don't want to leave."

"OK, OK, you don't want me, I can see that."

"Big deal, I am leaving."

"This is a nice park anyway."

(see the behind of the possum between the tree and the big rock in the middle of the photo.)

Harlie is Alvin: Mystery Solved

2011-12-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Betty says,

I called several neighbors leaving messages about finding a stray rabbit. After four days, a lady knocked at our front door and said, "My name is Julie, I live four houses down. I understand you have our rabbit Alvin?"

Hubby answered the door, so he asked, "What breed of rabbit?" Julie said, "Harlequin".

That's pretty specific, so Julie came into our yard and reunited with Harlie. Well, Harlie's name is not Harlie, Harlie's name is Alvin. Julie said, "Alvin lives with our chickens, he is very maternal to our chickens. He runs around our yard for the last three years, never strayed too far, he always came back at night. We did not expect him to hop so far to your yard. I was really looking for him and our next door neighbor George said that you had left a message about a rabbit."

So Harlie, no, Alvin goes home with Julie to be the chicken guardian again. Would Harlie/Alvin know that he came very close to becoming a show rabbit? Probably not. Chickens are good.

Studying Harlequin Standard: Adventure of Harlie

2011-12-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Harlie is settling in, really tame and gentle, a very good boy.

Betty says, being a diehard show person, I can't help but go to the Standard of Perfection to study Harlequin. This side of Harlie's face is OK, should be orange but there are some black.

This side of face is really good.

The line is very straight. The ears are a little off, the black side of the face should have an orange ear and the orange side of the face should have a black ear.

The tummy marking is quite good and the legs are very straight, definitely not pinched.

Harlie seems to be a nice rabbit that I could try showing him. Since he came without a passport (aka pedigree) nor his suitcase (aka background), it'll be just for fun. There is no chance of registration thus not eligible for Grand Champion no matter how well he does in shows.

Is Harlie going to a rabbit show when the 2012 show season starts? Stay tuned.

Settling In: Adventure Of Harlie

2011-12-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

The next morning, Harlie is back to Betty's yard.

Harlie likes to dig, dig and dig.

The poor flowers are not Harlie's worthy opponents, they are Harlie's casualties.

Can't fight Harlie, will join Harlie; Harlie gets a spot at the corner of Betty's barn with a 24 x 36 cage. The door is open, Harlie can hop in and out but no longer able to dig in the flower bed.

Harlie is quite content with this arrangement; he enjoys the water in the bowl and the pellets in the J feeder.

He hops onto the stool and grooms himself. He is a happy bunny.

Betty says,

I am now the mama of a Harlequin rabbit! What happens next? Stay tuned.

Is This A Big Rat? Adventure of Harlie

2011-12-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

What is it? A big rat?

Mom, come fast, there is a big rat in our yard!

Let's work together to catch this big rat.

Would you be my friend? I am not a rat, I am a Harlequin rabbit.

You are a rabbit? You don't look anything like our rabbits, where is your wool?

Let me make sure that you are a rabbit, not a rat.

Yea, you smell rabbit.

OK, may I hang out with you cats?

I like this place, lots of rabbits, lots of cats and lots of leaves.

Betty says,
A Harlequin rabbit showed up at our yard; it's a very nice looking rabbit. It hung around for at least six hours then left. What happens to the handsome Harlie? Stay tuned.

"Misery" Is The Best Of The Best In Show

2011-12-16T01:05:00.000-08:00

During two and half days at Red Bluff, there were 5 open shows and 4 youth shows.

Of the 9 shows, only one rabbit won Best In Show twice and that rabbit was Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf otter doe "Misery". The other seven one-time Best In Show winners are: Scott's Dutch, Judy's Mini Rex, Austin's Flemish Giant, Hayley's American Fuzzy Lop, Brittney's Satin, SayDee's Himalayan and Russell's Californian.

When all these Best In Show rabbits were gathered together to compete for the Best of Best In Show, Misery wins the title of the Best of Best, picked by registrar Julie.

In case one wonders where the name Misery came from, it's from the 1990 movie "Misery" of which Kathy Bates won an Oscar for the Best Actress. The movie is based on Stephen King's 1987 novel "Misery".

Youth Top Winners At Red Bluff

2011-12-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

On Saturday in show A, Hayley's American Fuzzy Lop wins youth Best In Show and Savana's Havana wins youth Reserve In Show, judged by judge Cathy.

In show B, judge Scott picks Brittney's Satin youth Best In Show. Youth Reserve In Show goes to Russell's Californian, see the fourth photo on this page.

