Category Archives: Greetings
PEACE
I believe throughout history, the one thing that follows after chaos is none other than PEACE.
In our own lives, there are many wars and I do not mean physical wars but more of emotional wars. I would like to write more about wars relating to keeping animals as pets.
I am not sure about others, but both my parents have seen me gone through wars growing up having pets throughout my life. The many wars do have a great adverse effect on their pockets too, but that is besides the point. The wars were intense and so much so, they tend to say that I love to “Chook Choong Yap Si Fatt” (henceforth CCYSF in short). CCYSF means “cari pasal” in Bahasa or plainly put, “looking for trouble”. When translated directly, it means inserting worms into one’s @ss. The Chinese community really have a way of explaining things no thanks to all the proverbs the learned have discovered throughout history. To explain further on the term, worms usually are expelled from the @ss when we go through deworming, getting rid of the “troublesome” worms in the process. Inserting worms into the @ss simply is the opposite denoting how one tries to inject troubles into one’s life. My parents are still clueless as to why I love to keep pets and all the headaches that come along with the hobby. Come to think about it, life could be less burdensome minus all the daily bunny chores, expenses and dramas.
I am sure life for all of us are pretty peaceful if all the dramas did not exist. Somehow, I believe we humans tend to grow restless when there is peace. We need something to jolt us out of our “comfort zone” or peace.
Most of the time, I noticed chaos in a new bunny owner’s life. Mind you, I have had my fair shares of chaotic situations and my wife can attest to that. It boggles her until today why I like to CCYSF just like my parents too. Every pet owner can experience many degrees of chaos while raising their pets. Chaos comes in its greatest force to those who are extra paranoid. Paranoid bunny owners tend to CCYSF more than others. An example would be like those who are so concerned that their doe do not nurse its kits and interferes causing the death of the kits. A grave mistake for not understanding the behavior of a doe in the wild that leaves her nest so not to draw attention to it.
Since 2007, no one can imagine the chaos I went through. But for each chaotic moment, it offered me an opportunity to find PEACE. Imagine that back then, awareness about Hay and quality rabbit food were almost none existent. How far have we come?
There was so much trouble on my mind and the song Bridge Over Troubled Water was just not the song for me.
When we have trouble with finding good rabbit food. THERE IS CHAOS.
When someone acts up and cuts you off rabbit food. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our rabbits go off feed. THERE IS CHAOS.
When someone cheats you by selling you a sick rabbit. THERE IS CHAOS.
When work, family and other life priorities over take our hobby. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our rabbit’s teeth grows awkwardly. THERE IS CHAOS.
When we import rabbits. THERE IS CHAOS.
When we worry for our RM xxxx imported rabbit. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our rabbit dies. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our does are not interested to breed. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our the rabbitry is filled with too many babies. THERE IS CHAOS.
When our rabbit have mites. THERE IS CHAOS.
CHAOS, CHAOS, CHAOS!
There is so much chaos, how can we find PEACE?
For all these CHAOS, I can (not so) gladly say that I have been through them all and have found the best solutions for all of them. What do I do with all these knowledge?
As far as I know, I have poured out into this blog hoping to bring PEACE to fellow rabbit owners.
Unfortunately, sometimes I really feel that by doing so, I have done what I have always been doing, CCYSF! Why do I share information that can otherwise earn me some big bucks?
That is because I love to Chook Choong Yap Si Fatt! I strongly believe that bad breeders, liars and cheaters only deserve to live in my @SS!
2013 continues to be a PEACEFUL year because we have many wonderful products to support our bunny hobby.
Both Genesis Ultra Premium & Versele Laga Rabbit & Guinea Pig food have proved to be very reliable brands. I have PEACE knowing that my rabbits are given the best!
Our very own TinyCritterz.com Timothy Hay have also rise to the occasion in bringing PEACE to many rabbit owners as far as fulfilling the chewing and fiber needs of their rabbits. Whenever you feed TinyCritterz’s Timothy Hay, rest assured that is exactly what I feed at Tru-Luv Rabbitry. My mind would be at PEACE if I were you. We been through the CHAOS, you enjoy the PEACE we found.
