My Rabbit Hobby and my Pledge for a Successful 2015: As I reflect back over the year 2014, I realize how much of an impact this rabbit hobby has had in my life. I raise Hollands – and the breed in itself can be very frustrating bringing the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Then factor in the people and it makes for an interesting mix. My top five truths that I learned this year are: 1. Friendships are like culling rabbits. The people that are important in my life have stuck by my side no matter what and will forever have a lasting impact in my life. I will treasure them always. Those that haven’t are just gone – less stress less drama happier me. 2. I learned that it doesn’t matter how much money you spend, or with what top breeder you spend it with, it is still a crap shoot when buying rabbits on-line – what you actually receive doesn’t always meet your expectations of what the buyer said they were selling to you. Thank you Rheanna Lund for fairly representing and pricing the doe that I received from you. She is everything you said she would be and I am excited to add your genetics to my herd. 3. Joint Breedings – Always get in writing, from both parties, what the expectations of a joint breeding are – even with “friends”. Keeping the entire litter, except the one you choose to give back to the other party, is pretty unethical. It is funny how quickly even “friends” are willing to take advantage of a situation to get certain genetics – I hope it was worth it to them. Unfortunately many friendships are ruined by this selfishness. Some things are forgivable and some things just aren’t. But when both parties do it for the right reasons, it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with another breeder. Thank you to the Krolow family and to Teri Antonioni for restoring my faith in this process. 4. As President of a club that put on a National show, I had no idea of how much planning and work was involved – over a year in the making. But when you have three awesome people like Teri Antonioni, Tina Zabler, and Dale Zenk bringing so much to the table to bring it to life - it was worth every minute. And thanks to everyone in the Midwest Holland Lop Club who donated their time to help put on Holland Nationals 2014. You guys are awesome and it wouldn’t have happened without everyone pitching in. I would encourage any club, of any breed, that hasn’t done a Nationals show to do so. It was an unforgettable extremely rewarding adventure. 5. People these are just rabbits and this is just a hobby. When you have to lie, cheat, steal, or trash other people to get ahead to win on a local or National level that defines who you are as a person. Respect and reputation are both hard to get and very easy to lose. Once it’s gone you won’t get it back. In 2015 I pledge to continue to do my best to treat my fellow competitors with the respect and kindness they deserve. I pledge to continue to be fair in my dealings with other breeders and always place people before animals. Lastly, I pledge to just enjoy my time at the shows – to have fun and not make it about winning and points. If I am blessed enough to have an animal that does well, that’s great. If not, that’s just fine too. Showing should be about the people – not about the competition.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 17:38:14 +0000
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