Category Archives: Random Topics

by | May 22, 2011 · 1:37 am

Oprah’s Favourite Things Syndrome

I believe I have some sort of illness. The illness in my own definition is called “Oprah’s Favourite Things Syndrome”. If you do not know what I am talking about, please look at the following video:

Did you see the expression on that guy’s face? The expression of pure joy and happiness?

Whenever I go meet my imported Holland Lops at the airport, that’s exactly how my face beams with gladness! The heart pounds and believe me, it is really stone face outside, emotional wreck inside.

That is exactly what my illness is all about. I am addicted to seeing faces like that! Perhaps I am exaggerating or most people are really good at hiding emotions. Whatever it is, I love seeing people happy. Especially when they get to keep a Tru-Luv Holland Lop.

Today was delivery day for Tru-Luv Chiko. A little black buck that has grown into a little handsome 8 weeks old.

A little bomb at 8 weeks old

It really is a defining moment for me to see the happy faces on Chiko’s new family members. It is a feeling that all the fame and prestige in the world will never ever be able to give. The satisfaction is so great that it makes everything else unimportant.

I truly found my calling in the hobby. And I am counting my blessings that so far, I have been so blessed when placing my rabbits into good home. They are SUPER homes! And I realize that sets everything apart. “Quality not Quantity” applies to the people the rabbits go to as well. Looking back at all the bunny friends that I have here locally, I cannot help but to feel truly honoured and grateful because they really are super nice people.

Alright, this is a pretty emotional post for me. I would like to ask permission to be allowed to express myself. Writing is how I express all the positive and negative alike. I would like to release something very negative and let it be bygone. If you are reading this and do not like it, truth is, I don’t care, I am going to write it anyway to heal myself and getting rid of this negativity.

For the past month after cancelling the show that was to be organised by the Show Committee (MROC) that I gathered together, I cannot help but to feel extremely cheated for many reasons as follows:-

1. Reputation put on the line

I was approached by certain someone to work together in organizing the show (which I now do not understand why the urgency & importance). I spearheaded the organizing effort by pulling the right resources and people together. I contacted people that I have known and use my reputation to build the foundation of organizing the show. And when the show was cancelled and because I have placed myself upfront, I took the full impact of the blow from many parties. I am proud to say, I took full responsibility of it. Unfortunately, I felt that I have been “framed” and put on the line through a highly well crafted strategy.

The truth is, RM 10k has been verbally promised for the show. My mistake is to believe the RM 10k exists at that moment of time and started work on organizing the show. Indeed that RM 10k exist but, I am not a risk taker and I call the show off because I have not seen anything concrete about the existence of the RM 10k in black and white. You cannot possibly risk organizing something of such capacity just through word of mouth. And I did not like how the sponsor goes missing or reacted each time progress updates was to be given. And most importantly, I did not want to be lead onto believing the RM 10k exist only to have myself footing all the bills when the show date draws near. So as you can see, I really have got no choice but to call it off in that circumstance.

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” – Sun Tzu

The attempt was definitely to subdue me in terms of getting rid of my reputation in this hobby. It didn’t work at all for me because I mentioned time and time again that this is a hobby for me. They took it as if selling Holland Lops is my business. HELL NO.

And don’t get me wrong as I am not trying to get sympathy but I did a lot of questioning and tried to reason things out. But now, I will just let karma do its job.

2. Doubtful events

There are a few things that gave me reasons to believe that everything has been crafted with precision. I have shared my knowledge while being in the Show organizing team. I shared so much about how the show is to be organized from preparing Club constitution, show catalog and right up to show table design and show venue layout. All the ideas that would make a show work. Hardly a day after I announced that cancellation of the show, the “sponsor” who said that there isn’t enough funds started making plans to proceed with the show with a new team. That made me wonder that I was really being picked to siphon the knowledge and ideas that I have. The funny thing was, there was an attempt to use the show catalog that I have prepared word for word and when I voiced out, only the layout has been changed and colors added. Strange and funny.