Just before I end my New Year’s Day post, I would love to share the best question I received in year 2012.
A few breeders approached me throughout the year asking me, “HOW COME MY DOE IS NOT INTERESTED TO BREED?”
I must first thank the people who have asked me this question. I know they asked because they see me as an expert and could offer help. For that, I must thank all of you for looking so highly on me.
However, when I first receive this question, I was dumbfounded. In actual fact, I do not have the answer and I do not think that I will ever have the answer. At that moment, I can only wish that I can be one of the Transformers robots. If I were a Transformers robot, I would love to be named RABBIMUS PRIME.
I would really love to be a rabbit to know why the doe was not interested in breeding. I would like to be able to have a rabbit to rabbit, one to one talk. Perhaps I will be able to solve one of the biggest CHAOS most breeders go through.
And where does that leave me?
One of the resolutions I have for year 2013 is to be a Rabbit Whisperer and the other is to bring more PEACE solutions to fellow bunny owners’ lives (No thanks, I do not need a Noble Prize)!
May you have less CHAOS and more PEACE in 2013!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBUN AND EVERYONE!
Be Still, Be At Peace…
Filed under Greetings
Retrospective 2012
Here we are again, the end of year 2012 and in another 10 days, we will be celebrating Christmas. It is the time of the year when I reflect on all the achievements and shortcomings throughout the past year.
Year 2012 is a pretty uneventful year as far as Tru-Luv Rabbitry is concerned. A couple of shows placing well even though with very low number of entries was the biggest deal for me this year (ROFL). The shows were fun and that’s about it I guess.
The best thing that has happened in the local rabbit world is having access to Genesis Ultra Premium rabbit feed. This is the best feed I have ever used for my rabbits by far. The results are far too obvious not to be missed!
Not many rabbits born this year in the rabbitry due to other parts of my life – work, family and everything in between. I have a strange preference for wanting to be around for my does when they kindle. I have not been around much throughout the year.
It is scary sometimes to have the priority switched back and forth between the many commitments I have in life. At times, having so many rabbits start to make no sense. Truth be told, this is a real thing that goes through every hobbyist’ mind. The mind starts to play tricks on you especially when you are busy with other appointments and it is bunny chore day!
At times like these, you will slowly start to realize that there are more important things in life than to wrap yourself with all things rabbit and you become sane again. As for me, rabbits seem to pop up everywhere I go reminding me of my commitment towards those little furry critters under my care. With less to care for, it is some sort of enlightenment and you feel very liberated. You are able to breath a little easier.
During most clean up days, I tend to have less desire and reluctantly, I will pick up the cleaning utensils and start to complete each bunny chore. While cleaning, a sudden renewed feeling flows through my entire being and the love for the hobby rekindles.
It is then I realized that it is a conscious decision we make to love a particular thing or another living being. If it is based on only feelings, I am sure many unfortunate rabbits would have been abandoned.
The very moment we make the decision to start on something, we must make that conscious decision to pull through it under all circumstances. And with conviction, I am sure the hobby will last a lifetime.
Tru-Luv is a decision and journey, many possible destinations.
You can never disappoint that cute little face!
Filed under Bunny Business, Greetings, Random Topics
Take A Bow, Thank You Very Much!
As 2012 comes to an end, so does my tenure as the ARBA District 9 Representative for Malaysia. I was appointed the 1st ARBA Foreign Representative back in 3rd December 2010. I remember clearly exactly where I was when I received the good news.
Two years has passed and recalling all that has happened since then, it was bitter sweet. I truly enjoyed reporting about all the bunny events that has happened throughout the past two years and I must say that Malaysia ARBA members are pretty much independent/resourceful.
In a relay run, the baton must be passed to the next runner and so it is for me. I am sure that the Show Rabbit Circuit here in Malaysia will only grow in numbers and there will be more enthusiasts/hobbyists that will join in the fun.
