Category Archives: Ramblings

by | July 16, 2011 · 10:26 am

Blogging is a privilege

Work has been taking up most of my time and mind off blogging lately. Right now as I sit with my breakfast right in front of me and when I finally find that I have the time to write, all I have on my mind is, BLANK. Not blank by nature but in fact, blank by choice. Each topic that comes unto my mind somehow have a “counter effect” on it telling me not to write.

I am now “blogging conscious” as I would like to put it. What does that mean? It means that every single word that I write is scrutinized and if I am not careful can easily be used as materials to go against me. Of course there are those that appreciates what I write and also, in this world we can never please everyone at the same time.

So what should I do about it? I really do not know but I do know that everyone is much smarter now and perhaps it is a sign that my work to share my knowledge is done. Should this blog cease its operation I wonder. There will naturally be 2 reactions here. The first should be from those who enjoy reading this blog and appreciate what I write, I am sure they will disagree that I stop blogging. The second should be a resounding YES from TLR haters. But who cares about the latter anyway?

If it to reclaim my freedom to write calls for the need for me to relinquish all earthly positions/titles, I rather not hold any positions so that I am able to write and express my inner feelings. At least I am able to relief myself from harboring and keeping my feelings/opinions. Writing is very therapeutic to some including myself. And it makes me wonder, why can’t I write about what I love and most of all, why can’t I write about my experience raising rabbits be it good or bad? Why can’t I express my own opinion in my own space?

I believe that as we move towards higher level in everything, there bound  to be some hurdles/challenges. I have learn that sometimes in order to move forward 10 steps, I will need to take 2 steps backwards.

And now that I have expressed what I wanted this beautiful Saturday morning, I bid everyone a happy and clean weekend!

Pixie Blu says, "Hello everyone!"

"See, I am fast catching up!"

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by | May 4, 2011 · 2:02 am

Evolve to the brink of extinction

I grew up around friends who love to “pimp their rides”.  I constantly see how “evolution” after “evolution” their cars go through. Some are moderate and yet practical in their approach. Some have gone so obsessed to a point of no return. And some are pretty funny to look at. They started off slowly modifying their rides and it builds up gradually. Eventually the car become so hideous, they have to sell it off just to get a totally normal car and not modify it EVER again.

I guess that is how our lives are most of the time. We are so caught up with “reinventing” ourselves due to the media “brainwashing” that we need to change fast. Even the scenes flip faster on Television which has been said to cause attention problems in children.

If we take a step back and analyse what is the problem here, there is a strong word that would appear – “AFFIRMATION”. It is due to the peer pressure and wanting to fit in that we keep on evolving. Latest gadget, the coolest “IN” thing at the moment, GO GET IT ON CREDIT. Everyone have it, so must you!

Well, what has that got to do with rabbits?

I have been observing for a while now and came to the conclusion that it is all based on OPINIONS. Whatever “show” world you are involved with be it Cats, Dogs or even Rabbits, it is all about one’s opinion. We place our trust in another person’s hands to tell us what he/she thinks of an animal of our product. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting what is right or wrong but simply sharing my opinion through my observation.

Most would agree that preferences and liking certain styles in things do influence our decision making. So that brings me to the gist of what I wanted to write about today. The competition in the show world makes us chase after dreams. Makes us want to keep up with the trend. I cannot help but to ask myself the question of who or what goes through a real evolution here. It is never the breeder because he/she is not polymorphic but what he/she touches can. Let’s take rabbits for example, they evolve as the competition gets stiff. And towards which direction may I ask? Yes, the one Standard Of Perfection laid down.

But you see, though there is only one Standard to adhere to, there are many opinions and interpretations. Just like a certain religion having one scripture but many teachings and beliefs. And given a little more time to talk about it, it will never end (the talk).

What holds us to our hobby then? What is the real substance that makes us hold strongly to our hobby?

I can see clearly now that another person’s opinions are unimportant. Not all human make the best decisions all the time. I believe we really need to take the winning element out of the equation of our hobby. It really is a fluke shot to hope for someone out of the thousands to have the exact same opinion or thoughts as us.

