District 9

Bill Miller

rabbitcrossroads@aol.com

District 9 Report

“Sunshine always brings a smile.” ~ Bill Miller

I want everyone to know how very much I enjoyed working for the club and District 9. Although I have closed the rabbitry, I have wonderful memories of so many folks in the fancy. We have an awesome group of fanciers. disbelief. Sell healthy, quality animals to people. Share breeding stock and help other folk succeed. I remember one family buying quite a few mediocre rabbits for hefty prices. They didn’t last long. One season and they were out. It saddened me.

Regions Represented:

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC & All Other Foreign My late father was a High School educator and athletic director for 39 years. A few years before he passed, a county councilman worked with the high school athletic club to name the stadium at the high school after Dad. When they celebrated the naming of the stadium, my father was well into his battle with dementia. We were thrilled Daddy was able to recognize everyone that night. Many of his former students, faculty members, and fellow coaches attended. The Perry Hall High School community was simply part of our extended family. At a gate entrance, the stadium dons a sign that reads, “Compete with Character.” That was the mantra Dad lived by.

As rabbit fanciers, how do we compete with character? First, we should encourage others. We need to do our best to welcome newcomers into the fancy. When we see someone new at the shows, we need to give them a reason to come back. Many years ago, I made friends with some truly outstanding people. Somehow, they have always drawn me back into the rabbit fancy. Try to be the reason people want to attend a show.

Second, be honest in your dealings. We have all heard a few stories that left us in Third, breed to improve. Find knowledgeable breeders to help guide you on your efforts. I know having to compete with some clever breeders in my area forced me to raise the bar and strive for improvement. In D9, we helped each other. At every show, we spent more time socializing and putting our hands on each other’s rabbits. We learned from each other. If someone needed a specific trait, a rabbit was quickly switched from one carrier to another to help someone improve the stock in their barn. We didn’t simply set our own bar high, we set the bar high for others, and helped them move in the right direction. We shared. It is just as important to improve the breed in your competitor’s barn as it is to improve the quality in your own barn. After all, what is the fun of not having any competition? I am thankful for the countless hours spent with people like Fran Haskins. She offered valuable advice and always made for keen competition on the tables.

Fourth, focus on the friendships. I have so many wonderful rabbit pals. Certainly, you will find me at the shows! Even though I am no longer breeding, I will attend shows to see my pals! D9 is a family. Somehow, a mutual interest in rabbits brought us all together! We have so many clever breeders. Thanks to everyone for being

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part of my life.

Fifth, enjoy the show and not simply the wins. While winning on the table is fun, it isn’t half as fun as hanging out with your rabbit friends. I am a very competitive person. I like to achieve success. I’m sure everyone in D9 will remember how often I was spotted grooming a rabbit at shows. Thankfully, I am a great multi-tasker. While grooming, many wonderful conversations took place. We didn’t just talk about rabbits. When the judging is finished, congratulate the winners. They surely worked hard to earn their wins. D9 is a family. We celebrate each other’s successes. Lastly, avoid the drama. It seems it is easy to fall into the negative. Smile a lot. Mean it. Life is short. Focus on the positive. Like any fancy, the rabbit world has some negative energy. Avoid it. If you are having trouble finding a happy place at rabbit shows, I can only offer you this advice: The D9 Wooly folk are the reason I have been in and out of rabbits so many times. I miss the people and end up cleaning rabbit

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BOS Brenda Kneir Way to go District 5! Sorry if I missed anyone! Don’t forget to send me your wins and pics! Looks like it’s a go for ARBA Convention in Louisville, Ky this year! That is so exciting! Since it’s fairly close I hope ALL of District 5 can attend! If you can’t go think about sending some buns with a friend. In, the meantime, breed hard, cull hard, and show, show, show! Most important have fun, make memories and friends!

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I would also like to mention some showroom etiquette. If you have children, please keep an eye on them. It is not up to other people there, or the show committee, to watch children. Keep your carriers and chairs to a minimum space, stacking carriers to allow for other exhibitors to have room. We all have seen the campfire circle at a show. And lastly, please be mindful and keep your area clean, it is not up to others to clean up after us. Pickup your trash and make sure when you are grooming to keep your wool off the floor. Be on time to the show table. Showing up late, slows the show down for everyone. If the show is waiting for your rabbit for some time, I have witnessed a judge place said rabbit last. Just something to keep in mind. Keep in mind to not talk about your rabbits or to others about their rabbits until judging is completed. It is an ARBA rule to not identify your rabbit to the judge. This should go without saying, but do not show rabbits that are sick or have disqualifications. You should not be trying to “get one by” the judge. If you know it has a disqualification, then by all means keep it in your breeding program, not on the show table. It is not fair to the judges, or your fellow competitors. My final thought on show etiquette is showmanship. Winning is why we all breed and show, but not all can win. Some say winning solves everything, but act like you have been there before. When you do not win, congratulate the winners graciously, and when you win be polite. We all just want to enjoy the hobby that we love. I hope you find your nest boxes full. Julie Aversa District 8 Representative