I am really glad to have given the opportunity to serve as an ARBA Representative and I would like to thank my boss and District 9 Director, Dr. Jay Hreiz for a wonderful two years. It has been a great pleasure working alongside Dr. Jay and I have learned a lot under his guidance. I would also like to thank all those who I have the opportunity to work with during my tenure as an ARBA Representative.
In Bunnies We Trust, and God Decides…
Filed under Greetings
TruLuvRabbitry.com turns 5!
WOW! Who would have thought that with a blink of an eye, it has been a good 5 years filled with ups and downs. I have learned so much along the way and there is still so much to learn!
All I want to say right now is a huge THANK YOU to my huge bunny family both in Malaysia and all around the world mainly USA, Canada & the UK! Every single one of you have contributed and generously imparted knowledge in me. Every single piece of advice fitted together to complete this 5 year puzzle. The encouragements and support has been overwhelming and have indeed pulled me through the many challenges this hobby brings.
I wish that I have done something BIGGER to celebrate the half decade mark but I feel that I owe it to the rabbits for this wonderful journey. I just wanted to take a step back to remember and reminisce the best moments in the past 5 years. Here are some of the yearly highlights that I will cherish for the rest of my life:
2007
Obtaining my first “Holland Lop” and embarking on this wonderful journey. She was a locally bred lop ear rabbit that almost have the traits of a Holland Lop. It was then that I started searching for the real Holland Lop and stumbled across The Nature Trail blog.
2008
In 2008, the Tru-Luv Rabbitry blog was discovered by the New Straits Times & Malay Mail dailies. Featured in both the dailies.
I officially became a member of the Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club (HLRSC).
2009
2009 is a very wonderful year for me. It started off with an importation of 4 very gorgeous and handsome rabbits. Thanks to Scott Rodriguez, Kay Miller and Teri Reymann. The feeling of owning these rabbits was phenomenal and they became the cornerstone of my herd today.
It was also the time when I first introduced my dad’s painting to the rabbit world through my blog (Rabbit Brush Painting).
Getting a gift from my dearest momma was indeed one of the best moments in 2009 (A Gift From Mommy Dearest). Also not forgetting my first HLRSC T-Shirt from Aunt Karen (Goodies Day).
Not forgetting my first home grown Tru-Luv’s Truffles winning the Best Reserve In Show at the 1st Malaysia Rabbit Show (Non-ARBA). Back then there were only a handful of rabbit breeders and the show was an unofficial show based on ARBA judging criteria. I only entered one bunny and the earlier imported ones stayed home. Not long after winning his trophy, we bid Truffles goodbye to a nice pet home (Farewell Truffles).
To end the year, my lovely friend Teri sent me two beautiful rabbits in Goodie Two Shoes and Brown Sugar (The Future of TLR).
2010
The year started off with one of the Tru-Luv kits featured in CuteOverload.com (TLR on CuteOverload.com).
We received a few more media coverage namely in The Star Newspaper regarding Pet Ethics (interviewed by Ellen Whyte) and also being featured on National TV for the very first time (The 1st TV Interview). And to top it up, it was also a very special day when my 2nd daughter was born (29th May is a very good day).
Dad and I successfully sent some beautiful paintings over to the USA for awards and for the ARBA library. Lionheads paintings in ARBA Library. HLRSC Hall-A-Fame award (Proud of my dad).
2010 also mark the most heartbreaking year for me especially when I lost Miller’s Clark. I still miss my Clark very much. He will always be remembered for his super crown!
2011
Year 2011 is by far the best year ever! It was the rabbit year and Tru-Luv rabbits were featured in almost all the dailies during the Chinese New Year season (The Star Newspaper). Even in the bangsar shopping mall magazine – Retale Magazine. There were more interview and media coverages.
It was also the same year that TinyCritterz.com was established to offer small animal lovers especially rabbit lovers a platform to purchase good products.