The reason why I am writing this is not to put anyone down but just as a reminder to myself of what really matters in this hobby for me. If it makes any sense (in a funny way at least), I would like to share my observation. It may have been mentioned by some breeders before but looking from afar, I noticed that winnings are now based on location and areas. Just like the “rap game” in the 1990’s Hip Hop music was so divided into the East and West side and we all know how the rest of the story goes.

When I look at the Rabbit Show world in USA, and since USA is such a huge country, rabbits are divided in such a vast area. Every state have their own judges and sometimes judges are hired to judge in different areas or states. A well traveled judge is very familiar with the different styles of rabbits bred in each area/state because they tend to see, touch and feel more of these animals. That being said,I feel that judges form their opinions and preferences on each breed of rabbit differently from what they experience most. No doubt there is one single Standard Of Perfection but every judge may form their own interpretation against the standards.

Some show breeders may feel that rabbits from the West of USA may not do as well when they head down to the East to be judged under the Eastern judges and vice versa. To a certain degree I do agree based on my observation. Again, it is all opinions and it would only be frustrating if we depends so much on these opinions.

To me, I like to think that winning is not really a big deal until you make a big deal out of it. If you start taking winning too seriously, you will soon find yourself obsessed and your hobby would evolve. One good tip that I can give based on my observation is to keep a few sets of show rabbits. Split your herd into East Rabbits and West Rabbits. When you know of a western judge coming to judge in the next show, enter your west rabbits and vice versa. That will definitely increase your chance of placing well. That’s a silly idea (LOL)!!!

So what will happen if winning is impossible or when it stops? Just break the hobby into its nucleus or molecular level. It all starts where all our rabbits are – our very own home. Satisfaction is the keyword here. As long as we are satisfied with our own progress, who cares? It is not back in school that we are comparing who has the nicest and coolest Transformers toy.

To date, I am glad I have a handful of bunny friends that shares the same idea with me – our rabbits are the best in our eyes. That should be the way to go. Having faith in your own rabbits are important besides they are of your own breeding. The Rabbit Show fever really should start from the comfort of your own home. To be honest, I am pretty shock that a fellow breeder who has just started out in this hobby has overtaken me in the department of admiring one’s own rabbits. It is quite a provocative thought that although new, they have such matured thinking about the hobby. It is very true that “you are who you hang out with”. I really find myself depending on their wisdom as not to be caught up with the “wins” and the “lose” as winning and losing really comes from the heart.

And with all that said, the word “evolution” only means “to change for betterment”. I realized that at times, I get too caught up with the “reinvention” and “change” that I miss what matters most. With all that has happened for the past few months, I really have come to realize what really matters most and I stopped myself from evolving or at least slow down on the evolving process.

But then again, there are times that some things just have to evolve and to change for betterment. Let’s see what that shall be in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned….

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by | April 10, 2011 · 9:23 pm

Vocation & Passion

wiktionary.org defines the word vocation as the following:-

  • an inclination to undertake a certainkind of work, especially a religiouscareer;
  • often in response to a perceivedsummons;
  • a calling;
  • an occupation for which a person is suited, trained or qualified

It also defines the word passion as the following:-

  • fervor;
  • determination;
  • An object of passionate love or strong interest

Vocation & Passion is very closely related in my opinion especially when you see words like A Calling, Is Suited, Passionate Love and Strong Interest. If you have a strong interest in something, you will have passionate love for it and it eventually becomes a calling. As you go deeper into it, you will feel that you are a natural and whatever that you are doing feels like a perfect match.

In casual conversations, I normally ask my peers if they enjoy their job. Eight (8) out of ten (10) will tell me that they hate their job and everything else is great. This is more so with my generation and those before. I attribute it to the era when we leave school for higher learning. I for one did not know what I was good at and what are the options I have available based on my interest. I was not well informed as far as my education progression path was concerned. I stumbled a couple of times making the wrong decision and finally settled for what I did.