In show C on Sunday, the winner of youth Best In Show is SayDee's Himalayan (photo not available) and the youth Reserve In Show goes to the Holland Lop shown by the Maki brothers.

On Sunday in show D, it's a sibling rivalry: big brother Russell wins youth Best In Show and youth Reserve In Show goes to little sister Lena's Himalayan.

Open Top Winners At Red Bluff On Sunday

2011-12-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Ted picks Austin's Flemish Giant as Best In Show in show C; the same rabbit also won Reserve In Show in show A on Saturday.

Jeanne's Polish is the Reserve In Show in show C.

In show D, judge Chris picks Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf otter doe "Misery" Best In Show. Misery also won Best In Show in show B on Saturday.

The broken Satin is the Reserve In Show in show D.

Open Top Winners At Red Bluff On Saturday

2011-12-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Zach from WA picks Judy's Mini Rex Best In Show in show A, the Reserve In Show goes to a Flemish Giant of which the photo will be in tomorrow's post.

In show B, Judge Alan from Utah picks Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf otter doe "Misery" as the Best In Show and Betty's English Angora tort senior doe Chu's Chloeanna as the Reserve In Show.

Saturday entry count shows that there were 14 judges, each judged 225 rabbits; total entries 3150.

Friday Night Show At Red Bluff

2011-12-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's the last show weekend in Northern California. Two clubs, The Rabbit Club and California Rabbit and Cavy Shows, cooperatively put on five all breed shows plus additional specialty shows during the weekend. Exhibitors came from all over: WA, OR, AZ and needless to say from the very tip of No. CA to the far south of So. CA.

Show room opened at 3 pm on Friday, the first show started at 6 pm on Friday night and the top two winners are:

Best In Show: Scott's black Dutch senior doe Maryann, Reserve In Show: Melissa's white Mini Satin. The Best In Show judge is judge Kevin from AZ. In the picture with Melissa and judge Kevin is Melissa's daughter Lena.

Casey's Red Torts

2011-12-11T01:05:00.000-08:00

As we have known for a while that Casey is working on red English Angora. Red in Angora is agouti pattern that needs "A" gene and non-extension "ee" genes. Since tort is very well established in English Angora and in Casey's herd, it's not a surprise that she got three torts out of a breeding of REW and red parents.

Tort is usually orangish with black points; these three torts are darker and redder than a regular tort. The second one from left is very red, it must carry a good amount of rufus.

Dominique, Elsa and Tyler Learning to Clip French Angora

2011-12-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

Gabrielle says,

Since the kids have today off of school, here's what we're doing this morning!Although I've "let" the kids pluck their rabbits down when the timing was right, I've been very hesitant to let them actually clip with scissors. Two reasons: worried about them nicking the rabbit, and worried about 2nd and 3rd cuts in the wool, rendering it too short to spin. Well, today was my day to "let go" of the control and just let them do it. Jake is a mellow boy who sits nice and still; a good candidate for a beginner. All three kids get involved: Elsa is the "holder". Dominique is the "clipper". And Tyler... well, he's the "reassurance team". Tyler tells Jake, "That's a good boy. Nice and still." Then, Tyler tells Dominique, "Don't cut his self." (His way of telling Dominique not to cut Jake.)

New Fingerless Gloves for Dominique and Elsa

2011-12-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Gabrielle says,

No, I didn't make them. They were a gift from the school crossing guard. It was her way of rewarding the girls for riding their scooters safely and wearing their helmets every day. She asked the girls what their favorite color is and then made them. Very sweet!!

Picking Best Of Breed

2011-12-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

Four beautiful English Angora in full coat. Check the front and check the back, which one should be the BOB?

A Little of This 'n A Little of That

2011-12-07T01:05:00.000-08:00

Take a big handful of white Angora wool and a little bit of pink merino and spin; then ply it with a strand of gold thread, the result is an interesting and very pretty skein of yarn.

The big skein of yarn is enough to make a good size scarf and still have some yarn left for a small scarf or a hat.

A close up of the scarf.

Found In The Media: Snoopy and Bunnies

2011-12-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

Snoopy and bunnies, friends? enemies?

Remember When: Dreaming Of Being A Rabbit Breeder

2011-12-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

Can you tell who that is? That's Betty at around 19 years old; and that's ancient. For some strange reason, several pictures were taken with an inflatable bunny. Was it a prediction for the future?

Wish Upon A Star

2011-12-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Big White Rabbit cannot believe it's already December. Wish the peace for the world and love for all bunnies.

(Image comes from Wells Fargo Bank Year of The Rabbit Calendar).

Rabbit Protectors

2011-12-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

This is our home and the rabbits inside belong to us, whoever wants to come into the barn area has to pass inspection here.