One of the unforgettable events for 2011 is the arrival of 8 new Holland Lops to Tru-Luv Rabbitry. They have been the foundation stocks since and have brought about a lot of improvements to the herd. I am forever grateful to my wonderful Holland Lop family.
Dad’s was commissioned to paint for the HLRSC Nationals awards.
An idea of visiting the USA to attend the 88th ARBA Convention was conceptualized back at the end of 2010.
The ultimate highlight for 2011 was definitely the 88th ARBA Convention at Indianapolis. I still have no words good enough to express the feeling. The memories will be forever be in my soul for the rest of my life. It was definitely a dream come true for me.
Some of the posts I wrote about my experience at convention:
- Reporting from Indianapolis 2011 ARBA Convention
- The Amazing ARBA Convention Experience
- Goodbye 88th ARBA Convention
- 88th ARBA Convention through my lenses
As a closing note, I would like to reuse a phrase that came to my mind the night before I left Indianapolis and it is a statement I hold close to my heart.
“When your BIG Dream is fulfilled, you become a BIGGER person. You then dream LARGER dreams, work towards getting them fulfilled and you keep on GROWING!”
Life Bearers
In the past, I have written about brood does being the unsung heroin of many rabbit herds around the world. They are an important part of every breeder’s breeding program. Today as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I cannot help but to remember and think about all the brood does around the world making positive impact by producing amazing rabbits for breeders.
Just like some of our own mothers, they may not be perfect but they have given their lives for all of us. They have taken the risk of child birth and their responsibility for us last a lifetime. Seeing a doe nursing and nurturing its young shows me that even rabbits have the capacity to love and care. Without mothers, this planet will not have so many amazing people and animals.
“I would like to wish all mothers out there the Happiest Mother’s Day. Do know that you have produced what the entire world holds today – LIFE! God bless each and everyone of you! Thank you for saying YES to LIFE!”
Fook You!
WARNING: Sense of humor needed before you proceed to read
The Year of the Water Dragon is such an auspicious year. That’s because the “rich” culture and tradition of the Chinese believes that the dragon is a mighty creature filled with strength and power. Each year, many predictions and fortune has been told regarding each and every one of the 12 Chinese Zodiacs. We are fortunate to have Master TuZi with us today to tell of the fate awaiting our bunnies as our docile little hopper withdraw itself to give way to the mighty dragon.
Master TuZi’s Biodate:
1st Date of Birth: 08/08/0008
Birthplace: Mount Polygammy
Dynasty: Bun Dynasty
Genealogy: Master TuZi was born unto a Bun Dynasty’s mighty warrior the general Mighty Thunderbolt Shotgun and his 967th concubine. Rumour has it that it was not known if Master TuZi was indeed the warrior’s true offspring because there weren’t any tattoo identification and pedigrees does not exists back then.
Master: TuZi was trained by the renown Feng Shui and Fortune Teller mistress extraordinaire (self proclaimed) – Her Uncontested Simply Doo Da
Special Abilities: Master TuZi was born with both eyes opened and the kingdom believes that he has been bestowed with the gift of FORESIGHT. Everybun in the kingdom witnessed how his EXPOSED brain grow exponentially with the ventilation and fresh mountain dew mist of Mount Polygammy. Master TuZi does not live long, normally breath his last after each year’s prediction. Master TuZi has the ability to reincarnate himself every year before the Chinese New Year to give new predictions and fortune telling. He occasionally misses the New Year because he is the descendant of the Holland Lop breed and sometimes, they just don’t breed! That makes it hard for Master TuZi to reincarnate himself in time for this yearly predictions. Based on past records, Master TuZi only appears and live for the one day, the 1st Day of the Chinese New Year.
Favorite Drink: The Timothy Tea
Favorite Food: The Timothy Tea Leaf
Motto: “I Predicted It First!”