Simply put, there isn’t much choices given the circumstances I was in – financially and also as far as opportunity is concerned. You see, I wasn’t the bright student that scores straight As and I am definitely no public university material. The way I learn could be my biggest problem in the system that I was placed in. I just hate memorizing and regurgitating textbooks. I rather burn the textbooks and add the ash into my favourite drink (like what some of my friends did after the major examinations). It was one of my dream to be a veterinarian since I always have a pet since I was 7. Unfortunately, biology wasn’t my best subject and I just couldn’t get pass dissecting a little mice.

But lately, I have been forced to work with needles and so far, successfully administered Sub-Q injections for 10 rabbits. If I have a choice, I wouldn’t do it. Why?

Let me tell you why. We are all called for something in life. And when we are called, we go through all sorts of training to qualify us in the field of studies and then, we put into practice what we learn theoretically. I enjoy raising pets and I have great interest in the medical side of things except for injections, surgeries and whatever that has got to do with blood. Therefore, I leave it to the vets – who are trained and qualified.

Over the weekend, I had a case of emergency with one of my does. It was a delivery complication that most Holland Lop breeders dread. I had to intervene but my intervention wasn’t as successful as I expected. I didn’t make things worst either as I am very careful and had the real time support/advice from very experienced breeders in USA & Canada.

You see, veterinary science like any medical practice in Malaysia have at least 2 parts to it – consultation (diagnosis) and medication. It is pretty impossible for a pet owner in Malaysia to obtain drugs/medicine for pets so although most of the time my diagnosis on the problem is accurate, I have no access to the medication. It was such an instance at 3 a.m. on Saturday. I have no choice at all but to make an emergency called that cost an arm and a leg.

When I was waiting for the vet to arrive, I read the notice board. One of the notices captured my attention. It was written by the owner/chief vet at the practice. He was venting his frustration on past customers that could have tried tarnishing his reputation through various means. He mention how he could not be bothered with prominent figures holding titles. Through his writing, he showed those who did not appreciate his work the door while welcoming those who are willing to work with him and his team. I could understand why he was so frustrated. He even spoke to me on the phone telling me the possibilities and what I should be prepared for. I truly appreciate his honesty for telling me beforehand, rabbits are not their forte.

I needed the medication that they can provide me desperately. To cut the long story short, I did not leave the vet clinic on a happy note. I will not share the details as I am afraid Dr. may write another notice to vent about me. In fact, I was praying to God to please help my little doe while driving all the way home at 4 a.m. Basically, I cannot blame anyone for what has happened in the clinic. We all did try but was a little careless. Luckily, the problem corrected itself. The doe survived the horrific ordeal.

And so, this incident got me thinking really hard. The question that I have always asked was – WHY DON’T VETS DO RABBITS? For the longest time, cats and dogs has remained as a billion dollar business. This is the only conclusion I can make to answer that question above. I also understand that it is not worth for vets to specialize in rabbits just for Tru-Luv Rabbitry who may be one of the small group of people who cares enough to send their rabbits to the vets. The amount I paid at the vet clinic for the emergency call can easily purchase a few rabbits at the pet store. It does make rabbits dispensable because no one “WANTS” to afford medical bills on rabbits. SAD, BUT TRUE.

I gathered that this scenario does not only apply to Malaysia but even in the USA, breeders are left to fend for themselves. But, the only difference is, in the USA, rabbit drugs/medications are easily accessible. Most breeders have taught themselves how to administer injections. That is how good the support group is out there.

If my assumption and opinion is true about vets. They are people too and they also need to make a living right? So I wonder if 8 out 10 vets, like my peers, hate what they do. Meaning to say, there is a possibility that 8 out 10 vets are just doing it for the money and does not have the slightest passion or interest in what they do. It is the same as how most General Practitioners just prescribe antibiotics to every Tom, Dick and Harry that visits the clinic.

How much would it take for vets to start treating and be subject experts in Rabbits? I really have no idea. For the few that I have met who are rabbit savvy, I truly appreciate them. They are hard to come by and even harder to reach during the emergencies (at 3 a.m.). Even to reply text messages at 3 a.m. to agree to help in the emergency takes much courage, determination and most of all passion (to help animals).

The group of Show Rabbit enthusiasts and hobbyists is growing fast. But I reckon, we will be the ones suffering many sleepless nights due to the possible complications that will arise. For our rabbits are so exclusive and they mean the world to us not only the cost of obtaining them but also the value of all the hard work put into raising them.

