Barbara, Betty's Mentor in Rabbits

 

 

 

For the old time rabbit breeders, Barbara was a well-known name and familiar face in the rabbit show circuit through out the 70s, 80s and early 90s.

When Betty entered the wonderful world of rabbits by raising French Lop in 1981, Barbara was her mentor. Though Betty switched to English Angora in 1982, Barbara was still the person Betty would turn to when she had questions or problems. Until now, Betty would still go to Barbara when she has nursing issues with her does. Chu's Mercedes, a 9-time all breed Best In Show winner, and her littermates were raised by Barbara's Californian doe.

Barbara has raised almost every breed except Angora, but she was the show secretary for NCAG specialty shows from mid 1980s to 1990. She is especially well known for her Dutch, American Chin and French Lop. The Dutch club used to have specialty shows at Barbara's 2,500-acre ranch every year, NCAG got to tag along to hold specialty shows as well.

Barbara has adopted Betty and Albert during holiday seasons. It has been a more than 20-year tradition that Betty and Albert spend Christmas with Barbara and her family. It is no exception this year. Here are two photos of Barbara and Betty taken inside the house and on the porch during the Christmas dinner. It happens that Barbara is wearing a sweat shirt that says "Morgan Hill Native" in the photos. "Morgan Hill Native" is a very correct description of her and her family. The family have been residing at the same ranch since the late 1800s, there is a street named after their ranch.

Due to age and family obligations, Barbara has stopped showing, though she still has many wonderful Dutch, American Chin, French Lop and Cali. Those who need replacement stock, meat pen or meat rabbits still go to her.

Betty and Albert feel honored to call Barbara and her family true friends.