Make sure you look that way, it's important to be aware of the surroundings.

Is it safe that way? OK, let's look at this way to make sure nothing bad will happen.

We better look both ways to be sure that our rabbits are protected.

Pretty In Pink 'n Purple

2011-12-02T01:05:00.000-08:00

It's cooking up a steam, what is it?

When the steam clears, it shows Angora yarn being dyed pink and purple.

After rinsing and drying, the result is a very pretty skein of pink 'n purple Angora yarn.

English Angora Pins And Magnets

2011-12-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

Maureen is very talented. She uses polymer clay to make English Angora figurines that could be used as pins or magnets.

This photo shows some of her creations. If you are envious of these little easy care cuties, you probably could talk Maureen in selling you a singling or a litter. Contact Maureen at maureen789@aol.com

Little birdie says that one easy care English Angora is only $5 and may be you can talk maureen into giving a discount for a whole litter.

Welcome Back Lindsay and John

2011-11-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

Lindsay used to show her French Angora regularly then went off to show her dog for a while, became a regular in the dog show circuit.

John and partner were also showing quite a bit but have not been to a show for a while.

In Lodi, both came back with some nice French Angora.

Welcome back to shows, Lindsay and John.

Dog Day At Rabbit Show

2011-11-29T01:05:00.000-08:00

Rabbit shows are supposed to be for rabbits but service dogs and those in training are acceptable.

Stephanie is working with the service puppy; Lena is intrigued by the pup.

Another guide dog in training.

Melodye and family rescued this puppy from the roadside, she is careful not to let it down on the ground in the rabbit show.

Lindsay has her little Papillon in her jacket; the little one is a show dog.

What do you want from me, doing my show walk in a rabbit show?

Youth Show Top Winners At Lodi

2011-11-28T01:05:00.000-08:00

In CRCS youth show A, Brittney's Satin wins Best In Show and Maki brothers' Holland Lop wins Reserve In Show.

In CRCS youth show B, judge Dick S. selects the Maki brothers' Holland Lop as the Best In Show.

Melanie's Mini Satin is awarded youth Reserve In Show by judge Dick S.

Open Show Top Winners At Lodi

2011-11-27T01:05:00.000-08:00

In the California Rabbit and Cavy show A, judge Kevin awards the Best In Show to Melissa's Mini Satin and the Reserve In Show to Scott's Dutch.

In show B, judge Uno awards the Best In Show to Keelyn's Florida White and picks Scott's Dutch Reserve In Show.

Brock's Convention Winners

2011-11-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

Our youth friend Brock reports from Ohio:

" I did not show angoras but i did show my english lops, silver martens, and std. chins. I had BOB std. chin with my buck Taco, I had BOV blue with my doe Reba, and i had BOSV broken english lop broken with my 6-8 buck Zach".

Brock's Taco, youth BOB Standard Chin.

Brock's Reba, youth BOV Blue Silver Marten.

Brock's Zach, BOSV broken English Lop.

Nate On His Way To Becoming A Judge

2011-11-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

There are three ARBA judges in the state of Utah. Nate has been a registrar for a while, he passed the ARBA judge's written examination and now starts working on his judge's license. On Saturday, Nate is working under judge Chris Z of CA.

Judge Chris Z gives Nate some pointers.

Judge Chris Z watches Nate's handling of English Angora, Hope is the writer.

Nate checks the eyes of the Tort English Angora.

Nate checks the nails of the black English Angora.

Needless to say that Nate passed judge Chris Z's test. He is well on his way to becoming the 4th ARBA judge in Utah. Nate is the current president of the American Fuzzy Lop national club. In his other life, he is an attorney.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T01:05:00.000-08:00

Northern California Angora Guild wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf Wins Best In Show

2011-11-23T01:05:00.000-08:00

Southern CA is seeing a resurgence in rabbits at shows. The double open Antelope Valley RCBA show in Lancaster on Nov. 19 had great numbers, even requiring the addition of judges.

Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf otter junior buck "Artifact" wins BIS in Show A.

Friends At Indy Airport

2011-11-22T01:05:00.000-08:00

Indy airport was a busy place on the day of check out. The line was long and many kennels and passengers got bumped, including Betty's. Instead of going through Minneapolis, Betty and her rabbits were re-routed through Atlanta with two extra hours of wait.

Sandra and Cheryl from Hawaii were trying to get their rabbits back to the Island. Travis was such a sweetie to help getting Sandra and Cheryl to the airport and handling the heavy duty kennels.