If you ask me, I am lost as far as Rabbit Medicine is concerned but I know for sure, 90% of the time, we have to take matters into our own hands. As for the 10%, pray that the problems happen between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays (possibly Sundays for some). That is the only times you may find your vets in their clinics and that’s if they do rabbits.

Good luck bunny friends…

 

Holland Lop kits, you have no idea how hard it is for each one to come by...

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by | April 2, 2011 · 5:07 pm

Pets first, all else later…

Today, I would like to ask all of you to just take a good look at your rabbit(s) and ask yourselves one question – What do you see?

As I go on a bunny website hopping morning, I cannot help but to admire breeders who are constantly working on their herd but never once lament not winning anything. For them the rabbits are truly their pets and they love them as they are not as how many ribbons/medals that come with them. These breeders are in fact enjoying their hobby. No worries at all whether or not they are winning. Even if they win, it’s not a big deal to them. It takes a lot not to be sucked into the competition and I really take my hats off these breeders. And you know what? Their rabbits are really beautiful too.

What do you really see? Do you feel guilty for putting so much weight on its shoulders? Those little tiny shoulders. Yes, your human hope + aspiration + ambition + expectation, all in one is placed on this little tiny creature we all call rabbit.

Can you live with that?

I just can’t. They are my pets first, all else doesn’t matter so they come later…

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Their Destiny, Your Decision...

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by | March 19, 2011 · 9:52 pm

Fool

When did they say the world would end?

“Tim, don’t be a fool”, “Son, don’t be dumb and be taken advantage of”, “You need to smarten up”.

Fool, Stupid, Fool, Stupid is all that I was getting the entire day. It seemed that the devil is just whispering into my ears constantly how stupid I am. Well, that is to be expected since I am in the midst of 40 days of Lent. Trials, trials and more trials. But we do have a glimpse of hope, it will be victorious in the end.

While I was walking around in the mall this evening, I came to realization that we are indeed called to be of service to others. I spent an entire day on Thursday running errands for the club and half of today was spent on getting some materials to construct the Show Tables needed for the rabbit show in June. While doing that I risked my life and safety transporting huge materials with the car.

“Why Am I Doing This?” seemed to be the only question pounding on my mind. Is it all worth it? Am I being the only idiot doing so much while others just seem oblivious as to what is happening?

I sometime wish there is another me out there that I could pour out my soul and understands exactly what I am going through and how I am feeling. I guess there will never be one who would feel and think the same as me. Come to think about it, there is one other bunny person I know who may think 80% like me and the only thing he can tell me is, “Tim, change your spectacles”. How interesting…

I just can’t run away as I am surrounded by people who put $$$ above all else. Every single decision and move is strategically crafted to earn more $$$. If I place myself in the midst of their strategy, I will be “spinning” in a whirlpool of confusion and a huge FOOL would be written across my forehead. A big fool by the world’s standard.

We cannot deny the fact that we should try to have a self sustainable hobby. In actual fact, many breeders would agree with me that we hardly break even in this hobby. So if we are not profiting, then are we all fools? I am actually pretty glad to be one of the non-profitable fools in this profitable world.

When the world ends, what can I tell myself?

I do not know exactly what I will tell myself in the last moments of my life struggling to stay alive but I hope at the back of my mind, I can say the following:-

1. I have brought about a positive change in the rabbit world

2. I have poured out my soul and used every ounce of my energy to share with the community

3. I have been a fool in the eyes of this world who is so darn afraid of losing to a fellow earthling

4. I have been a fool by the world’s standard by elevating another fellow earthling in his/her venture

5. I have been a fool losing to a fellow earthling and allowing him/her to overtake me

6. I have been a fool for writing this blog post telling the world about how I truly feel (no regrets at all)

7. I have at one point obtained good results for my rabbits

8. I have at one point in my life obtained really good results for my own rabbits

Wait a minute! Isn’t point 7 and 8 the same? Yes and No. My rabbits can be home grown or obtained from fellow breeders. If you know any show breeders that has lasted in the hobby for more than 10 years, you will realize something very important that sustains their passion in the hobby.