And then my blog got spammed by someone in Walnut, California and he mentioned that “someone will pick up the pieces and get the credit”. It got me thinking if it was all been a plan. Seriously, there is no need to scheme to get me off the organizing committee, I am more than willing to make way for anyone else that is willing to take up the responsibility. Just ask and you shall be given.

The best part is, and truth be told, a certain someone that I used to look up to as a person of high integrity has severed our friendship just because I call off the MROC show.

There you have it, I no longer suffer in silence any more. This is the truth and my account of what has happened for the past few months. Yes, I have been suffering in silence without anyone knowing but is it a big deal for me? Perhaps YES prior to today but I can now see that all are nonsense and rubbish. Downright petty, stupid and funny too.

Just RABBITS for crying out loud!

3. Selfishness knows no bounds

We started off thinking that MROC would be approved by ROS mid way while we organize the show but its application was rejected as we all know. To be organizing an event with an unofficial association has certain legal implication. Now, aren’t the people who penalize me for cancelling the show a little selfish and not take into consideration of such implications? Anyone who is involved with an “unregistered association” runs the risk of being penalized. I only acted to safeguard all members in my then committee.

All these vanished today because they are so unimportant to me. My focus is to put a smiling face onto someone who truly appreciates my rabbits. I have the power to share positive feelings to those who really know who I truly am. I have the power to choose to do something good for a fellow human being.

True Love, Through Love….

Will I participate in the ARBA Show?

What good would an ARBA District Representative be if he does not participate in an ARBA Show? I choose to be gracious and professional. Show organizing disputes and show participation are 2 very different things altogether. Participating in the show really means supporting ARBA for me. I will surely give my support to anything ARBA even if it means 1st of the tables for personal reasons. That is not important too. I will be there to hang out with those I call friends and to make new friends.

P.S.: Kepada mereka yang kurang memahami apa yang Tim tulis hari ini, saya minta ampun. Tidak dapat Tim mengekspresikan dengan lebih tepat perasaan saya melalui bahasa. Harap2 kawan2 sekalian faham apa yang telah ditulis pada malam ini.

3 Comments

Filed under Friends Of Tru-Luv, Juniors, Living Elsewhere, Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | May 18, 2011 · 10:15 pm

If Not You, Who? (Kalau Bukan Anda, Siapa Lagi?)

Affirmation, Affirmation & Affirmation!

Many a times I observe that pet lovers in general (all species) tend to compare their animals with those owned by others. There are generally 2 types of comparison:-

1. Compare to look for improvements

2. Compare with discontentment

The first is a good reason to compare. By comparing  for improvements, it will be good to see what our animals are lacking this is particularly for good breeders who are finding ways to improve their Show animals.

But when one starts to take his or her pet as mere commodity and as nothing but an item, he or she may start to compare with discontentment. He or she will start to ask question like, “why is my …. not the same as so and so”. There are some that goes to the extreme of abandoning the animal in question and go on the quest to look for something for befitting. Sad, but true.

You see, the pet belongs to you, if you are not proud of it, who will? Fat hopes depending on others to like what you do not. It is unreasonable to look for affirmation elsewhere. Putting your animal in front of a judge will not make anything better. You must first love your pet and whether it wins or loses, your love for it shall not diminish one bit.

Who cares about the opinion of another human being anyway? The worth and value of something is only given by its owner just like the old saying, “BEAUTY LIES IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER”.

You must understand, each and everyone of us have different taste, different preferences and difference opinions. You cannot expect that another individual to have the exact taste, preference and opinion as you. It is even worst with people of no principles and integrity. They waver like a flame on the candle be blown by the wind and soon, you find the flame diminishes and dies. By the way, that is how it is with people with low integrity too, they do not last forever.

———————————————————————————————————–

(Garu kepala lalu menyanya…) Macam mana lah nak aku terjemahkan karangan aku ni hari ini?

Afirmasi, Afirmasi, Afirmasi!