Betty was waiting two extra hours for her flight to go to Atlanta, here came Judy L. who was catching a connecting flight back to UK. Both had long waits, they kept each other company and had a great conversation about color genetics.

Ready To Leave Indy

2011-11-21T01:05:00.000-08:00

Indy convention was winding down; on Wednesday morning, John and Maureen drove from their home in OH to Indy to check out Donny and Zelda and help Betty to get to the airport.

Betty's kennel shells are under the carrier. The kennels are to be put together when arriving at the airport.

Doreen Sucessfully Presented Silver Marten Mini Rex

2011-11-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Doreen was told by the ARBA standard committee that she succeeded in the 3rd and final presentation of the Mini Rex Silver Marten variety.

I did it! I did it!

Husband Joey gave a tight hug to congratulate Doreen. Joey was the Dist. 2 director for three terms; Joey and Doreen make their home in CA.

Otter Mini Satin Passed Second Showing At Indy

2011-11-19T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Roger H. is the presenter of Otter Mini Satin; he succeeded in the second showing in the first try. He will attempt the third showing in Wichita, KS; if the presentation passes, the Otter variety will be eligible for showing the following February.

Judge Roger and his presentation animals; he is currently the district 1 director.

New Cavy Variety of American Marten Accepted At Indy

2011-11-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Ron has been a cavy judge forever and now also a rabbit judge. He is the presenter of the Cavy breed American Marten variety. After years and years of hard work, this variety passed the final showing and accepted into the Standard of Perfection as a new variety.

American is not a new breed but this Marten pattern is new. The key points are the pattern on the tummy and the face. This photo was taken with flashlight.

This photo was taken in natural light to give a better look at the same Marten cavy.

This is a close up shot of the face in natural light.

Family Time At Convention

2011-11-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Indy convention is a memorable one for the Stepnoski family of PA; daddy Ray, Mommy Diana with two sisters Alex and Rehanna are all in the convention. This is Alex's first convention to compete in the open and her Giant Angora won Best Opposite Sex. Little sister Rehanna was crowned Cavy Queen of 2011 and her Texel cavy won BOB. Diana usually takes the girls to the shows by herself because Ray is out of town on business quite often but he was able to make this convention. They had a wonderful time at Indy.

Alex is having a pep talk with her English Angora colored senior doe just before judging. The pretty doe took 5th place out of 26 in the class, a very good showing.

Our Cavy Queen Rehanna with her proud daddy Ray.

Mommy Diana is also very proud of Rehanna too.

"No Deal" Makes A Big Deal

2011-11-16T01:05:00.000-08:00

Randy and Allen's Netherland Dwarf otter junior buck "Poacher" made a big splash in the ARBA convention at Indy by winning Group 2, one of the four finalists for the convention Best In Show.

In the first show back in CA, "Poacher" took a rest from shows, otter junior doe "No Deal" went on the show table for the first time and made a big deal again by winning the Best In Show in Fresno last Saturday. .

Proacher with his two happy papas, Allen and Randy, after winning Group 2 at Indy.

Maureen's Boy Donny At Indy

2011-11-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

Maureen is getting Donny ready for judging.

Donny, you need to know how to pose, follow what I do!

Zelda is going home with Maureen; if Donny is a good boy, he might have Zelda as his girlfriend.

Halloween Scenes At Indy

2011-11-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

Halloween occurred during the convention at Indy. Katelyn is being dressed up in costume by her mom Alicia.

Katelyn is all dressed up for the costume contest.

The little Holland Lop is dressed up for Halloween.

Purina booth is running a custome contest; this young lady and her rabbit are both dressed up as bumblebees.

A pumpkin or a rabbit?

A rabbit or a car or ???

Youth Art And Education Contests At Indy

2011-11-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

Every year in the ARBA convention, there are art, photography, and education contests in the youth building. These displays sure show how great and how talented our youth are. Enjoy the pictures of the displays.

ARBA History Booth At Indy

2011-11-12T01:05:00.000-08:00

ARBA history booth displayed old material at the convention.

A box of four wooden New Zealand models with a sheet explaining the weakness of each model.

ARBA officials in the old days.

Youth contest Queen in the old days.

A framed photo of cooped rabbits in a national convention.

Happy English Lop Winners At Indy

2011-11-11T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Paul of New York and judge Carol of California judged English Lop in the convention at Indianapolis. There are 33 points allocated to the ears of English Lop, judges have to measure their ears to make sure that from tip to tip the length is at least 21 inches. In general, it takes more time to judge English Lop than most of other breeds. At Indy, it took the two judges 10 hours to complete the judging. The happy Best of Breed winners are David and Trina from California. David and Trina's English Lop had won the Group in the 2006 ARBA convention in Dallas/Fort Worth, their rabbits are regularly in the winners' circle.