Long term breeders take pride in developing their own lines of rabbits. At least a herd of rabbits with a pedigree filled 100% of their rabbitry prefix. Yes, that is what sustains the passion. Taking pride in developing own lines (that win constantly)  and not a seasonal breeder that only goes into a particular breed and hobby just because it is in trend at the moment.

The Year Of The Rabbit comes every 12 years, seasonal breeders will be active for a rabbit year and “hibernate” another 11 year before they “breed like rabbits” again just before rabbit year comes along.

Objectives are very important in this hobby. I truly hope that everyone will find the motivation to sustain in this hobby. The right motivation and objectives, that is.

I hope the MROC 1st & 2nd ARBA Sanctioned Double Open All Breed Rabbit Show 2011 will serve as a sustaining platform for all of us in keeping our passion for this hobby alive. Let there be more leaders coming forward to lead in organizing ARBA Sanctioned shows so that we will constantly have rabbit shows in Malaysia. It will be a shame if we only have an ARBA Sanctioned show every 12 years.

Let us all be fools for just a while…

Come to think about it, aren’t we all already FOOLS sacrificing so much for mere RABBITS?

That is something only true bunny people would understand, a common bunny language we call it!

“….just a fool, do you believe you can change the world?” – Carrie Underwood “Change”

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by | February 23, 2011 · 1:00 pm

A Love Letter Once In A While

Once in a long while, I will receive a “love” email from a breeder I once imported from. Today was one of those days that I received such an email. The email was pretty nasty and is of harassment material in nature. It was filled with intimidation and threats.

I guess with all the recognitions and publicity shining so ever brightly on me, there must be a few jealous fellas (oh, that rhymed didn’t it?).  As I have wrote about giving one the recognition of a reputable breeder, recognitions are to be given by others. And with so many articles featuring Tru-Luv Rabbitry, speaks for itself.

In the email, I have been accused of deceiving my readers through my weblog. I just cannot agree. This blog at the e nd of the day, is my personal “journal” where I write about my experience and expresses my excitement, joy and everything else. It is still up to the discretion of my readers to take it seriously, less seriously or they may even think of it as crap. I just can’t control what people say, think or feel.

Let’s take a step back and find out what is the real definition of a web log:

1. WordNet: web log – a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies; “postings on a blog are usually in chronological order”

2. it-station.co.uk – web log – A web page used as a diary or journal. Web logs are updated regularly and may contain any information that the author wishes to share with the world. Also known as a “blog”.

I believe the above information is rather ELEMENTARY and simple enough for the simple and not so simple minded.

In moments like these, I always go back to how grateful I am to have known Scott Rodriguez, Kay Miller, Teri Reymann and the rest of my bunny families in USA. They showed me what good breeders are – generous, classy, understanding and helpful to name a few good traits. We bunny people tend to treat people like our bunnies sometimes. What do we do with bad traits? We breed them out of the herd through selling as pets (the term cull is used). This person is definitely of cull (pet) quality just like the rabbits I got from her. I don’t think she’ll make a good pet either – bites and scratches all the time – LOL!

If it wasn’t for Scott, Kay and Teri, my herd would have never come this far. Yes by that, I mean that all my rabbits before Ivy Crescent’s Thunder, Miller’s Clark, Sonshine’s Brown Sugar, Wark & Miller’s Carmel and Ivy Crescent’s Haley are of brood/pet quality but have been sold to me as cream of the crop (top dollar, expensive junk). All the bad traits were improved (faster) with the help of these 3 people and my careful selective breeding knowledge acquired through a collective group of people I love to call FRIENDS. Knowledge I have never learned from this so called breeder. I also learned that the major part of this hobby is to turn crap into gold.

For those of you in the rabbit world long enough, you will know who I am referring to. I am never ever going to mention or give credit to this person because  no one should patronize such a nasty person who not only cheats but harasses at her whim and fancy.