Ini adalah kehendak orang2 yang kurang konfidennya. Terhadap apa2 binatang peliharaan. Ramai pelimik binatang peliharaan terutamanya yang membiak dan memilik binatang yang dipertandingkan yang asyik membuat perbandingan dengan yang dimiliki pemilik yang lain. Terdapt 2 jenis perbandingan:-

1. Perbandingan untuk memperbaiki mutu stok

2. Perbandingan jenis iri hati

Perbandingan jenis pertama adalah digalakkan. Dengan membuat pertandingan dan perbandingan baru dapat kita maju ke depan and terus memperbaiki mutu stok sedia ada.

Akan tetapi, perbandingan jenis kedua tidak digalakkan sama sekali. Perbanding jenis ini biasanya menyebabkan si pemilik rasa tidak puas hati dan jesteru itu sanggup membuang atau meninggalkan binatang kesayangan dalam semak samun atau di pinggir2 hutan. Lalu si pemilik mencari penggantian yang lebih “diingini”. Tidak patut langsung. Sedih tetapi berlaku juga kerana binatang kesayang makin dianggap sebagai komoditi dan item semata2.

Soalannya, jikalau si pemilik tidak menghargai binatang kesayangannya, siapa lagi? Mengharapkan para juri ataupun orang lain untuk menghakimi dan menghargai sfat2 baik yang ada pada binatang kesayangan anda umpama “Harapkan Pagar, Pagar Makan Padi”.

Si hakim adalah juga manusia yang tertakhluk kepada pendapat, keutamaan dan malah manfaat diri sendiri. Jangan haraplah dia akan memanjakan si comel anda! Tidak mungkin. Oleh kerana itu, siapa yang patut menghargai binatang kesayangan anda? ANDA SENDIRI.

Walaupun menang atau kalah dalam pertandingan, di dalam hati si pemilik, Si Comel masih #1!

Habis, kenapa pulak nak bertanding?

Baik kita tolak perkataan “pertandingan” dan digantikan dengan perkataan “pertemuan”. Ia adalah masa pertemuan segala kekurangan dalam ciri2 yang dikehendaki dan juga pertemuan dengan ilmu. Akan tetapi, adakala boleh juga dirasai serba sedikit kebingungan kerana pertemuan dengan seseorang yang tidak mempunyai pendirian yang teguh dan keputusannya senang dipengaruhi.

Oleh kerana itu, jadikanlah ia satu PERTEMUAN bersama rakan2 yang memperjuangkan hobi bersama. Semua kat depan tu WAYANG saja! Kalau you kira betul2, akhirnya di tangga salasilah keluarga arnab itu, terdapat 2 ekor moyang teratas yang sama. Semua datangnya dari arnab liar yang berfoya-foya di padang meluas lagi hijau dan selepas tu terjadilah arnab2 yang disimpan dirumah you itu…

Leave a comment

Filed under Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | May 17, 2011 · 5:07 am

Reflection (Mengimbas Kembali)

In order for us to be grateful, we must always pause a moment and reflect on all the wonderful things that has happened. I cannot help but to feel truly blessed that God has bestow upon me His generosity.

Untuk menghargai pencapaian, kita mesti merenung seketika dan mengenang kembali titik peluh dan kesusahan yang pernah dilalui. Semua pencapaian sekarang adalah kurniaan dan berkat Tuhan.

Let’s walk down memory lane…

Jom kita mengimbas kembali…

2005:

The beginning of a luv story…

Unix

2006:

An attempt to develop the local Holland Lops…

Bandie

Adinna

2007:

A rough start…

Skor

2008:

Little hopefuls…

Cuties

Happy Beginnings....

Not sure what I was thinking but yeah, hoping for improvements...

Noobie looking like a snoopy dog...

Tru Luv...

2009:

Lil Truffles

A new frontier…

Handsome Truffles...

Truffles winning BRIS - Will this repeat this year?

Little Balian

Little Sibylla

Reinforcement has arrived...

2010:

The attack of the BONE!

BONE BONE BONE!

Gorgeous!

Cuteness!

2011:

The present…

The Future…

And indeed, how far I have come. Even to get this blog post up wasn’t easy and it took me a good 2 hours!