Merely making in time for this year’s 1st Day of Chinese New Year, here is what Master TuZi has got to predict and foretell…
Cleaning On The First 1st Day Of Chinese New Year 2012
Based on popular beliefs, it is consider bad luck to clean the house on the 1st day because that means cleaning away all the “luck”. It is a double edge sword decision when it comes to cleaning the bunny quarters this year because either way, unwanted incidents will happen. Clean out your rabbit pan will mean having bad luck for the rest of the year. But if you think having maggots on your bunny butt and snorts out from your nostrils is cool, then forget about cleaning those dirty pans!
Love and Relationship
“I see RED, I see RAGE, I see SADNESS”
The relationship between bunnies and humans remain a strange one. I Predicted It First that some of you buns will be abandoned. Remember that article about those poor bunnies in Singapore? That was my prediction but since I can’t be reincarnated in time, I was not there to give much comments! But yes, I TOLD YA SO!
Trust me when I say that there will be no love in this world. It is all LUST! Producers will continue producing and all you sterile will remain so, sadly. There is nothing I can help you here – nothing to eat or drink will bring those little swimmers back I tell ya! If you are lucky, you will be kept in tact else, just say bye bye to your jewels. You will be happy being Bun Monks in the monastery.
Lives on the Show Tables
I see a balance in this area. Most Show Qualities will be given a good life. What I cannot predict is if it would be good for Pets and Broods to go for plastic surgeries. It will be a good show year for those under the care of reputable breeders and those into it for the betterment of the breeds. I see many of you winning every weekend just like the previous years bringing the “FOOK” to your “FOOKING” breeders.
*COUGH! COUGH!* (I think my time is near, I have been predicting too much)
The Digital Bunnies
ArggGHHHhHhhhh we’re going extinct!!!!
As we see the possibility of the SOPA being passed, all online resources will be wiped out including this blog and all humans will be too dumb to raise rabbits! The reason for the shut down of this weblog is intellectual property infringement. See my self portrait up there? That “FOOK YOU” was an idea taken from Ms. Jo Lee!
*THUD!*
Note from the EDITOR: FOOK means happiness in Chinese. Master TuZi is a fictional Max Factor kit. I am sorry to pronounce Master TuZi dead as at 1.10pm Malaysia time (GMT +8). May his soul rest in peace, brain intact and eyes shut. Maybe we will have him again next year if he reincarnates in time.
Filed under Greetings
Gong Hei Fatt Choy! Happy Chinese New Year 2012!
May the year of the Rabbit leaves you with abundance of wealth & health. As we usher in the year of the Dragon, may the blessed abundance be compounded aggressively and ferociously! Gong Hei Fatt Choy!
My wish is to still be able to post bunny pictures like these in another 12 years time. May Tru-Luv Rabbitry see many more bunny years!
Here wishing all bunnies safe & healthy throughout the Dragon year!
Loong Ma Cheng San! Po Po Kung Sing!
Sang Yee Heng Loong...
Filed under Greetings
The reason for the season
It would not do the wonderful year 2011 justice leaving this site with a slight negative note in yesterday’s post. Besides, it is the Christmas weekend and we should all be jolly and happy. Perhaps I might have generalized a little too much and that might have placed my own countrymen under an undesirable light. I believe the problems that I have highlighted in yesterday’s post are not isolated and exclusive to where I am only but it happens everywhere and in everything (not just in the bunny hobby).
Symphony has grown so much and this is her 2nd Christmas with us. May all bunnies be healthy during this festive season!
As much as there are undesirable situations, there are also much hope and good in this world. In year 2011, I have found a couple of good breeders to work with and I am happy that most of them have grown in both experience and knowledge. I thank them for placing their trust in me and allowing me to share with them the real reason behind this wonderful hobby. I am happy to see them doing well now on their own and we are on the journey to producing very nice Holland Lops!
Hope & Luv the theme for the season!
Year 2011 have been a blast and the reason for the season remains as (plainly) LUV!
Here wishing all my beloved readers The Merriest & Jolliest of Christmas filled with LOVE and PEACE in the presence of friends and family!
Dimsdale wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season!
Filed under Bucks, Does, Greetings, In The Nestbox, Random Topics
Tru-Luv Rabbitry: Quality Holland Lops in Malaysia 