Oh, by the way, it is technically impossible for a BOSB to end up a BRIS. Thought it would be nice to share…

If I can turn back the hands of time, I wouldn’t change anything. Having to deal with a person like this really made me a stronger, smarter and better person. I made so many good friends in the hobby just because of this person.  I won’t thank her for that either because the number of friends and recognitions speak for themselves (my guess is, I am LOVABLE!). She can say whatever she wants but truth will always prevail. I hope you do not have to deal with such a person. Lastly, if you have heard anything that didn’t come from me, those are what we call rumors and 100% of the time is not true. One thing I learn in this hobby, always go directly to the source.

And I find no coincidence that each time this person is spoken of, it will always be concluded with….

GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH!

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by | December 25, 2010 · 10:28 am

Even on Christmas Day, I am an honest and blunt dude!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I have planned to rest from writing on Christmas Day but I just cannot help myself. Awoken early in the morning with the sound of a text message for “bunny business” is something not that appealing after a very late night and there goes the rest of my day.

I am not sure if I have made myself clear so far but I believe that many local breeders despise me and I just added one more into the “Hate Tru-Luv Rabbitry” clan. It is a known fact that I love my rabbits and my weblog/website resonants a loud cause – To love these defenseless little creature through ethical breeding, raising and sharing. No one can take rejection and most of the time honest opinions can be pretty offensive to some. I am sorry I have to do that on Christmas Day.

Although there is no need for an explanation on my part (they are my rabbits and I pass them to anyone of my choice), I just want to clear the air here (as usual). As of late, most of us have come across weblogs/websites of rabbitries “mushrooming” in the Internet world. Most of them have “Netherland Dwarf RM 200 (neg.)” or “Lop Ear RM 180 (neg.)”. I am not against the good and attractive prices. I am totally against the manner how the rabbits are derived. In my opinion, if business is that good, there is no need for a Tru-Luv Rabbitry rabbit to be part of that business.

I know for many, this is a source of income but that is just not in line with the cause I am fighting for. There are many implication if I give into requests of such and do allow me to explain but first, I want to emphasize that I do not discriminate and it is not to be taken as a form of personal attack.

1. Here I am writing all over my blog that I will ensure if I ever share my rabbits, they MUST go to good homes (the same as mine or better).

2. Besides from all the bad reputation amongst breeders, Tru-Luv Rabbitry have gained much respect through fighting for the cause as stated above (#1). I plan to persevere in my cause because the immense joy knowing my rabbits are well taken care of is priceless. I cannot come to terms knowing that my rabbits will be bred and their offspring sold at RM 180. My reputation will go down the drains because those rabbits will be marked as “from Tru-Luv Rabbitry” lines.

3. I can’t possibly slap myself on my own face right?

Therefore, I am very glad that not many “breeders” approach me for rabbits and I want to keep it that way. Because when I do get inquiries, they are QUALITY inquiries. I am really glad that everyone knows their boundaries.

It is TRU-LUV RABBITRY. If I may, it is correctly spelled as TRUE LOVE Rabbitry, GET IT?

Next year, it is the Rabbit year in the Chinese lunar calendar. I am shivering greatly in FEAR. Please expect more abandoned rabbits toward the end of 2011. I do not want to contribute to that statistics and I urge fellow breeders to breed responsibly and to pass their rabbits responsibly. I know money is placed above all, please spare those poor little defenseless, cute and adorable little rabbits. Please, I beg of you, have mercy on them…

So on Christmas Day, I have to turn down a request for my rabbit for the 2nd time to this particular person. Nothing wrong on his part but it is just my preference. But in doing so, I understand that I have disappointed him greatly. I must also admit that I am at fault for offering in the first place because I was totally unaware of how his rabbitry operates until I came across his website/weblog.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE ME?

If you were a mommy rabbit, what would you do for the safety of your kits? Even in nature, a doe would run far away from the nest lest not to attract predators to her young. What more should we, as the STEWARD over all our pets do to protect them?

We are grown men with good/matured judgment. Money that can be made through the sufferings (pangs of childbirth) of lesser creatures, I can live without! Therefore, please appreciate God’s lesser creatures!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE ME?

There is a wild rumor alleging me of trying to monopolize the Holland Lop market (what market?) through neutering and being very picky of buyer to the extend of being arrogant. Too bad if everyone takes it that way, I am not bothered to be honest as I only have my rabbits’ well being and my reputation at heart. That is utmost important.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE ME?