There you go, a little summary of Tru-Luv’s existence from start till now.

I only have some super amazing friends to thank in the hobby. Scott Rodriguez, Kay Miller, Teri Reymann, Karen & Dale Bailey, Cheri & Dan Bushee, Josh & Robin Laymon, Sydney, Harley and Raven Butler and Sam & Shari Albrecht – THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL RABBITS WITH ME. All those who have supported me in times of distress and taught me many things. Always stand by me through thick and thin. Too many names to mention, you know who you are. Thank you very much!

Have a good night/morning everyone!

9 Comments

Filed under Everyday Life, Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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….

Leave a comment

Filed under Ramblings, Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 18, 2011 · 8:00 am

Fun Rabbit Show & Gathering

Fun Rabbit/Owner Gathering

Venue: XOXO Pets Store, The Strand Kota Damansara

Date: 23rd April 2011

Time: 5 pm to 8 pm

Door gifts for first 37 guests. Come on over!!!

Top 5 Ribbons up for grabs this Saturday

Looking really good!

5th Placing

With the right people and attitude, we got this whole thing going on even though we started planning beginning of this week! I am loving how fast we work between 4 of us. The communications are short and sweet but everyone’s hands are really efficient!

Prizes up for grabs! Somebunnies are going to be so happy!

Bunny approved!

I am sure you have heard of Cat and Dog owners gathering in the past. Perhaps a few occasional rabbit gatherings. This weekend, we’re doing just that – Chillin’ together with our Rabbits.

In the good spirit of Fellowship, Friendship & Fun, I would like to invite all rabbit lovers to come and join us for a Fun Rabbit Show & Gathering session. You can ask any questions and get first hand information about rabbits. Looking forward to meeting all of you for a fun filled evening.

Do come and join us as it is free and have an evening of fun! Absolutely NO CANCELLATION!

Venue: XOXO Pets Store, The Strand Kota Damansara

Date: 23rd April 2011

Time: 5 pm to 8 pm

Join us on Facebook here – https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148685785197561

1 Comment

Filed under Announcement

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

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...

2 Comments

Filed under Everyday Life, Ramblings, Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 2, 2011 · 2:47 pm

Do It For All The Right Reasons

Looking at the frequency of my blog update, you can guess how busy I am. Yes, I am really tied up at the moment with many things on hand. But nonetheless, even during my busy schedule, I do observe happenings in the rabbit world (in Malaysia) that causes a little disappointment (that’s if I really care that much).

I did write about the influx in Show Rabbit importation a few months back before the avalanche of the show fever hit Malaysia. 4th June 2011, is a date to look forward to by many enthusiasts. The show entries has been increasing slowly and steadily.

I just wanted to share my personal thoughts on importation of Show Quality animals. Recalling back to the first time I imported a rabbit, my #1 reason to do so was to start off a good herd of rabbits. I have no intention to show or whatsoever as there isn’t any rabbit show in Malaysia at that time. If there were, I would participate just for the fun of it and see where I stand with my stocks and continue working with them (all in the name of hobby).

Fast forward today, I see rabbit selling by the number of legs. Doesn’t make sense to me at all. Who are we cheating here? OURSELVES. How can this hobby be sustainable, I have mentioned many times before, it needs to be fuelled by passion. Passion for what? Passion for Winning, Passion for Money or Passion for Fame? HELL NO!

Passion for developing the “PERFECT” rabbit “NEAREST” to the “STANDARD OF PERFECTION”. Is the standard of perfection a mere illusion of our imagination? It saddens me today that new hobbyists are oblivious to the SOP which has been written down so clearly and completely. They also depend on others to judge the soundness of their rabbits instead of having their own opinion and judgment. SOP is one and interpretation of it is another. Each human being have a unique mind of its own and thus, may have different interpretation of the standard.

“I am special and so are you!”

I am not questioning the creditability and honour given to judges to officially state their opinions on rabbits that they judge. I am really saying that at the end of the day, all human beings have the right to have their opinions, preferences and idea how a perfect rabbit should be. I am also not denying the fact that the more GC legs a rabbit has, the nearer it is to the standard. But it must not end just here, what is this rabbit used for is utmost important.