Rabbit Jumping Contest At Indy

2011-11-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

On November 1, 2011, at the youth building of the ARBA convention in Indianapolis, two rows of hurdles were set up for rabbit jumping contest.

Here comes a contestant with his little rabbit.

Little guy is doing OK, running and jumping. The two adults on the right side of the photo are judge Mike, ARBA president and judge Susie from MN. They are taking on the task of judging the rabbit jumping contest.

Little rabbit decided that he did not want to go any farther. There is a very noisy heating unit on the right side, just next to the two judges.

The owner decided to help his rabbit to jump over the last hurdle at this end of the course.

The young lady seemed to have a little better luck to get the rabbit to the end of the hurdles. The noisy heating unit is inside the chain link fence at the very right side of this photo.

Rabbit jumping is a very popular activity in Europe. On October 30, 2011, the first European Rabbit Jumping championship was held in Wollerau, Switzerland, see

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/g/a/2011/11/04/rabbit_hopping_championship.DTL&object=%2Fc%2Fpictures%2F2011%2F11%2F04%2Fba-67089288_0504489324.jpg

In the next episode of the CBS program Amazing Race, rabbit jumping is one of the "Road Blocks", Road Block is a task that the contestants have to perform before they can get the clue to move to the next destination. If you are interested, make sure to turn on CBS on Sunday night at 8 pm, 7 pm central to see that episode.

Stacy And Joey Expecting

2011-11-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Judge Stacy of OH flew to Reno to judge during the WCC weekend in April, she was a new bride of one week then. In the convention we heard good news: Stacy and husband Joey are expecting a son in March 2012. Stacy has baby sickness but glowing, her baby bump is very visible.

We send our best wishes to the expecting parents.

Broken Presentation Is Not Easy

2011-11-08T01:05:00.000-08:00

Lynn, the broken English Angora presenter, is talking to Christine and daughter Nichole concerning her presentation.

It's a very stressful process, Lynn and bunny needed a little eye-closing time.

Brenda drove all the way from New York to help grooming and to support Lynn's presentation. Most of Lynn's broken English Angora stock originated from Brenda's herd.

Lynn said, "Doesn't this broken English Angora look great?"

Lynn and daughter Nichole are getting ready to put the presentation rabbits on the table, Brenda's husband Dean is holding the next rabbit to be placed on the table.

We know the final results: the presentation did not pass. However, Lynn is a very tenacious person. She is going to continue the process by starting over. It's a 5-7 year project, and we definitely appreciate Lynn's dedication.

Katelyn And Katelyn

2011-11-07T01:05:00.000-08:00

Here are two Katelyns at play, at left is Katelyn from MN and at right is Katelyn also from MN.

How much coincidence can it be? Both name Katelyn with the same spelling, both are from MN, both are from three generations of Angora breeding and showing families.

Here are Katelyn with her mom Lori. Lori was a youth English Angora exhibitor in WI in the 1980s, later moved to MN. Now she has a doctor degree, is married and with one daughter Katelyn. Lori and mom Audrey traveled to a lot of places, as far as in Oregon, to show their English Angora; now Audrey, Lori and Katelyn are traveling together to show their English Angora. It's truly a three-generation English Angora family.

Here is the younger Katelyn with grandma Deb. Deb shows English Angora, Katelyn's mom Alicia shows French Angora and Katelyn is not yet showing Angora but will start with a Himalayan then advance to Angora later on. She is very interested in Angora but her mommy and grandma wanted her to start with a normal fur breed. Showing is a family tradition that will be continued.

Betty Walking

2011-11-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

One of the major activities of an ARBA convention is walking. Yes, walking. You better have very comfortable shoes on or your will be in pain. Grooming rabbits means getting one out of the coop then walk a long stretch passing all the booth and people to the grooming area, groom, then walk the long stretch back to the rabbit coop to put it back. Then repeat with the next rabbit, and the next and the next and ....

Betty says, "I received this picture from Sandra, the art illustrator of Domestic Rabbits, this morning. She said she loved this picture. I thought it pretty much sums up what I did over and over during the convention: brisk walking holding the rabbit to the grooming area to groom it then brisk walking with the rabbit back to the cooping area. If you look at the wool, it shows how fast I was walking to have caused a wind-blown effect on the rabbit. When I walked back and forth between the cooping area and the grooming area, I saw so many people who I knew or knew me. I kept a smiling face to make sure that even if I missed the person's eye contact or greetings, I was still trying to be pleasant."