Not too good to ramble too much on Christmas Day.

Today a child was born unto us to steer us to the path of RIGHTEOUSNESS. The message is, do we follow the world or do we follow our conscience? We are not of this world of materialism but we are just living in it at the moment. We continue to fight a good fight for what is RIGHT!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

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by | November 13, 2010 · 12:08 pm

I Feel Like An Idiot Because…

I have been thinking about stuff lately and especially the direction of this hobby of mine. I have always look within my boundaries to find ways to improve everything and anything in the rabbitry. While I am busy doing that and sharing my thoughts through my blog, I failed to notice that many out there has been “spiked” with this rabbit fever.

Here are some of the feelings I “ought” (I must emphasize on this word) to have:

1. I feel like an idiot because there are many out there who are silently reading and silently overtaking me

2. I feel like an idiot because soon many nice rabbits will hit the market due to the influx of importation

3. I feel like an idiot because people around me are fake and is not honest with me

4. I feel like an idiot because I do not sell mix breeds to finance my hobby

5. I feel like an idiot because I was naive to think that I am the only person in Malaysia that could afford importing rabbits

But in fact, I am really happy! I realized that my blogging effort for the past 3 years has an impact. You people have actually read and taken steps to start doing something on your own! Kudos to all of you.

For your information, the above 5 reasons of unhappiness can really kill the hobby. Many breeders has been a victim of these self destructive thoughts that has led to bullying, rivalries and ultimately burnt out in the hobby. At the end of the day, we should all fall back to one word – HOBBY. A hobby is passion without $ in the equation. If money is the focus of what we do, it will eventually come to an end when the money stop flowing in. And many things could happen in between when we try to chase after the $.

Those are just 5 things that could “possibly” make me unhappy, but to be honest here are more reasons why I am happy :

1. I will soon have local bunny friends to have bunny chats (if I do not already have). Being the only one is very lonely

2. People realize what quality is and how many have been cheated by the fakes

3. The quality of rabbits in Malaysia is improving

4. The number of home breeders are increasing and therefore, better informed breeders are on the rise

5. I will soon have people to trade rabbits with

6. The diversity of Holland Lop gene pool

7. More breeders will join ARBA/HLRSC and we can soon form a club to organize ARBA sanctioned shows (real rabbit shows)

8. The realization of Fellowship, Friendship and Fun in Malaysia

9. Sharing of useful information and building a local support group for the breed

10. More are joining the worldwide effort in improving the breed – Holland Lop

So you see, for every negative perception, there are always double or triple the positivity.

I now urge all breeders who have imported and have since joined ARBA, please be in touch with me by emailing me at truluvrabbitry@gmail.com. We shall work towards getting a chartered club and bring this hobby to greater heights.

As for me, I would like to take it to another level. I would like to see my own home grown hitting the tables (if there would be a show in near future). That would be a wholesome experience in my opinion.

Let the fun begin!

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by | August 15, 2010 · 5:37 pm

The Breaking Point

First of all, I just wanted to say that Tru-Luv Rabbitry blog turns 3 years old last June 18, 2010. Life has been hectic and I actually forgotten all about it. Wow, can’t believe it has already been three (3) years of writing! Or is it?

I can’t remember when was the last time that I have really written a good piece here but I would like to thank all my faithful readers for always dropping by. Please accept my humble apologies for being so quiet for such a long time. Today, I promised myself that I will write a pretty long one. It may be a pretty random post and hopefully you won’t get lost reading it. Such a beautiful weather it is this cool rainy Sunday! And blogging to the sounds of Susan Boyle can be pretty inspiring.

I have chosen an interesting topic (for me at least) – The Breaking Point. We just came back from a small gathering with our friends from Furrybutts and Furfurries. The furries were pretty late so we didn’t really have time to catch up. But nonetheless, they have pretty much given me some ideas for this post.

As you all may have read in my previous postings that I have pets throughout my life so far and there isn’t a time when I didn’t have a pet. I am very proud to say that most of my pets live through their natural life span but I must also admit that there were instances where I had given up on some along the way. Very difficult decision but all that I have given up have good if not better homes.