That being said and coming back to my point, I do not deny the fact that winning at a show may earn you some points but what’s next? Here are some questions I ask myself constantly while working with my herd of rabbits:

1. If Grand Champs guarantees grand champ offspring(babies), why are top winning breeders not topping the charts every single year?

2. Why winners are different under different judges?

3. Why are breeders still breeding to win?

4. Why are some breeders out of the chart altogether after placing average in a certain show year?

I would like to answer this one before I forget. You see, for some, the reason for winning is to gain a fast reputation to pull off a quick sale. Normally breeder like these would churn out as much rabbits regardless of quality and sell them off using their short-lived winnings. Truth be told, they last as much as the money can sustain them. They will reappear when the money silo is low.

5. The questions get simpler. I always ask myself why can’t I make copies of my best rabbits in my herd.

What I am trying to say is that, winning and losing will never last. Winners will never win forever and losers will never lose forever. Every dog has its day so they say…

With all due respect, buying off Grand Champions to continue the winning streak is like cheating in an examination – cheating of oneself that is. I know many breeders will hate me for that statement or at least most will disagree with me. A rabbit really only have 4 legs, mind you but many will also disagree with me on this (:P).

There is a craze to collect rabbits with many legs. THIS IS SO WRONG! All a rabbit needs to be a Grand Champion is only obtaining 3 GC legs. The extra legs are just icing on top of the cake. How many Grand Champion (GC) Certificate do you think a rabbit can obtain? 21 GC Legs DO NOT EQUATE to 7 certificates!

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! SALAH! SALAH! SALAH!

What is the real deal here? Why are we in this hobby then?

You must not be a collector of Rabbits with GC legs BUT, a breeder that produces Rabbits that collect GC legs. Please read that statement many times over as it is even confused to myself – LOL.

In my humble opinion, below are just what a real breeder’s objectives should be (far reaching ones too):

1) Building a winning  herd that has at least 8 generations of rabbits holding the rabbitry’s prefix – one’s own rabbit lineage

2) Taking pride in “Granding” home grown rabbits

But alas, as long we are humans with different and unique thinking and opinion, these will never materialize. And most importantly, we shall all have fun admiring all rabbits 50 legs, 100 legs or even 1000 legs.

I may not win or place at all in the show, but at least I LOSE the RIGHT WAY…

Happy showing everyone and everybun, please remember to submit your show entries today!

Useful links:

1) Show Entry FAQ

2) Show Catalog & Entry Forms

3) The Show Explained

4) Mode of Payment

5) Please also get in touch with us to show your interest in the – Rabbit Talk

Leave a comment

Filed under Rabbit Show, Random Topics, Thoughts

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 2, 2011 · 12:07 am

Bunnyman’s Bunny T Craze…

I go crazy each time I see anything that has got rabbit on it. Been shopping for some T-Shirts lately and came across some pretty nice stuff. Very interesting indeed…

Thinking of Lola?

Wrong way!

Mess with the duck, you'll get shot!

Nice comfy notty T-Shirts….I LIKE….

3 Comments

Filed under Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

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”

Leave a comment

Filed under Ramblings, Random Topics

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | March 17, 2011 · 11:53 pm

Let’s Not Talk Bunny For Once

Have you ever talk and think so much of something that at a particular moment felt that you are just done talking about it?

Today is one such moment. I just cannot talk rabbit anymore. I think I am through today. An entire day running around for bunnies and thinking about rabbit matters for more than 12 hours in a row really makes me feel a little sick.

At times like these, I seek to find inspiration in life. This one really brought tears to my eyes.

At the tender age of 11 years old, this little girl really touched my heart with her angelic voice. Amazing little girl. She is extremely inspiring for me and I felt that it is worth sharing. She shot to stardom in the 5th season of America’s Got Talent.

She’s no other than Jackie Evancho!

Leave a comment

Filed under Random Topics

Tagged as , ,