I noticed that there are many similarities among pet lovers. One of the similarities that I found is that, at one point or another a person decides to take up the responsibility of looking after a living being. And he or she tends to treat this pet like his or her own child. Both pet and owner soon build a very strong bond between them. I must say that pets with shorter life span has better lives because they live short enough to avoid the Breaking Point. Some live through the Breaking Point but most become the victim of the Breaking Point.

Before I continue, rest assure, there isn’t any Breaking Point at the moment among us but I just thought of writing about it. Please allow me to digress, I am pretty glad that I have put Tru-Luv Rabbitry in the scrutiny of the public through my blog. It actually helps me to keep on going in this hobby.

So when do you know you’re in the midst of the Breaking Point?

It always start off with DOUBT. Questions like “Am I adequate enough to look after Fluffy right now?” and “Is Fluffy getting enough attention from me right now?” are examples and tell tale signs of the Breaking Point.

In my previous experiences, most of the Breaking Point I went through was because of the constant nagging from someone who doesn’t like pets at home. Boy am I glad that I am an adult now with my own space and time for the things I love to have. Yes, not everyone in this world can tolerate your little pet. I count my blessings because my beautiful wife loves animals too! And yes, please add “love pets” as one of the criteria before you start dating your girl/boy friend if you are a pet lover. Having a pet is like having a religion sometimes. Also watch out for those man/woman that agrees on everything before marriage and thereafter, forgets every single promise – LOL!

Breaking Points can also be caused by a new job, a new born and everything new that pushes poor little Fluffy off the edge of your heart. The pet industry is a thriving industry due to this reason. The turnover is very high and it is a vicious cycle for the little living creatures.

So the next time when you look down at little Fluffy, and starts to convince yourself that there is a better home out there for him, think again. Turn around and remind yourself what Fluffy has so generously given you up to that point – UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Three long years.  So what have I learn from Holland Lops in the past 3 years? Nothing. I am really serious, NOTHING AT ALL. Holland Lops tend to have a mind of their own. They give a whole new experience to those who think that they have seen it all. To some, there are nothing but surprises and for others, they are the BREAKING POINT.

Anyway, it was really nice to see Buttons, Yohji, Tridus, Tinga, Whiskey, Yuffie, Echo and a glimpse of Bailey today.

Buttons and Whiskey

Tridus and Tinga

Cutie Yohji!

Did I mention anything about regret before? Good thing is, I have had only a few regrets passing my rabbits on so far because 90% are extremely good homes. In short, I almost never have any worry that my rabbits end up in bad homes. My regrets are usually from seeing the rabbits fully develop into awesome specimens than they already are when they leave me. Don’t get me wrong, but I do make the decision to pass them on as awesome as they are because I do not believe in passing on bad stuff. If you do not know what I mean, here you go…

Tru-Luv Balian

He lives with a little mouse, a dog and many more critters (I think)

He needs to come back and make some babies for me...

Valiant Balian - Miller's Clark's son!

Regret, Regret, Regret. LOL!

This is what I call good Pet keeping!

FYI, I took all these photos without the consent of the owner. I don’t really care because I need to steal Balian back! LOL! He is awesome posum right now!

Balian’s owners has agreed for him to come back to Meadow Haven to help me make some awesome babies! YeahooOOoooooo

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by | June 24, 2010 · 9:42 pm

Major Roadblock

I have been thinking for the past few days and only now have the time to pen this down. For the past few days, I have been giving thoughts as to what is the hardest part of this hobby raising Holland Lops in Malaysia. Honestly, I find it hard to share in this hobby. As much as I would like to have more friends working with this breed, not many have the same ideologies and beliefs when it comes to the way of raising these rabbits.

I don’t mean to put others down but so far I have only found a handful of hobbyists who are willing to operate the way I do. I am indeed glad that most who have acquired rabbits from me are mostly raising them as house rabbits and have no intention of breeding. Unfortunately, without other breeders, it would be hard to widen the gene pool of Holland Lops in Malaysia.

For the handful that I did share my stocks, how are all of you doing? Do let me know your progress…

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